Vectrex (VECT)
The Vectrex is an 8-bit game console developed by General Consumer Electric (GCE), later bought by the Milton Bradley Company. Vectrex is unique in that it is the only gaming system to use a vector graphics monitor; no other system, either before or since, has used a similar configuration. Vectrex has been sold to consumers since 1982 for $199; sales of the device ceased in 1984, during a downturn in the game console market.
Unlike most other game consoles that connect to a consumer TV to transmit a bitmap image (that is, game consoles), the Vectrex had its own built-in monitor that displayed vector graphics. The monitor was monochrome, but overlaid with a translucent colored film, different for each game, which gave the illusion of color, and also reduced the flickering effect inherent in vector monitors.
One game was built into the system - "MineStorm" (a similarity to the arcade game Asteroids), other games were supplied on cartridges.
Specifications:
- Processor: Motorola 68A09 at 1.6 MHz
- Memory: ROM - 8 KB, RAM - 1 KB
- Sound: General Instruments AY-3-8912, built-in speaker
- Monitor: monochrome Samsung 240RB40