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Released in 1983, the Vectrex video game console holds a special place in the history of gaming. While it may not have reached the commercial success of other consoles from the era, its innovative design and unique approach to graphics make it a standout in the world of retro gaming. This blog post explores the fascinating history of the Vectrex, its sales data, and how it compares to other gaming consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was a home video game console released by GCE (General Consumer Electronics), later taken over by Milton Bradley. Unlike most gaming consoles of the early 1980s, the Vectrex featured a built-in vector monitor, offering a distinctive visual experience. It didn’t require an external television set—players could plug the system directly into the console’s screen.
The console’s most innovative feature was its ability to display vector graphics, a style of graphics that uses lines and points to create images, rather than the pixel-based graphics common at the time. This made the Vectrex stand out in an era dominated by raster-based systems like the Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which would launch a few years later.
The History of the Vectrex Console
The Vectrex’s story begins in the early 1980s when GCE saw an opportunity to break into the home console market. At the time, home video game consoles were experiencing a boom, and GCE wanted to capitalize on this trend by creating something different from the competition.
Released in November 1982, the Vectrex offered a unique twist on the home console concept. Instead of relying on the graphics of a television screen, it had its own built-in vector display, which was capable of producing stunning line-based graphics that made the console feel more futuristic.
While the Vectrex gained some attention for its visual appeal and innovative technology, its sales did not reach the levels anticipated by GCE. The console was launched at a retail price of $199.99, but by 1984, the company’s financial struggles led to its acquisition by Milton Bradley, which ultimately discontinued the console in 1984 after selling fewer than 1 million units.
Despite its limited commercial success, the Vectrex remains a cult favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Its unique design, along with a library of creative and visually impressive games, has kept it relevant among collectors and fans of vintage gaming.
Sales Data and Commercial Performance
The Vectrex’s sales figures tell the story of its commercial struggle. The console sold approximately 1 million units during its brief time on the market. This number may seem modest when compared to other consoles like the Atari 2600 (which sold over 30 million units) or the Nintendo Entertainment System, which would go on to sell over 60 million units worldwide.
Several factors contributed to the Vectrex's underperformance in the marketplace. The primary reason was its high price point of $199.99 at launch, which was steep for many consumers at the time. Additionally, its reliance on a built-in monitor (instead of connecting to a TV) limited its appeal to those who didn’t want another bulky device in their homes.
Moreover, the Vectrex entered the market during a turbulent time in the gaming industry, as the video game market was in the midst of the infamous 1983 video game crash. This crash saw the collapse of several major video game companies and the decline of home console sales. As a result, the Vectrex didn’t have a chance to recover from its initial slow start, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
Key Games for the Vectrex Console
Though its library was limited, the Vectrex boasted several notable games that helped define its appeal. Some of the most popular and highly regarded titles included:
- Vectrex Game System (1983) – The system’s built-in game, which showcased the power of its vector graphics.
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1983) – A space shooter that became a fan favorite due to its immersive gameplay.
- Minestorm (1982) – A version of the classic Space Invaders concept, reimagined with vector graphics.
- Scramble (1983) – A shooting game that tested players' reflexes while offering colorful and engaging visuals.
These games demonstrated the unique capabilities of the Vectrex system and helped it carve out a niche in the gaming community despite its commercial challenges.
The Vectrex vs. Other Gaming Consoles of the 1980s
When the Vectrex was released in 1982, it found itself competing with other popular gaming consoles that defined the early 1980s gaming market. Here’s how it stacked up against some of its competitors:
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Atari 2600:
- The Atari 2600, one of the first home video game consoles, had already established a massive player base by the time the Vectrex was released. Although the Atari used traditional raster graphics (as opposed to the Vectrex’s vector graphics), it had a vast library of games that appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers. The Vectrex’s appeal was its unique vector graphics, but this was not enough to beat the Atari 2600's established brand presence and game library.
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ColecoVision:
- Released in 1982, the ColecoVision was another direct competitor to the Vectrex. It offered impressive graphics for its time, but it relied on a traditional television screen and didn’t offer the same novelty that the Vectrex’s built-in vector monitor provided. While the ColecoVision had a more expansive game library, the Vectrex stood out visually with its sleek design and unique graphics.
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Nintendo Entertainment System (NES):
- While the NES wasn’t released until 1985, it quickly dominated the home console market. The NES offered a vast library of games, superior hardware, and the strong backing of Nintendo’s franchises, such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. By the time the NES was released, the Vectrex had already been discontinued.
The Vectrex’s Legacy and Collectibility
Despite its brief run, the Vectrex has become a sought-after collector’s item. Retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors appreciate the system for its uniqueness and its role in the history of video games. The Vectrex continues to command a dedicated fanbase, with some games fetching high prices in the secondary market, making it a prized possession for vintage gaming aficionados.
In recent years, collectors have seen the Vectrex’s value rise, with original units and complete game libraries becoming increasingly rare. The system’s enduring popularity is a testament to the forward-thinking technology it introduced to gaming during a turbulent period in the industry.
Conclusion: The Vectrex’s Place in Gaming History
The 1983 Vectrex video game console may not have achieved the widespread success of its contemporaries, but its innovative technology, unique vector graphics, and cult status have solidified its place in the annals of gaming history. While its sales numbers were far lower than giants like the Atari 2600 or the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Vectrex remains a fascinating example of early home console innovation.
For retro gamers and collectors, the Vectrex offers a rare glimpse into what could have been, and its continuing popularity proves that even the most underappreciated consoles can leave a lasting impact on gaming culture.