Among the hidden treasures in the history of the Vectrex, some prototypes occasionally resurface and are always fascinating to discover. One example is the prototype of a small-sized Vectrex, revealed thanks to the testimony of Justin Forsell, whose father worked for over twenty years in the Research & Development department at Milton Bradley. This prototype is a complete machine in its own right, both close to and entirely different from the Vectrex we know.
An Unexpected Family Discovery
It all began with a set of slides found among family belongings. These images, taken in the 1980s in Springfield, Massachusetts, show a unique Vectrex model. Justin’s father, who was involved in design at MB, is believed to have taken part in creating this alternative version. This prototype, likely made during an early development phase, reflects another vision of what the console could have become.
The appearance of the machine is immediately striking. More compact, it appears deeper but with an overall reduced footprint. The photos show a screen of around 5 inches, fitted into a white/grey casing that contrasts with the usual black of the final model. Red accents highlight the design, especially on the buttons and the “Vectrex VideoSystem” name on the front, adding a bold visual touch.
A Reimagined Design
This prototype retains the essence of the Vectrex, with its built-in screen and detachable controller, but proposes a new layout for its elements. The white/grey controller, smaller in size, still features four buttons, but they are square and arranged differently. These aesthetic and ergonomic choices give the whole thing an even more pronounced retro-futuristic look than the final console.
According to estimates, only a few units of this version were produced. A functional example is said to be preserved at the National Videogame Museum in Texas.
Another Forgotten Prototype
This is not the only alternative version of the console. Gary Bergmann, an engineer at Milton Bradley, recalled another prototype, this time designed by his colleague Tom McDonald. He worked on a redesign of the Vectrex casing, with the simple idea of making the console more appealing to the general public. It seems this model was purely a visual rework, with no internal electronic changes. Tom’s design featured white sides and a sleek black front panel that resembled a computer monitor. The “VECTREX VideoSystem” logo appeared prominently on the controller, and the red color, starting from the controller’s cable, highlighted the details with a rather cool contrast.
This casing, promising as it was, never went beyond the model stage and was scrapped just before the Vectrex was commercially discontinued, when MB was preparing to move on. Tom was even ordered to throw it away… which, fortunately for us, he didn’t.
Another Vectrex, Another Story
(Re)discovering these prototypes is a true delight that sparks the imagination of a parallel Vectrex world. A smaller console, more expressive, or simply reimagined to appeal in a different way. We’re grateful for the testimonies and the preservation of these rare pieces, though it’s almost frustrating that these prototypes were never released!
(Note: The information compiled here comes in part from archives on www.vectrexmuseum.com and www.gamesthatwerent.com)
