Glimglam

There was a "Secret Perk" one can unlock on the page via a promo email they sent out about a day before the campaign went live, that lets you "reserve" a unit at that early bird price for a (slightly) longer time. Clicking through it would enable access to it; it's completely hidden from view, otherwise, but the money and backers are still counted toward the grand total of course. As of this writing, just shy of 1400 people have bought into it, so, if you count the other Early Bird perk, then a little over 1,600 people have bought into the Onyx version. The only real difference between this and the regular Early Bird is that the Early Bird offer that's visible on that page expires on the 4th of June, while the "secret perk" doesn't expire until the 6th. A whole 48 extra hours to contemplate making a poor financial decision. Shame that they didn't offer any "all-in" packages with the early-bird price. I'm probably just going to take the controllers and leave it at that. I want that sleek-looking joystick, durnit.

Pretty much this. I said in the other thread how, even if Prometheus was only a new system that could play CV/SGM games, I would be more than happy with that. Obviously they are doing more than just that, but to me, it's a secondary, bonus appeal. I mean, let's face it, the ColecoVision is getting on in years -- and these things weren't exactly reliable from the very beginning, either. And unlike the current alternatives available for something like, say, the far-more-popular NES (Analogue NT/Mini and retroUSB AVS being two great examples), the only way to play ColecoVision cartridges is with a genuine ColecoVision system. (Or that Dima 2-in-1 system that plays SG-1000 games too, but, those are crazy-rare and also pretty low-quality.) Sooner or later, most of the ColecoVisions out there will be nonworking plastic boxes, and maintaining them will only get harder. Same with a lot of other older hardware, really. Then what use are all those cartridges? Homebrew makers might as well stop releasing physical versions after a point -- and that saddens me, because I've grown to love the quality and care put into those physical releases. It's just not the same, dragging a ROM file into an emulator with barely a flick of the wrist. So that's why I appreciate it, personally, that Opcode is taking the initiative to craft a modern CV alternative for not just the people who already love ColecoVision, but for people in the future as well, who may be interested in getting into CV collecting but can't because they can't find or can't afford a working unit. The fact that they are making it so that it can support its own, system-exclusive games entirely on top of the CV compatibility is just icing on the cake. Maybe I'm preaching to a more optimistic, idealistic mindset, but wouldn't it just be cool if we had a all-new new, retro-inspired platform to get behind? Something that, unlike similar software-based platforms like PICO-8, is an actual, physical machine that you can load cartridges both new and old into? Maybe I am a tad biased, but I think it's a wonderful concept. It's not really about "why don't you just make games for [x] system instead?" or "why not just make a modded emulator box and slap a sticker on it?", it's about supporting and breathing new life into a platform we already care about, whilst elevating it beyond its original capability at the same. (At least, that's my take on it.) In a perfect world, people would be doing similar things for every other platform and system in general (a new Intellivision with nicer controllers, for instance ), but I'm really happy that it's happening for the ColecoVision now. I think it really needs it.

So, PC Engine? In all seriousness though, definitely looking forward to hearing more about this. If it's really that powerful, maybe something like Outrun and After Burner would be nice to have. Otherwise, I'm a sucker for Berzerk, and/or Frenzy (with music, voice, maybe even updated graphics, possibly?), and Zaxxon sounds great too. Gyruss, Truxton, R-Type, just to wishlist a few shmups... Would be nice to see M.U.L.E. as well, as unlikely as that is.

Received my SGM and Penguin Adventure/Gradius a few weeks ago, so, a bit late to post here, but wanted to offer my thoughts regardless. The quality of the unit, cartridges, and packaging itself is phenomenal -- hugely impressed with Opcode's work, here. You can almost physically feel the care and attention that went into the creation of these; the glossy, authentic-feeling manuals, the smooth, sturdy boxes, even the adorable little product catalog that just oozes with nostalgia. My only tiff is a minor one, and that is I feel like the inner cover could have used a "pocket" or something to hold the manual/papers in; sometimes when I open them up, they tend to slip right out. A trivial quibble at best, because everything else is just so good. Unfortunately, the SGM doesn't seem to play nice with my ColecoVision -- no idea why, the cartridges themselves all seem to be fine, but the SGM doesn't appear to "connect" with the console properly, and cleaning the expansion port contacts did nothing -- so I've yet to be able to play the games just yet until I figure out what's wrong (or get a new console entirely, more likely, since I'm fairly sure that's where the issue lies). Still, A+ for presentation alone (they just look so good on display), and I'll definitely be supporting future releases to the best of my capacity.

I'd never even known about the SGM Pro before this (boo on me for not paying attention, I suppose!), and it's a shame to hear it was canned, but the announcement of an entirely new console is an exciting thing to come back to after all this time, regardless! Definitely gonna be looking forward to hearing more about this. Heaven only knows that we really do need a modern replacement/successor for those aging CVs, much as I adore them anyway in spite of their flakiness. (Even if it was only a CV replacement, I'd be perfectly happy with that, but it being its own platform that happens to be able to play CV stuff as well? Even better.) It may be a bit early to get too excited, but I feel like the project is in good hands with Opcode. Producing and supporting an entirely new console is no small nor simple feat, and this could easily end up garnering a lot of attention down the line. It could end up being something the classic gaming community as a whole can get behind, not just limited to CV enthusiasts, and that thought does excite me. But we'll see what happens in the coming months. Consider me interested!

Great! Email sent.

It's strange. I'd actually seen a "Juice Box Audio" module some months ago on eBay, but didn't really think much of it. I'd figured it was just a bootleg version of the SGM on first glance, based on what little I'd read. Now I come and read this, and find out that not only was it exactly that, but he's been selling bootleg carts and profiting of other people's hard work, too? Wow. And this, too? Jeez... Though, as a sidenote, I find it kind of funny he calls someone who'd bought one of his shameless products an "AtariAge Goon" when he's already put "atariage" in his own name. Looks like he has a bootleg of OpCode's Pac-Man Collection listed, now. I'd heard about how bad the carts looked further back in the thread, but never actually saw one. It looks like crap. Having just bought a legit copy from eBay a while back (yellow cartridge, even!) and marveled at the level of care and quality of the box, label, and cart itself, the difference is night and day. Seventy bucks is the asking price, too. Will report, since it seems like the only thing I can do... :/

Oh, that so? I know a 'deadline' was put down for June 25th, so I wasn't sure, haha. In that case, put me down for one of each.

I dearly wanted to get at least a few of these when I first got that email back in May, but, my financial situation just wasn't there. Having only just now recently secured myself in that field, I take it I'm a bit late to the party now? Would've loved to snag one of each. Boo on my bad timing and finances then. Though I think I'd feel bad already adding on to that massive workload you must have on your hands by now, anyway. Ah, well. Still just wanted to say that these games are all looking fantastic, and to wish all the best to Oscar and his family.

Nice. I just ordered Stay Frosty 2 myself, along with Star Castle Arcade, Juno First, and Pac-Man 4k. I continue to be amazed at the stunning new content being produced for a console that is nearly forty years old, now. Makes me proud to own one.

Bought an untested six-switch on impulse from eBay, turned out to be a perfectly-functional, good-condition heavy. I am extremely okay with this. ---- NTSC/PAL/Sears/Special: NTSC Serial #: 67667G MFG Location: Sunnyvale Owner/AA Member: Taylor Glimo / K-Maud Location: Sault Ste Marie, ON, Canada A/B Channel Slot: No A/B Channel Switch: No Functional: Yes Refurbished (Silver Label): No Notes: - Included 2 CX-10 Joysticks (one is partially nonfunctional) and original Atari-logo Paddle Controllers (both with the dreaded "jitter" issues, and require cleaning) - Games included: Combat (appears to be original text variation, missing end label), Telegames Blackjack, Telegames Pong Sports - Left Controller port is damaged, but appears to still function perfectly -- see attached picture

Grabbed a bunch of games from the local store today. Nothing much that sticks out, since I'm still trying to build up my collection, but I'm working on it. Boxed copies of Venture and Activision's Kaboom!. Both CIB, and in pretty good shape overall. These are the only boxed games I got this time, though. Kaboom again, along with Spider Fighter, Freeway, and Frostbite. I'd also gotten a copy of Enduro, but sadly, it doesn't seem to work, even with vigorous amounts of cleaning. Oh well. I'll take it back and swap it for another one another day. Of some note, I like how my copy of Freeway is pretty much spotless; only seems to have a few marks on the end label, to keep it from being utterly perfect. Activision games have such nice, vibrant labels, so it's a shame that so many of them by now are kinda ruddy-looking. But what can you do? At least most of them still play great. Another Activision great: Beamrider! I love this game. Never tried the other versions of it, but I love this one. I'm slowly getting better at it. Demon Attack and Dragonfire, by Imagic. I am so bad at Dragonfire. Always have been. Breakout and Dodge 'Em, text label versions. Nothing fancy. Dodge 'Em is infuriatingly hard, but I still enjoy it. New 7800 games I picked up, as well. Joust, Galaga, Xevious, Robotron 2084, and Food Fight. The labels are kinda... dull-looking, but, the games themselves are great. Robotron and Food Fight especially. ColecoVision games! Granted, my CV hasn't arrived yet, so I have no way of knowing if these work yet. I bought them in advance, just to start up my collection of games for the system, which is only including Donkey Kong. I'm not really that worried, though; the guy who runs the shop is a real nice guy. Totally willing to replace defective carts and/or help clean and repair them. I was especially pleased to have found a copy of Frenzy at the store. It's easily my favorite game to play on the CV flashback, so I definitely look forward to giving it a go on the real deal. Happily, Mouse Trap also included the original overlays, hidden away on the back. Convenient! There were a bunch of games at the store I didn't get, though. I found a copy of Jungle Hunt for the Colecovision, marked at forty bucks, and didn't realize at the time it was a pretty rare Atarisoft find. Similarly with Spectravision's Master Builder, for the Atari 2600; it was marked at like, ninety bucks (in CAD, so, that'd be just shy of seventy bucks in "real" money), so I don't know if that's a good price or not. Then again, I'm not particularly interested in "rare" games at the moment -- at least, not if they aren't sold at a reasonable price, or aren't fun games to play.

Alright, this took a bit too long to arrive, but I was heavily sidetracked with other matters for a while. Sorry about the wait. After having the Joyball in my possession for a couple of weeks now, I'm about ready to deliver unto this thread my impressions and thoughts on this bizarre plastic monstrosity. Also, pictures. We all know those are more important. It arrived rather nicely-packed, which is a plus. The box itself is a little worn, but the text and imagery is still very visible and prominent. I mean, it advertises "micro switch!" at least twice per side. I didn't think to get a picture of the box once I took off the bubble wrap though, whoops. Aaaand here is the controller itself. I'll admit, I didn't really know what to make of this thing. It seems like such an odd, uncomfortable design for a controller. The joystick -- ahem, pardon, joyball -- is freaking massive. It's like a trackball, except, it's on an extremely short stick. Also, why are there three sets of buttons? Three buttons that all do the same thing, and three more buttons that do the same thing, except rapidly when you hold it down. I did wonder if the multiple buttons would mean it could work with the 7800... but I tried it, and no, it does not work. Each button is the same fire button. Honestly, the buttons are the worst part, using it. They're stiff, uncomfortable, tiny, and tend to feel like they're sliding around the contact when being pressed rather than simply depressing straight down. They're also in somewhat awkward places, but on the plus side, when I got tired of pressing one set of buttons, I just swapped to another set. Maybe it was intentional. I placed it here next to the Wico Red Ball controller I have for size comparison. The Wico is a pretty good-sized beast of a joystick, but the ball alone on the Joyball is at least a quarter of its size! Speaking of the ball, I thought it was actually kinda nice. It definitely feels... loose, and very hollow/cheaply-made, but it does function fine. Moving it in each direction gives a satisfying click, though it does feel a tad on the "sponge-y" side. That being said, it easily fits into the palm of a hand (as seen above), and the wide base does help in keeping it nice and steady, so it's entirely possible for me to use just one hand without worrying about the whole thing bowling over. It took a lot of getting used to, me being more accustomed to the Wico by this point, and a cheap (but very tight and responsive) aftermarket Atari joystick, but it functions fine. Can be kinda hard on the wrists after a while, but what joystick isn't? Would I recommend this controller if you happen across one? Honestly, I'd have to say no, unless you just happen to like collecting controllers, or can appreciate this odd design. It's not the WORST controller I've ever used, but there are better options out there, if control is your main concern. ... I guess I could just leave it at that, but, no, there's still one more story to tell about the Joyball. See, the controller worked fine for a while after I got it, but then after a while, it just inexpicably stopped. Many of the buttons felt like they'd gotten stuck. Or just simply weren't depressing in the slightest. Only two buttons were working, out of the six that were working beforehand. What happened? I certainly don't recall throwing this thing at the wall in frustration, recently... So, I decided to open it up. I don't normally do this, but I had to know what was up. And since no one seems to know anything about these, and that they are so poorly-documented, I figured that it'd be cool to be among the first to dig into the guts of this thing. And this is what I was greeted with. Seems like a fairly-basic circuit board. You can even kinda see the microswitch assembly, down there. I know next to nothing about these sort of things, so it doesn't mean all that much to me. But, when I took it apart, a few other parts also fell right out... Button contacts. If you notice in the preceding pic, only one of them is still firmly in place. Every other one pretty much fell right out, because the thin strips of masking tape holding them down was brown and rotted through. Yikes. Seemed like an easy fix though, so I stripped off all the old tape, cleaned the contacts and circuits for good measure, then replaced the contacts and held them down with some new, better quality tape. The buttons themselves were fine, but I feel like they might have benefited from a spring, or at least a flatter tip or something... Just pieces of plastic with a pointed tip on the underside. Doesn't get much simpler than that. I assumed that the "sliding" issue with the buttons was because the plastic tips were not lining up with and seated into the indents on the contacts properly. I tried my best to realign them when I put them back together, but it still isn't perfect. Oh well. There was nothing really wrong with the microswitch assembly, but I lifted up the board to get a better look at it anyway, out of curiosity. I'm the exact opposite of an expert on this stuff, though, so I can't really make heads or tails of anything I see. Once I cleaned and reassembled everything, it started working fine again. The buttons still feel uncomfortable to use, but at least they work fine now. And hey, I guess a "turbo" button is always a nice thing to have handy. Makes Asteroids a bit easier on my thumb, at least! So, there you go. Sorry for the image-heavy post, but I assumed people would be interested in actually seeing it instead of listening to me try to describe it text-only, so... yeah. Hopefully you guys find this little find of mine at least kind of interesting.

I'm all for these things coming back. Maybe I wasn't an eighties kid (I was barely a nineties one), but something about the look of these is just so... neat. And I, uh, don't feel particularly compelled to shell out upwards of a few hundred dollars for a custom-modded minicade with a Pi and MAME stuffed into it. Something in the 40-60 dollar range sounds about right, to me. Just brainstorming here, but, I'll hash out a quick laundry list of features that occur to me as I write: 4-5 games per unit. This sounds fair to me. There are way too many "160-in-1!" plug-n-plays out there that are loaded with mostly garbage, so picking a few quality titles per unit with official branding would be great. A "theme" for each unit depending on games. Could be by company (Namco, Sega, etc.), by genre, or by the games themselves. AC adapter for power, batteries optional; small as these things are, they are rather clunky, and probably wouldn't be very practical to carry around on the go. MAME emulation with an R-Pi or some low-range SoC almost seems like a necessity. Many old arcade classics are tiny, and don't require much to run them. Good speakers, with easily adjustable volume. Even assuming audio emulation is perfect, small, cheap speakers will make it sound tinny, grating, and generally awful. Likewise, good speakers won't mean much if the emulator is outputting poor-quality sound. Actual joysticks! It's easy to cheap out on them, so they can get broken or lose responsiveness easily. D-pad is a possible alternative, but clearly doesn't represent the arcade experience. Rotary dials/trackballs? Perhaps on a single unit with games exclusively using those controls? They would work wonders for Missile Command, Slither, and Tempest. Mod-friendly. I don't do this, personally, and don't know anything about it... but as has been mentioned before, it'd be a boon to the people who do that. Ability to save highscores. Not explicitly needed, no, but it'd be nice to keep a persistent record of my scores rather than losing them as soon as it's turned off... Other bells and whistles. Light-up marquee? Configurable buttons, via a custom frontend? Slot for SD cards? (probably not gonna happen, heh.) Obviously keeping costs low is going to be a sticking factor in a lot of what happens and what doesn't. Not everyone can be pleased. If you're taking game requests... well, I'd love if you could get Berzerk and Frenzy. Two of my favorite arcade games, right there. It'd also be great to see Scramble, Q-bert, Robotron 2084, and possibly Star Castle. Jr. Pac-Man would also be a treat, but, that probably isn't likely to happen. Also, this is straying from the immediate topic somewhat, but do you have any potential future plans beyond the Minicades, and such? Personally, I'd love to see a ColecoVision "mini" of some kind; something to play CV carts on, like the Retro Trio is to the NES/SNES/Genesis and whatnot. It'd be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to hunting down a ColecoVision that still works properly nowadays. This is pretty much just wishful thinking on my part, but... it's nice to dream. I do love Coleco, and sincerely hope to see it succeed in its endeavors.

Finally got my copy of Frenzy I'd ordered from the store, and am loving it to bits. A little on the slow side compared to the ColecoVision version I'm used to, but it controls well and it's always a joy to play a classic like this. Having a port of Berzerk on the same cartridge just sweetens the deal. Perfect game to test out my new Wico Red Ball controller, too.

It might be as simple as an appeal to nostalgia. It's not really something one can easily explain their love for, beyond "I just do" and little else. I have similar feelings about different things, myself. They (Mike) promised to bring back cartridges, revive old platforms, bring in new games on carts, etc. And people bought into that. I imagine anyone that holds that kind of thing very dear to their heart (and doesn't know to temper their expectations, do a little research, and exercise caution) would drop everything and support this kind of undertaking, regardless if such a thing even has place or relevance in the modern market. Maybe as some way to satisfy their inner desire for a return to "the better times" or something. Maybe trying to appeal to the novelty factor, like it did for me, back when I was considering this. Some part of them just doesn't want to let go of that hope that maybe, just maybe, something like this will happen. Though that's just a random assumption. Some people refuse to take off their rose-colored glasses, I suppose. ...What does confuse me though is that the Saturn and Dreamcast (both a favorite of Mr. Bow, as it appears) are CD-based consoles, not cartridge-based. Maybe I'm missing another post he made referring to carts, but I dunno. It doesn't make any sense to me, just looking at those posts in the screencap by themselves.

Yeesh. I guess now I know why dealing with the Jaguar community here requires a thick skin. ._. Hey now, don't forget the PCI cards, loose LEDs, and electrical tape. And hey, why stop at just a DVR? Could easily stuff a Soundblaster in there too, for some quality audio punch. This Kevin fellow has a way with words, I see. Reminds me of a few people I knew on other forums... So, the idea of just having it next to his TV to show off to friends sounded "fun" to him? I'm not sure I follow his line of thinking, there. Might just be wording it very poorly, but it seems a little nonsensical.