On June 7, 2025, in Ciudad Real (Spain), retro computing enthusiasts gathered for a very special edition of RetroReal, the annual festival dedicated to vintage machines and video games. After a 2024 edition held in a temporary location due to local elections, RetroReal returned to its usual venue, and this year with a particularly exciting theme: the Vectrex.
With no fewer than 13 working Vectrex consoles on display, this was a national first for fans of this rare and fascinating system.
A Unique Console Celebrated in Style
Launched in 1982, the Vectrex stands out from all other consoles of its time (and even today!) thanks to its built-in screen that displays vector graphics. Colored plastic overlays were added to simulate color. The system had a short commercial lifespan, which has made it a highly sought-after collector’s item today.
Bringing together 13 fully functional units was a real logistical feat by the RetroReal organizers. This achievement made it possible to hold the first-ever national gathering of Vectrex users, a major highlight filled with nostalgia, conversations, and discoveries.
People even shared tweets about the event!
As shared by @retroalba on X (Twitter):
“It has been a pleasure to attend @Retrocreal. An event as exciting as it was emotional, full of great moments alongside experts and enthusiasts of the retro world. Unforgettable was the grand powering-on of the Vectrex.
Impeccable organization; you can feel the love and effort behind every detail. 👏”
Classics, New Games, and the Pitrex
The Vectrex area at RetroReal was far more than a static display. Visitors could freely play many classic titles such as Mine Storm, Scramble, and Star Hawk… as well as try out newly developed homebrew games.
One of the weekend’s standout features was the Pitrex cartridge, a device that enables complex programs to run on the Vectrex using a Raspberry Pi. Thanks to this innovation, the consoles were able to showcase impressive demos, along with smooth-running ports of classic vector-based arcade games.
A Family-Friendly and Passionate Atmosphere
RetroReal also offered a LAN party, arcade machines, emulators, pinball games, and a DIY area for repair and modding enthusiasts. But this year, the Vectrex clearly stole the show.
The most memorable moment was undoubtedly the simultaneous power-up of all 13 consoles, a scene as symbolic as it was moving…
A Retro Event Worthy of the Vectrex
With this Vectrex-themed edition, RetroReal 2025 proved that this rare console continues to inspire excitement. The event didn’t just bring together machines; it brought together a community united by passion.
Watch the event recap via this miciudadreal video:
