ColecoVision vs Vectrex
Please select two different options.
The ColecoVision and Vectrex were two popular gaming consoles released in the early 1980s. The ColecoVision boasted impressive graphics and a wide range of game titles, while the Vectrex stood out for its vector-based graphics and unique built-in monitor.
General information
ColecoVision
Vectrex
Introduction :
The ColecoVision was released in 1982 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in North America. It featured a wide range of games with impressive graphics for its time, making it a classic console that is highly sought after by collectors today. The ColecoVision is known for its innovative controllers and library of games that included popular titles like Donkey Kong and Zaxxon.
The ColecoVision was released in 1982 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in North America. It featured a wide range of games with impressive graphics for its time, making it a classic console that is highly sought after by collectors today. The ColecoVision is known for its innovative controllers and library of games that included popular titles like Donkey Kong and Zaxxon.
Introduction :
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
Advantages :
- Extensive library of classic games
- Retro gaming experience
- Durable hardware
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable price point
Advantages :
- Unique vector graphics display
- Built-in screen eliminates need for TV
- Portable and self-contained
- Innovative controller with analog joystick
- Retro appeal for collectors
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
- Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
- Difficulty finding working consoles and games.
- Limited availability of accessories and peripherals.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of color graphics may not appeal to some players.
- Bulky design may not fit well in modern entertainment setups.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
- Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
Year launched : 1982
The ColecoVision was launched in 1982, offering advanced graphics and gameplay compared to other consoles of its time. It quickly became popular for its library of games and add-on peripherals.
The ColecoVision was launched in 1982, offering advanced graphics and gameplay compared to other consoles of its time. It quickly became popular for its library of games and add-on peripherals.
Year launched : 1982
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Manufacturer : Coleco Industries
ColecoVision was manufactured by Coleco Industries, a company known for producing various gaming consoles and toys during the 1980s. The ColecoVision was a popular console during its time.
ColecoVision was manufactured by Coleco Industries, a company known for producing various gaming consoles and toys during the 1980s. The ColecoVision was a popular console during its time.
Manufacturer : Smith Engineering
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The ColecoVision had a moderate level of popularity during its release in the early 1980s, with a decent number of units sold. It had a niche market share compared to other consoles of its time.
The ColecoVision had a moderate level of popularity during its release in the early 1980s, with a decent number of units sold. It had a niche market share compared to other consoles of its time.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
Form factor : Home console.
The ColecoVision console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or entertainment area for a traditional gaming experience.
The ColecoVision console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or entertainment area for a traditional gaming experience.
Form factor : Home console.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
Official website :
https://www.colecovision.com/
Official website :
https://www.vectrex.com/
Market and availability
ColecoVision
Vectrex
Console markets :
The ColecoVision was available in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia during its release in the early 1980s. It was not widely available in other regions outside of these markets.
The ColecoVision was available in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia during its release in the early 1980s. It was not widely available in other regions outside of these markets.
Console markets :
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The ColecoVision is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique library of games and historical significance make it a sought-after item for collectors and fans of classic gaming.
The ColecoVision is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique library of games and historical significance make it a sought-after item for collectors and fans of classic gaming.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The ColecoVision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but also some scarcity. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
The ColecoVision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but also some scarcity. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The ColecoVision console is considered low in cost due to its age and limited availability. It can often be found at affordable prices in the second-hand market.
The ColecoVision console is considered low in cost due to its age and limited availability. It can often be found at affordable prices in the second-hand market.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the ColecoVision can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. Some titles are considered collectible, which can impact pricing and availability for certain games.
Games for the ColecoVision can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. Some titles are considered collectible, which can impact pricing and availability for certain games.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for ColecoVision is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many games are still affordable and accessible for collectors and gamers.
The relative cost of games for ColecoVision is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many games are still affordable and accessible for collectors and gamers.
🔴 Game costs : High.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
Technology
ColecoVision
Vectrex
Architecture : 8-bit.
The ColecoVision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to later consoles.
The ColecoVision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to later consoles.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
CPU : Zilog Z80
The ColecoVision uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the Z80 helped power a wide range of classic games.
The ColecoVision uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the Z80 helped power a wide range of classic games.
CPU : M6809
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
Memory : 32 Kb
The ColecoVision games console has 32 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This allowed for a variety of games to be played.
The ColecoVision games console has 32 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This allowed for a variety of games to be played.
Memory : 1 Kb
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
Video output : RF and Composite
The ColecoVision has RF and Composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The ColecoVision has RF and Composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
Video output : RF and composite
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The ColecoVision's hardware specifications are not well-documented, making it unclear whether it had a dedicated GPU. Further research is needed to determine the presence and details of a GPU.
The ColecoVision's hardware specifications are not well-documented, making it unclear whether it had a dedicated GPU. Further research is needed to determine the presence and details of a GPU.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The ColecoVision is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
The ColecoVision is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the ColecoVision is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a diverse gaming library for users.
The primary game format for the ColecoVision is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a diverse gaming library for users.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
Gaming
ColecoVision
Vectrex
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The ColecoVision typically supports 2 controllers, allowing for 2 players to enjoy multiplayer games. This classic console offers a shared gaming experience for friends and family to enjoy together.
The ColecoVision typically supports 2 controllers, allowing for 2 players to enjoy multiplayer games. This classic console offers a shared gaming experience for friends and family to enjoy together.
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The ColecoVision does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, but there may be third-party adapters or modifications available to enable online multiplayer functionality.
The ColecoVision does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, but there may be third-party adapters or modifications available to enable online multiplayer functionality.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for ColecoVision were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find now due to the console's age, but they are still collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Game titles for ColecoVision were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find now due to the console's age, but they are still collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The ColecoVision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Donkey Kong, Zaxxon, and Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
The ColecoVision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Donkey Kong, Zaxxon, and Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
When choosing between the ColecoVision and Vectrex, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value a diverse game library and advanced graphics, the ColecoVision may be the better choice. However, if you appreciate retro aesthetics and a one-of-a-kind gaming experience, the Vectrex could be the perfect console for you.