Cassette Vision

Cassette Vision

The Cassette Vision
Manufacturer Epoch
Type Home video game console
Generation Second generation
Release date
Introductory price ¥13,500
Media ROM cartridge
Input Internal controllers
Successor Super Cassette Vision

The Cassette Vision (Japanese: カセットビジョン Hepburn: Kasetto Bijon) is a home video game console made by Epoch and released in Japan on July 30, 1981. There is also a remodel called the Cassette Vision Jr.

The term "cassette" is a contemporary synonym for "ROM cartridge", not to be confused with the magnetic cassette tape format. In terms of power, it is comparable to the Atari 2600. The console uses cartridges and it has the distinction of being the first successful programmable console video game system to be made in Japan. The Cassette Vision has unusual controls: four knobs built into the console itself, two for each player (one for horizontal, one for vertical); plus two buttons per player.

The system originally retailed for 13,500 yen, with games priced at 4,000. Though the Cassette Vision was not a high seller, it received a successor called the Super Cassette Vision (スーパーカセットビジョン Sūpā Kasetto Bijon) As a 1984 machine, it is more comparable to the likes of the Family Computer and the Atari 7800. The SCV was also sold in Europe, but with little known success.

Except for their failed Game Pocket Computer handheld system, Epoch never released another video game console.

Cassette Vision

Games

Specifications

The Cassette Vision Jr., a cost reduced and minimized version of the Cassette Vision released in 1983.

Cassette Vision's controllers are integrated into the body.

Cassette Vision
  • 2 x 2-directional lever switches
  • 4 x Push buttons
  • 4 x Revolving dials
  • 1 x Course switch
  • 1 x Select button
  • 1 x Start button
  • 1 x AUX. button
Cassette Vision Jr.
  • 1 x 2-directional lever switch
  • 4 x Push buttons
  • 1 x Select button
  • 1 x Start button

Cassette Vision hardware has only the controllers and power supply circuit. Other components include the 1chip CPU. The RAM and video processor are on the cartridge circuit board.

Super Cassette Vision

Super Cassette Vision (1984)

Games

Specifications

References

  1. ↑ "Release Date". Retrieved 2013-10-06.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Epoch Cassette Vision.