Is The Vectrex Worth Owning? (Console Overview)

[@onaretrotip]

Join the Vectrex Fans Unite! Facebook group for all things Vectrex. A good place to start if you've bought (or are intending to buy) a Vectrex: facebook.com/groups/vectrex/ Buy Kristof Tuts games here (Vector Pilot and Vector Patrol): kristofsvectrexgames.000webhostapp.com/ Buy Vector Republic games here (Big Blue and Frontier): www.vectorrepublic.co.uk/ Find the UV frames here at Clockwork Robot: www.clockworkrobot.com/shop/#UVFrame And the UV overlays here at Blacklighter (there's a great selection beyond those I showed in the video): www.blacklighter.co.uk/

[@mindfreek454]

Love the Vectrex! I grew up playing Mine Storm and Scramble in the mid-90s. It was my mom's old console that she got just after the crash of 83! We lost it in a house flood in the early 00s and I've missed it ever since. Finally just this month I scored one on eBay in perfect working order! It really is a special console, seems to only get better with age!

[@onaretrotip]

Yes, it's certainly getting better and better as time goes on. Amazing what the homebrew developers are getting out of it.

[@wg8561]

They are definitely worth owning. I have two that I've owned since the 80s. The first one my dad got me for Christmas when it came out. I was blown away. It is by far my favorite console of that generation. The second I picked up for maybe $50 new in box sometime after the video game crash. I dont play them often these days, but I'm never going to part with them. Recently I got a Sean Kelly multi cart and I just ordered Vector Pilot from ebay. Im wanting to get the blacklighter and UV overlays as well as a wrap. I would definitely recommend picking one up to anyone that loves retro gaming.

[@onaretrotip]

Awesome. I'd love a wrap but they aren't easy to obtain.

[@MattyStoked]

Back when I used to hoard all these games and stuff, the Vectrex was the crown jewel. I would put this on in front of ANYONE, gamer or not, and they were always impressed with it. Such a great bit of kit. The CRT tube went and I couldn't find anyone to fix it, so it went to the recycling centre :-( This is the only console that I legitimately agree that emulation can never do the original hardware justice.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, it's the one system that I find mesmerises "non-gamers". Guests often get well into it hahaha.

[@GarryGri]

You know, unless it was physically broken, it probably wasn't the tube. Some 'no picture' issues are actually fairly simple fixes... Just saying :(

[@Twi66e]

Wow. I had no idea those UV overlays where a thing. I’m amazed at how good they make the games look. I always wanted a Vectrex anyway because of the unique graphics but now I want one even more!

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, they just take it to the next level, and it was already cool LOL

[@milkapeismilky5464]

Glad to see this great review. I loved the Vectrex as a kid and it would be great to own one as an adult.

[@onaretrotip]

Definitely a good time to own one, with the very active homebrew scene.

[@Jenovi]

Oh man..... One of my all time favorite systems. Very exciting to see you cover it. I've been meaning to order a full set of those overlays. I need to message the fella and get them in the post. Glad you shined a light on Frontier, I had no idea this released. I think Kristof Tuts is incredible, his are the best games on the system hands down. I even did a video covering them a couple years back. Sweet job on this video. I really enjoyed it.

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks mate. It's a video I've been meaning to make for a while, because (like you) I absolutely love the Vectrex. Frontier is brilliant; I love Sheriff but there's no real way to play it, and I loved Chris' previous game Big Blue. Kristof Tuts is a genius! Glad you enjoyed it, cheers.

[@DoctorVirtual]

The first thing I love about this wonderful machine is it`s name, Vectrex, awesome name. All of these overlays for the screen are fantastic, especially for something released in 1982. I like the look of the controller, looks pretty cool. Thank you very much, Pete, for this video, It helped me take a more in-depth look so to speak at how the Vectrex works.

[@onaretrotip]

Ha, yes, it is an awesome name! Glad you enjoyed it mate, thought it would be good to show the basic functions as well as some of the newer stuff. Hope you're well, Mel.

[@KeplersConjecture]

I never knew the Vectrex had this UV screen and overlay mods, thanks for introducing me to something unique to this system.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, it's a relatively new invention, but really cool! Thanks for watching :)

[@RetroGamesCollector]

Great vid Pete! There is nothing else like the Vectrex, if you like vector games it is your only option other than a huge arcade cab that is next to impossible to keep running. So yeah, you need a Vectrex. My first memory of playing one of these was down our youth club as a teenager.

[@onaretrotip]

Absolutely, such a unique and interesting console. So cool! Cheers, Ant.

[@welcometothenextlevel]

Another top video. Love the Vectrex, managed to pick one up a few years back but have only managed to get a few games so far including Big Blue which is great. Those ultraviolet lights are definitely tempting plus the multi-carts.

[@onaretrotip]

Thank you! Big Blue is brilliant, love the music. The multicarts are a no-brainer for me. Bought one before I picked up my Vectrex so I knew I'd have games ready to play, and it's just worked perfectly for me. The downside was the lack of overlays, but this new UV frame and the overlays solves that problem.

[@mtshark7]

Awesome Vectrex collection Pete! Nice overview of the games and hardware as well 😀

[@onaretrotip]

Thank you, Mark! Such a cool system.

[@seancurtin5131]

Many thanks for sharing this overview of the Vectrex, it's a console i always wanted to get as I love Vector games, in particular Asteroids and Tempest. Surely Missile Command would work just fine as a Vector based game as well. However the main game that grabs me with the console is Cosmic Chasm, which is really unique to the system and keeps me glued to the screen(I've only been able to play it via emulation but would love to play the real deal.) Fascinated there's a new home brew community out there bringing out ports of other classic games and new games to boot. Do you know if there's a software solution and or adapters for standard PC screens, to use the cartridges and overlays with a modern screen? Has anyone thought of doing a new console with an LCD screen to reduce the size of the Vectrex and allow a new generation to get access to this great retro console?

[@onaretrotip]

The homebrew community is just amazing. There is actually a Missile Command port on the Vectrex already, called Patriots.

[@neiseke]

Great overview, always loved the look of the Vectrex graphics!

[@onaretrotip]

Thank you! Me too, so cool.

[@GarryGri]

Yes they are definitely worth owning. They used to be fairly cheep as well. Now though, thanks to the collectors market, they are getting pretty expensive! If mine breaks I probably wont be replacing it.

[@onaretrotip]

Yes, glad I got mine before the prices went a bit crazy. I dread mine breaking 😩

[@JimmyRetro]

Thoroughly enjoyed that Pete. Would love to own one in the future! Those homebrew games are amazing!

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Jimmy! Yes, amazing what they are doing on the Vectrex these days.

[@RetroPhaeax]

Great episode Pete! Nice to see you shed some light and love for this fantastic system. It's one of my personal favorites.

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Stefan. Mine too!

[@GoodwinsPlace]

Hi mate, been researching Vectrex for a while. I'm tempted to keep an eye out for a faulty one to do a bit of a repair on but hardly ever see them available. Good overview of the overlays and games. 👍

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks mate. Def worth grabbing if you can find one.

[@VJEsper]

Thank you. This video has brought back so many found memories . Can’t wait to get a vectrex again

[@onaretrotip]

Glad it stirred up some good memories! :)

[@RetroTech100]

I was playing on vectrexes with the uv lights and overlays. Bloody amazing. Did a little interview with the guy who made the uv overlays. Great bloke.

[@onaretrotip]

Yes, I saw your interview with Laurence. They look so cool!

[@retrogamesrevived1189]

The system looks nice and being all contained in itself it genius. The games look great and I’m very keen to get hold of one. This video has made me want one even more now 👍

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, that's it, Sean. No TV or any fiddly cables to set up, just turn on and go. Def grab one mate, they're awesome!

[@Lucasrainford]

I used to play the display model in Woolworths after school, I loved it, nothing else like it at the time or since? Alas, it was too expensive for my folks, I ended up with Astro Wars lol. It's great to see the system is still alive n kicking with all the homebrew and peripherals. Great vid :)

[@onaretrotip]

Nice. Astro Wars was cool too! Thank you, glad you liked it.

[@interghost]

That was a very cool video Pete. Those UV overlays look very nice too! ITs a really fun new way to revamp the machine. I think the Vectrex is one of those games machines I like having a quick blast on, but I dont think I would fork out the asking price for the system for my collection. A great peice of gaming history and something I never even knew exsited until going to an event, like yourself. Enjoyed that video mate. And enjoyed the home brew stuff too.

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Adam! I was lucky and got mine for £100 before they went mental in price. It is getting very expensive.

[@DadLadsGaming]

Great video Pete. I love my Vectrex, have about 12 games but no overlays 😭 Definitely like the look of the UV overlays 👍🏻

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Marcus. Yeah, I've only ever actually owned one official game as I went for the multicart, but managed to build up the overlays nicely. Have about 14 but would love a full set of the overlays, but tbh I now prefer using the UV ones anyway most of the time.

[@MrBads_Games]

An intriguing system Pete! I've never used one before to be honest. It does look fantastic though. I'm just browsing eBay now..... Excellent video mate 👍

[@onaretrotip]

Hahaha I bet you are. Such a cool system, Paul. They're usually at the events if you wanted to try one. Thank you mate.

[@dohnuts4405]

That is really cool. I have never seen those overlays with the UV light . Around around really cool stuff.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, they make a cool system that much cooler. So awesome.

[@jay_retro_gamer2472]

What a great video 🙂 Would love to own one myself at some point and the home brew games look amazing 👍🏼

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Jay! Yes, some really cool homebrew games recently. Such a cool system overall.

[@mamemeister]

Great video Pete, I love my Vectrex and now I need to buy one if these UV light surrounds.

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Alan! I know you're a huge fan of the console, you'll love the UV frame mate. I'll expect to see a video from you on it ;)

[@mamemeister]

Pete, I've tried to buy one of the 5v frames using my phone from the link in the description but can't see how you go about physically buying it. Am I being thick?

[@davidretrogamesplayedbadly3533]

Love my vectrex, I really fancy one of those UV overlay kits but I'm waiting for the events to start back up so I can see one in the flesh.

[@onaretrotip]

They're superb, David. Chris (from Vector Republic) usually has them on show at events like Revival.

[@80sHeavyMetalNerd]

ive owned a vectrex i think about six years now.bought it 180 euros from ebay inc postage.yep,these were different times as it seems... bought the same multi cart that you showed ,but my most favorite game is NELS ,a homebrew from 2015.this is the best by far for me!

[@onaretrotip]

I was lucky and got mine on Shpock (a local app like Craigslist) for £100 about 4 years ago. Never played NELS, I'll have to look that one up. Thanks!

[@RETRORECLAIMER]

Very interesting Pete. I've always been attracted to the Vectrex, first I saw of it was at Play Blackpool 2014 and I just really like the visuals or the vectrographics I think you called it. Probably a bit to expensive for me to be honest, but maybe one day I'll find it in the wild haha. Great video, good to know a little bit more about the system 👍

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, you never know. I got mine in decent condition for £100, I think it was on Shpock or something. Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@nopentireiii2147]

I snagged this at a game convention for less than 300 a couple years Ago. I'm so glad I did, because it's twice that now.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, they've gone crazy! Thankfully I snagged mine for £100 a few years back.

[@iamjedi06]

...i got one for $180 years ago

[@Sinisteve]

Top overview Pete, Vectrex is a must own system imo, more so than a spectrum or N64

[@onaretrotip]

Thank you, Steve. Oh, absolutely mate.

[@FlashbackTNT]

The homebrew and modding scene is amazing for this unit. It's like it is having a second wind and is more popular this time around because of this. Guess what? I've never ever played one.. 😂 so that's a Saturn, Dreamcast and now a Vetrex you have made me want to buy lol! Great overview, Pete. Enjoyed it.

[@onaretrotip]

It really is. It's certainly had a new lease of life in the past decade. Hahaha I'm gonna ruin your wallet. Cheers, James.

[@tonyjoe90ah]

I was and still am an atari kid of back in the day but after seeing this will invest in a vectrex 3000...wanted one now a lot older will do.

[@onaretrotip]

There's just something so unique about the Vectrex, it draws you in.

[@SEGAZombie]

A great insight into the Vectrex system and games mate and the home brew scene on the system is rife with those uv overlays some quality games have been released over the last few years

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Scott! Yeah, it's definitely seen new life lately with the homebrews and the UV frame.

[@Pupppeteer]

"technically it's portable" he said with a straight face haha. This systems looks so cool though.

[@onaretrotip]

LOL Yes, looks really cool, especially with the UV frame.

[@Daz5Daz]

Thankfully I still have my original Vectrex from Christmas '84. I also have the full set of UK released games - all apart from 2 picked up from bargain bins in the mid 80s. Fabulous console and really the one where the hardware makes all the difference. Emulation just does nothing to replicate the Vectrex experience!

[@onaretrotip]

Yes, it's the one console where emulation really does nothing to replicate the experience.

[@willsxx1]

Worth owing if your a true fan of vector style games, I have owned 2 of them, left one behind while stationed in Germany, bought my 2nd one a while back for $25, I do play it occasionally and enjoy the change from regular raster style graphic games.

[@onaretrotip]

Defo!

[@Emperix]

I would love to own a Vectrex, but with prices nowadays, I realise that I'm probably not going to get one any time soon. I did play one at PLAY London. I believe it was Clean Sweep. Was a good crack, to be fair.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, prices have soared in recent years, Jojo. Shame really.

[@Wyrdwad]

I actually owned a Vectrex as a kid, and as horrifying as this may be to hear nowadays (to me as well!)... I'm pretty sure I just threw out all the overlays. I always thought they made the games look really cheap, since it was just translucent plastic and the colors didn't change based on the situation -- I MUCH preferred just playing every one of the games I had in black and white. So it's really interesting to hear you reiterate so many times how important and necessary the overlays are. I'm watching your video and thinking to myself, man, that game would look SO MUCH BETTER without the overlay, and then a moment later, you remark, "As you can see, the overlay is essential." ;) To each their own, I suppose! For me, though, if I were to collect Vectrex nowadays, I'd go for the cart-only approach, most likely -- or just buy the multi-cart and call it a day. No overlays necessary.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, that's really interesting. I do see the appeal of the plain black & white vector graphics. The UV overlays are something else though!

[@Wyrdwad]

@@onaretrotip Those are, admittedly, pretty rad! They add a definite something to the experience, to be sure.

[@SpeccyHorace]

I would love on these, they look brilliant.

[@onaretrotip]

Definitely a great little console to own, Richard.

[@robotwars666]

damnn the vectrex realy looks ahead of its time it even predates the nes they did a realy awesome job with those overlays

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, it was a big deal in 1982 I'd imagine. The overlays and UV frame are so cool and really take it to the next level.

[@robotwars666]

@@onaretrotip yeah definlty i knew the vectrex was a thing but never knew how it worked always fun to learn a little bit more about retro gaming the vectrex looks awesome

[@wg8561]

I wish more of these guys would sell there stuff on ebay or have an actual shopping cart on there websites linked to paypal. I tend do more shopping when it is easy as putting in your cart and clicking pay. When I have to go back and forth waiting on email, I tend to get side tracked and forget all about it. I literally tried to order the blacklighter and overlays around three weeks ago, but like I said it's more complicated than that.

[@onaretrotip]

Yes, I agree, sometimes it's very difficult to contact these guys and place an order.

[@Adamchevy]

I’ve owned 3 Vectrex’s over the years. They are amazing systems for sure, if you can afford them. The price is the real problem. If you have a strong love for Vector arcade games/graphics, and a ton of spare cash then they are great. I wouldn’t recommend this being your one and only console.

[@onaretrotip]

No, definitely an addition to a console collection rather than your only system. Prices have shot up in recent years; happy I got mine for a good price.

[@steve36207]

I'm 99% sure my uncle had one back in the day. Positive I can reminder playing on it. What was the tune in the intro pete? I'm whistling the m.a.s.k intro now lol. The games you phoned looked awesome and I really want to play time pilot now after work 😃👍quality vid as always buddy

[@onaretrotip]

Thanks, Steve. Some cracking games on the Vectrex, and Vector Pilot is definitely a highlight. The intro track was from Mega Man on the NES mate.

[@Charlottesville798]

Although here in UK... ive had to resort to making my own cartridges and programming the chips / UV wiping.... But I have a few multicarts & I make overlays ...All good

[@onaretrotip]

Good way to do it 👍

[@VVc0w]

Nice, I've never had any interest in these but I like the vector graphics. I saw one the time I was at Play Blackpool, pretty sure it was playing Mine Storm which makes sense, don't remember seeing any overlays

[@onaretrotip]

Yes, I think they normally don't put them on at those events due to them being nicked. The Minestorm overlay is especially sought after.

[@mactheknifeuk]

I had one of these new in 1982, very expensive in its day. i was 8 and it was a present for my birthday, games were £30 each back then! The built in game was by far the best. mid 80's they were stopped and games were 50 pence each in clearence sale. i loved it and made the huge mistake of selling it with 2 controllers and 10 games, mint all in boxes for £25 :-( in the early 90's. think about it daily of what a dick wad i was selling it

[@onaretrotip]

Gah! We all have regrets like that, sadly.

[@Charlottesville798]

I love my Veccy...... Even risking death when discharging the CRT to do mods is a joy.....🤣🤣

[@onaretrotip]

LOL

[@lallen1982]

Never had much dealings with this system, however it does look cool 😎

[@onaretrotip]

Certainly does, Lee!

[@hobiekanobie4982]

hey guys, anyone know where i could possibly purchase the outer cases for this monitor? i have mine since 1983, still going strong, but unfortunately, a ladder fell on it and broke the back half of the case. Devo'd .....it still goes, but it's gonna look tacky with broken bits....

[@onaretrotip]

Your best bet would be to buy a broken Vectrex and just Frankenstein the case. Or maybe you could get one 3D printed?

[@_The_Worst_]

This thang is totally radical...🤪🤘🏼 I soooooo gotta get one of these...👌🏼💯✔

[@onaretrotip]

Definitely worth getting one. So cool!

[@akalyx]

good god there's one new in box on ebay for 1k$ ... i want a vectrex so bad... ( i love vector graphics) thank you for the close-up look, all i have are all the titles on retroarch.

[@onaretrotip]

That's just silly money, but they do pop up cheaper now and then. Thankfully I only paid £100 for mine (roughly $130).

[@fantasycreek1]

Awesome vid

[@onaretrotip]

Thank you!

[@McOuchies]

I saw one of these in the glass display at our mall's game store last time I was there. If the price is right I might buy it. EDIT: Someone else beat me to it, but maybe sometime down the road.

[@onaretrotip]

100% recommend.

[@Kain5th]

is there anyone you know you makes and sells custom cases for these games?

[@onaretrotip]

Hmm, there may be some people on the Vectrex Fans Unite page on Facebook. Maybe worth asking there.

[@burningsoul1365]

got one of these years ago from carboot for £18 with loads of boxed games and covers as new played it for a few years then sold it for £260 the man couldnt get his money out quick enough.

[@onaretrotip]

Hahaha brilliant.

[@Mightyguybrush2]

Why you do not have more subs baffles me.

[@onaretrotip]

Ah, thank you so much, really kind.

[@Mightyguybrush2]

@@onaretrotip credit where credit is due. I always enjoy your content which can't be said for alot of the other KZbinrs.

[@onaretrotip]

@@Mightyguybrush2 Thank you!!!

[@gingerhippygaming7962]

Scramble is still my goto game

[@wg8561]

Scramble was the best! My older sister and I loved that one. We spent many hours till we could finally beat it.

[@onaretrotip]

Great game!

[@relicgamer2137]

Nice video. I just got the 12v frame. Can you reduce it down to 5v with a regulator?

[@onaretrotip]

Apparently you can, yes. I've seen people add dimmers.

[@Harp00nX]

No interest in owning one of these but this was an interesting video. The games are just a bit too primitive to appeal to me but I can imagine in 1982 this was quite radical stuff.

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, must have been. Sometimes primitive is still great fun, and this is a good example of that. Still love playing my BBC Micro but that's pretty basic.

[@DocVolteer]

I remenber The Vectrex on a AVGN episode (Star Trek Episode) looking Now It Look like a 80's Portable Arcade Machine I cant belive their Still people Created game for this System and What I see Holy crap their really Push the limited of the Vectrex

[@onaretrotip]

Yeah, it is pretty much a portable arcade machine, especially with the Vecfever (which sadly I don't own). People are certainly pushing its limits, and it's seen a new lease of life lately with these new games and the UV overlays.

[@amerigocosta7452]

The Vectrex looks like the foundation of a future that never was, one of the most retro-futuristic things ever, especially with the new overlays. It's the only machine of that generation that I'm interested in. And sadly I don't own one. Is it affected by the 50Hz PAL thing? I'd say no because the monitor is far from a standard TV.

[@amerigocosta7452]

@tignesboy good to know!

[@onaretrotip]

Haha that is the perfect description of the Vectrex.

[@digerman3]

first i heard of a vectrex sort of when i did find it on a city dump electronic dumping place did now what it was lockt intresting so did take it home put it in the basement som months later locking up what it is hmmm a vectrex was only the base unit no contoll to it so by 2 controller to it som game for birtdaymoney if i have it why not have a way to play it i think it was 1997 i did find it burn mark at the logo not orginal power cord i think a lamp power cord have a on and of button on it still it works fine

[@onaretrotip]

Nice find!

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

Absolutely

[@onaretrotip]

Indeed!

[@thevectorcave3616]

Vectrex 😊😊

[@onaretrotip]

😎👍

[@custardo]

A resounding "absolutely"!

[@onaretrotip]

Indeed, Erwin! 😃

[@NickEh30VSFanFNFMod]

I never had one

[@onaretrotip]

Never too late!

[@gingerhippygaming7962]

Yes it is worth owning

[@onaretrotip]

Indeed.

[@ScottsGameAsylum]

You know the best game to play while in lockdown? Breakout.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA(help me)HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[@onaretrotip]

Booooooo!

[@NickEh30VSFanFNFMod]

I boo

[@seancurtin5131]

Talk about answering my own question, thought I'd better share this with fellow Vectrex fans: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKjUdKpjqriNgJI So now there's no more excuses if you can't afford an original.

[@onaretrotip]

LOL

[@Marcus51090]

1980? Lol no way are you 40 don’t believe it I thought you were like 30 I had something like this in 1994.... it was like a plastic car dash bored with a car game on it steering wheel and gear stick can’t remember what it was called

[@onaretrotip]

Ha yes, I'm 40 in December this year. Yes, I had one of those car games too, I think there were a few. Possibly it was Tomy?

[@Marcus51090]

onaretrotip that’s it!!!

[@combatdigiq]

scramble is not similar to defender...

[@onaretrotip]

Yes it is LOL

[@jujuverpres3944]

This machine is a myth

[@onaretrotip]

As in not real? LOL

[@newtronix]

Not a fan of the overlays.

[@onaretrotip]

Whaaaaat? You prefer playing it with just the black and white screen?

[@newtronix]

@@onaretrotip yes classic cold white lines!

[@maniaque37]

one of the worst systems i ever had and i had many. overlays were total crap and the graphics were awful. once the screen is defective , u cant do anything with it. i had one when i was a kid and almost never played with it. today it would be a pain to find games with the overlay included i guess. it makes the games almost unusable for some of them.

[@onaretrotip]

Nah, overlays are easy to come by as there are people who make them, and also the newer UV overlays are great with most games.