Retro deal brings ColecoVision back from the '80s

[zapiy]

Not to sure what to think about this news.

Retro hardware company AtGames is planning to launch devices based on the ColecoVision console.

The firm, which markets Atari and Sega Genesis-based handhelds and consoles, today announced a deal with River West Brands for rights to the ColecoVision console, which was originally launched in 1982.

In a separate arrangement announced earlier this month, Welsh company Rantmedia Games secured the rights to release ColecoVision games on established platforms, and is seeking $250,000 development fund via Kickstarter.

"The re-launch of the iconic ColecoVision brand will resonate with the millions of people that played on the legendary gaming console in the 1980s," said River West Brands CEO Mark Thomann, adding that it would be "appealing to a new consumer that is seeking a portfolio of family-friendly games that have endured the test of time."

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[TL]

Seems quite strange given that the Coleco wasn't massively popular.

That said there are some cracking games on the Coleco but the controller is terrible so this is potentially interesting!

[TrekMD]

I'm guessing this will be something like the Atari Flashback consoles.  That would be interesting.  The ColecoVision had a good library of games.

[Shadowrunner]

Yeah with a different style of controller this could be really good.

[zapiy]

Some positive feedback so far, anyone own an Atari Flashback console?

[TrekMD]

Some positive feedback so far, anyone own an Atari Flashback console?

I own two.  The original and the Flashback 2. 

[zapiy]

Anyone going to get one of these?

[bogstandard]

I'm just old enough to buy toys on principle.  In order to progress the Colecovision scene this needed an SD or cart slot.  AtGames apparently didn't have the fortitude to work out at least the same rights they obtained from Sega.  The C64 DTV and Flashback 2 at least had hidden features that could be exploited to make them fully functional units.  Apparently, extending olive branches like this to enthusiasts will never happen again.  It's not that every "retro" product needs to be everything to everyone - it's that they take away features in hopes of cynically targeting a casual market and protecting their IP rights.

According to some we retro gamers are too entitled.
http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/5705

  I say our money should be spent enjoying and cultivating products we love.  Closed units by manufacturers that do not consider us their "target market" are not the answer.

[zapiy]

You have a point but they may make it more open in terms of what you can do if it sells well much like they did on the Atari ones???

[bogstandard]

You have a point but they may make it more open in terms of what you can do if it sells well much like they did on the Atari ones???

I wish wishful thinking worked wonders.  I see this as an intentional curtailing of features that led me to buy almost all of their Sega related products.

Maybe if they even hinted that they are taking hints from enthusiasts on this I'd reconsider.

[TrekMD]

I don't have a ColecoVision, so I see this as a nice way to get a version of the system with 60 games in one package.  Looks like it will have many of the arcade games the system was famous for.  I do agree, though, that it would be great if the system had some added capabilities. 

[Shadowrunner]

I'll probably get it. I had a ColecoVision years ago and this will be a cheap and easy way to play some of the games again. Just disappointed that Lady Bug isn't on it 

[TrekMD]

I'll probably get it. I had a ColecoVision years ago and this will be a cheap and easy way to play some of the games again. Just disappointed that Lady Bug isn't on it 

Wait, where is the list of games?

[guest5271]

Wait, where is the list of games?

List can be found here: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/5720

[TrekMD]

Wait, where is the list of games?

List can be found here: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/5720

Thanks!