33 replies to this topic

[Flojomojo]

Would it be fair to say the best thing about the Gemini was the controllers, not included in the package in question?

[up2knowgood]

 
Not sure what this one is, it's sans label.  I got it a year or two ago along with a PAL rarity and a potential prototype.
 
PM an address and I'll send it your way, if you'd like.

I would like, thank you!

[save2600]

Would it be fair to say the best thing about the Gemini was the controllers, not included in the package in question?

Combo aspect aside, vertically oriented controllers suck - so nope, that's not it.

APF/RCA
Intellivision
TI-99/4A
5200
Colecovision
7800

...these controllers are awesome! Said nobody ever.

[DrSidneyZweibel]

I like the Gemini controllers much more than atari's cx-40, the RF out on most geminis is so good there's no need to AV mod it, but mostly I like it because it looks like a video game console, not like a radiator from a crappy 1970's riding lawnmower.

Edited by DrSidneyZweibel, Thu Sep 14, 2017 6:19 AM.

[up2knowgood]

Would it be fair to say the best thing about the Gemini was the controllers, not included in the package in question?

Eh...for most maybe, but I like the look of the console too.

[Good_Times]

 

[jhd]

Prices certainly have risen!

 

When I first started collecting in the early-1990s, I bought a Gemini (with power supply and video cable/switchbox, but no controllers) for about Cdn$5. I do not recall if it needed any repairs to fix cracked solder joints. I have subsequently purchased the combo controllers for it.

 

For several years, it was my main system to play 2600 games -- I really like the extremely compact size. I do not remember having any compatibility issues with games. 

[GeekDragon]

 I have never compared the RF output on these systems, so this is the first time I'm hearing that Gemini has a better RF out put then the 2600.  I still prefer the controllers.

[Polybius]

I don't believe I've ever heard of this 'Gemini'.   I know of the Sears system, but one made by Coleco ?

 

So how did that work back in the day, Coleco making a clone system intended to run 2600 carts?   Wouldn't they be crossing all sorts of legal lines, or am I missing something here?

well, it did end up crossing a line. Atari ended up suing them. most of the components were "off the shelf" , except for the video chip.The VTL chip as its referred to in the gemini, was a copy of Atari's GTIA, and Atari sued. They settled out of court, for an undisclosed sum, and royalties on each gemini/Expansion Module sold.