The Idiotic Truth Behind The Lost KONIX MULTI SYSTEM - Console Gaming History Documentary

[@SmoMo_]

I had the chance to play on this at a computer show in London, I think it may have been a PCW show at Earl’s Court. I sat in the chair and played a motorbike game, the chair was moving as I played. Then I turned around and saw someone from Konix was actually controlling the chair directly with a joystick! They had one of their Konix speedking joysticks plugged into the chair and were watching what I was doing in the game and just trying to match it manually!

[@novelezra]

The very fact we have an emulator for a system that never got released is just incredible. Nintendo are being blasted for struggling to show that they can pay respect to their history by providing accurate emulation of their previous works. Yet, here we have people doing better for a system that never left the factory. Astonishing.

[@InsanityPrevails]

It's seriously incredible how you manage to make so many videos, so quickly, on topics that I had never even heard about before. You're amazing!

[@LinchpiN777]

Years of research from a real hobby I bet. : )

[@greenkoopa]

*BACK CATALOG CONFIRMED*

[@TheCunningStunt]

Pretty easy these days, just go find videos others have made, remove the parts that contain the person who made them then edit yourself in between. It's becoming super common on youtube.

[@chuckcobb2392]

She has others that do the work & all she does is insert herself. Same as newscasters do.

[@LinchpiN777]

@@chuckcobb2392 Any proof of that?, or are you just being an incel. Her husband's channel has been around for many years too. Pretty sure they put in the work themselves.

[@Sevenigma777]

Seriously Lady Decade in just a few months of me being a sub has actually shown me more things I've never seen then other channels I've followed for years. Great vid as always m'lady

[@matthewbarrios1028]

Agreed! A few things I knew or had seen before in my past. But she has shocked me with a bunch of these videos. I've learned more in just a couple months of watching her videos. It's actually awesome. I like the format of the videos too!

[@Hologhoul]

Interesting vid, good work! You showed Mutant Camels 89 while referring to arcade games but later you put the game in context. It will be playabe with the forthcoming Jeff Minter doc/games thing by Digital Eclipse. Tempest was converted by Jeff, not designed, that was Dave Theurer. Curious and a pity how this all ended, one shouldn't take the piss too much though, many talented people must have worked hard and been really gutted.

[@AcornElectron]

Keep up the good work lass and stay safe. No one is making this stuff with this level of detail. It’s a ringing endorsement of your research and scripting.

[@jamesburchill7522]

Being a spry, 43 years of age, I've seen most of all this before...well. Before there was a KZbin. Damn ICQ threads...however. I really enjoy seeing different takes and presentation of familiar subjects. Great Vid..Cheers. *Also..the Welsh got a bad rap. During that time, the penalty for stealing sheep was losing a hand, where as the penalty for screwing them was far less. So. When caught red-handed and taken to trial, the common defense was that they were engaging in carnal relations with the fluffy critters.*

[@eadweard.]

For real? That's so interesting.

[@barry-allenthe-flash8396]

Have you done the Hasbro "VR Toaster" (a.k.a. The Hasbro Rush?) yet? I love these mini docs about cancelled consoles, especially when there's a lot of media to show off, and I gotta say Hasbro's '90s VR system is one of my favorites but I didn't even know about it until stumbling upon some good stuff over at Unseen64 a few months ago. The mad lads over at Hasbro were all set to go with a '90s VR headset and a 64-bit console by all accounts; they had a launch lineup of games, publishers and devs onboard, there were even promotional materials like ads ready (with the slogan, "GET THE RUSH" which is both obvious and super '90s. I kinda love it)... ah, its so interesting. I think the Rush should be worthy of getting the Lady Decade treatment in a future video

[@AndyBonesSynthPro]

Lol I remember seeing the EGM articles touting the perpetually "upcoming" Konix console/ furniture. Even at age 10 it looked wildly impractical, poorly supported, and way too weird & ambitious to actually reach production

[@salva_75]

I remember reading about the Konix back in the old days of C+VG, The Games Machine and ACE, I was so looking forward to it then suddenly all the news dried up. Great video as always, Lady Decade.

[@MadsterV]

I had a PC wheel with this design.... I think the brand was Konix, too. I've had little to no luck finding images of it online and back then it wasn't so easy to take pictures so I don't have any. It had a gameport connector and that is the reason I sold it for next to nothing. Also it was tiny, but to think I could have modded it for USB nowadays.... It had a couple of buttons at the side of the wheel that would let the top of the wheel loose, so it looked like a yoke.... and then you could turn the sides around backwards so it became bike handlebars. Genius. Played Moto Racer with it. It didn't center right, like all wheels of that era.

[@customsongmaker]

Yes that was the controller released by itself and called the Multisystem

[@gdclemo]

You forgot the other Welsh home computer, the Sam Coupé. Made in Swansea and also not a success but a nice little 8-bit machine all the same.

[@boboscar99]

you do awesome vids of old school entertainment, thank you for that and I love your accent too. Please keep making these as it brings back great memories and lets me see how things were happening on your side of the ocean :)

[@torres61179]

I’ve just discovered your channel. Think you are brilliant. Learning a lot of new things. Keep up the great work

[@PNNYWZEPRODUCTIONS]

I love your content and I love watching your channel grow! Onward to 100k my lady!

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

I stumble back into gaming…I stumble on Lady Decade’s channel…win all around. So much entertainment in seeing this odd stuff that passed me by.

[@jeremybowers3181]

Such a crazy concept(yet novel) the 80's were indeed a strange time for gaming peripherals. 👊💥✌️

[@mikesilva3868]

Agreed 😊

[@XR1000]

Another brilliant history lesson in our wonderful world of consoles. I was 10 years old and was so excited for this console. I was heartbroken and had to live with playing the worst version of outrun ever on my my Amstead cpc:( lol. Keep up the great work.

[@anasevi9456]

another lovely little mini-doco, thanks again! love to you and tophat!

[@electronash]

The Konix did originally use a Z80, but it was replaced with an 8086. I believe the 8086 version is what Jeff Minter's "Attack Of The Mutant Camels" was ported to. Good vid, btw. ;)

[@Banderpop]

I remember it being 80286-based. Certainly it can be seen in the magazine clipings that it was 16-bit though, so definitely not a Z80 by the time it was getting press coverage.

[@carywise6291]

I have a question did the konix multisystem have a built in z buffer?

[@electronash]

@@carywise6291 I don't think it did. I think it was just a simple framebuffer (probably double-buffered). So it would draw with brute-force, maybe some DMA involved. I don't know if it had hardware sprites or not.

[@electronash]

OK, I was mistaken. lol I just had a quick look at the Technical Reference Manual for the "Slipstream" custom chipset. I did read it a long time ago, and forgot it had quite a lot of extra goodies, like a DSP etc. So yeah, probably not a hardware z-buffer as such, but more a line-based rendering thing. The Konix chipset was known as the Flare One. The Jaguar was kind of based on the Flare Two tech, so they share some similarities in the way they render lines and "sprites".

[@electronash]

The Konix had the DSP, palette, and Blitter. Which could technically render sprites line-by-line, but I don't think it had a hardware Z-buffer. If you wanted to do any 3D rendering on it, it would probably have to do the Z-sorting in software, and use the Painter's Algorithm, like the PS1 did. But I played on the very few games on the Konix emulator before, and it didn't seem too powerful, tbh. lol Maybe those games weren't really taking full advantage of the chipset, but I don't think it would have been that great for 3D.

[@dtester]

I remember reading about this in the early issues of EGM way back! It sounded like a power house on paper at the time ^_^

[@jeff97ish]

Very interesting! Always a good time with a Lady Decade video!

[@aztecwhistle9122]

It might have failed, but that was one of your best thumbnails ever. Apologies to Top Hat Gaming Man

[@MAGA_Patriot2024]

Thank you for another amazing video! What a shame this never got off the ground....it was clearly before it's time.

[@ROBLOGNICK]

Another interesting video and a cracking accent! Never heard of this system before, it’s wild!

[@Banderpop]

I saw this at a computer show in London, running a motorcycle game. I didn't get to play it though, the stand was far too busy. The most interesting aspect of the hardware to me was that chair. If Konix had just ditched the console and instead made their peripherals like the chair and convertible wheel work with other systems, they perhaps could have done well. But, as a piece of engineering I don't think the chair ever got close to being ready for the mass consumer market. Over 30 years later and nobody else has managed it either. Although people throw stupid amounts of money at 'gamer' chairs that are just ordinary office chairs with stripes on...

[@levijohnson6404]

I didn't know half of this stuff existed. I'm glad i came across your channel. It's very interesting.

[@brianoconnell6459]

I can just imagine that Konix set up in the living room, and every owner smashing their toes on the stand.

[@Ubersnuber]

Almost every video I learn some new stuff from this channel. And I eat games news for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And I like the John Cleese no-you-fucking-didnt gif.

[@Lake_be]

Easily my new favorite gaming channel!

[@XR1000]

This channel is an absolute gem.

[@juksie]

thank you for the consistent and quality videos

[@dodgydruid]

I cut my teeth on programming and building prototypes for JPM and Bellfruit in my first ever job which was a YOP Computer and Electronic Engineering course at a college in Redhill. I met one or two of Team Flares er Flare although they did wear flares, that was at one of the Westminster Computer fairs, I also pissed off a Mr B Gates who was showcasing one of the MS-DOS's at one of them fairs hehe I did love ol' Llamasoft's crazy camel games, I had Attack of the mutant camels on my Atari 400 it being one of the rare 400/800 tape games and it was super chaotic :D

[@CannonKnight]

LOL. You nailed that Ric Flair "wooo".

[@juicek566]

Just recently discovered your channel and I absolutely love the content. Is there any chance you would do a showcase of your collection? It looks like you have a nice collection and I’m sure a lot of us would love to hear about it! Anyways keep up the amazing work!

[@suntannedduck2388]

Always wanted to hear more about this system. Most KZbinrs that do even talk about it only briefly bring it up and move on but glad can rely on the in-depth research and finally hear more about it from Lady Decade. :)

[@rwentfordable]

NostalgiaNerd has a long video on it.

[@remka2000]

My first joystick (Amstrad CPC) was a Konix speedking. I loved it for several years (I also didn't know better) until I discovered the NES pad...

[@TheCgfgrg]

I loved this video and did not even know about this! Thank you so much Lady Decade!!!!!

[@deepakmorar7747]

I do like watching your channel, it's fun and lots of facts that didn't now about. Carry on good work.

[@mrmojorisin2901]

I remember wanting this console so bad back in the day and I was gutted it never got a release

[@disband_thebbc5933]

The Flare System One was a good idea, The Konix multi system controller was a good idea. Combining the two with an office chair was frankly a tad ridiculous for an initial public release.

[@colinewan2320]

Sterling Work as always Lady Decade. Bravo!!

[@rievaulxlucienne1176]

Lady Decade, do you know, is this Konix at all related to the Konix which makes digital musical instruments today? I was recently pondering a Konix DC02. It is sort of an electric recorder.

[@yandman26]

Another cool video, but rumble and force feedback are not the same thing. I remember seeing this in a magazine and instantly being sent into a spin. The thoughts of an arcade experience at home.

[@AlvaroTalavera]

Love your videos!! such quality content!

[@headbangersworld]

265 Colors... I don't think so :D That's probably 256 Colors :D But a great documentation about this unknown system. Thanks :)

[@leonkent1365]

I remember an article on this console in C+VG, great vid

[@Run187]

My family had the dragon 32 was our first PC. Loved going to the library to get carts for it with my late mother. Don't think we got one till like 88 after it got discontinued though, as we bought ours from a second hand store ( we had limited funds due to personal reasons ) ..

[@joesshows6793]

I love these videos as I lived through the video game magazine golden years and always wondered about these systems. We need to hunt down the people behind these failures for the ‘truth’.

[@carldiamond4234]

Once again Lady Decade makes me question whether or not I can call myself a gamer. Another great video. 👍

[@Riz2336]

I don't think that would fly even now a days

[@nathanmerritt1581]

Too much ambition can be a detriment.

[@defmike5580]

I like the music back round choices you played on your videos.

[@mikethetowns]

Old school UK rich tech people had the coolest names.

[@AcornElectron]

Indeed we did

[@baroncalamityplus]

The 1980s were the wild west of game console development.

[@Stu2be2]

Thank you for yet another great video lady decade

[@marcraygun6290]

Am I right in saying cheetah were Welsh too , making control periphals as well as synthesisers etc

[@zmbdog]

Wasn't _Attack of the Mutant Camels_ released on Jaguar?

[@j.goggels9115]

KONIX are still in business. I've got Konix controllers on my Dreamcast Mini.

[@cdoty]

I have one of the Konix Multiblaster joysticks, and wondered what it was. This video solved that question. Thank you.

[@darrancoyle8394]

I never even heard of this thing! Thanks for bringing this to my attention, my lady of decades!🕹️

[@tonyspike4492]

Awesome ric flair reference wooooooo

[@redkoopa1878]

Lady Decade: greetings from California I love all your videos. Keep up the amazing 🤩 work 🙏🏼

[@roymerkel8008]

just finished section about weird console add-on attractions and can say this, before I get to the rest of the issues: all those add-ons were BOUND to make that console unaffordable in the late 80s, so even IF all the things I suspect are comming don't come, this thing would have been dead on arrival, I suspect...

[@JeromeDoyle]

the dragon 64 might just be the greatest console name ever. well done wales.

[@ukkev7290]

Wyn Holloway went to George Lucas' ranch to discuss Lucas having the manufacturing and distribution rights in the US. To his surprise, Sony were also there to discuss Sony manufacturing and distributing the console in Japan. Neither Lucas nor Sony would offer money upfront for the manufacturing and distribution rights. Hence no deal occurred. I reckon that if Lucas and Sony got the distribution rights, they both wouldn't have released the console. And because they had the distribution rights, no one else could have released the console in those countries. Sony were already invested in the SNES CD add-on and probably wanted to stop this possible competition.

[@JaredConnell]

Ya but what would've happened when Nintendo blew off Sony for Philips? They might have just wanted to jump on the konix instead of developing the PlayStation if they already had a deal put together and the konix multi system was already in development. Hmm, what could have been?

[@ukkev7290]

@@JaredConnell The Konix was dead by 1990. Sony later was on board to be a 3DO partner until the last minute. They pulled out when it was time to put pen to paper.

[@lancelnce]

It's the first time I've heard of this thing lol Nice video Lady Decade.

[@nsignific]

I feel convinced Top Hat Gaming Man is writing these videos.

[@greenkoopa]

🤣🤣🤣 you put Sally on the credits!

[@simonbutterfield4860]

Ah Chuck Rock, loved that game on Mega CD abd a good tune to close out with.

[@tonyspike4492]

Would love to see a vid on acclaim or the action gamesmaster console

[@csolisr]

Konix is basically the Homermobile of video games, promising everything and the kitchen sink and failing spectacularly because of it

[@elnico135]

5:42 ❤️

[@VB-3]

I remember when this console was getting press in print mags like EGM. Seemed like a stupid idea even back then. All that proposed hardware with zero software.

[@mrburns366]

I don't know why, but seeing someone "across the pond" know who Rick Flair is gave me the biggest smile. 😁 I didn't know the British watched our absolutely ridiculous American "wrestling."

[@LadyDecade]

American wrestling in this country is more than ten times as popular here as the NBA, NHL and NFL combined!

[@AcornElectron]

The determining factor was investment.

[@zmbdog]

Do one on the RCI Halcyon.

[@geoffreyshepler4954]

1:59 I had that joystick! Or at least a 🇺🇸of one. I remember it be really smooth.

[@danpae288]

Always something new to view and know. . .

[@retror.d.1630]

Wow I would like to get my hand on one of those to make a home driving arcade lol

[@paul2062]

you remind me of the days of bad influence, infact your show is so similar. id love it if you had your own studio where you and a few other youtubers hosted a show just like they used to do... if watch that all the time!

[@neophytealpha]

Plenty of that is ambitious and easier to pull off now than then. Plenty of good ideas

[@scottthemediahoarder]

The Flair WOOOOOO? gave me a chuckle.

[@milkapeismilky5464]

Hey sunshine, at least the Welsh can tackle that thorny "th" sound....

[@DailyCorvid]

OMG never heard of it! Nice work LD, another interesting little system I have never heard of. Top quality, not Top Hat ;) Top Trousers maybe lol. EDIT : The Dragon 32! You know, I would love to see some content on that computer, oh wow that's such a niche one nobody gives her any love. But she's deserving of some to be sure!

[@AcornElectron]

This comment makes me sad and happy at the same time x

[@DailyCorvid]

@@AcornElectron sorry Konix, I would definitely have bought one had I ever seen one. Neat little thing.

[@AcornElectron]

@@DailyCorvid aw, I was only messing with you, it just wasn’t destined to be. Everything to everyone was 30 years too early.

[@DailyCorvid]

@@AcornElectron Oddly enough, I just saw these things as cheap toys in my youth - I started collecting them about a year ago when I was 38. Now though I think most of them have real entertainment value, as well as kitsch / collectible value. If only we'd known right? I must have owned almost everything but the box went straight into the bin, quickly followed by the "least favourite" controller and games lol.

[@AcornElectron]

@@DailyCorvid that is odd since that dragon was out when you were a baby and I’m guessing you were about 6 when the Multisytem was in development? Good memory though. Tiny edit, most kids saw toys as toys when they were kids ….

[@newtongeorgeburrell252]

Gotta love a clickbait thumbnail. You got me!

[@britneyspearsvillarosa]

The Dualshock was a little before the Rumble Pak

[@rayceeya8659]

I didn't know the Peleton was invented in Wales.

[@eddiegesch8645]

Lady decade should still have the intro she did a couple years ago.

[@IsaacKuo]

I wonder if they could have done better by using MSX2 or MSX2+ off the shelf for the computing hardware. Z80 based, but with graphics capabilities on par with Amiga.

[@customsongmaker]

Could the PlayStation have done that?

[@IsaacKuo]

@@customsongmaker No, by the time the Playstation came out, MSX2+ hardware would not have been competitive.

[@customsongmaker]

@@IsaacKuo and the Konix Multisystem would have been competing against the playstation 4 years later, so there's your answer

[@IsaacKuo]

@@customsongmaker Uh ... 4 years is a very long time? And anyway, it would have been more like six years because the MSX2 was already available in 1985. They could have wasted no time on the computing hardware development or production and stuck with just what they already knew - making the controller peripheral.

[@customsongmaker]

@@IsaacKuo Yes 4 years is a long time in computers, and the Z80 was already 15 years old. Imagine trying to sell a game console as the next big thing in 1990 when its CPU was about the same as a GameBoy.

[@trzarector]

I remember salivating over this proposed machine and followed it closely as a kid. Way too ambitious I guess.

[@arisdulgerian2053]

Interesting. You always find these cool things I never heard of.

[@paulsavage2020]

Enjoy your videos plus wiiu would love to see the video

[@kaidzaack2520]

The idea looks impressive but who on earth would have so much space to place a complete chair into their home just to play video games? Let alone it seems not to be designed to have an “two player” option (as long as you do not place a second system aside)…🤷🏻‍♂️

[@neeneko]

well, there is a market for people who set up things like flight simulators or racing setups. I could picture things going differntly if they had decided to focus hard on one of those markets and gotten that down first, then expanded to all the other varients.

[@TheHexyBeast]

this is how we count sheep in wales... "1... 2... "Waves"...4..." lol

[@redfoxbennaton]

Nowadays it would be a children's toy by Jungletak.

[@ageg3572]

Love you L.D. shout out to B.D.T.H. He da man!

[@moeresse8812]

We gotta work on that Ric Flair Woooooooooo!!!

[@gorexwmr]

5:42 - Nailed it!

[@frankboogaard88]

Since when do the welsh speak and write danish?