Intellivision has announced a leadership change as its Amico console moves into production, promoting former chief revenue officer Phil Adam to chief executive officer while founder Tommy Tallarico steps down from the CEO role but will remain with the company as president, Chief Creative Officer and its largest shareholder.
Tallarico, who reacquired and revived the Intellivision brand in 2018, has been leading the company through development of the family-oriented Amico, a $249.99 console positioned to compete for the family market currently dominated by Nintendo Switch and supported by services such as Nintendo eShop and marketing windows like Nintendo Direct.
Background and current status
The Amico project has experienced multiple delays since its planned October 2020 launch, with the company pushing back release timelines three times.
As of early February 2022, Intellivision has not announced a firm retail launch date.
The company reported roughly 6,000 pre-orders and has begun production of the console, a shift that Intellivision says prompted the internal restructuring to better align resources with manufacturing and launch requirements.
Leadership transition explained
In a company statement, Intellivision framed the change as a move to concentrate responsibilities as the business approaches the final phase before launch.
Phil Adam, a more than 30-year industry executive, said he was enthusiastic about stepping into the CEO role and that Tallarico will focus on creative and public-facing duties while the two will continue to collaborate to bring Amico to market.
Cost and pricing concerns
Adam also addressed hardware-cost realities in a separate interview, warning that the packaged retail price may increase after launch.
He noted that reported cost-of-goods figures have focused heavily on the two unique Amico controllers and that component costs have risen.
Adam cautioned that there is limited profit margin in initial shipments and that prices may go up before any future reductions become feasible.
Product and marketing notes
Intellivision has taken unconventional approaches to Amico content, including selling a selection of game items as RFID cards that would later unlock games online, a scheme reported to involve NFT-related technology.
The company released a new trailer alongside the leadership news that emphasizes family-friendly play and the Amico's social, local multiplayer focus.
What remains factual and confirmed is this: Phil Adam is now CEO, Tommy Tallarico retains a senior creative and ownership role, Amico production has commenced, the console carries a $249.99 suggested price, and development has been delayed from its original October 2020 timetable.
Intellivision has not provided a precise new launch date as of the production announcement.
Tallarico, who reacquired and revived the Intellivision brand in 2018, has been leading the company through development of the family-oriented Amico, a $249.99 console positioned to compete for the family market currently dominated by Nintendo Switch and supported by services such as Nintendo eShop and marketing windows like Nintendo Direct.
Background and current status
The Amico project has experienced multiple delays since its planned October 2020 launch, with the company pushing back release timelines three times.
As of early February 2022, Intellivision has not announced a firm retail launch date.
The company reported roughly 6,000 pre-orders and has begun production of the console, a shift that Intellivision says prompted the internal restructuring to better align resources with manufacturing and launch requirements.
Leadership transition explained
In a company statement, Intellivision framed the change as a move to concentrate responsibilities as the business approaches the final phase before launch.
Phil Adam, a more than 30-year industry executive, said he was enthusiastic about stepping into the CEO role and that Tallarico will focus on creative and public-facing duties while the two will continue to collaborate to bring Amico to market.
Cost and pricing concerns
Adam also addressed hardware-cost realities in a separate interview, warning that the packaged retail price may increase after launch.
He noted that reported cost-of-goods figures have focused heavily on the two unique Amico controllers and that component costs have risen.
Adam cautioned that there is limited profit margin in initial shipments and that prices may go up before any future reductions become feasible.
Product and marketing notes
Intellivision has taken unconventional approaches to Amico content, including selling a selection of game items as RFID cards that would later unlock games online, a scheme reported to involve NFT-related technology.
The company released a new trailer alongside the leadership news that emphasizes family-friendly play and the Amico's social, local multiplayer focus.
What remains factual and confirmed is this: Phil Adam is now CEO, Tommy Tallarico retains a senior creative and ownership role, Amico production has commenced, the console carries a $249.99 suggested price, and development has been delayed from its original October 2020 timetable.
Intellivision has not provided a precise new launch date as of the production announcement.
