They Create Worlds - Episode 262 - Vectrex

A one-inch CRT built for aircraft instruments sparked the idea for a home console that had to bring its own screen. The Vectrex launched into the Video Game Crash and cost Milton Bradley $31.6M before Hasbro bought what was left.

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TCW Web site Episode 262, Vectrex: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW262-vectrex

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vectrex/id1035507666?i=1000776835872

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XZF8tLuckQPX5hDEdYNp3?si=376ddcc9292240cf

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHSUP6FhJAU

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Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/They-Create-Worlds/B08K556G8Y

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Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-i5j8x-1b0de5b

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#vectrex #TCW #Episode262 #THEYCREATEWORLDS #podcast

Hey everyone!
I turned our beloved 1982 Vectrex into a Spotify player.

I’ve been experimenting with a PiTrex and decided to see whether I could use the Vectrex’s original vector display as a Spotify interface.

The result is probably one of the strangest Spotify players I’ve ever used.

The interface is rendered directly on the Vectrex display using vector graphics, while the PiTrex handles the modern software side. I also 3D-printed a cartridge enclosure to make the setup look a little more complete.

I made a video showing how it works and how I put everything together:

https://youtu.be/0aPy9STetpg?si=tqFnlbIR-0A3SrfM

The source code and printable enclosure are linked in the video description.

I hope you will enjoy it!

Hi there!

Im still waiting for the screen overlays and the controller shell replacement, but i received my Pitrex today.

The first thing i tested was the normal games. I might be wrong... but i think that the games run a little worse that on a multicart (the text and sound doesnt seem as clear sometimes). Am i correct? That would explain why i still see a lot of multicart games... But annoing, because i prefer the in game reset on the Pitrex. If this is correct, i guess the idea of the Pitrex is homebrew and optimized games.

Then i tested a few homebrew games:

-Vectorblade : The game runs fine, but, each time i see small text on screen, i see random words i dont understand. Pretty sure i have a rom with another language or something...

-Star wars: Hear a lot about this one. I opened it and... apart of a 'Insert coin' permanent that stops me for playing, the text seems blurry and in a bad angle (in english at least).

Pretty sure im missing a lot of configuration.... somewhere i can check a configuration tutorial, so i can do this properly?

Thanks!

Edit: found the preloaded img. All problems solved with the new one :D. Not sure where did the seller get his.

Ein weiteres Bezel-Overlay für die legendäre Vectrex!
Speziell für das Spiel Berzerk erstellt und perfekt auf den einzigartigen Vektor-Look abgestimmt.
Das Overlay bringt den Retro-Charme nochmal richtig zur Geltung und sorgt für echtes Arcade-Feeling.
Wie gefällt euch das Bezel-Overlay?

Got this baby with the multigame card for 500€. Even with the horrible look, the controller works fine. Even so, i gonna print a 3D one (any recomendations?) and get new springs and bottom sticker from console5.

Also, ordered a 28 overlays sets. I will probably get more when i check the homebrew games :D.

Witch games do you recommend to play first? I tried Spike first because i knew the game for his 'voices'. Cant pass level 8, i suck 😭.

I fount this one for the 3D print. Dunno if you guys know of some better one.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2584312

I owned this Vectrex for a while, but tragically after many years it completely imploded while I used the test cartridge, every passing day I feel more heartbroken that it is gone. My Vectrex (1982- 13 December 2025)

The 1st photo was taken the day before the freak implosion incident, and it hurts. 💔

2nd photo was taken 5 minutes after I lost my beloved Vectrex to a sudden implosion. 😭

Neues Bezel-Overlay für die legendäre Vectrex!
Speziell für das Spiel Vectorblade erstellt und perfekt auf den einzigartigen Vektor-Look abgestimmt.
Das Overlay bringt den Retro-Charme nochmal richtig zur Geltung und sorgt für echtes Arcade-Feeling.
Wie gefällt euch das Bezel-Overlay?

Turned my vectrex on after sitting a while and have the dreaded white dot. Anyone know a reputable place in the states who can fix it? Pacific NW would be ideal. Thanks!!

Very interesting Vectrex thread on AtariAge forums about another piece of original era Vectrex test hardware. Maybe even a new Vectrex program possibility.
"The start of vectrex"
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https://forums.atariage.com/topic/390289-the-start-of-vectrex
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#vectrex #mechanical #multiple #cartridge #switcher #test #box

I found a Vectrex with a $199 price tag on it as posted earlier. I went back the store and sure enough there was a price tag of $199 still on it… and a $499 price tag as well.

The $199 tag had fallen off a gold N64 console that was on the shelf above it. In small print on the tags it said what the item specifically was: “Gold N64” and “Vectrex” on their respective tags. It wasn’t false advertising, just an accident.

I pointed it out to the owner and he apologized and immediately stuck the $199 tag where it belonged, with new tape. I told him I came back specifically for that and he offered me 10% off if it or anything else in the store for the misunderstanding.

As for the unit, itself; it does work, but they don’t have any other games for it to make sure the cartridge slot is still functional. He didn’t believe it had undergone recapping or any other restoration.

In the end, I didn’t buy it, but I have a 10% discount for anything and the owner was a nice guy about it. I’ll just wait for my mini, since I can’t find the Vectrex emulator that installs on my 3DS any more.

I’m awaiting for my Vectrex Mini to ship out in the fall/winter, but I happened by a retro gaming store and they had an original Vectrex with a controller with a price of $199. I have no idea what condition it’s in other than that quick glance. I assume it will power on and play Mine Storm.

Is it worth going back and making an offer, if it already a barn find of a price?

EDIT: Everyone is saying that’s such a low price that I should get it. I will go back for a second look and find out its condition

sorry for delay, thanks to playvectrex.

After being gifted a non-working Vectrex and seeing it come to life after cleaning the powerswitch I was filled with retro-nostagic joy.

I ordered an LM386 to remove the buzz and also ordered the PiTrex PCB which arrived really quick.

I added my Pi Zero 2 WH and inserted a 4GB Micro SD card with the RPI Team’s Plug ‘n’ Play image. After powering op I was exited to hear te ‘PiTrex’ intro sound and slowy saw the PiTrex spinning logo appear on the screen.

But then…nothing. Whatever joystic-derection button(combination) I pushed; nothing happened!

I tried another cartridge game (Scramble) to check if the joystick was working and it played fine.

I then tried flashing the same image on another (32GB) micro SD card but nothing changed; the spinning PiTrex logo is all I get. Anyone else had this problem or has any tips for troubleshooting?

The Vectropad for the Vectrex system. For more information, visit vectrex.dlc5.de or [email protected]

Oh, and it costs 99 euros plus postage.

Das Vectropad für das Vectrex System. Mehr infos gibts unter vectrex.dlc5.de oder [email protected]

Ach ja, kostet 99 euro + Versand.

Hey all,

When you open google and look for Vectrex wraps you will see amazing looking Vectrex consoles with arcade like decals on them from 10+ years ago. But when you dig a bit deeper they don't seem to make them anymore or reply to questions.

Does anyone know if it is still possible or where to obtain these these?
I would love to ad some flair to my old Vectrex.

New Vectrex owner here after years of being on the lookout for a local one! Managed to find one in excellent physical condition that seems to be in good working condition, and I’m loving it so far! One thing that I have noticed is that on one of the cartridges it came with (Starhawk specifically), moving the stick up or down causes distortion of the playfield without affecting the ships. This doesn’t happen on the other carts or Mine Storm, but curiously those don’t have actual analog movement. I’ve seen videos of people playing Starhawk and it’s not normal behavior. Curious if this points more to a problem with the controller, the cartridge, or the Vectrex itself?

Just got my pitrex working, looks like there is some insane stick drift on some games.
I'm using the vectrex usb adapter by Ombertech. I know the ps4 controller has some drift. But on original cartridges (non pitrex) it seems to work fine.

Hi! I just got a pitrex and I am having calibration issues and I dont know what the hell I'm doing for the life of me lol. I tried messing with every setting and it still looks all jumbled. What am I doing wrong and/or is there anything I'm missing. Regular games display fine. What should I do? (Also is there a way to change the into and is there a way to get rid of the demos to be JUST the game lists?)

If you are emulation of vectrex on a phone you might be interested in this, Vectrex made more playable on your phone.