fiddlepaddle

I don't think I've seen that many Vectrexes in one place since I saw them sitting on the shelf at Toys R Us.

I had the first one... a couple, actually, and they worked OK. I just got tired of holding my arm out in front of me in the air and sold them for $3 each a few years ago at a game show. Might be able to get a little more for it online. There is a 4-way mercury switch inside, if I remember correctly. I never tried it, but using a pair might be a cool way to play Robotron on the 7800.

Yep, I do that...

I disagree...the title and post refer specifically to inaccuracy and inconsistency on wikipedia, and I stated my opinion about that.

Well, because it's silly to expect Wikipedia to be factual when it's opinion based and fluid. If you know it's incorrect as the OPer did, and don't like that, go participate in their process for correction.

Holy crap! Are you saying someone put wrong data into wikipedia!?! Better spread the news on facebook!

Finally! For the First time... after ALL these years... I pulled the Game Boy conversions of Space Invaders, which was my FAVORITE (arcade) game of ALL TIME... (the ONE that really SUCKED ME IN...) and played five different, unique versions (four on my Super Game Boy) on my SNES: (1) Space Invaders (Game Boy tan case, DMG-SP-USA-1, Nintendo) ==> featuring the Original Arcade version as a Super Game Boy enhancement in high resolution, in addition to (2) the standard enhanced Game Boy version (3) Space Invaders (Game Boy tan case, DMG-SPA, Taito 1990) (4) Space Invaders (Game Boy Color, Black case, DMG-AIVE-USA, Taito/Activision) (5) there is also the SNES version, which is an excellent conversion of the original arcade game. I used an Asciiware asciiPad (item no. 4900) with Turbo settings and HAD A BALL!

I used to play it on Colecovision...never liked the second one much. I liken it to Back to the Future III on Genesis (the first part, riding the horse), or even the hill section of Jungle King more than Moon Patrol.

You see the little dip on the white outline of the chip on the board? That shows you the orientation.

I've had a USB port on my computer go bad, and then it works intermittently with some devices and not with others (possibly related to using a device that draws too much power through the USB port). After putting in a new USB card, no problems. Easy to do with most desktop computers (maybe not so easy with a laptop).

You would, of course, need my consent as my Consul to console with my counsel regarding ANY consoles you conceal...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ATARI-7800-IKARI-WARRIORS-READ-DESCRIPTION/302703937297?hash=item467a8f8711:g:sE0AAOSwFeNa0Md9

Those Sonic "not-for-resales" came in a version with an actual sticker, and another which was just a picture of a sticker on the label. And the NON-"not-for-resale" version of Sonic is the rare one, since practically everyone got the game free with the system, and nobody needed to buy it, at least until they they reduced the price and changed the pack-in or eliminated it altogether.

Man, that guy is fast! He made a one-off complete controller 3d printed case, pc board, and connector for the five thousand two hundred in about 5 minutes. At the right price, he could probably sell a HUNDRED of those things!

For many years, one of my favorite games has been playing Head On 2 (Gremlin/Sega) on my Windows ME laptop...it's the main reason I still keep that computer around. This version allows you to change direction, greatly increasing the strategies available. It's a pretty quick game, but very challenging. Fast Lane looks like an interesting update...and I think you're probably "picking up" those roller-skating girls, not running them over.

Now that I think about it, you MIGHT be able to distinguish it with an x-ray image or an ultrasound (or an MRI? ha ha)...

Personally, I'd guess any sealed box is most likely a 2 port, especially with a 2 port picture. I think Atari had a bunch of 5200s warehoused after the crash...for awhile, new 5200s were really cheap. Those were probably mostly the most recently manufactured units (2 ports), but some could have been new old stock of 4 port units returned from retailers, although those would probably have the 4 port picture on them. But I wouldn't make any guarantees knowing how Atari patched different 2600 parts together sometimes, especially with "refurbished" units.

Simple, cheap, effective, and satisfying: Just last weekend, I made this with a couple of Wico BOSS joysticks I'd had for a long time but never used (don't really like the thumb button), attached to a piece of plywood with some velcro straps I had in the garage. Fits on my lap and works GREAT with Robotron. As a bonus, it turns out I also really like using the right joystick when playing Jr Pacman.

Unfortunately, lots of Vectrexes are starting to flake out, and there are multiple potential points of failure. They can also just get out of adjustment, which can be fixed, but you might need some higher-than-consumer-level expertise. Even if you get a good one, be prepared to do some work eventually. If you are OK with opening one up and twiddling with it, you might even be ahead of the game by buying one or two that don't work right. Those controllers wear out, too.

Of course it can, but you may have to do it yourself. Very few people know much about it, and it seems there are a variety of problems these machines end up with. At least you know the beam is bright, so you've got something to work with. Check out tutorial videos...

Good luck changing that... at least the trend to shrinkwrap replaces the desire to roll clear packing tape around and around the device and cords. And I've rarely had any problem inspecting the condition of anything second-hand I wanted to buy. When I couldn't, the price I'd pay went down to compensate. Come to think of it, I've gotten some great deals for a dollar that way.

Old favorites today (last 3 SYSTEMS): N64: - Cruisin USA (feels almost like really traveling across the country) - Star Soldier (too easy, but fun) NES: - Millipede (favorite version of this game) - Xevious (haven't played this in YEARS) 2600: - Astroblast (love the takeaway scoring system on this one) - Kaboom (nothing better to get you into the zone)

I love it when someone really digs in, pays attention to the important details, and fixes something the right way (but there sure seem to be a lot of people who don't know how to spell "manufacturer").

Originally, I had no idea of what "holes" were...I just got the games I didn't have. New ones were where the excitement came from. Then I learned of "complete lists" for a system and of games I'd never seen in person. I found a few. Then I started keeping my own list of what I had, and I started adding those I knew of, but didn't have. Then I learned that some were virtually unattainable... and finally understood: what's the point? Now, I realize I have lots of pot-holes in my collection...and I just step over them.

like when something turns up missing...