New ColecoVision Flashback System Reivew - Gamester81

[@michaelolz]

The picture of you at 3 1/2 years is just awesome. Reminds me of my kid when he got his Xbox One S. No feeling like your first console.

[@NextGenesis88]

Always cool to see new products with the old systems or brand names

[@rustyfinds7154]

I LOVE this. I had one growing up and have been on the hunt for a replacement for over 20 years. This will do me just fine until I can actually find one for my collection. Thanks for sharing!!

[@carlace777]

Your the best retro gaming reviewer on KZbin, i like that you know the history of the products you review. keep up the good work

[@SoundOfYourDestiny]

you + are = YOU'RE

[@loco_Fox]

another great review John! i still remember buying the original console just for your game,.. and i still have no regrets about that!

[@ericbruscoe5956]

We share the same sentiment about coleco being our first and favorite system..keep up the good work my man...

[@CollectionTHX1138]

We should have saved my Grandma's console cabinet TV I'd hook it up every Xmas just like the good old days. Nice to see this unboxed. Your vid thumbnails look good btw.

[@chemergency]

If they're gonna make these things, at least give them a cartridge port like that new Genesis model!

[@chriscoleman929]

Something about this guy makes me feel safe. Like if we were lost in the rainforest and the rain was just pouring down. We would take refuge in a tree and I know he would be willing to just hold me in his arms to keep me warm. Like I'm his lil Orangutan baby. I would feel...secure. I would feel...right

[@ericbruscoe5956]

@Jennifer Rissetti lol not funny!!! Lmao

[@josephfrager9325]

I used to have the original colecovision system back in the day and it’s one of my favorite game systems. I had the Turbo game with steering wheel and foot pedal plus I had the adapter to play Atari games as well

[@SteveBenway]

How accurate would you say the games are compared to original cart versions on a real Colecovision? Atari Flashback Mk1 was a NES on a chip, while the Mk2 was effectively Atari hardware on a chip and the Mk3 was ARM based emulation, and very ropey at that. Any idea how this thing is doing its thing?

[@goldenretrogames]

Generally they're ok, but not perfect. You'll notice a difference if you're familiar with the games. The Heist is completely messed up, playing at the wrong speed.

[@tarstarkusz]

goldenretrogames Does it use ColecoVision compatible hardware (on the inside, like a ColecoVision version of the nes-on-a-chip) or is it something different like an MSX on a chip or a Nes on a chip? I know it plays the a few homebrews, but they could have been modified because most of the new games are MSX ports.

[@goldenretrogames]

It's custom hardware, but it uses unmodified ROMs.

[@tarstarkusz]

goldenretrogames You know what really sucks? Some of the best games aren't there. Where is Burgertime (there are 2 different versions too)? Mr Do! isn't on it either. Well, this video got me to get out my ColecoVision and spray down the power switch and get out my multi-cart.....I got to play 1 game of pepper II (one of my favorites) before the old lady kicked me off the TV.

[@goldenretrogames]

I'd imagine that major series like Burgertime and Mr Do would be quite expensive to license. I'm a huge Colecovision fan and will be passing on buying one of these units. Even though it's fairly inexpensive, there's really no excuse for it to not have 100% emulation of the original console. We've had near perfect emulation for over 2 decades.

[@ryanbruneau1197]

Awesome video and awesome flashback pic of you as a child :) Reminds me of my early gaming days

[@style77guy72]

This was awesome to see. Great review John! Too bad about the controllers. I got an original Coleco in the summer with 10 games. Loads of fun. I am addicted to Pepper II! This flashback verson would make a great gift for someone. The original is cool, in all it's bulkiness. My next order of business is getting super action controllers.

[@Thunderwing88]

Thanks for alerting us to this. I have both the Atari Flashback Systems so I'll be on the lookout for this one.

[@ObliterationOfMankind]

I still have MY Colecovision from back in the days wonderfully stored at my moms' basement. Got Hero, Rocky, Smurfs, Mouse Trap, Oilswell and quite a few other cartridges :-)

[@TuxEarth]

*Sold!!!* Will be looking for this when it's released. I have never played a ColecoVision in my life, now I'll have the chance to do so. Sucks you can't use the original controllers on it. Now I'm pretty sure when the ColecoVision Flashback 2 comes out you'll get to mod it to play carts (wouldn't surprise me if someone does it with the first one) and use original controllers.

[@RobiticDuck]

got mine tonight, ive been a fan of the original system for years. Really enjoying it, lots of fun. ^_^

[@ReplayRetro]

Shame the controllers aren't compatible, $40 would be good to get a pair of brand new controllers for an original colecovision. im a fan of these systems though as they stir up more interest in the hobby and give people a great entry level to retro gaming, thanks for sharing

[@Gamester81]

ReplayRetro I agree, it's a shame about the controllers not working with the original CV. Still $40 is a decent deal for something like this.

[@RetroGamerVX]

Gamester81 Yep, as I've put above, if they made them compatible, people would perhaps buy this as a cheap way of getting new controllers, increasing their sales! Good review, I so want one now, not being able to justify the cost of an original over here in the UK :o)

[@ReplayRetro]

RetroGamerVX sometimes they come up for a fair price over here, especially if you watch the forums, i sold my spare one not long ago for about £30 i think which i think is fair, either way this thing will hit Argos soon enough

[@garagegeekguy]

Agree about ColecoVision - this was the first time you were able to play arcade or very-near arcade quality games at home. I went from Atari to ColecoVision to C-64. I didn't know anyone else that had a Coleco. All my friends had either 2600, NES, or Intellivision. Very overlooked system.

[@davidfirth6325]

I was so excited to hear that its only 40 bucks that I missed half the video and had to rewatch it lol Best vid/news ever

[@caylee3277]

It's it good

[@scooterahlers9362]

How about a Commodore 64 Flashback with 60-80 of the best Commodore 64 games?!?

[@patsfan4life]

You could never get anyone to agree on which 64 games

[@darthv72]

Nice overview John. I just told my wife what to get me for my birthday. Haha.

[@TRStrider74]

Picked up both the Colecovision and Intelevision Flashback consoles a couple weeks ago. Love them, and they keep my Atari Flashback's company. haha

[@Gamevet]

It's too bad Lady Bug didn't make it over. That was a pretty decent port of the arcade game, for its time.

[@TRStrider74]

Been waiting on this one. I own all of the Atari Flashback models, so this is a must have. Really hard to beat the price. I loved the Colecovision. I just picked up an original Coleco Adam, and it does play Colecovision games, but it's not the same. It's a full on computer, and thus very bulky. Sadly, I no longer have my Coleco, though I do have the handheld plug and play Coleco from Techno Source. I collect those as well. Thanks for the overview and unboxing. =]

[@mwelle1]

I used to have both the ColecoVision and the Adam. I remember "Dragon's Lair," used a tape to play on the Adam system which was interesting. TRStrider74, I've been trying to contact you, man. You did a video about Contra on Konami Live Arcade Collection and I bought one of those controllers but can't download the games. Konami told me I should return the games but I thought you might be able to help me. I can prove I have the controller. Can you contact me? Thanks.

[@TRStrider74]

***** Techno Source makes a "plug and play" Intelevision and a Colecovision. Both are the controller style battery powered units. I own them both. =P

[@TRStrider74]

Michael Welle Hah, I still have that Dragon's Lair" cassette. lol Ahh yeah, the Konami Live. Sadly, the games are not on the controller itself, they were downloaded from a server that's no longer active. They are also limited to Windows XP, the games won't load on Windows Vista, 7 or 8. The controller hardware was only used for DRM and to play the games. I am sure I have the files archived around here somewhere, but I am pretty sure they are available online. I will take a look for you, it might take a bit since I am pretty busy, but if I find them I will PM you here on YT. =]

[@mwelle1]

TRStrider74 I remember when I was 7 or 8 (back in 1985 or 86), my parents picked up an Adam at Zayre's for around $300.00. Colecovision was not being sold anymore and the only place you could get the games was at Toys R' Us. The games which I remember playing on the Adam with a tape were "Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom" (cool 3-D graphics), "Donkey Kong" with the pie factory stage and of course "Dragon's Lair". I still remember the falling disc with the cloud trying to blow you off of it. TRStrider74, If you could find those games I would be extremely grateful. I'll even show you the proof of purchase I have for the controller (to prove it's legitimate) and reimburse you for the time and effort you spend searching if it's OK with you. I can Paypal you if you want. Just let me know what you think is fair. I want the games because they are the only legitimate versions of the golden age classics "Time Pilot," "Gyruss" and "Scramble" available for the PC. Also, my frontend uses WindowsXP so I know I can play them. By the way, is "Track and Field" included in the collection?

[@TRStrider74]

Michael Welle Sorry man, did not mean to ignore you, been really busy and I just kept forgetting to respond. I will happily take a look and see if I still have the files and get back to you, I am pretty sure I do somewhere, hopefully. lol

[@RetroUnlim]

My favourite system, this is a must, great review John!

[@scottrockers]

Cool looking mini system, I really like my flashback atari one. Thanks for the review

[@ArcadeDude44]

Awesome, I love the retro revival that seems to be taking place (at least I sure hope so!?). Like the Intellivsion FB, I also plan to pick one of these up, soon. I agree that the ColecoVision is one of the best gaming systems of all time! Thanks for the honest review.

[@xucaen]

It would be cool if you could do like a 2 minute walk thru of each game. I know it's time consuming, but just to give some insights on what each game is, and how it may or may not be different than on the original colecovision. Love your videos!

[@sheppyman]

Very Helpful, thank you for the review. I share your love for Coleco as well

[@LazarusLongification]

Another solid review. I'll be getting the Dollor Tree version for the extra game.

[@krazykat64]

I own all the other Flashback consoles but held off on this one because I wasn't too familiar with it outside of having played it at a friends house a couple of times when I was a kid. Found it yesterday for $20 at an after Christmas sale so I went ahead and grabbed it and some of the games are actually pretty fun. Glad I picked it up. Sadly it doesn't seem to have sold as well as the other three so I imagine it probably didn't do much to improve the uptake as you'd hoped, but having actually spent time with it I now think Colecovision may be one of the overlooked gems. Sorry I waited all these years to really give it a go.

[@awwrelic]

I picked up this at a local Dollar General today for $28 USD. I want to pick up an original Colecovision eventually, but this will tide me over until I do. The extra game it comes with is Konami's Antarctic Adventure. I used to have this game years ago as part of Konami's MSX Antiques Collection, released for the Sega Saturn, and it plays (and looks) identical to the MSX version. The only real difference I could spot is where, if your penguin ran short of the goal, it would "say" "damn" in the Japanese MSX version; for obvious reasons that didn't make it into the American Colecovision release. I haven't had a chance to play all the games, but I can tell you that, when I played Montezuma's Revenge I had to be EXTREMELY delicate in my movements; the response time in the joystick was such that, if I wasn't careful I'd die very fast. It's been nearly 30 years since I played an actual Colecovision, but I don't recall the stick being that sensitive. But all in all, I'll have a lot of fun with this.

[@kgvrtrooperkeithgarrick7133]

I was so excited to see this come out ! I was also bummed that it doesn't play carts. I bought my brother their Sega Genesis Flash Back. Loved it because I could play Carts of the games they didn't have license for..... I'd so buy the Atari 2600 version,,, if it played CARTS... I almost don't want to buy this one because it doesn't.... But I still probably will.... Can you start some sort of a Facebook Petition for them to start putting Cart Readers on their flash back systems !!! It's what is really needed and wanted by us vintage gaming fans... Especially the not so serious ones....

[@bannertraveller5879]

I remember having the original back in 83 or so. They had after market sticks that you could click over the knob on the controller joy stick to make it feel more like the Atari joystick.

[@Optimalillusion]

Both the Colecovision and Intellivision units just showed up in my local Family Dollar store (alongside the Sega one that has been selling since last Christmas). I'm planning on getting both pretty soon.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

Well, this looks like a little delight!

[@CrazyCyclingVlogger]

I had a ColecoVision. But I sold it for a nice bicycle and never looked back. Bicycles and cycling rock!

[@berighteous]

I just got one of these. Always wanted a colecovision back in the day. Worth $40 definitely. Wish it played carts like the genesis flashback.

[@EchoRhythmMusic]

I had a Coleco Vision 2, in ‘84 and played BurgerTime until the sun came up, many a night lol

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

This is a cool idea because I've never even seen a colecovision game let alone a system.

[@pinmike8666]

For me, this is easily the greatest set of games any Flashback has ever had; Jumpman Junior, Frenzy, Miner 2049er, and Pepper II are worth the price of admission alone.

[@rjc7289]

I saw one of these for sale at a 2nd-hand video store, still sealed in the original box. I was a bit disappointed that it didn't contain as many games as the original Colecovision, nor did it have any popular arcade games besides Zaxxon. But hey, 60 games for $40 is still a darn good deal!

[@ClassicContagious]

Damn, I was going to ask you John if the controllers were compaitble with the original, but I see you answered it. Kind of a bummer. I still might pick one up as it looks pretty nice. I'm right at 50 games for my original Colecovision and always on the lookout for more. Thanks for the review.

[@garyryckewaert5724]

I loved my Colecovision and could kick myself in the butt for selling it in a garage sale with 12 games for 50 bucks back in the 90's. I am going to get this for miner 2049er.....I hope another version comes out with Carnival, Pepper II, Ladybug and the remaining games. This selection of games leaves out most of the big games from back then.

[@MrVenom1974]

I also hope this will be released in Europe. I've got the Atari Flashback 1 and 4 system. But this looks much better and Coleco is still awesome!

[@bjmgraphics617]

Good review. I had the closes competitor Intellevision. Tandy is another leather company that made a PC.

[@electricadventures]

Looks not too bad in the end, especially considering the price point. I hope they get wider distribution than just US and Canada as the other Flashback units have as I would like to get one at some stage. Couple of compromises, especially surprised they wired up the controllers differently, that seems very strange. The range of games looks excellent, and it is great to see the home brew community being supported as well.

[@ProjectBubbleGum]

I like your shirt and wish that we still had the Sonics.

[@Gamester81]

ProjectBubbleGum Man, tell me about it. I don't follow the NBA much anymore because of it. I was born and raised in Seattle and loved the Sonics growing up. At least the Hawks are doing great!

[@CodeBleu724]

I think you said this has Jumpman Jr. That was one of my favorite games on Colecovision. Played that game for hours and hours in 1984-85.

[@Facelessman42001]

My Favorite Videogame System of All Time is the Colecovision also. Does that have Ladybug? My Favorite games to play on the Colecovision were Ladybug, Mr Do, and Donkey Kong Jr. I bought an Atari 2600 when it came out when I was around 12, and then when the Colecovision came out I sold my Atari 2600 to a friend, and my Mom helped with the rest of the money to purchase the Colecovision. I still have the Colecovision with all the Cartridges that I bought plus the Atari Expansion Module with the Atari Cartridges that I kept. I also have the Super Controllers, and the game ROCKY. Oh, I also still have the Steering Wheel, and Gas pedal that came with TURBO. That's one thing that is different between me, and my older brother. He sold, or traded everything that our Mom ever bought him while I kept almost everything that she bought me. I still have the Commodore 64 with the Floppy Disc Drive. I can't remember if I still have the Cassette Tape Drive that we first got for it, or not? LOL I even have all the Rubix Cubes from the 80s. 😉 Thanks for making, and sharing this video. Now I want to bring out my Colecovision to play. Yes, It still works. 😜 👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿🇺🇲🇮🇱🇺🇲🤘🏿🤘🏾🤘🏽🤘🏼

[@flexor212000]

Nice shirt Gamester! By the way, did you know the Seattle waterfront arcade is having it's last weekend? It's closing :(. You did a little review on it a while ago.

[@asmallquest]

The Colecovision is one of the many systems I need to get my hands on. In some aspects I prefer games on systems like 2600, Intellivision etc. The lack of graphics gave them the opportunity to make games with stellar and addictive gameplay.

[@SINCHIROCA07]

Dude you are awesome!thank you for posting this

[@Dauwis]

Merry Christmas

[@scooterahlers9362]

I agree. Coleco Flashback is a great system. Picked up the Dollar General version yesterday for $30 with the extra game "Antarctic Adventure". Too bad about the controllers not being compatable with the original Colecovision. Can a 2600 joystick be used for player 2 on the Coleco Flashback - at least for games which just use the joystick + fire button?

[@outsideredge]

The Colecovision was my first game console. I was interested in perhaps getting a Flashback, but some of my favorite games aren't on there. Obviously Donkey Kong wouldn't be on there for licensing reasons, but stuff like Q-Bert, Lady Bug, and Mouse Trap were my faves back in the day. Through reviews I've read something's off with the controllers as well.

[@TallGamer111]

Looks cool . Ill be looking out for this .

[@TekMoliGy]

AtGames made an excellent sega genesis console with built in games like this but it also lets you use the original controllers and plug in cartridges so its amazing.. my friends always think its cool when i show them how small it is too

[@AirZonkWorldChamp]

It doesn't look too bad and maybe they'll include your game in the line up in the future, eh?

[@clgfgaming799]

what kind of video camera do you use? I have been trying to find a good quality camera for a while.

[@RM77269]

Hi john great review, was curious if you knew if this would be available in the uk?

[@russellj.s.257]

Always wanted a Coleco Vision

[@TheRetroShed]

Great vid! I’m after the original thing but rare and expensive here in the UK. :)

[@retrononsense582]

Nice review, John. I have two atari flashbacks and really like them. Maybe I'll check this one out too. Bummer about the controllers though.

[@antwan1357]

I noticed that the games have a faster pace then the original console . The makers must have assumed it would only be older gamers playing this.

[@yubidubi]

Thanks for uploading. Does it have lady bug and Burgertime?

[@psnTurok35]

if this had the entire colecovision library on it, i would spend up to $100

[@jonathansmith7607]

the system with the extra game is sold at Dollar General, Not Dollar Tree. Same thing with the Intellivision flashback console.

[@RetroRevenge2014]

These are awesome. It gives a second life to old consoles. I saw this and the intellivision at Toys R Us the other day. I really wish they were better constructed and had cartridge slots. If the Genesis had one, why not the older consoles?

[@carlace777]

I played one of these at the Las Vegas CGE convention. I tried out Montezumas Revenge and i must say it played just like the game i have at home and yes its a tough game. Im going to buy one of these. i hope the controllers last since you can't plug in regular controllers.

[@MattLittleIFIP]

Wow I forgot about Zaxxon. This was one of my favorite Coleco games back in the early 80s.

[@popeyejones9256]

i liked mr doo's castle i don't think there was a nes or snes version of this game ever

[@shs889]

just got my today for 20.00 at walmaer and it takes be back when I was younger can not wait untill I get my hands on the intellavition flashback spent hours on both dungeons and dragons games

[@EricLimasTPLEra77]

Ok,I got my ColecoVision Flashback yesterday. I plugged everything in,turned it on but the bad news was there was no picture on the TV. I have a 32" big screen TV,I wonder if that has anything to do with why there was no picture despite the fact that I turned it on.

[@jackobyuk]

its about time they put in a hdmi connection on these things. also a flash card port would be nice...

[@Thomaniac]

This is really right up my alley. Hope it will come to Europe.

[@caylee3277]

Is it good

[@fireheartis1]

LOL I love how the put Authentically designed controllers, when the controllers are mapped incorrectly. Other than that your review made me want to get one.

[@popeyejones9256]

Is this orginal colecovison games? because one of these things had the games but were just nes versions of the same games coverted to nes on a chip....and it's not the same..... unless thats's what you wanted in the first place.....i mean NOT the orginal games that were on Colecovison.....some people want the orginal feel and gameplay of the actual games.

[@rajansamy2724]

Just wondering if u were playing ur colecovision on a commodore 1702 monitor. If u were that's the best monitor I've owned. Peace bro

[@CornerBoy]

Gamester81 I was really hoping to see you play Gateway to Apshai. One of my favorite games! It's a shame the console doesn't have HDMI either, but for $40 you can't beat the price.

[@KTJohnsonkidThunder]

I should get me one of these. I'm wondering will a Genesis controller work on there considering the Colecovision has the same type of controller port.

[@marcraygun6290]

Love the colecovision

[@dave4shmups]

Excellent review! I wonder if you can buy this online anywhere? We don't have Dollar Tree stores here in Denver, and I'm not a Sam's Club member.

[@Gamester81]

David Halligan Try Amazon or Toys R Us David. They are available at both sites.

[@dave4shmups]

Thanks man, I will!

[@SAM-ru4vx]

I've seen this in Texas at the General Dollar store for $40. Any chance you doing a review for the Intellivision system that AT Games makes?

[@supermushroomariojenkins1717]

We were very disappointed in this. Got it for my Mom for X-Mas and though unnoticed until then, the majority of the games WE loved so much aren't even ON there. Dig Dug, Mr. Do, Mr Do's Castle Pepper 2, ET (Though that game sucks but), Carnival, obviously as you said Donkey Kong and DK Jr. They may have been good games in there own right, but totally missed the nostalgia mark for us. Beware.

[@Nin10Guy]

If they released a Colecovision Flashback with a cartridge slot and gave you the option to use different controllers then I would've bought one ASAP.

[@WebVManReturns]

I only paid $35.00 for a used ColecoVision with Atari 2600 module at Half-Price Books and $5 for the 2 Player plug and play released years ago at Wal-Mart, but am tempted to spend the extra $10 on this at Toys R Us just so I can own a bunch of games for it since they are kind of pricey.

[@LeaperChad7]

Wish we would have purchased the CV instead of Mattel electronics INTV in December 1982. Was only $199 compared to $249 for INTV. (We had a $50 rebate thankfully!)

[@incaseofsuccess]

What is the A/V connection to monitor/TV? Is the frame rate/sound accurate across games?

[@ZombieFBody]

My TRU has a Genesis Flashback that actually plays GEN carts in addition to the 60 or so pre-loads going out with this, the 2600 and Intellivision Flashback machines. It'll be out with their reset at the end of the month. Never had a ColecoVision but I did have the 2600 so I may grab one of those with the Genesis. I have a modern 1080p widescreen TV so will I have any issue plugging into my AV ports?

[@murdocktrashbag1609]

W O W !!! I'm So getting THIS ! I was a teen when the COLECO came out and I freaking LOVED IT. Thanks so much for this video !!!

[@alfie9876]

Got one this week. It cost me $25 with my Stop and Shop card in MA.

[@ThunderSqueak]

As a modder, I wish you would have taken some pictures of the internal circuit board :) Also curious about how accurate the games are in comparison to the real deal, maybe a side by side comparison of video and audio?

[@PaulHenning84]

Depends on how it's emulated. FPGAs do a pretty good job of transistor level emulation in a small package, but most out there sadly are just shody chips that run cloned code.

[@ThunderSqueak]

Paul Henning Thats exactly what I am wanting to know, what sort of internal construction it has, for instance can I add a cartridge slot like in the atari flashback 2. I am also just curious about how accurate it does the emulation. The best way to do that is often a side by side comparison in a slit screen view.

[@KK4CNM]

Do you think it's flashblack is hackable like the atari flashback v2.0? You could add a cart port in to that one and play 2600 carts on it.

[@TheNintendoDoctor]

I really enjoy these flashback systems. They are like mega plug and plays and enjoy adding them to my massive collection.

[@jeremysart]

The system is cute and will look nice next to the Atari and Intellivision Flashback on the shelf, but overall, the fact that it is lacking a cart slot or an sd slot to load roms is a shame.. It's missing most of my favorite Colecovision games. (No Antarctic Adventure, Donkey Kong, Lady Bug, Burgertime, Pitfall, or River Raid)

[@RetroGamerVX]

I want!!!! :o) Yes, if the controllers were compatible, people may use this as a cheap option to get new controllers, increasing their sales, they are missing a trick there!!

[@classicgamescanada]

Maybe i missed it in the review but what does this have for video output?

[@MrOneofthousands1994]

Can you use Atari Flashback controllers, or original Atari controllers, with the Colecovision Flashback?

[@KabukeeJo]

Since I can't play my old carts on it, If this thing had a way to import my Coleco Vision Rom's into it, and let me use my original Coleco Controllers, I would buy it.