Microvision

The Microvision was the first handheld with interchangeable modules and game was in 1979 by the U.S. company Milton Bradley (MB ) released. The Microvision was designed by Jay Smith, who later also developed the computer game console Vectrex for MB. The concept of the Microvision was a combination of a cartridge system and a handheld game that quickly after the release was a success. In the first year they made with the Microvision sales of 8 million U.S. dollars. But by the limitations of the system - a few games, a small LCD screen and no storage option for the Score - the system was quickly overtaken by the competition, so that the production of the device was set back in 1981.

The first game modules were built with processors Intel and Texas Instruments TMS1100 8021. By changing the purchasing policy of the company Milton Bradley one changed completely to the TMS1100 processors. The TMS1100 was a less powerful component, but offered a larger memory and less energy consumption. The first versions of the Microvision needed for the operation of two 9- volt batteries. By using the TMS1100 a battery to supply the device could be reduced. Since the cost of the change in housing were too big to go to only one battery bay, Milton Bradley was the second shaft are made and described it in the manual as a pocket for an extra battery.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Intel 8021/TI TMS1100 ( on cartridge - board)
  • Display: 16 × 16 pixel LCD
  • Register: 4 bit ( TMS1100 ), 8 bit ( 8021 )
  • Processor: 100 kHz
  • RAM: 32 nibbles (16 8-bit bytes, integrated in CPU)
  • Video / Display Processor: Custom (made by Hughes )
  • Sound: Piezo beeper
  • Input: keypad, an analog knob
  • Power: Single 9 -volt battery ( TMS1100 ) or two 9- volt batteries (Intel 8021 )

List of all Microvision games

  • Block Buster (1979 )
  • Bowling (1979 )
  • Connect Four (1979 )
  • Mind Buster (1979 )
  • Pinball (1979 )
  • Star Trek Phaser Strike (1979 )
  • Vegas Slots ( 1979)
  • Baseball ( 1980)
  • Sea Duel ( 1980)
  • Shooting Star (1980 )
  • Alien Raiders ( 1981)
  • Cosmic Hunter (1981 )
  • Barrage (1982, not published? )
  • Super Blockbuster (1982 )
ROM cartridge Piezoelectricity
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