Portland Retro Gaming Expo news! Atari… Intellivision… Vectrex… and more!

Hey Arcaders!

The Portland Classic Gaming Expo is been on my bucket list for years… And next year… I’m going! But this years event had some very interesting consoles that really piqued my interest! so… let start out with a walkthrough of the event with the good folks at Zero Page Homebrew!

Now- lets get to the good stuff!

The new Intellivision Sprint is a plug-and-play retro console released by Atari, in partnership with PLAION REPLAI, to celebrate the Intellivision’s 45th anniversary. It was announced in October 2025 and is not to be confused with the long-delayed Intellivision Amico console.

The Sprint is a modernized take on the original 1979 Intellivision, featuring updated technology while retaining a classic aesthetic.

Built-in games: Includes 45 classic Intellivision titles like Astrosmash, Shark! Shark!, and Baseball.
Wireless controllers: Two wireless, rechargeable disc controllers are included. They dock into the console for storage and charging.
Controller overlays: Each of the 45 games comes with a double-sided overlay with new artwork that maps the specific controls for that title.
Connectivity: Connects easily to modern TVs and monitors via an HDMI cable.
USB port: A USB-A port allows for library expansion with additional games (sold separately). It can also be used to connect original Intellivision II controllers with a compatible adapter.
Design: The console retains the black and gold color scheme and wood-grain front panel of the original, with fewer visible wires

Price: $149.99.
Pre-orders: Opened on October 17, 2025.
Shipping: Begins in early December 2025.

Here’s John at GenX Grownup giving us a rundown!

And I know people are already complaining… why no cartridge slot?

Well, Intellivision Gamer gets the lowdown from David from Atari!

So- as Dave said…. This could be the first of a few iterations, just like the 2600 plus. So- the next one will more than likely have a cartridge port! Given that this is their first console NOT from Atari… the build quality is spot on! Playon has done such great work recreating this consoles with such an attention to detail. The Intellivision Sprint is no different! While in not the biggest Intellivision fan, this looks like a great way to get into the system at an entry level. I see myself getting this one soon.

But if you thought that was the big one…

You haven’t seen anything yet!

I had this console… and loved playing on it every moment I could! So to say I’m excited about this one is an understatement!

The Vectrex Mini is a modern, scaled-down version of the 1982 vector graphics console, developed by retro gaming fans and licensed by the owner of the original brand. A Kickstarter campaign for the Vectrex Mini is scheduled to launch on November 3, 2025, with shipping expected in mid-2026. The machine aims to recreate the unique experience of the original console in a smaller, more affordable package.

- Built-in display: A 5-inch AMOLED screen replaces the original CRT, designed to emulate the look of the monochrome vector graphics.
- Size: The console is half the size of the original 1980s machine.
- Built-in games: It will include 12 classic games, mostly from the original manufacturer, General Consumer Electronics. The official list is still being finalized.
- Overlays: Physical plastic overlays, which added color to the original monochrome display, are included for each of the 12 built-in games.
- Wireless controller: The Mini comes with a rechargeable Bluetooth controller that features the same layout as the original, with a joystick and four buttons. It can also dock into the console.
- USB-C: For power and potentially video output.
- Micro-SD slot: For adding more games, including homebrew titles.
- HDMI output: Confirmed to allow gameplay on modern TVs.
- Controller port: A port for connecting a second controller, or even legacy wired Vectrex controllers with an adapter.
- Additional features: A “Vector Clock” mode will use the screen to display the time, date, and weather with Wi-Fi connectivity.

How it emulates the classic experience

Instead of attempting to reproduce the expensive and obsolete vector hardware, the Vectrex Mini uses an emulator based on the stable VecX software.

Screen: The AMOLED display is a modern solution that accurately mimics the sharp, glowing lines of the original vector graphics.
Gameplay: With the included physical overlays and the ability to load a wider library of games via MicroSD, the Mini provides an authentic and accessible way for both retro fans and newcomers to experience the Vectrex’s distinctive gameplay.

Release and pricing

Kickstarter launch: November 3, 2025.
Estimated shipping: Mid-2026.
Pricing:
Founder Edition (limited): €99 (approx. $115 USD).
Early Bird: €129 (approx. $150 USD).
Regular Price: €149 (approx. $173 USD).
Limited White Edition: €219 (approx. $254 USD).

I can hear the collectors complaining through the screen!

Listen… I understand. I have dozens of old consoles. But the problem with the Vectrex… is the screen. Now… I’ve done cap kits… I’ve even done high voltage regulator replacements on arcade games. That’s my job. but most people wouldn’t know (or would be too afraid to do) how to even start to do that kind of work. I had my Vectrex for close to 20 years.. and it started to get the “hum”. And if you’ve had one… you know what I’m talking about. It always had one really… the feedback from the screen being too close to the sound board (A compromise- given the amount of room the machine really had. there were solutions… but if you didn’t know how to do them… It could be… dangerous. Well as the caps on the chassis would dry up… the hum got louder and louder. and if the monitor went.. most people tossed them. I sold mine on eBay around 2004 (they even went for a fortune back then!) . I sold mine for around $500,00. Today- a working one could go for over $800.

So getting the mini is a really great way to enjoy these fantastic games on a solid machine with modern hardware.

Now- This is a Kickstarter. but I know it will make its goal. I’m going to invest!