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ColecoVision

The ColecoVision is a second-generation home video game console manufactured by Coleco Industries and released in North America in August 1982, with a suggested retail price of $175.^[1] It featured advanced hardware for its era, including a Zilog Z80 CPU clocked at 3.58 MHz, 1 KB of system RAM, 16 KB of video RAM, and a Texas Instruments TMS9928A video display processor capable of 16 colors and 256x192 resolution, enabling near-arcade-quality graphics and sound via the TI SN76489A programmable sound generator.^[2] Designed to bridge the gap between arcade machines and home systems, it launched with Donkey Kong—a licensed Nintendo arcade port—as its pack-in game, which became the console's best-seller and helped drive initial adoption.^[3] ColecoVision entered a competitive market dominated by the Atari 2600, positioning itself as a superior alternative through high-fidelity recreations of popular arcade titles like Zaxxon, Venture, and Lady Bug, with approximately 145 games released for the system between 1982 and 1984.^[4] The console supported expandable peripherals, including the Expansion Module #1 for Atari 2600 compatibility, the Roller Controller for trackball-based games, and the Expansion Module #2 (steering wheel and pedal) for driving games, enhancing its versatility.^[5]^[6] Its controllers featured a 360-degree joystick and a 12-key numeric keypad, allowing for more complex inputs than many contemporaries.^[7] Despite strong early performance—selling over 2 million units by 1984—ColecoVision's success was curtailed by the 1983 video game crash, exacerbated by oversaturation, economic factors, and Coleco's overextension into peripherals like the ill-fated Adam home computer.^[8] The console played a pivotal role in popularizing licensed arcade ports at home, influencing future systems' focus on graphical fidelity and third-party development, though Coleco filed for bankruptcy in 1988 partly due to the crash's aftermath.^[9] Revivals in the modern era, including flash-back consoles, the 2024 full-size stand-up arcade unit, and homebrew communities with new releases as of 2025, continue to celebrate its legacy in retro gaming.^[10]^[11]

History

Development

Coleco Industries, originally founded in 1932 as the Connecticut Leather Company and known primarily for manufacturing leathercraft kits and toys, entered the electronic gaming market in 1976 following the success of its Telstar series of handheld electronic games inspired by Atari's Pong.^[12] This venture capitalized on the growing popularity of dedicated video game handhelds, prompting Coleco to expand into programmable home consoles to capture the emerging market for more advanced home entertainment.^[13] Development of the ColecoVision began in 1979, with the engineering team aiming to deliver arcade-quality graphics and gameplay in a home system, distinguishing it from competitors like the Atari 2600 by emphasizing superior visual fidelity and sprite handling.^[14] Key technical decisions included selecting a Z80-compatible CPU, specifically the NEC D780C-1 variant clocked at 3.58 MHz, for its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with existing arcade architectures, alongside the Texas Instruments TMS9928A video display processor to enable hardware sprite support and multicolored graphics akin to contemporary coin-op machines.^[15] These choices were driven by the goal of porting popular arcade titles faithfully to home use, leveraging off-the-shelf components that had proven reliable in systems like the Coleco Table Arcade.^[16] Prototypes emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, allowing initial testing of the hardware's capabilities.^[17] The design was finalized by early 1982, coinciding with the completion of about nine demonstration games to showcase the system's potential.^[18] Throughout this period, the team faced engineering challenges in sourcing semiconductor components, exacerbated by intense competition from established players like Atari and emerging rivals such as Mattel, which strained global supply chains during the late 1970s video game boom.^[19] A pivotal aspect of pre-launch planning was securing a licensing agreement with Nintendo in 1981, granting Coleco exclusive rights to adapt Donkey Kong for home consoles and bundling it as the pack-in title to highlight the system's arcade prowess and drive initial adoption.^[20] This partnership underscored Coleco's strategy to align the console's technical strengths with high-profile arcade conversions, positioning it as a premium home gaming solution ahead of its 1982 debut.^[21]

Launch and commercial performance

The ColecoVision was officially launched in North America in August 1982 at a retail price of $175, with an initial shipment of 500,000 units that quickly sold out due to high demand.^[22] The console's release strategy emphasized its ability to deliver near-arcade-quality experiences at home, positioning it as a premium alternative in a market dominated by older systems. By the end of 1982, Coleco had sold 500,000 units, a milestone driven by aggressive holiday marketing and the inclusion of popular arcade ports.^[23] Marketing efforts heavily focused on bundling Donkey Kong, a licensing deal secured through a partnership with Nintendo, which was included with every unit to highlight the console's graphical fidelity and gameplay accuracy compared to arcade originals.^[21] This tactic resonated with consumers, as the ColecoVision was praised for its superior graphics and smoother sprite handling over competitors like the Atari 2600 and Intellivision, offering more detailed visuals and color palettes that bridged the gap to arcade machines.^[24] Regional rollouts followed in 1983, with a European release under the CBS ColecoVision branding in July.^[25]^[26] Sales continued to surge into early 1983, reaching approximately 1.4 million units by mid-year. The console's commercial peak was short-lived, undermined by the 1983 video game crash, which caused industry-wide oversupply and plummeting demand, reducing U.S. home video game revenues from $3.2 billion in 1982 to under $100 million by 1985. Coleco's overextension into non-gaming ventures, particularly the production of Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, exacerbated the decline; while the dolls generated peak sales of $600 million in 1985, subsequent drops to $125 million by 1987 strained resources and diverted focus from electronics. By 1985, Coleco cut off support for the ColecoVision amid mounting losses from failed expansions like the Adam computer, culminating in the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 1988 with $335 million in debts.^[27]

Technical specifications

Core hardware

The ColecoVision's central processing unit is the NEC D780C-1, a Z80-compatible 8-bit microprocessor clocked at 3.58 MHz, which handles game logic, input processing, and overall system control.^[28] This chip, a clone of the Zilog Z80A, provides sufficient computational power for the era's arcade-style titles while interfacing directly with the system's memory and peripherals.^[1] Graphics processing is managed by the Texas Instruments TMS9928A Video Display Processor (VDP), capable of rendering at a resolution of 256x192 pixels with a palette of 16 colors.^[29] The VDP supports multiple screen modes, including text and multicolor graphics, and handles up to 32 hardware sprites (8x8 or 16x16 pixels) for dynamic on-screen elements, though with limitations such as sprite flicker when more than four per scanline overlap.^[29] Audio output relies on the Texas Instruments SN76489A Programmable Sound Generator (PSG), which produces three channels of square waves alongside a noise channel for effects, enabling chiptune music and simple sound design typical of early 1980s consoles.^[30] The system's memory configuration includes 1 KB of RAM for general CPU operations, 16 KB of video RAM dedicated to the VDP for screen buffers and sprite data, and an 8 KB ROM containing the BIOS for boot-up, controller initialization, and basic I/O routines.^[2] Cartridges connect via an edge connector slot that addresses up to 32 KB of ROM directly, with larger games using banking techniques for expansion.^[2] Input and output features two DE-9 controller ports for joysticks and keypads, an RF modulator for composite video and audio output to standard televisions on channels 3 or 4, and no direct support for scrolling hardware, relying instead on software-based tile manipulation in fixed screen modes.^[31] Power is supplied through a 9 V AC input (internally rectified to multiple DC voltages), drawing from an external wall wart.^[32] The unit's build consists of a molded plastic chassis measuring approximately 14 x 8 x 2 inches, housing the motherboard and components in a compact, rectangular form factor designed for living room placement.^[33]

Controllers

The standard ColecoVision controller is a rectangular wired gamepad featuring a short, knob-shaped joystick capable of 360-degree movement for precise directional input, a 12-button numeric keypad (numbered 0-9 along with * and # keys), a primary fire button positioned near the joystick, and two side action buttons—one on the left and one on the right—for additional controls.^[34]^[35] The keypad employs durable membrane switches beneath thin plastic overlays, which were intended to withstand repeated use while supporting complex inputs beyond simple joystick actions. This design emphasized compatibility with arcade-style ports, allowing for accurate replication of coin-op controls in home settings through the joystick's responsive movement and the keypad's versatility for menu navigation or secondary commands.^[34] Each ColecoVision console bundle included two detachable controllers connected via 9-foot cables, enabling comfortable two-player setups without excessive cord strain during gameplay.^[35] The controllers connect to the system using standard DE-9 ports, using mechanical switches for 8-directional input, contributing to the system's reputation for faithful arcade translations.^[36] An optional variant, the Driving Controller (Expansion Module #2), was released specifically for racing games and integrated a tabletop-mounted steering wheel with 270-degree rotation and a floor-operated accelerator pedal for immersive simulation.^[37] This peripheral plugged into the first controller port, leaving the second port free for standard menu selections, and came bundled with the game Turbo to demonstrate its functionality in vehicular control scenarios.^[37] While functional, the controllers exhibited ergonomic shortcomings, including a bulky rectangular form factor and a keypad layout that prioritized input density over hand comfort, often cramping users' hands during extended sessions.^[38] The side action buttons, though accessible, were positioned in a way that hindered rapid successive presses, influencing game designers to adapt control schemes around deliberate, less frenetic inputs rather than high-speed button mashing.^[38] Additionally, the keypad's grid arrangement encouraged the use of overlays in certain titles to remap keys for specific actions, shaping gameplay mechanics to leverage this unique input method for strategy or selection rather than real-time precision.^[39]

Peripherals and expansions

Expansion modules

The ColecoVision featured an expansion port on the side of the console that provided access to the CPU bus, control lines, and selected inputs, enabling add-on modules to extend the system's capabilities beyond gaming.^[40] These modules connected directly to the port, allowing them to interface with the hardware and, in some cases, override the base BIOS to enable new operational modes.^[41] Expansion Module #1, released in 1982, adapted the ColecoVision for compatibility with Atari 2600 cartridges and controllers by incorporating a complete 2600-compatible system within the module.^[42] It plugged into the expansion port and utilized the console's power supply while providing its own cartridge slot, effectively bridging the two platforms to leverage the Atari library's popularity.^[42] In 1983, Coleco introduced Expansion Module #3, which transformed the ColecoVision into the ADAM home computer system.^[43] This module added 64 KB of RAM (expandable to 144 KB), a full-size keyboard with function keys, an 80-column dot-matrix daisy-wheel printer, and digital data pack drives for tape-based storage, all connected via the expansion port to override the console's gaming BIOS for computer functionality, including 80-column text modes and built-in word processing.^[44]^[43] The ADAM's ambitious integration aimed to create an all-in-one family computer but suffered from reliability issues, particularly with its power supply and tape drives, leading to high return rates and financial losses for Coleco. These problems contributed significantly to the company's mounting debts, culminating in its bankruptcy filing in 1988.^[45] Among other expansions, the Roller Controller served as a trackball input device bundled with the game Slither, connecting via the controller ports rather than the expansion port but enhancing gameplay for titles requiring precise cursor movement, such as simulations and shooters.^[46]

Additional controllers and accessories

The Super Action Controller Set, released in 1983, provided enhanced input options for ColecoVision users through a pair of specialized joysticks designed to resemble boxing gloves. Each controller featured an eight-directional joystick, a 12-button numeric keypad for menu navigation and complex commands, four additional action buttons integrated into the grip for quick access, and a two-way spinner or speed roller dial to simulate variable movement speeds in gameplay. This set was bundled with the sports title Super Action Baseball and optimized for action and sports simulations requiring precise control, such as Super Action Football and Rocky Super Action Boxing, while remaining backward-compatible with standard ColecoVision titles.^[47]^[48]^[49] The Driving Controller consisted of a compact steering wheel paired with an accelerator pedal, tailored for immersive racing experiences on the ColecoVision. Introduced as part of the hardware lineup supporting arcade-style driving games, it allowed players to execute sharp turns and accelerate dynamically in titles like Turbo, a port of Sega's racing arcade game, as well as Bump 'n' Jump, Destructor, and Dukes of Hazzard. The wheel provided analog-like steering feedback, while the foot-operated pedal functioned as a binary accelerator switch, enhancing realism without altering the base console's architecture.^[50]^[51] For precision-based aiming and navigation, the Roller Controller offered a standalone trackball peripheral that enabled 360-degree cursor control, ideal for maze and shooter genres. Released alongside the Centipede-inspired Slither, it included two slots to hold standard joysticks for secondary inputs and a mode switch to toggle between trackball operation and joystick emulation, supporting games such as Lady Bug for fluid enemy evasion, Omega Race, Victory, Wargames, and Atarisoft's Centipede port. The device required an external power adapter but integrated seamlessly with the console's existing setup, reducing hand fatigue during extended sessions through its wide, responsive ball surface.^[5]^[52] All of these controllers connected directly to the ColecoVision's standard DE-9 controller ports, ensuring broad compatibility without necessitating expansion modules for basic functionality, though some advanced features in racing titles benefited from optional add-ons.^[47]^[50]^[5] Beyond controllers, ColecoVision owners had access to essential accessories that supported reliable operation and protection. The AC adapter provided multiple DC outputs: +5 V at up to 0.9 A, +12 V at up to 0.3 A, and -5 V at up to 0.1 A, using a linear power supply design; it came in standard North American variants but saw international adaptations for different voltage standards, such as 220V models for European markets, to maintain stable performance and prevent overheating.^[32]^[53] RF switch boxes facilitated easy toggling between the console's RF output and broadcast TV signals on Channel 3 or 4, using simple manual selectors to avoid signal interference. Protective cases, often molded plastic cartridge holders or console dust covers, shielded games and hardware from dust and minor impacts during storage.^[32]^[53]

Unreleased prototypes

During the mid-1980s, Coleco explored several hardware concepts to extend the ColecoVision's lifespan and compatibility amid a rapidly evolving market, but these were ultimately abandoned due to the company's financial struggles following the 1983 video game crash. The crash led to massive industry losses, prompting Coleco to pivot from video games to successful toy lines like Cabbage Patch Kids, which ultimately saved the company temporarily but sidelined gaming hardware development.^[54] A key internal prototype was the Super Game Module (Expansion Module #3), designed to upgrade the ColecoVision's hardware with 30 KB of additional RAM and a novel storage system using "Super Game Wafers"—compact magnetic tape cartridges resembling standard game carts but capable of holding up to 128 KB of data for more advanced titles with extra levels, cutscenes, and persistent high scores. Demonstrated at the 1983 New York Toy Fair with mockups of enhanced arcade ports like Donkey Kong, the module promised arcade-like complexity but was canceled as production costs and market uncertainty mounted post-crash.^[55]^[56] Surviving prototypes and promotional materials, preserved in retro gaming archives, reveal the wafer system's reliance on a built-in tape drive, which proved unreliable in testing.^[57] Coleco also pursued third-party expansions for broader compatibility, including plans for adapters to play cartridges from rival systems. One documented example was an Intellivision adapter, with multiple working prototypes reportedly built to map Intellivision hardware to the ColecoVision's architecture, though none have publicly emerged and the project was dropped amid bankruptcy proceedings in 1988.^[58] Details on these efforts stem from 1980s employee accounts and archival collections in retro gaming communities, underscoring Coleco's innovative but thwarted ambitions.^[59]

Software

Official game library

The official game library for the ColecoVision consisted of approximately 145 licensed cartridges released commercially between 1982 and 1984, with the majority appearing in 1982 and 1983 as the console's primary production window.^[60] These titles were developed and published primarily by Coleco Industries in partnership with third-party developers, focusing on arcade ports that leveraged the system's advanced graphics capabilities for home play.^[38] At launch in August 1982, the library debuted with 12 titles, including the bundled Donkey Kong—a Nintendo-licensed arcade port that served as a key selling point—alongside Venture, Zaxxon, Turbo, and Mouse Trap.^[38] These early releases earned praise for their high fidelity to original arcade experiences, such as Zaxxon's pseudo-3D scrolling and Venture's intricate dungeon navigation, which showcased the ColecoVision's ability to approximate coin-op visuals and gameplay on a home console.^[61] The library featured notable contributions from third-party publishers, including Activision's ports like Pitfall! and River Raid, which adapted their acclaimed adventure and shooter mechanics to the system's hardware.^[62] Imagic provided titles such as Fathom and Dragonfire, emphasizing fluid action and colorful graphics in underwater and fantasy settings.^[63] Coleco's first-party efforts included ports like Venture, a direct adaptation of Exidy's 1981 arcade hit involving treasure collection amid enemy hazards.^[64]) Partnerships were central, with Nintendo granting exclusives like Donkey Kong Jr. and Popeye, while Sega collaborated on early ports including Zaxxon and Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom.^[65] Regional variations appeared in PAL markets, where European releases featured adjusted graphics and timing to accommodate 50 Hz standards, resulting in slower gameplay and vertical letterboxing compared to NTSC versions, though many titles remained compatible across regions.^[66] Initial titles received acclaim for their graphical quality and arcade authenticity, but later 1983–1984 releases often suffered from rushed development amid industry pressures leading to the 1983 crash, leading to inconsistencies in polish and innovation.^[67]

Homebrew and fan developments

The homebrew scene for the ColecoVision emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, driven by a dedicated community of enthusiasts who began developing new software to revive interest in the discontinued console.^[68] Early efforts focused on ports of classic arcade titles and original games, with the first releases appearing around 1996, such as developer Marcel de Kogel's tools and demos, marking the start of a sustained revival without official support from Coleco.^[69] Enthusiast groups, including online forums and communities like the ColecoVision Enthusiasts and ColecoVision & ADAM Fanatics on Facebook, played a key role in coordinating development and sharing resources during this period.^[70] Prominent developers have since produced a wide array of titles, leveraging the console's Z80-based architecture for both faithful remakes and innovative originals. Opcode Games has been active in creating enhanced ports, exemplified by their 2025 release of Pac-Man DX, a deluxe version of the classic arcade game featuring improved graphics and gameplay mechanics compatible with the Super Game Module.^[71]^[72] Team Pixelboy specializes in arcade conversions and original platformers, with ongoing projects like Missile Command announced in their 2024 updates.^[73]^[74] CollectorVision, another leading publisher, released titles such as Fruit Panic in 2024, a puzzle-action game, and continued with Parsec in early 2025, both distributed as physical cartridges with full packaging.^[75]^[76] Developers rely on modern tools to facilitate creation and distribution, including SD card-based multicarts like the Atarimax Ultimate SD Cartridge, which allows users to load custom ROMs directly onto the console via an SD card formatted in FAT or FAT32, bypassing traditional cartridge production for testing and play.^[77]^[78] Recreations of original peripherals, such as the Expansion Module #2 driving controller, enable homebrew games like CollectorVision's Burn Rubber to incorporate steering wheel input for racing simulations.^[79] By 2025, the homebrew library has grown to over 276 titles, encompassing genres like platformers (e.g., Team Pixelboy's Acromage) and remakes of arcade hits, with many supporting enhancements via the Super Game Module for expanded RAM and sprites.^[80] These games are often distributed physically at retro gaming conventions, such as the Portland Retro Gaming Expo (PRGE), where developers showcase cartridges and demos to enthusiasts.^[81] Community events like PRGE sustain the scene through annual releases, hands-on demos, and panels, fostering collaboration among developers and fans despite the absence of official Coleco support since the 1980s, with ongoing activity including new titles post-PRGE 2025.^[82]^[83]^[84] This ongoing activity has resulted in consistent output, with multiple new titles premiering each year and maintaining the console's relevance in retro gaming circles.

Legacy

Cultural and industry impact

The ColecoVision played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of home video game consoles during the early 1980s by delivering high-fidelity arcade ports that closely mirrored the coin-operated originals, such as Donkey Kong and Zaxxon, which showcased superior graphics and gameplay compared to contemporaries like the Atari 2600.^[38]^[85] This technological edge pressured competitors, notably Atari, to accelerate development of advanced systems like the Atari 5200 to counter Coleco's market momentum, intensifying the race for arcade-like experiences at home and spurring broader industry innovation in hardware capabilities.^[21]^[86] Economically, the console's rapid success—fueled by bundling the blockbuster Donkey Kong as a pack-in title—highlighted an effective sales model that boosted initial adoption and demonstrated the value of exclusive content in driving hardware purchases, a strategy that influenced future console launches.^[21] The partnership between Coleco and Nintendo for Donkey Kong marked a landmark in licensing agreements, enabling the arcade hit's faithful home adaptation and propelling ColecoVision to over 500,000 units sold by the end of 1982, while establishing norms for third-party exclusives that shaped publisher-console relations and Nintendo's eventual dominance in the industry.^[21]^[86] By the 1990s, the console had solidified its status as a retro gaming icon among collectors, with cartridges like Donkey Kong commanding values exceeding $100 due to their scarcity and nostalgic appeal, reflecting enduring enthusiast interest in the system's contributions to gaming history. However, the proliferation of multiple console platforms, including ColecoVision, contributed to market oversaturation, exacerbating the 1983 video game crash by flooding retailers with competing products and eroding consumer confidence amid inconsistent quality across the sector.^[9] Culturally, the ColecoVision emerged amid the explosive popularity of video games, which garnered mainstream media attention, including a dedicated cover story in Time magazine on January 18, 1982 that spotlighted the medium's rise and its appeal to a broad audience.^[87] As a product from toy manufacturer Coleco Industries, it bridged traditional playthings and electronic entertainment, inspiring hybrid concepts that blended physical toys with interactive gaming elements and embedding video games deeper into family leisure and holiday traditions during the early 1980s.^[87] The ColecoVision's broader legacy underscored the perils of corporate diversification beyond core competencies; Coleco's ambitious expansion into the home computer market with the flawed ADAM system in 1983 led to significant losses, including $35 million in the fourth quarter of 1983, and ultimately contributed to the company's bankruptcy filing in 1988, serving as a cautionary tale for toy and electronics firms navigating volatile tech landscapes.^[88]^[45]^[27]

Modern revivals and emulations

In the 21st century, emulation software has played a key role in preserving and reviving the ColecoVision experience through accurate simulations. BlueMSX, first released in 2003, provides cycle-precise emulation of the ColecoVision hardware, supporting original ROMs and expansions like the Super Game Module for high-fidelity gameplay on modern PCs. Similarly, MESS (now integrated into MAME since 2015) offers cycle-accurate ColecoVision emulation, enabling detailed reproduction of the system's Z80 processor and TMS9918A graphics chip behaviors since its inclusion in the early 2000s. Hardware recreations using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have emerged in the 2010s to replicate the original console without relying on software emulation. The MiSTer FPGA platform features a dedicated ColecoVision core, developed starting around 2018, which supports original cartridges via SD card loading and achieves near-perfect hardware timing for authentic play, including compatibility with peripherals like the Roller Controller.^[89] Another example is the CollectorVision Phoenix, an open-source FPGA-based console released in 2019, designed to upscale ColecoVision output to HD resolutions while maintaining original hardware fidelity through direct cartridge support and SD card loaders for ROMs.^[90] Official revivals have brought ColecoVision titles to new audiences via licensed products. In 2024, Coleco Holdings launched the ColecoVision Full-Size Arcade Unit, a $2,300 MAME-based cabinet weighing 160 pounds, featuring a 32-inch HD display, authentic birch wood construction, and pre-loaded with 40 original games such as Donkey Kong and Zaxxon, alongside modern additions like USB ports and ROM expansion slots for custom content.^[91] Partnerships with AtGames have produced Flashback-style plug-and-play units since the 2010s, including the 2014 ColecoVision Flashback with 60 built-in games and wireless controllers, followed by 2020s exclusives like the Dollar General edition adding titles such as Pepper II. Community-driven tools have enhanced preservation efforts by 2025, focusing on digitizing the console's library for long-term accessibility. The open-source Sanni Cart Reader, an Arduino-based cartridge dumper released in 2020, supports ColecoVision ROM extraction to SD cards, allowing users to archive games without specialized equipment and contributing to broader retro preservation initiatives.^[92] Projects like the CV ROM Update on AtariAge have compiled and verified dumps of rare titles, with the last update in October 2021, ensuring the full library—including prototypes—remains playable via emulators and modern hardware.^[93] By 2025, the homebrew community continues to expand the ColecoVision library with new releases, such as titles showcased at events like the Portland Retro Gaming Expo.^[94]

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[35]
ColecoVision Expansion Module #2 - Driving Controller & Steering ...
Expansion Module #2 is a driving controller expansion that consists of a steering wheel, gas pedal and the pack-in game Turbo.
[36]
The Video Game Critic's Colecovision System Review
The controllers feature a directional "knob", a keypad, and one button on each side. Unlike the Intellivision controllers, the side buttons are easy to press, ...
[37]
The Evolution of Video Game Controllers: From Coleco Telstar to ...
Mar 19, 2023 · The most common use of this keypad was to select the difficulty of the game that you're playing. But some games came with an overlay that you'd ...
[38]
[PDF] coleco - Game Tech Wiki
The game has two handcontroller ports to input data and an expansion port which outputs the entire CPU bus, CPU control lines and selected inputs to the RF ...
[39]
[PDF] TECHNICAL REFERENCE MANUAL PRELIMINARY RELEASE
May 15, 2019 · The ADAM Family Computer System Technical Reference Manual is a source of technical information for both hardware and software designers. This ...
[40]
ADAM Computer System - ColecoVisionADAM.com
It was built around the Zilog Z80A microprocessor running at 3.58 MHz, with 64K of RAM expandable to 144K. The system included a full-size keyboard with ...
[41]
[PDF] The Coleco Adam
Photo 1: The Coleco Adam includes a tape drive, a printer, 64K bytes of RAM, a keyboard, a Colecovision game system, and two joysticks.
[42]
Coleco Fails To Fend Off Chapter 11 - The New York Times
Jul 13, 1988 · Coleco Industries, the toy company that soared to wealth and renown five years ago as the maker of Cabbage Patch dolls, filed for protection from its creditors.
[43]
Colecovision Expansion Modules and Special Controllers
Aug 3, 2025 · Besides a cartridge slot it has three switches (color, left and right difficulty), and two buttons (select and reset). There are two controller ...
[44]
Super Action Controller - ColecoVision Addict.com
The Super Action Controller Set is a set of two joysticks (each resembling a boxing glove) that came packaged with the game Super Action Baseball.<|separator|>
[45]
ColecoVision Super Action Controllers
The Super Action Controller Set resembled a pair of boxing gloves each with a joystick and numeric keypad on top, and a series of buttons along the grip. The ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
[46]
Super Action Controller Prices Colecovision - PriceCharting
4.9 44 · Free delivery · 14-day returnsSuper Action Controller (Colecovision) Details ; Genre: Controllers ; Release Date: January 1, 1980 ; ESRB Rating: Not Applicable ; Publisher: ColecoVision.
[47]
Steeering Wheel - Expansion Module #2 - ColecoVision Addict.com
Colecovision Wheel Controller Expansion Module #2 is a driving controller (steering wheel / gas pedal) that came packaged with a port of the arcade game Turbo.
[48]
https://www.colecovisionzone.com/super_Action_Controllers.html
[49]
Roller Controller - ColecoVision Addict.com
There's a switch at the back of the unit emulate joystick controls. Thus, you should be able to use this controller with nearly any game.
[50]
ColecoVision Roller Controller.
With this module you can rotate 360° around on your screen. For playing the games you must place your 2 joysticks in the 2 cavity, player one on the left and ...
[51]
RF Video Game Cables & Adapters for ColecoVision for sale - eBay
4.6 3K · Free deliveryGet the best deals on RF Video Game Cables & Adapters for ColecoVision and upgrade your gaming setup with the largest online selection at eBay.com.
[52]
The Strange and Surprising History of the 1983 Video Game Crash
Dec 14, 2021 · A litany of obscene games was released on the doomed Atari consoles: X-Man, Custer's Revenge and Bachelor Party, to name a few. All of them were ...
[53]
ColecoVision Super Game Module - Prototype Wafer System & History
Explore the ColecoVision Super Game Module prototype with magnetic tape wafers. Complete documentation of this unreleased expansion that could have changed ...
[54]
The First ColecoVision SGM. Super Game Module 1983. (never ...
This Super Game Module plugs right into the expansions port on your ColecoVision console and plugs you into a world of finer-than-ever game detail!
[55]
Opcode Games ColecoVision Super Game Module Packaging Design
The Super Game Module is the sixth expansion project developed for the ColecoVision home game system. Originally demoed at the 1983 New York Toy Show.Missing: prototypes NES adapter gun<|control11|><|separator|>
[56]
The Adam computer - Colecovision - FAQ
COLECOVISION AND ADAM SPECS ; Resolution: 256 x 192 ; CPU: Z-80A ; Bits: 8 ; Speed: 3.58 MHz ; Video Speed: 10.7 MHz
[57]
Some history about Coleco customer service and other Coleco history
Aug 27, 2017 · ... unreleased ColecoVision/ADAM programs that are sitting around in former Coleco employees houses. ... A working prototype is not a problem ...Coleco Chameleon .... hardware speculations? - Page 319ColecoVision Games Cancelled Since the Graphics Exceeded 32K ...More results from forums.atariage.com
[58]
ColecoVision (1982 - 1985) - Museum of Obsolete Media
The ColecoVision was Coleco Industries' second generation home video game console, and was released in 1982. It offered near-arcade-quality graphics and ...
[59]
Colecovision launch titles - The Silicon Underground
Oct 24, 2022 · The Coleco Vision launched in July 1982 with a catalog built to sell. Here's a list of Colecovision launch titles and notes about each game.
[60]
List of all ColecoVision games - MobyGames
It was released in August 1982 in North America and in Europe in 1983. The console was discontinued in 1985 when manufacturer Coleco withdrew from the video ...
[61]
Imagic Titles - ColecoVision Addict.com
Games List for Imagic. Total Titles in database: 6. Total ROMs Available: 6. Legend. - More Info - Label Available - ROM File Available - Manual Available
[62]
Venture by Coleco - CBS - ColecoVision Addict.com
Venture is an action game in which you control Winky, the heroic adventurer. Your goal is to collect as many treasures as you can which are scattered ...
[63]
ColecoVision - Sega Retro
The ColecoVision, released in 1982, was a powerful console designed to compete with Atari. It had some Sega game conversions, and was a powerful home console.
[64]
Region Information - ConsoleMods Wiki
Jul 6, 2025 · This means that games played on a PAL or French ColecoVision will run about 20% slower than intended and are letterboxed (vertically compressed) ...
[65]
The Chance of A Crash - Game Developer
ColecoVision designers worked in similar obscurity, feeding more departures to upstart competitors. Unlike Nintendo, Sega, Sony, or Microsoft in later decades, ...
[66]
ColecoVision Mods Wiki - ConsoleMods Wiki
Jul 7, 2025 · Three expansion modules were created for it. Expansion Module #1 allowed playing of Atari 2600 games and controllers (which resulted in a ...
[67]
Homebrew Titles List - ColecoVision Addict.com
Games List - Homebrew Titles. Total Titles in database: 276. Description: These are the homebrew titles produced from 1996 to the present day.
[68]
Colecovision Enthusiasts | Facebook
This a group for anything Colecovision: Memories, stories, games, hardware, home brews and photos.Missing: homebrew origins revival
[69]
ColecoVision.dk presents: Pac-man DX, this version © 2025 by
Oct 29, 2022 · Crazy Otto is only included in the Opcode Games Member Club Edition. The Pac is back in the latest release for the ColecoVision Game System.
[70]
WORLD PREMIERE of Pac-Man DX for ColecoVision from Opcode ...
Oct 8, 2025 · ZeroPage Homebrew: Your BEST source for the NEWEST Atari games! Twitch Livestream: 20251007 00:00 Intro / News 17:09 Pac-Man DX (2025 World ...
[71]
Team Pixelboy News Bulletin - July 31st 2024 - ColecoVision / Adam
Jul 31, 2024 · I think one of the last releases covered in the homebrew series is Parsec from CollectorVision. Some of the latest releases from Côté Gamers are ...Team Pixelboy News Bulletin - December 25th 2023Team Pixelboy News Bulletin - January 1st 2023 - AtariAge ForumsMore results from forums.atariage.comMissing: key developers
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New upcoming ColecoVision Games. -Team Pixelboy.
Upcoming and released Team Pixelboy games ; Quest For The Golden Chalice, CV ; Pete Axe Pete, CV ; Missile Command, CV ...Missing: key developers 2024 2025
[73]
Games - Collectorvision
LIST OF GAMES ; Chess Challenger, ColecoVision compatible, 2020 ; Children of the Night, ColecoVision compatible with SGM capability, 2023 ; Circus, ColecoVision ...
[74]
New Colecovision Homebrew Games (Fruit Panic, Parsec, Legacy ...
Jan 29, 2025 · A package has arrived all the way from Collectorvision in Canada, with four new homebrew games for the Colecovision.Missing: key developers Team Pixelboy releases 2025
[75]
Atarimax Ultimate SD Multicart for Colecovision
The Ultimate SD is the most advanced cartridge ever produced for the Colecovision and includes a 50 MIPS onboard CPU, advanced upgradable hardware logic, 512KB ...
[76]
Colecovision Ultimate SD Cartridge | GBAtemp.net
Mar 3, 2011 · You can load the card with any device that can format it with the FAT or FAT32 filesystem, which should be anything from a recent cell phone on ...
[77]
any homebrew games using Expansion Module 2? (wheel)
Sep 20, 2014 · Collectorvision made a game called burn rubber that uses it. It is also supposed to support using 2 steering wheels but I have never tried it.Just got an Expansion Module #2...so close... - ColecoVision / AdamSuper Game Module 2 - ColecoVision / Adam - AtariAge ForumsMore results from forums.atariage.comMissing: tools SD card adapters recreations
[78]
Homebrew Games List - ConsoleMods Wiki
Jul 6, 2025 · Below is a list of homebrew games, ports, and prototypes for the ColecoVision. Because the ColecoVision shares hardware with several other ...Missing: key Opcode 2024
[79]
Game Demos at the 2025 Portland Retro Gaming Expo
Sep 26, 2025 · PLANS FOR FINAL RELEASE: Up to 4 players using QuadTari; Optional Bus-Stuffing; In-game Tutorial; Power-Ups; Atari 7800 version with enhanced ...demo of new COLECOVISION games from OPCODEColecoVision Dino Eggs CES Demo RELEASED!! - AtariAge ForumsMore results from forums.atariage.com
[80]
ColecoVision Crazy at Corgs Retro Gaming Expo 2024! - YouTube
Jun 1, 2024 · ColecoVision crazy at Corgs Retro Gaming Expo in Columbus, Ohio! There's a ton of second generation console games at this show, ...
[81]
PRGE 2025 Celebrities, Speakers and Special Guests
For 2025 we have an exciting lineup of guests and panels! Information on autograph and picture opportunities will be posted as we get closer to the show.Missing: homebrew | Show results with:homebrew<|control11|><|separator|>
[82]
ColecoVision: The Home Arcade - Entertainment Junkie Blog
Jul 25, 2022 · ColecoVision, developed by Coleco and released in 1982, five years after the Atari 2600, and rivaling Atari's console by copying the graphical capabilities of ...
[83]
How Donkey Kong toppled Atari - The Silicon Underground
Jul 10, 2025 · Atari walked away from licensing the Nintendo Famicom over Coleco publishing a version of Donkey Kong for its Adam computer, which only sold ...Donkey Kong's Immediate... · The Nintendo/atari... · Nintendo And Atari Go Their...
[84]
ColecoVision Changed The Home Video Game Industry In 1982
Jun 22, 2016 · ColecoVision sold well, but eventually suffered from the home video game crash that took full effect in 1983. This happened because ...
[85]
MiSTer-devel/ColecoVision_MiSTer: ColecoVision for MiSTer - GitHub
ColecoVision and Sega SG-1000 for MiSTer. Platform Installation Supported Filetypes Original core https://github.com/wsoltys/mist-cores/tree/master/fpga_ ...Missing: recreations | Show results with:recreations
[86]
The CollectorVision Phoenix Part 2 - The FPGA System Built by ...
Nov 7, 2018 · Let's review the basic hardware specifications of the ColecoVision and similar systems which are based off the TMS9928A Video Display Processor (VDP).
[87]
ColecoVision Announces the Launch of the Full-Size Stand-Up ...
Jul 29, 2024 · Community hub to connect with passionate retro gamers; The ColecoVision Full-Size Stand-Up Arcade Unit is available now at www.colecovision.com.
[88]
sanni/cartreader: A shield for the Arduino Mega that can ... - GitHub
An easy to build and easy to modify cartridge dumper. Its main purpose is to dump a video game's ROM and save file to an SD card without the need of a PC.Missing: preservation | Show results with:preservation
[89]
CollectorVision Experience Club 2025 - AtariAge Forums
Jan 27, 2025 · You can sign up for CollectorVision Experience Club 2025 now! Register before February 28 and save $35 ($200 Regular price)
[90]
42 Years Later, The ColecoVision Is Back As A $2,300 MAME Cabinet
Jul 29, 2024 · The cab is fashioned from birch, and has a powder-coated steel control deck, Industrious Lorenzo and Suzo-Happ components, a 32-inch HD display, trackball, sub ...Missing: Unit | Show results with:Unit
[91]
Roller Controller - ColecoVision Addict.com
Describes the Roller Controller as a trackball accessory packaged with the game Slither, a Centipede clone, confirming its use for trackball-based games.
[92]
ColecoVision Expansion Module 2
Details Expansion Module #2 as a driving controller expansion consisting of a steering wheel, gas pedal, and the pack-in game Turbo.