NEMO (video game system)

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For the weapon system, see Patria NEMO

For the NEMO gene, see IKBKG

The NEMO also known as Control-Vision was an unreleased video game console developed by Hasbro, notable for using VHS tapes rather than cartridges. It is notable because several of the games (most notably Sewer Shark and Night Trap) were eventually released on other systems (usually disc based):Sega CD, 3DO etc.. Hasbro formed a deal with Nolan Bushnell's company, Axlon to produce a video game system titled Control-Vision which would contain "InstaSwitch" circuitry to change from one track of a VHS tape to another while it was still playing. Bushnell in turn formed Isix in order to work on the project.

According to the Wall Street Journal at the time, NEMO stood for "Never Even Mention Outside" by the developer, an indication of how secretive the project was.

Footage of a presentation of a NEMO prototype to Hasbro executives can be found in the Sega CD version of Night Trap when entering the cheat code Up, A, A, A, A, A at the very end of the credits, when the words "In Memory of Stephen D. Hassenfeld" appear on the screen. Credits are shown either when you play through the game or lose.

This footage is from December 1986, recorded in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (the home town of Hasbro). Lawrence H. Bernstein, working for Milton Bradley Company at that time, plays Scene of Crime, the prototype of Night Trap.