RetroBlox... thoughts on an Intellivision module?

[+Lathe26]

The RetroBlox is an upcoming retro gaming system where you plug in a module to get it to run a particular gaming console. For example, you can plug in a module to play NES games or another to play PlayStation games. I think this looks pretty cool.

 

There isn't an Intellivision module. Do the folks here think there should be one?

 

https://youtu.be/yBsXVza8j5s

[mr_me]

It's just an emulator and using rom files is more convenient than rom cartridges. For CD systems it might not be a bad idea since a collection of cd games can take up a lot of hard disk space.

[BassGuitari]

It'd be great but I don't see it happening, for a couple reasons:

1) The market's too small to begin with
2) It can't be assumed that people have spare Intellivision II or Super Video Arcade controllers to use with it, or at least enough to make it worth doing
2A) In the absence of original Intellivision controllers, there is no satisfactory controller option, unless you're okay with PlayStation or Xbox controllers (or, I presume, the stock Retroblox controller)
2B) Use of something like a PS or XB controller would require either a virtual keypad in software (a la Intellivision Lives!) or actual keypad(s) built into the module, neither of which is cost effective or especially attractive for the user

[mr_me]

Controllers may not be an issue. Flashback controllers are available on ebay. Intellivision Productions is currently sold out of controllers but I heard they are expecting more. We shall see. Original controllers can work with an inexpensive adapter.

[BassGuitari]

Controllers may not be an issue. Flashback controllers are available on ebay. Intellivision Productions is currently sold out of controllers but I heard they are expecting more. We shall see.

Interesting. The flashback controllers aren't INTVII/SVA compatible though, right?

 

What would be even more interesting--again, this is all pie in the sky, even the Retroblox itself at this point--is if they licensed the controller and included a set of sleek matte gray/black Intellivision-style controllers to match the console and sold the whole thing as a [possibly premium] package. Not that any of this will happen, but it's fun to dream.

 

Original controllers can work with an inexpensive adapter.

But how many people want to open up an Intellivision (presumably an otherwise non-working one), cannibalize the controllers out of it, and rig up or buy an adapter from whoever makes them? Something like the RetroBlox isn't for that kind of gamer anyway.

 

Fact is, as far as what the RetroBlox is setting out to do, any kind of Intellivision module or add-on is the very definition of "scope creep."

[mr_me]

Flashback controllers need a simple adapter or modification as well or the player can be programmed to support it directly.

 

The other problem for anyone that wants to make an Intellivision game player is the Exec ROM. If they want an out of the box solution they would have to negotiate a license for the Exec ROM with Intellivision Productions.

[+JasonlikesINTV]

For Intellivision, controllers will be an issue. Part of the draw of this modular console is convenience and reliability, but with a retro feel. You get the convenience and reliability via the console/module, but the retro feel comes from the original carts, controllers, and overlays. The market for this thing will be gamers who don't own the original consoles, but may consider buying (or downloading) games. Sure, the Flashback controllers are an option, but a huge hassle. IP has little motivation to offer up more, much less correctly wired ones. If someone had to purchase the console, and the Intellivision module, and a Flashback, and controllers adapters only to have a goofy rigged setup....it just sounds like a pain in the ass and goes against the sleek simplicity that this thing seems to offer for other consoles.

[+save2600]

[+Lathe26]

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This would be an excellent feature for the RetroBlox!

[mr_me]

I thought the market would be people that have these old systems and the cartridges and CDs but their consoles no longer work, want hdmi, or they want to reduce the clutter of different machines. The Flashback was for people that want a simple complete package including games. And it has been said that there will be no Intellivision Flashback second edition as the market isnt there. If someone really wanted to make a complete Intellivision component to this thing they could get intellivision controllers made; there is a company in China that knows how to make them. But they still need to license the Exec. If the base unit does ever get made, I imagine an intellivision cartridge adapter could be homebewed. [Might not be compatible with all intellivision cartridges.]

Edited February 3, 2017 by mr_me

[Byte Knight]

Cartridge slot, original / FB controllers, HDMI output - I'm in for an Intellivision module!

[+Rick Reynolds]

I think an Intellivision module would be cool, no doubt, but unlikely for all the reasons given above by other folks. I noticed that the only pre-crash system mentioned in gamester81's video was the 2600.

 

Personally, I'd love a multi-platform system like this (or a retron-5) that is all pre-crash systems. I'm attempting to build such a beast myself on a PI via my ultimate intellivision flashback system.

Edited February 3, 2017 by Rick Reynolds