Retro VGS (Video Games System)

Myrddin

I seen this posted by Gamester81 who has some involvement with the project. I must say, it's certainly interesting. The people behind it bought the old Atari Jaguar molds so the console will look like the Jag. I'll be keeping an eye on it anyway

Steve X2

Interesting idea, but I'm not feeling the usual urge to buy something like this(for now).

I'd have preferred an original retro inspired console design rather than the Jag one. But I do have a soft spot for clear consoles and handhelds, and it looks like they will have a few options on the colour/finish of it.

Andrew76

I didn't find the video very clear - it's going to play old and new games? How is it going to play old ones? Are there any details on the specs of the machine itself? Will it have RGB scart out or god forbid HDMI?

Steve X2

Andrew76 wrote: »

I didn't find the video very clear - it's going to play old and new games? How is it going to play old ones? Are there any details on the specs of the machine itself? Will it have RGB scart out or god forbid HDMI?

Seems like they are still waiting to release all the juicy details but it looks like it'll be HDMI from what they have said/hinted on the facebook page.
New and old games re-done and released on cartridge as I think it's not internet connected and no SD card.

To be honest it screams failure to me and I can't see many devs wanting to support it(cart only so low volume sales). But it might have a few decent games that make it worthwhile, maybe.

STG.Otaku

Steve X2 wrote: »

To be honest it screams failure to me and I can't see many devs wanting to support it(cart only so low volume sales).

Agreed. It's a nice idea, but it can be done better, and more importantly cheaper already via a platform such as Steam et al.

Myrddin

STG.Otaku wrote: »

and more importantly cheaper already via a platform such as Steam et al.

That's sort of missing the point though is it not? The appeal (or intended appeal of this) is that it'll be the first console since the N64 to use carts. I don't think they're really targeting hardcore pc users/Steam users, hell, to them even the mainstream consoles are overpriced to buy for & weaker systems.

I'd agree though that by using carts, this is going to make publishing etc a not so attractive option. Simply put, carts are dead, & dead for this reason...they're too costly to make and develop on. Unless with todays modern tech, the actual carts they'll be using will be really simplified and easy to produce?

The Last Bandit

Producing carts these days could be relativity inexpensive compared to previous generations with newer technologies like flash memory widely available.
Theoretically a single cart design could be used for all the different games if a large enough re-writable memory type is used. Huge problem with carts in the good old days was inventory management, order too many and you've burnt a shed load of cash, order too few and risk several months leadtime in getting more made.

Very niche product and will find it tough to survive I'd say, but still lets hope for the best...

KeRbDoG

Steve X2 wrote: »

Interesting idea, but I'm not feeling the usual urge to buy something like this(for now).

I'd have preferred an original retro inspired console design rather than the Jag one. But I do have a soft spot for clear consoles and handhelds, and it looks like they will have a few options on the colour/finish of it.

Oooo clear cases for console - only problem is that they are usually clear/frosted so yea don't see into the guts of the unit clearly enough If anyone finds one for the original PS1, let me know

CiDeRmAn

Only problem with clear cases is, with enough time in the sunny sunshine, it all goes urine yellow.

Corholio

After the Kickstarter failure this has taken another odd turn.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/12/17/10428976/coleco-chameleon-console-game-cartridges

Coleco are now putting their name to it, or at least the people who own the name Coleco.

o1s1n

Thats a bizarrely interesting development indeed. Great to see that stupid 'Retro VGS' name gone.

CiDeRmAn

But, what games?
The stuff in the Kickstarter videos looked terrible imho.

the groutch

they've a long way to go before they should even think of going to Kickstarter.
they'll need a working prototype, a heap of decent looking games, and a sub $200 price point.