Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter: The Legendary Vector Gaming Machine Returns

Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter opens with a promise that feels almost cinematic. The legendary vector-display console from 1982 returns in a modern miniature edition created by fans who grew up dreaming about the original machine. With $967,886 pledged of its $127,630 goal, supported by 4,131 backers and 14 days still to go, this campaign has already become a standout moment for retro gaming on Kickstarter.

From 1983 Dream to 2025 Reality

Creator David Oghia's journey with the Vectrex began in 1983, when he discovered the original console in a Parisian toy store. Unlike anything else on the market, the Vectrex featured its own built-in vector display—producing sharp, glowing lines reminiscent of arcade classics like Asteroids, Battlezone, and Star Wars.

"Back then, dreams were expensive," Oghia recalls in the campaign. The original Vectrex was beyond his childhood budget, but years later, he began collecting the consoles he'd missed, building an extensive retro gaming collection. After falling for the wave of mini consoles—owning nearly all of them, from the NES Classic to the Neo Geo Mini—he knew a Vectrex Mini could be the perfect tribute.

Three Years in the Making

The Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter didn't happen overnight. The project germinated over three years ago when Oghia discovered Eric from the YouTube channel Retro Relik's and his custom-made Vectrex Mini. That discovery proved the concept was viable and could serve as inspiration for a commercial product.

The team meticulously modeled the original 1982 Vectrex and its uniquely shaped analog joystick, then scaled everything to half-size (1:2 scale). The 3D printing phase proved particularly challenging—even at half scale, the two main shell parts were large and difficult to print with precision. After multiple iterations and hand-wiring the controller components, they created their first fully functional prototype.

The Gamescom Moment

Debuting the prototype at Gamescom proved transformational. The smiles, surprise, and excitement from players of all ages convinced the team they had something special. That reception gave them the confidence to move forward with manufacturing partnerships in Taiwan and China.

Engineering Decisions That Define the Experience

The AMOLED Display Solution

One critical decision nearly derailed the project. Initially, the team considered a Mini without a screen, designed only to connect to TVs to keep costs down. But Eric convinced them—and they agreed—that a Vectrex without its own display simply wouldn't be a Vectrex.

Since CRT technology is no longer viable, they chose a 5-inch vertical AMOLED screen. This display offers stunning contrast and does justice to the original vector graphics, maintaining the proper aspect ratio while delivering the glowing, crisp lines that defined the Vectrex experience.

Half the Size, All the Authenticity

The Vectrex Mini measures exactly 50% the size of the 1982 console, maintaining the same proportions and even replicating the textured plastic finish. Inside, a powerful yet accessible ESP32 processor runs the included games while leaving the door open for future developments.

Wireless Freedom and Backward Compatibility

The Bluetooth analog controller frees players from the original's tethered joystick. Currently featuring a built-in battery, this controller offers a modern convenience while staying faithful to the original's unique design.

In a clever twist, the optional second controller includes a specially developed dongle that allows it to connect via Bluetooth to the original 1982 console. Since vintage Vectrex gamepads are often faulty or missing, this modern replacement serves both the Mini and collectors with original hardware.

A Carefully Curated Game Library

The Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter includes MineStorm II—the fixed version of the original's iconic built-in game—along with confirmed titles including Bedlam, Hyperchase, Cosmic Chasm, Spinball, Rip Off, and Spike, complete with its unforgettable voice synthesis.

Thanks to the microSD card slot, players can expand beyond the built-in selection. The Vectrex homebrew community has kept the console alive for over 40 years, creating dozens of titles. With the Mini, these community-created games become playable on authentic hardware scaled for modern life.

For those preferring larger screens, the built-in HDMI output allows gameplay on any television, with vector graphics scaling cleanly while preserving their characteristic crispness.

Overlays: Recreating the Visual Soul

Every original Vectrex game came with a thin, colorful plastic overlay that slid over the screen, adding color and unique visual identity. These overlays were essential to the authentic Vectrex experience.

The Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter honors this tradition. Every built-in game includes its own dedicated overlay, faithfully inspired by the originals but redesigned to fit the Mini's 5-inch vertical OLED display. Printed on high-quality, durable material with vibrant colors, these overlays come included in the box—no separate purchase necessary.

More Than a Console: The Geek Clock Mode

Mini consoles often suffer a common fate: initial excitement followed by becoming shelf decorations. The Vectrex Mini addresses this with an innovative solution—it doubles as a geek clock.

Place it on your desk or bedside table, and the vector display shows time, date, weather, and alarm functions. This transforms the console into a functional daily companion, keeping those distinctive vector graphics present in your life even when you're not gaming.

Honoring a Global Legacy

The original Vectrex reached markets worldwide—distributed by GCE in the USA, Milton Bradley in Europe, and Bandai in Japan. Each region featured its own branding and logo variations.

For the revival, the team developed a new Vectrex logo inspired by the original US design. However, recognizing that fans have their favorites, every Vectrex Mini ships without a logo applied, accompanied by a sticker sheet containing the classic designs from all three regions. This lets backers customize their console according to personal preference.

The White Collector's Edition

Beyond the standard black version faithful to the original, the campaign offers an exclusive White Vectrex Mini. More than a simple color swap, this sleek finish gives the console an almost futuristic appearance while highlighting its clean lines.

Produced in limited quantities, each White Vectrex Mini includes:

• A numbered certificate of authenticity

• An exclusive sticker sheet with historical and modern logos

• Special Kickstarter-only bonuses

Vectrex: The Book

Campaign creator David Oghia brings 20 years of publishing experience to an ambitious companion project. After co-founding a major publishing house and creating Vectrex.com with extensive blog coverage, he's now producing the ultimate Vectrex book.

Written by Douglas Alves, a retrogaming expert and Vectrex specialist, this 200-page coffee table book (letter size) will feature:

• Original advertisements and packaging designs

• Rare photos of the console

• The history of the brand and its creators

• Technical specifications and hardware details

• Coverage of peripherals like the 3D Imager and Light Pen

• Both official and homebrew games

• The community that has kept Vectrex alive for over 40 years

  
  

Wearable Vectrex Tributes

The campaign includes four T-shirt designs celebrating the Vectrex universe:

The Vectrex Classic T-Shirt pays homage to vintage designs celebrating the 1982 console—once available but now hard to find.

The Vectrex Hero T-Shirt takes a minimalist approach, honoring the console's iconic startup screen.

The MineStorm T-Shirt features front and back printing, immersing wearers in the world of the console's most famous built-in game.

The Spike ♥ Molly design brings together two beloved characters from Spike, letting fans wear their Vectrex love proudly.

All shirts are printed on high-quality cotton, offering durability and comfort alongside style.

Professional Manufacturing Partnership

The Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter benefits from partnership with an experienced product engineering and manufacturing firm providing end-to-end hardware development. Their in-house team of mechanical, electrical, and firmware engineers ensures both confidentiality and quality throughout every development stage.

This partnership provided crucial expertise in rapid prototyping, precision engineering, and manufacturing, allowing the project to move forward with technical confidence. Their guidance proved invaluable in transforming the design vision into a tangible, functional prototype and establishing the foundation for reliable production.

Why Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter Matters

The Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter represents more than nostalgia—it's a carefully engineered tribute to innovation. Forty-three years after the original's debut, this miniature edition captures everything that made the Vectrex special: the distinctive vector graphics, the integrated display, the colorful overlays, and the unique all-in-one design.

With nearly $1 million pledged and over 4,000 backers rallying behind the project, the campaign demonstrates enduring passion for one of gaming's most distinctive machines. Whether you're a collector who remembers the original, a retro gaming enthusiast discovering vector graphics for the first time, or simply someone who appreciates innovative design, the Vectrex Mini offers an authentic connection to gaming history—reimagined for the modern era.

The legendary vector console is indeed back, and this time, it fits in the palm of your hand.

Campaign Update — November 23, 2025

The Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter continues its outstanding momentum, now at $1,015,856 pledged of its $126,714 goal, supported by 4,356 backers with 9 days remaining.

This week marks a major milestone for the project: the reveal of the first licensed homebrew title included with the Vectrex Mini. The game, USA Zombie Apocalypse, is created by AR-Vectrex and places players in a zombie-infested trip across the United States, searching for atomic bomb components, managing scarce ammo, and surviving escalating threats.

The inclusion of this game is more than a bonus — it’s a celebration of the Vectrex homebrew community and a testament to the continued creativity surrounding the platform. The Vectrex Mini version will ship with full accessories: a dedicated screen overlay, controller overlay, and a small zombie add-on.

The team also shared a behind-the-scenes photo with Alex, the developer behind AR-Vectrex, and confirmed that more surprises are coming as the campaign enters its final stretch.

More updates soon as the Vectrex legacy keeps growing.

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FAQ about Vectrex Mini Console on Kickstarter

How do pledges and add-ons work on Kickstarter?

Pledges are the main rewards you choose to support the campaign, while add-ons are optional extras available during checkout. Each pledge is managed separately, and only the specific items selected are included.

When will delivery begin and how will shipping be handled?

Production will take a few months after the campaign, with delivery estimated for September 2026. Shipping fees will be collected later via PledgeBox, and multiple shipping hubs are being evaluated to reduce costs.

Why couldn’t the Vectrex Mini use a CRT screen?

Consumer CRT screens are no longer manufactured, making them impossible to source for modern production. The team chose OLED for its strong contrast and visual similarity to classic vector graphics.

Which games can be played on the Vectrex Mini?

The console includes a dozen built-in games, with confirmed titles such as MineStorm II, Bedlam, Hyperchase, Cosmic Chasm, Spinball, Rip Off, and Spike. Additional games, including homebrew ROMs, can be added through the microSD card slot.

Why did the team choose to create a mini version instead of a full-size Vectrex?

A smaller format makes the system more affordable, display-friendly, and accessible to new audiences. The creators wanted an everyday companion inspired by the original while offering modern practicality and improved screen rendering.