In the early 1980s, Japan was already a fertile ground for innovation in video games, with local companies like Nintendo and Sega beginning to dominate the market. Introducing a foreign console like the Vectrex was therefore a considerable challenge for MB. And it was the company Bandai, mostly known for its toys, that distributed a Japanese version of the Vectrex: the Computer Vision (Kousokusen).
It hit the Japanese market in July 1983. It was exactly the same machine as in the USA, the electrical current in Japan being the same intensity (110 V – 60 Hz), but with a series of stickers specially created by Bandai. Nice markings of green color, with a touch of red, and a logo in Japanese adorning the controller and the top of the screen. The Computer Vision was essentially a Vectrex with a series of games adapted and imported for the Japanese clientele.
Vector Display
However, its high price of 54,800 Yen contrasted with the competition: indeed, the same month of its release, the Nintendo Famicom console was marketed at a price of 14,800 Yen. Of course, the price of the Vectrex was partly justified by its integrated screen with its unique vector display technology, but it also posed challenges in terms of accessibility for the average consumer.
The reception of the Computer Vision in Japan was mixed. While some praised its innovation and the quality of its games, others were deterred by its high price and the fierce competition from much more affordable consoles. This limited its impact on the Japanese market, where players tended to favor more family-friendly and economical options.
Vectrex Kousokusen
Despite limited commercial success, the Vectrex Kousokusen has left an indelible mark in the Japanese retro video game community. It has become a coveted collectible item worldwide, being one of the rarest models and almost impossible to find today. Even in the early 2000s, a new, boxed version of the Computer Vision sold for over $5,000 !
The story of the Vectrex Kousokusen illustrates the importance of cultural and economic adaptation necessary to succeed in international markets in the video game industry. Although the Vectrex, in its Japanese guise, did not achieve the expected sales, it remains a vivid icon in the memories of Japanese players. Its attempt to enter the Japanese market underscores an era when technological boundaries were constantly being pushed, leaving behind a lasting legacy that still inspires enthusiasts and collectors today.
