The Vectrex Mini, a modern reimagining of the classic vector graphics console, is poised to achieve a remarkable crowdfunding milestone as it approaches the £1 million mark on Kickstarter.
With just hours remaining in its campaign, the Vectrex Mini has already raised £953,173, underscoring the strong demand from retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors for faithful hardware revivals. Originally introduced as a pioneering home arcade system in the early 1980s, the Vectrex distinguished itself through vector-based graphics and distinctive overlays.
Now, four decades later, the Vectrex Mini aims to capture that legacy with contemporary design and technology.
Measuring at 50% the size of the original console, the Vectrex Mini features a vibrant 5-inch vertical AMOLED display, carefully engineered to reproduce the crisp, glowing vector visuals that defined arcade gaming’s golden era.
According to the development team, while the Vectrex Mini does not use a CRT display due to modern cost and production limitations, the AMOLED panel delivers rich colors and robust visual performance reminiscent of the original experience. Key to the Vectrex Mini’s appeal is its Bluetooth wireless controller, which successfully preserves the authentic analog feel of the classic joystick.
The controller integrates modern enhancements, including video output, SD card compatibility, and a powerful ESP32 processor, ensuring the system is both versatile and future-ready.
Wireless connectivity is further extended with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for network features and updates.
The console also introduces a practical clock mode that displays time, date, and weather, transforming the hardware into an elegant decorative item when not in use. The system comes preloaded with twelve games, including cult favorites such as MineStorm II, Spike, Bedlam, and Cosmic Chasm.
In a nod to dedicated Vectrex fans and the vibrant homebrew scene, users are also able to load additional ROMs via SD card, fostering ongoing community engagement.
Each game includes a bespoke, full-color physical overlay, thoughtfully reproduced from the original Vectrex accessories to augment the visual experience. Backers of the Kickstarter campaign can choose from several editions, such as the Standard Edition (€149 / $173 / £131 / ¥26,600), Early Bird special pricing for early adopters, and a Limited White Edition (€229 / $265 / £202 / ¥40,820), which is numbered and limited to only 250 units worldwide.
For collectors, additional options include official T-shirts, an art book titled 'Electric Lines – The Vectrex Art Book', and multi-console packs.
An all-inclusive pack, limited to 200 units, bundles the console, controller, T-shirt, and art book for €269 / $313 / £235 / ¥47,800. As the Vectrex Mini campaign nears its close, the enthusiasm from the gaming community underscores a growing appreciation for authentic retro hardware with thoughtful modern upgrades.
By blending the aesthetics and gameplay of the original Vectrex with features suited for today’s users, the Vectrex Mini serves as both a tribute and a forward-looking device for retro gaming aficionados.
With just hours remaining in its campaign, the Vectrex Mini has already raised £953,173, underscoring the strong demand from retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors for faithful hardware revivals. Originally introduced as a pioneering home arcade system in the early 1980s, the Vectrex distinguished itself through vector-based graphics and distinctive overlays.
Now, four decades later, the Vectrex Mini aims to capture that legacy with contemporary design and technology.
Measuring at 50% the size of the original console, the Vectrex Mini features a vibrant 5-inch vertical AMOLED display, carefully engineered to reproduce the crisp, glowing vector visuals that defined arcade gaming’s golden era.
According to the development team, while the Vectrex Mini does not use a CRT display due to modern cost and production limitations, the AMOLED panel delivers rich colors and robust visual performance reminiscent of the original experience. Key to the Vectrex Mini’s appeal is its Bluetooth wireless controller, which successfully preserves the authentic analog feel of the classic joystick.
The controller integrates modern enhancements, including video output, SD card compatibility, and a powerful ESP32 processor, ensuring the system is both versatile and future-ready.
Wireless connectivity is further extended with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for network features and updates.
The console also introduces a practical clock mode that displays time, date, and weather, transforming the hardware into an elegant decorative item when not in use. The system comes preloaded with twelve games, including cult favorites such as MineStorm II, Spike, Bedlam, and Cosmic Chasm.
In a nod to dedicated Vectrex fans and the vibrant homebrew scene, users are also able to load additional ROMs via SD card, fostering ongoing community engagement.
Each game includes a bespoke, full-color physical overlay, thoughtfully reproduced from the original Vectrex accessories to augment the visual experience. Backers of the Kickstarter campaign can choose from several editions, such as the Standard Edition (€149 / $173 / £131 / ¥26,600), Early Bird special pricing for early adopters, and a Limited White Edition (€229 / $265 / £202 / ¥40,820), which is numbered and limited to only 250 units worldwide.
For collectors, additional options include official T-shirts, an art book titled 'Electric Lines – The Vectrex Art Book', and multi-console packs.
An all-inclusive pack, limited to 200 units, bundles the console, controller, T-shirt, and art book for €269 / $313 / £235 / ¥47,800. As the Vectrex Mini campaign nears its close, the enthusiasm from the gaming community underscores a growing appreciation for authentic retro hardware with thoughtful modern upgrades.
By blending the aesthetics and gameplay of the original Vectrex with features suited for today’s users, the Vectrex Mini serves as both a tribute and a forward-looking device for retro gaming aficionados.
