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We are gamers, and seasoned industry professionals who have dedicated our careers to making great video games. We know first hand what it takes to get the major bugs out of games before they are released, and that player’s should never need to download and install system updates and game patches.
Network-dependent game consoles rob us of time we want to spend playing, and sometimes the ability to play games we own just because they aren’t compatible with the latest updates or they can’t connect to a distant or decommissioned server.
Together, we can create a great new video game system built on the old ideas that games shouldn’t waste our time start playing quickly, never need patches or system updates, and be playable for as many years as we like.
Together, we can bring RETRO VGS to life.
Meet RETRO VGS
RETRO VGS is the first new video game system to play new games from cartridges in nearly twenty years.
RETRO VGS games start quickly and are thoroughly tested before they are released, so you never need to download and apply software patches. Unlike downloadable games, cartridge games are stored on their own media and can be collected, traded, and resold.
Through its cartridge slot and standard USB interface for controllers and other devices, RETRO VGS functionality can be extended without ever needing a system update.
Take Gaming Back to its Roots
Never patch a game. Games are tested thoroughly before release, just like they used to be.
Never update your system or risk turning it in to a brick. Your console stays factory fresh.
No network connection or game server(s) required. Never fear of your favorite game will get pulled and shut down!
No hidden costs from downloadable or streaming content.
RETRO VGS is All About Games!
As we have learned over the years, a console is only as good as the games that can be played on it. So we have spent a considerable amount of time outlining launch games we feel will be universally enjoyed by retro gamers and have negotiated with these developers to make their games available for launch on RETRO VGS.
The Adventures of Tiny Knight
Everyone will receive the pack-in game, The Adventures of Tiny Knight from CollectorVision Games as part of their RETRO VGS system purchase here. If you loved games like Super Mario, Wonder Boy and Mega Man you will be in for a real treat taking the role of Sir Basset, the Tiny Knight as he sets out to save the Princess from the clutches of the evil dragon. It will also feature a campaign only "Knighted" silver cartridge shell.
More Games Available at Launch
The games below are confirmed launch titles for RETRO VGS, available to backers in exclusive colors as described below.
To add any of these games to your reward bundle:
Click a Perk Level
When you see the Perk description, click "Custom" under "Additional Gift"
Add the dollar amount for any extra games or controllers you want to add to your bundle
We will contact you at the conclusion of the campaign and confirm your additional selections
If you look closely you might notice something familiar about the appearance of RETRO VGS. In a move that saved our team considerable start-up capital we purchased and took ownership of the original mold tooling Atari used to create the Atari Jaguar in the early 1990's. This tooling is still in exceptional condition and able to create high quality, polycarbonate parts to this very day. We are repurposing this tooling to create the RETRO VGS console and cartridge shells, with slight modifications.
What's Included
Included with each RETRO VGS game console:
Pack-in game cartridge: The Adventures of Tiny Knight in an exclusive campaign only "Knighted" silver cartridge shell
1 RETRO VGS USB game controller
Digital A/V cable (HDMI)
Analog A/V cable (RCA triple)
Power adapter (with input and plug for destination nation, unless otherwise requested)
Free Digital Magazine Subscription
All backers will also receive a free 1-Year Digital Subscription ($18 Value - contact us to upgrade your subscription to PRINT) to RETRO Video Game Magazine. Just like back in the day, you will get a magazine that complements the console. It will feature previews of upcoming RETRO VGS games including developer liner notes and interviews and game concept art. It's all part of bringing back the culture of gaming! Check out previews of back issues on the ShopReadRETRO Website!
RETRO VGS Controller Flexibility
RETRO VGS allows you to play new games using USB controllers, classic controllers, or both.
The RETRO VGS USB Controller
The RETRO VGS controller is designed to have the best of both worlds. From modern day controllers come responsive dual-analog sticks and shoulder buttons combined with the all familiar and loved classically-inspired D-pad and correctly oriented buttons. Developers will have a multitude of game and player control options to tap into. RETRO VGS will utilize its own USB controllers but gamers will also have the option to plug in their other favorite USB controllers and devices, even a keyboard!
Here is an actual working controller prototype playing through a demo level of Adventures of Tiny Knight.
RETRO VGS USB controllers are available individually or may be added to your console perk for $25 each.
9-Pin Classic Controller Interface
In addition to offering USB controller options, RETRO VGS allows you to play new games using a wide variety of classic 9-pin controllers including joysticks, paddles, spinners, trackballs, and more.
Exclusive Campaign Colors
To celebrate the launch of RETRO VGS here on Indiegogo we are offering exclusive console colors only for our Indiegogo campaign backers. These will never be produced in these color combinations ever again and will add considerable value to these consoles purchased here on Indiegogo.
** If you back at one of these exclusive color levels you will be asked at the conclusion of the campaign to confirm your desired color **
Legend Series
Jewel Series-Translucent with Matching Controllers
Treasure Series - Most Limited
Specifications
Internal Hardware
* CPU: “Quadrunner” 4-core 1.6 GHz 32-bit ARM Cortex-A9 (16,000 DMIPS) processor plus embedded high-performance graphics processing unit (GPU) with:
* 3-D (shader, tiler, parallel vertex and pixel processing, and more, supporting OpenGL ES 1.1 and 2.0, OpenVG 1.1, etc.),
* 2-D (blitter with high-performance stretch and shrink plus one-pass blending, scaling, and rotation, anti-aliased line drawing, etc.), and
+ Console always returns to factory state when unplugged
+ When plugged in, only time and date are saved, if the the user has set the clock
* Game-related data (such as high score lists, saved games, etc.) may be stored on each cartridge (depends on game)
* System-related data (such as preferred initials for high-score lists, preferred controller configurations, etc.) may be stored on an optional USB thumb drive
Interfaces
* Universal Serial Bus (USB)
+ 4 standard type A ports
- Connects game controllers, storage devices (e.g. thumb drive), hubs, etc.
- 2 on front (side-by-side) and 2 on rear (stacked)—functionally equivalent
+ Standard type B USB connector “Host” port on rear
- Connect 2 or more consoles for multiple-screen party play
- Connect to host PC to develop software
* Game controllers—supports 2 types:
+ USB (see above) up to 4 controllers directly, or more via optional hub(s)
+ 2 front D sub-miniature 9-pin
- Flexible pin-out circuit allows connection of any classic controller with a mating connector
- Makes building custom controllers easy
* Audio/video output
+ Simultaneous output of the same image to digital output and 1 analog output
+ Signals
- Digital High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
- Analog audio output: stereo or mono at line level via RCA connector(s)
- Analog intermediate frequency (IF) video output (1 at a time)
- Composite video, blanking, and sync (CVBS) via RCA or expansion port
- S-Video available via optional Sega 32X cable or expansion port
- RGB available via optional Sega 32X cable or expansion port
- Component available via optional Sega 32X cable or expansion port
- Analog radio frequency (RF) audio/video output available via optional Sony RFU adapters
+ Connectors
- HDMI
- 3 RCA for CVBS video and stereo or mono
- 2.5mm phone jack power output for optional Sony RFU
- 9-pin miniature circular DIN for optional Sega 32X cable
- Expansion port for cables or adapters
+ Formats
- Analog: NTSC or PAL (user-selectable)
- Digital: up to 1080p/60
- Aspect ratio: select 4:3, 16:9, etc.
* Expansion connector
+ Common 110-pin 2.0mm “hard metric” backplane connector (type A 22)
+ Center alignment system enables “blind mate” and prevents bending pins
+ Dust cover
Media Player
* Plays media files (MP3, etc.) from external storage devices
System Menu
Used to:
* Pause the game
* Select and configure controllers
* Select video output format
+ Analog NTSC or PAL (for CVBS or S-Video)
+ Analog RGB or component
+ Select and coordinate aspect ratio (letterbox or pillarbox on digital or analog outputs)
* Set the time and date (optional)
* Set and edit user preferences (if an optional USB thumb drive is connected)
Power
* External power adapter with cable/plug supplied for destination nation
Regulatory Certifications
* International (CE, CSA, FCC, UL, etc.)
Our Goal
Our primary goal is to deliver the most fun to the most people for as many years as we can.
Bringing a big state-of-the-art product like this to market is an expensive process, and we have already personally invested all the time and money we can. Now we need your contribution to build a fun, long-lasting video game system—and one that you’ll be among the first to play!
Our Progress to Date
After we determined what we want RETRO VGS to do, we did our homework. We now know what we want to build, how much it will cost, and how long it will take.
Our plan and progress to date:
2013
Created initial concept
Researched market
2014 Q4 - 2015 Q1
Acquired mechanical design, rights, and tooling
2015 Q1 - 2015 Q3 : Phase 1
Collected and defined requirements
Created overall architecture
Researched and established component supply chains
Created initial circuit designs, initial PCB assembly designs, budget, development and business plans
Recruited developers and defined initial launch titles and pack-in game
Above: Actual output of our printed circuit board design, created using Altium Designer and SolidWorks
2015 Q3 - 2016 Q1 : Phase 2
Secure funding
Complete design of circuits and PCB to build and test alpha prototype systems
Regulatory compliance pre-scan
Start development of system software and games
Schedule delivery and order components and materials for manufacturing
Journal and demonstrate progress to backers with weekly updates
2016 Q1 - 2016 Q3 : Phase 3
Revise design of circuits and PCB to build and test beta prototype systems
Regulatory compliance testing and certification
Complete development of system software
Continue developing games
Journal and demonstrate progress to backers with weekly updates
2016 Q3 - 2016 Q4 : Phase 4
Manufacture and deliver product
Continue developing games
Journal and demonstrate progress to backers with weekly updates
Stretch Goals
At our minimum goal of $1,950,000, RETRO VGS comes to life and will play a wide variety of fun, high-quality games. After that, the more success our campaign receives, the more we put into RETRO VGS.
Unprecedented Flexibility
At $3,100,000—about 60% more than our minimum goal—we increase the size of our FPGA, making RETRO VGS the first video game system capable of recreating classic systems through reshaping its own hardware!
At $3,800,000—less than twice our minimum goal—we increase the size of our FPGA again, nearly doubling its size from the previous goal.
What is an FPGA?
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a large integrated circuit with an array of many logic gates that can be connected together to perform parallel and sequential functions by programming bits in random-access memory (RAM). An FPGA is similar in structure to common “standard cell” digital application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) which are programmed when they are created through a pattern in what are essentially bits in masked read-only memory (ROM).
More Gates = More Variety + More Fun
Using a larger FPGA allows game developers to extend the ability of RETRO VGS in the same way that on-cartridge enhancement chips (ASICs) extended the ability of the Super Nintendo, but on a much larger scale and at much lower cost to game makers and buyers.
The larger FPGA will give RETRO VGS enough gates to duplicate the circuits of entire classic video game and computer systems.
Use of Funds
At our minimum goal amount, more than two-thirds of funds raised will be used to manufacture contributors’ rewards.
As stretch goals are reached, the proportion of funds used to manufacture contributors’ rewards grows larger.
The remaining portion (the small gray piece) will be used to complete developing our design into a highly-polished, marketable consumer product. This pays for everything from building and testing prototypes through the international regulatory certification process, including:
Stipends (including benefits, payroll tax, etc.)—only about half of normal wages, but enough to afford to do this full time (8-12% of minimum goal)
Creating prototype circuit assemblies—from where we are today through regulatory certification, including pre-release systems for developers of launch titles (5% of min. goal)
Outsourcing software development (5% of min. goal)
Testing and certifying regulatory compliance (4% of min. goal)
Renting space and equipment for a small office and lab (4% of min. goal)
Advertising (2% of min. goal)
All other operating expenses (1% of min. goal)
Our Team
Mike Kennedy, Co-Founder, President– Mike is an avid “retro” gamer and collector, entrepreneur and creator and publisher of RETRO Video Game Magazine. Mike’s 25+ year career in designing and installing automated material handling and lean manufacturing systems will be applied to the manufacturing and production of the RETRO VGS in the USA.
Mike graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in marketing.
Steve Woita, Co-Founder, VP Developer Relations – Steve is a game industry icon and pioneer who has worked and developed games for some of the industry's most notable companies including Atari, Apple, Sega, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Activision, Tengen, Big Fish Games and The 3DO Company. Steve is also an adviser to the Video Game History Museum.
John Carlsen, Co-Founder, VP Operations and Platform Development– As a principal hardware engineer, John created a Sony PlayStation for emerging foreign markets and co-founded Iguana Entertainment, where he created powerful low-cost software-development interfaces for SNES, Saturn, PlayStation, and Jaguar.
John contributed to the development of system software for PlayStation 3, the first computer with AMD 64-bit processors, most flash-based MP3 players (including iPod Shuffle), Altera programmable logic semiconductors, Media Vision's high-quality PC sound cards, and the first TV input device for personal computers. John has also worked for Atari, Atari’s former president and co-founder Nolan Bushnell, and Activision, and has taught college courses in game development.
John has degrees in computer science and management from St. Edward's University in Austin, and five degrees from De Anza College in Cupertino—where Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak studied.
The RETRO VGS Story
It was about 2 years ago when I had an idea for a new game system to run off "modern day" cartridges. I had discussions with colleagues about this idea and eventually was hooked up with game industry alum, Steve Woita. Steve has a long career in gaming beginning with his games developed for Atari 2600, which included TAZ and Atari's first and only game with voice, QUADRUN. After Atari, Steve continued his career developing games for both Sega and Nintendo NES. His titles there include: Kid Chameleon, Sonic Spinball and Sonic 2. And for Tengen on NES, Super Sprint and unrealesed Police Academy. You can read more about Steve's work here. Steve and I have been working on this concept ever since.
It wasn't until E3 2014 when I knew the time was drawing near for a venture like this. I was walking the E3 floor and noticed that Sony and Microsoft had invited various indie developers into their pricey booth space to show off their creations. And most of these games were all retro style, influenced games. I saw the mainstream industry now taking notice of these developers and these style games. Retro gaming is now become a genre and an art form! I thought it was a shame, however, these games were going to be relegated only to digital downloads. These games should have the chance to survive and live long into the future, not be tossed aside like so many games these days once the "newness" has worn off. Some games deserve to be preserved and there is no modern day console that will do this. And, in fact, as new generations of consoles have been introduced they are separating gamers even further from their games.
It was about this same time I had learned the Atari Jaguar molds were put up for auction on eBay. I discovered they hadn't sold and were still around and located at a dental instrument manufacturer who had originally bought them from Atari in a late 90's liquidation. I quickly called them up, confirmed they still had them and drove up to Northern California to see them in person. This trip was the beginning of this venture becoming reality and is the reason this campaign is running. To make a long story short, I ended up purchasing the Atari Jaguar tooling from Imagin Systems and have since relocated them where we will be manufacturing RETRO VGS, here in Southern California. Once we had the tooling delivered to their new home (a local injection molding company) we set up and tested the parts and were amazed to discover they still produce top quality polycarbonate parts. So far so good!
Since we had a significant part of this venture decided, the look of the console and the tooling to make it, we then focused on the hardware. Now this process doesn't happen fast and we've gone through a few different design iterations. At one point, Steve began considering using an FPGA to give RETRO VGS some interesting application and it is an idea we have stuck with ever since and will continue to stick with pending the outcome of this campaign and its achieved funding. It was in March of 2015 we discovered a diamond in the rough, John Carlsen. And as luck would have it, he was available to work on this with us and also somewhat local to Southern California. John is a gaming hardware guru having worked intimately on both the software and hardware side of the console business for his entire career. For Sony, John developed a small Playstation for emerging foreign markets. Earlier, John was a co-founder of Iguana Entertainment and worked his magic there to create a low-cost development systems for the Super NES and other cartridge gaming consoles. John also worked for Altera, one of the top FPGA makers. Yes, this all comes full circle and the stars aligned.
Steve Woita, Mike Kennedy & John Carlsen
As of today, we've literally done everything we can do up to this point before preparing for the costly prototyping phase. We've confirmed the appearance of the RETRO VGS console and cartridges and have purchased the tooling to create and produce mass quantities of these parts. We are working with a third party controller manufacturer to supply us with branded USB controllers and we have working prototypes in hand that are testing out great. We have designed the system architecture and circuit design and have established solid relationships with the largest (and local) electronics distributors and suppliers in the area. We have spec'ed out all electronics and parts and are proud to say we are using only the best parts available in RETRO VGS. Finally, we have established a relationship with one of the largest PCBA contract manufacturers in the area. All the pieces are in place to create a working prototype soon after it appears our funding goal will be met.
Thankfully, we have had significant outreach from over 150 developers all interested in bringing games onto RETRO VGS. Most saying they never thought a chance to have their games on cartridges would never happen. We also have inroads to the mainstream gaming developers and publishers and believe that if we can prove there is still a solid market for "new" cartridge based games, then they will be happy to bring their big name, legacy games onto the system. We now need all of you to show them there is a market and that you want to see some of their franchises brought back to life on RETRO VGS.
Help us bring cartridges back! Cartridges are a medium that brings gaming back and gaming culture back to its roots and it can all happen on RETRO VGS. We ask for your support and are confident we can deliver to you all in 2016, a brand new, high-quality and state-of-the-art cartridge based video game system that will be fun to play for years to come.
The RetroGamingRoundup podcast invited all three of us on their show for an indepth 90 minute interview. To learn more about RETRO VGS and our team CLICK HERE.
Looking for more information?Check the project
FAQ
Easiest way to show your support for our project and say no to patches and scratches! Get full credit toward a future purchase for the amount you pledge.
21 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Take Control
$25 USD
Get a genuine RETRO VGS USB controller that can be used on any USB enabled device! Plus, get full credit toward a future purchase for any amount you pledge over the reward tier amount.
Estimated Shipping
February 2016
23 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Early Bird Black RETRO VGS
$299 USD
Get a black RETRO VGS with power adapter, RETRO VGS USB controller, HDMI cable, and full credit toward a future purchase for any amount you pledge over the reward tier amount, plus: - Bottom label printed with BACKER EDITION - Digital subscription to RETRO Video Game Magazine ($18 Value)
Estimated Shipping
November 2016
83 out of 500 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Personalized RETRO VGS
$349 USD
Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS in Legend Series or Jewel Series or Black
Everything included with the Early Bird Black RETRO VGS Backer Edition and full credit toward a future purchase for any amount you pledge over the reward tier amount, plus: - choice of any Legend, Jewel Series colors or black - Lower serial numbers and ships before lower-priced rewards - Digital subscription to RETRO Video Game Magazine ($18 Value)
Estimated Shipping
November 2016
70 claimed
Ships worldwide.
Bronze RETRO VGS
$399 USD
Treasure Series Bronze Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS
Everything included with the Jewel Series Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS and full credit toward a future purchase for any amount you pledge over the reward tier amount, plus: - Bronze color - Lower serial numbers and ships before lower-priced rewards - Digital subscription to RETRO Video Game Magazine ($18 Value)
Estimated Shipping
November 2016
1 out of 150 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Silver RETRO VGS
$424 USD
Treasure Series Silver Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS
Everything included with the Bronze Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS and full credit toward a future purchase for any amount you pledge over the reward tier amount, plus: - Silver color - Lower serial numbers and ships before lower-priced rewards - Digital subscription to RETRO Video Game Magazine ($18 Value)
Estimated Shipping
November 2016
4 out of 100 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Gold RETRO VGS
$449 USD
Treasure Series Gold Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS
Everything included with the Silver Personalized Backer Edition RETRO VGS and full credit toward a future purchase for any amount you pledge over the reward tier amount, plus: - Gold color - Lower serial numbers and ships before lower-priced rewards - Digital subscription to RETRO Video Game Magazine ($18 Value)
Estimated Shipping
November 2016
11 out of 50 of claimed
Ships worldwide.
Elite Backer Edition RETRO VGS
$499 USD
Lowest Serial Numbers and Earliest Shipping
Highest contributor gets serial #1. Serial numbers start at #1 and ship in order of contribution amount, from highest to lowest, with any tied amounts ordered by earliest contribution first. Plus a RETRO Video Game Magazine print subscription ($33 Value)
