About the Entex Adventure Vision (1982 Gaming Device By Entex Industries)

The Entex Adventure Vision was a unique and ambitious console from the early 1980s. Fasten your seatbelt, because this is going to be a fun ride filled with retro charm and fascinating details!

Release Date and Background: The Entex Adventure Vision was released in 1982, during a time when the video game industry was experiencing a boom. Entex Industries, an American company known for its electronic games and toys, was the mastermind behind this innovative device. With the Adventure Vision, Entex aimed to create a portable gaming experience that stood out from the crowd.

Design and Gameplay: The Adventure Vision was not your typical handheld console. It was more of a tabletop device, reflecting the design ethos of the era. Think of it as the love child of a portable console and a mini arcade cabinet. It was equipped with a red monochrome display and a unique VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) screen technology, which was pretty advanced for its time.

One of the standout features of the Adventure Vision was its use of a rotating mirror and a strip of LEDs to create images on the screen. This ingenious, albeit complex, setup allowed the console to produce surprisingly detailed graphics for the time. The device had a joystick and a series of buttons, giving it a feel akin to arcade machines, making every kid feel like they had a piece of the arcade right in their living room.

Technical Details: Let’s get into the nitty-gritty:

• Processor: The Adventure Vision was powered by a single-chip microcontroller.
• Display: The red monochrome VFD screen used a spinning mirror and LEDs to create images, a unique approach that set it apart from other consoles of the time.
• Sound: The device included a simple speaker for sound effects, which, while basic, added to the immersive experience.
• Games: The games came on cartridges, each containing the game’s code and necessary controls. The library wasn’t extensive, but it featured some notable titles.

Popular Games: The Adventure Vision had a limited game library, but some of the notable titles included:

• Super Cobra: A side-scrolling shooter where players piloted a helicopter through treacherous terrain.
• Defender: A port of the popular arcade game where players defended humans from alien abductions.
• Turtles: Based on the arcade game, players guided a turtle through a maze to rescue baby turtles.
• Space Force: A space shooter where players battled waves of alien invaders.

Overall Popularity: While the Adventure Vision was innovative and ambitious, it faced several challenges that hindered its success. First, the complex display technology made the device expensive to produce and purchase. Additionally, the limited game library and the advent of more advanced consoles like the Atari 2600 and ColecoVision overshadowed its appeal.

Despite these hurdles, the Adventure Vision found a niche market. Its unique design and arcade-like experience endeared it to a small but dedicated group of gamers and collectors. Today, it’s considered a rare and valuable piece of gaming history.

The Company Behind the Magic: Entex Industries: Entex Industries was a company that thrived on innovation and creativity. Founded in the 1970s, Entex was known for its electronic games and handheld devices. They were a significant player in the electronic handheld game market, producing a variety of successful products before venturing into the more complex world of the Adventure Vision.

Fun Facts and Trivia:

• Rare and Valuable: Due to its short production run and unique technology, the Adventure Vision is now a highly sought-after collector’s item. Working units can fetch impressive prices on auction sites.
• Ahead of Its Time: The use of a rotating mirror and LED display was quite advanced, showcasing Entex’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.
• Short Lifespan: The Adventure Vision was on the market for only about a year, making it one of the rarer consoles from that era.

Legacy: The Entex Adventure Vision may not have achieved commercial success, but it left a lasting impression on the gaming industry. It was a bold experiment in merging arcade-quality graphics with portable gaming. Its innovative technology and unique design continue to be appreciated by retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors.

The Entex Adventure Vision was a fascinating piece of early 80s gaming technology. With its unique VFD screen, rotating mirror display, and arcade-like design, it brought a slice of arcade excitement into homes.

While it didn’t achieve widespread popularity, its innovative approach and the niche it carved out in the gaming world ensure it remains a beloved and intriguing part of gaming history.