In 1983, as the Vectrex was trying to establish itself as an innovative console, GCE (General Consumer Electronics) launched a new project : Passport, the official newsletter of the Vectrex Owner’s Club. More than just a promotional pamphlet, Passport aimed to unite a true community of players around the vector display console.
A Familiar Name, a New Format
Passport wasn’t an unfamiliar name to Vectrex fans : GCE had already used it for a previously published game catalog. In 1983, the company decided to revive the name for a real newsletter designed to engage players and foster a sense of belonging.
This nod to the catalog went even further : the newsletter’s cover image was directly taken from the “Intergalactic Missions” page of the catalog.
A Community Publication
Launched in the summer of 1983, Passport presented itself as a real magazine for Vectrex enthusiasts. Unlike the catalog, this newsletter took on a more editorial and friendly tone. It wasn’t just about selling games… It aimed to build a relationship between the brand and its players.
It featured :
- Articles on the most innovative accessories, such as the Light Pen, which allowed users to draw directly on the screen, and the surprising 3D Imager glasses.
- A selection of the top games for the console, complete with tips and tricks.
- A reader mail section, strengthening the community feel.
- A Behind the Screens feature : an exclusive interview with programmer John Hall, the mind behind Minestorm, the built-in game that became a true symbol of the Vectrex.
- The presence of Vecto the mascot, designed to give the Vectrex universe a friendly and recognizable identity.
Vecto, The Passport mascot
Careful Design and an Artistic Touch
The aesthetics of Passport were no afterthought. Alongside the reused image from the catalog, the newsletter featured original illustrations by John Alvin, an artist known for his legendary movie posters (E.T., Blade Runner, etc.).
A Now Ultra-Rare Collector’s Item
Sadly, only one issue of Passport was ever released. The video game crash of 1983 abruptly ended this promising initiative. GCE, facing difficulties, was acquired the following year by Milton Bradley, marking the beginning of Vectrex’s decline.
Today, only a few known copies of this newsletter still exist. A true collector’s item, Passport now sells for between $250 and $350, depending on its condition.
Find the Magazine PDF
You can check out the original issue in PDF format :
The file is sourced from the Internet Archive : https://archive.org/details/vectrex-passport-magazine/mode/2up
