When we talk about the Vectrex, its distinctive vector graphics are the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know this 1980s console went even further with a series of innovative accessories ? From light pens and 3D headsets to prototypes that never made it to market, the Vectrex was bursting with forward-thinking ideas. Today, we’re showcasing a short list of its most revolutionary accessories.
Light Pen
Before graphic tablets and touchscreens, there was the Light Pen. Released in 1983, this optical stylus allowed users to draw, write, and even play creative mini-games. The pen detected light emitted by the vector graphics. Paired with software like Art Master or Melody Master, you could create digital art or compose music. Imagine drawing directly on a vector display in the 1980s, magical, right?
3D Imager
Yes, the Vectrex had a 3D accessory long before VR or the Nintendo 3DS. The 3D Imager, a headset equipped with a spinning color wheel, alternated colors rapidly for each eye, creating the illusion of depth. Games like 3D Minestorm or 3D Narrow Escape offered an impressively immersive experience for their time.
Carrying Bag
The Carrying Bag was designed to make transporting the bulky Vectrex console easier. This sturdy carrying case could hold the console, its cables, and a few games, providing protection for those retro LAN parties before LAN parties were even a thing. Produced in limited quantities, it’s now a rare collector’s item.
Keyboard
The keyboard was an ambitious project that aimed to transform the Vectrex into a programming machine. Accompanied by a cartridge for coding in BASIC, it could have been used to learn programming and create applications. Unfortunately, the project never advanced beyond the prototype stage, as the console’s commercial failure led to its cancellation.
Revolutionary Accessories
These accessories weren’t just for gaming, they expanded the Vectrex experience into unexplored territories. Each gadget, from the Light Pen to the keyboard, demonstrated how ahead of its time this console truly was.
Vectrex accessories remain coveted treasures to this day. They’re a reminder of an era when innovation felt boundless, and gaming constantly pushed technical boundaries. So, if you ever come across a Light Pen or a 3D Imager at a flea market, don’t hesitate, you’re holding a piece of history in your hands.
