Is a Coleco Gemini worth adding to my collection?

[Airsoftman819]

I love the 2600. By far my favorite retro console. I have many games and I also enjoy collecting the different console variations. The Coleco Gemini kind of caught my interest being an Atari clone and all. Normally I steer clear of clone consoles. But being such an old clone. And coming from a company such as Coleco. Is it worth putting on a shelf with such legendary consoles as the Heavy Sixer?

[VectorGamer]

Is it worth putting on a shelf with such legendary consoles as the Heavy Sixer?

 

The only thing worthy of going on the shelf is if it's going to come off the shelf to be played. I have an Atari 7800, 2600 Jr. and expansion module #1 for the CV so at the present time I have no need for another 2600. That would be hoarding. (((ducks)))

[Nutsy Doodleheimer]

They are uncommon systems and a great system to collect for. But be aware that Geminis are made from off the shelf parts. And they have issues with the solder over time. It will become brittle especially in the controller ports and the power outlet. If you are good when it comes to soldering. Sure pick one up.

[Airsoftman819]

 

The only thing worthy of going on the shelf is if it's going to come off the shelf to be played. I have an Atari 7800, 2600 Jr. and expansion module #1 for the CV so at the present time I have no need for another 2600. That would be hoarding. (((ducks)))

I'm going to have to disagree. Wanting to collect all of the DIFFERENT console variations should not be classified as hoarding. It's collecting, hoarding is something different entirely. Hoarding would be owning 17 4 switch woodys and buying every single one you come across so others can't have them. THAT my friend hoarding. Wanting to have ONE example of every console variation is not. It's called collecting, and all my consoles get played. Even my Heavy Sixer :-)

[+save2600]

I understand wanting to put something on the shelf in order to say or take pride in knowing that you've got something (for a while until you get tired of dusting it), but I also agree that this stuff should be played if you're not hosting a real video game museum. That said, I would NOT add a Gemini to the collection if you have no nostalgic ties to it. It's not a quality system, doesn't have the Atari feel and IMO, is pretty ugly as these things go. Good luck - it's your money to waste!

[+Gemintronic]

I have one but that's because I specifically collect unlicensed games and systems. No complaints. Not excited about it much.

[sprazzi]

I don't have one, but i think the controllers are nice, with paddle and joystick together..... aren't they?

[BassGuitari]

As someone who hunted one down and bought it, I would say "yes." But it isn't worth it for everyone. For someone who just wants a console to play games on and doesn't want to dedicate all kinds of space to console variations, it doesn't make sense to get a Gemini when an Atari 4-switcher is gonna a lot easier to find, a lot cheaper, and more reliable.

If space and/or redundancy isn't a concern, or you're a hardcore 2600 collector or Coleco collector, then why not? It's just a different way to play 2600 games but the controller is very nice (except you may still need to use a Y-cord for certain paddle games). It's got a pretty cool look, too, I think.

[Philflound]

You collect what you want. Don't listen to anyone else. If you feel it is something to be added to your collection, add it. If you're hesitant on buying anything, then most likely you should pass unless it comes cheap along the way.

[Torr]

...with paddle and joystick together..... aren't they?

My buddy had a Gemini, but I found it in his closet while we were knee-deep in the NES and Sega Genesis days so it never got played but it always made me wonder...

The Joystick/Paddle was a good idea, no swapping necessary, BUT, generally, Atari Paddles plugged into a controller port 2 at a time.... for a total or four paddles... that is, TWO players only needed to plug ONE set of paddles into Port One... how did this work as far as being a VCS clone when it came to playing 3 or more players? Or rather, take a game like Jedi Arena, where two players shared one set of paddles in a strictly two player game...

[BassGuitari]

My buddy had a Gemini, but I found it in his closet while we were knee-deep in the NES and Sega Genesis days so it never got played but it always made me wonder...

The Joystick/Paddle was a good idea, no swapping necessary, BUT, generally, Atari Paddles plugged into a controller port 2 at a time.... for a total or four paddles... that is, TWO players only needed to plug ONE set of paddles into Port One... how did this work as far as being a VCS clone when it came to playing 3 or more players? Or rather, take a game like Jedi Arena, where two players shared one set of paddles in a strictly two player game...

You had to use a Y-cable for multiplayer paddle games, or paddle games that used paddle #2. So a lot of times you still had to swap out controllers and Y-cables for different games, which sort of defeated the purpose of having a combo controller in the first place.

 

The Sears Video Arcade II was a much better "combo controller" console design as it had four controller jacks and buttons to select joystick or paddle functionality, except those controllers are garbage (the paddle is pretty nice though). The Gemini controller is great. I'll have to try mixing the two.

[+wongojack]

My experience with the Gemini is that not all games are compatible. I couldn't get an original Kaboom cart to work on it, and another forum user reported problems with Keystone Capers. I can't remember if I tried the Harmony cart, but I think I did and both games worked when played from that.