Coleco Gemini , $39. Is it worth it?

[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 September 14, 2017 by DrSidneyZweibel

[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.

[Polybius]

Well, I ended up buying a CIB Magnavox Odyssey 2 system for $35 + shipping instead. I may see about a Gemini in the future, but the o2 spoke to me when I saw it. The Gemini I was looking at is Still available surprisingly.

[boxpressed]

Speaking of great RF, the O2 has the best of its generation, IMO.

[BassGuitari]

Well, I ended up buying a CIB Magnavox Odyssey 2 system for $35 + shipping instead. I may see about a Gemini in the future, but the o2 spoke to me when I saw it. The Gemini I was looking at is Still available surprisingly.

Great pickup! The Odyssey 2 is a cool and underrated system, and one of my favorites.

 

Speaking of great RF, the O2 has the best of its generation, IMO.

Either that or the Intellivision.

[+save2600]

...The Gemini I was looking at is Still available surprisingly.

I'm not surprised.

 

Nice pickup on the O2 instead.

[Polybius]

Speaking of great RF, the O2 has the best of its generation, IMO.

I agree, it has an amazing picture, even some of my A/V equipped consoles don't have this good a picture, My NES certainly isn't as good, or even the Retron clone, and I use A/V composite on it!