Unreleased consoles: Difference between revisions
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This page covers ''' | |||
This page covers '''unreleased consoles''', these include consoles that have been announced, sometimes with release dates. This page also covers consoles that were never released in general, these systems can have many reasons behind their cancellation, Such as lack of faith in the console being successful or disagreements within the company/companies. Most of these systems had prototypes, a physical build made for testing, developing and refining into a final product. | |||
Some prototypes do (highly likely without permission from the developers and/or company/companies backing it) get sold to collectors, the exact relationship between the seller and the company is generally unknown. | Some prototypes do (highly likely without permission from the developers and/or company/companies backing it) get sold to collectors, the exact relationship between the seller and the company is generally unknown. | ||
=Upcoming consoles= | = Upcoming consoles = | ||
==Clydeware GameTank== | == Clydeware GameTank == | ||
The [[GameTank]] is an open-source 8-bit retroconsole. A production run was crowdsourced and is currently underway. | The '''[[GameTank]]''' is an open-source 8-bit retroconsole. A production run was crowdsourced and is currently underway. | ||
==Sony PlayStation 6== | == Sony PlayStation 6 == | ||
Planned successor to the [[PlayStation 5 emulators|PlayStation 5]]. No info yet available. | Planned successor to the [[PlayStation 5 emulators|PlayStation 5]]. No info yet available. | ||
==Microsoft Xbox Project Helix== | == Microsoft Xbox Project Helix == | ||
Planned successor to the [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]. No info yet available. | Planned successor to the [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]. No info yet available. | ||
=Unreleased handhelds= | = Unreleased handhelds = | ||
==Ericsson Red Jade== | == Ericsson Red Jade == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Ericsson Red Jade | | title = Ericsson Red Jade | ||
|image = Ericsson Red Jade.jpg | | image = Ericsson Red Jade.jpg | ||
| | | imagewidth = 160px | ||
|developer = Ericsson | | developer = Ericsson | ||
|type = [[:Category:PDA|PDA]] | | type = [[:Category:PDA|PDA]] | ||
|release = 2002 (planned) | | release = 2002 (planned) | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = no | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Red Jade]] | |||
The '''Red Jade''' was a handheld/PDA by Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, slated for a late 2002 release. It was cancelled amid corporate restructuring and mass firings, as the company was experiencing poor financial results in 2001. | The '''Red Jade''' was a handheld/PDA by Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, slated for a late 2002 release. It was cancelled amid corporate restructuring and mass firings, as the company was experiencing poor financial results in 2001. | ||
==GamePark XGP== | == GamePark XGP == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: XGP]] | |||
The '''XGP''' was a South Korean handheld by GamePark, the successor to their [[GP32 emulators|GP32]]. Cancelled due to the company's bankruptcy in 2007. | The '''XGP''' was a South Korean handheld by GamePark, the successor to their [[GP32 emulators|GP32]]. Cancelled due to the company's bankruptcy in 2007. | ||
==Ink Console== | == Ink Console == | ||
The '''Ink''' was an e-reader / handheld hybrid by Spanish developer Daniel Puchau. It has an e-ink touch screen, meant for text adventures / interactive fiction games. It was planned to be crowdfunded, but the campaign was cancelled as new management took over. It is unconfirmed whether it is still under development. [https://www.crowdsupply.com/ink-console/ink-console/updates/project-under-new-management-and-campaign-canceled] | The '''Ink''' was an e-reader/handheld hybrid by Spanish developer Daniel Puchau. It has an e-ink touch screen, meant for text adventures / interactive fiction games. It was planned to be crowdfunded, but the campaign was cancelled as new management took over. It is unconfirmed whether it is still under development. [https://www.crowdsupply.com/ink-console/ink-console/updates/project-under-new-management-and-campaign-canceled] | ||
* [https://www.crowdsupply.com/ink-console/ink-console Crowd Supply page] | * [https://www.crowdsupply.com/ink-console/ink-console Crowd Supply page] | ||
==MoMA Eve== | == MoMA Eve == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: MoMA Eve]] | |||
The '''MoMA Eve''' was a handheld PC designed by startup Ministry of Mobile Affairs and produced by VIA Technologies. It ran Windows XP embedded. It was presented at the 2004 E3, but was never released. | The '''MoMA Eve''' was a handheld PC designed by startup Ministry of Mobile Affairs and produced by VIA Technologies. It ran Windows XP embedded. It was presented at the 2004 E3, but was never released. | ||
==Nintendo Project Atlantis== | == Nintendo Project Atlantis == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Project Atlantis | | title = Project Atlantis | ||
|image = Nintendo Project Atlantis.jpg | | image = Nintendo Project Atlantis.jpg | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: Atlantis prototype, next to a DSi | | imagecaption = Pictured: Atlantis prototype, next to a DSi | ||
|developer=Nintendo | | developer = Nintendo | ||
|type = [[:Category:Handheld video game consoles|Handheld video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Handheld video game consoles|Handheld video game console]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Fifth-generation video game consoles|Fifth generation]] | | generation = [[:Category:Fifth-generation video game consoles|Fifth generation]] | ||
|release = Canceled | | release = Canceled | ||
|predecessor = | | predecessor = [[Game Boy (Color) emulators|Game Boy]] | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = no | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
'''Project Atlantis''' was the codename of the intended successor to the original [[Game Boy]]. Its development started in 1995, and was slated for release in late 1996 or early 1997. | : [[wikipedia:Game_Boy_Advance#Project_Atlantis|Wikipedia: Project Atlantis]] | ||
'''Project Atlantis''' was the codename of the intended successor to the original [[Game Boy]]. Its development started in 1995, and was slated for release in late 1996 or early 1997. Electronic Gaming Monthly [https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-083-june-1996/page/n17/mode/2up reported] in their issue 083 (June 1996) that it would be powered by a 32-bit ARM710 CPU, and it'd have "a 3-by-2-inch color LCD screen, at least four buttons, a link port and a port for connecting an external controller." | |||
A number of factors are speculated to have caused this ambitious project to be shelved. Nintendo couldn't figure how to make it small, cheap, and power-efficient enough. And they realized that it would not be ready before Bandai's rumored [[WonderSwan]]. So Nintendo chose instead a fast and cheap solution: upgrade the Game Boy with color capabilities, thus creating the [[Game Boy Color]]. And afterwards the unexpected commercial success of the ''Pokémon'' franchise breathed new life into the original Game Boy, stifling the need to rush toward a next-gen successor. | A number of factors are speculated to have caused this ambitious project to be shelved. Nintendo couldn't figure how to make it small, cheap, and power-efficient enough. And they realized that it would not be ready before Bandai's rumored [[WonderSwan]]. So Nintendo chose instead a fast and cheap solution: upgrade the Game Boy with color capabilities, thus creating the [[Game Boy Color]]. And afterwards the unexpected commercial success of the ''Pokémon'' franchise breathed new life into the original Game Boy, stifling the need to rush toward a next-gen successor. | ||
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Nintendo's Masato Kuwahara (lead designer of the DSi) revealed an image of the device during his presentation at the 2009 Game Developers Conference. | Nintendo's Masato Kuwahara (lead designer of the DSi) revealed an image of the device during his presentation at the 2009 Game Developers Conference. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [https://gdcvault.com/play/1442/The-Inspiration-Behind-Nintendo-DSi GDC Vault - The Inspiration Behind Nintendo DSi Development] (video of Kuwahara's presentation) | * [https://gdcvault.com/play/1442/The-Inspiration-Behind-Nintendo-DSi GDC Vault - The Inspiration Behind Nintendo DSi Development] (video of Kuwahara's presentation) | ||
* {{YouTubeVideo|2b9WopN5Og4|LSuperSonicQ:The Mystery of Project Atlantis & Mario's Castle (Canceled Nintendo Projects)}} | * {{YouTubeVideo|2b9WopN5Og4|LSuperSonicQ:The Mystery of Project Atlantis & Mario's Castle (Canceled Nintendo Projects)}} | ||
* {{YouTubeVideo|4VBTcgo7g8o|DidYouKnowGaming:How Pokemon Killed Nintendo's Lost 'Project Atlantis'}} | * {{YouTubeVideo|4VBTcgo7g8o|DidYouKnowGaming:How Pokemon Killed Nintendo's Lost 'Project Atlantis'}} | ||
==Philips In2it== | == Philips In2it == | ||
The '''In2it''' (codename "Kidcom") was an early tablet device produced by Philips, aimed at young girls. It had a monochrome touch screen, infrared communications, and a smart card reader. Anything from 100 to 1000 units were produced, but ultimately the company decided the product was not viable and cancelled it. | The '''In2it''' (codename "Kidcom") was an early tablet device produced by Philips, aimed at young girls. It had a monochrome touch screen, infrared communications, and a smart card reader. Anything from 100 to 1000 units were produced, but ultimately the company decided the product was not viable and cancelled it. | ||
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* [https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/66854/Philips-in2It/ Centre for Computing History] | * [https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/66854/Philips-in2It/ Centre for Computing History] | ||
==Panasonic Jungle== | == Panasonic Jungle == | ||
: | |||
: [[wikipedia:Jungle (console)|Wikipedia: Jungle]] | |||
The '''Jungle''' was a palmtop computer / handheld by Japanese electronics giant Panasonic, aimed at people who wanted to play MMOs on the go. Powered by an Nvidia Tegra SoC. Slated for a mid-2011 release, cancellation announced in early 2011. | The '''Jungle''' was a palmtop computer / handheld by Japanese electronics giant Panasonic, aimed at people who wanted to play MMOs on the go. Powered by an Nvidia Tegra SoC. Slated for a mid-2011 release, cancellation announced in early 2011. | ||
=Unreleased Home consoles= | = Unreleased Home consoles = | ||
== Apex Digital ApeXtreme == | |||
: [[Wikipedia: ApeXtreme]] | |||
The '''ApeXtreme''' is a PC-based console by Apex Digital, running Windows XP Embedded. It was shown at E3 2004, but cancelled in December that year. | The '''ApeXtreme''' is a PC-based console by Apex Digital, running Windows XP Embedded. It was shown at E3 2004, but cancelled in December that year. | ||
==Atari Game Brain== | == Atari Game Brain == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Atari Game Brain]] | |||
The '''Game Brain''' was a low-cost game console by Atari, slated for a 1978 release. The console itself was little more than a shell, with the hardware contained in each cartridge doing the actual processing. This was never intended to be a major seller, but a way to clear CPUs from unsold dedicated consoles. It was poorly received at the 1978 CES due to being terribly outdated, so it was cancelled. | The '''Game Brain''' was a low-cost game console by Atari, slated for a 1978 release. The console itself was little more than a shell, with the hardware contained in each cartridge doing the actual processing. This was never intended to be a major seller, but a way to clear CPUs from unsold dedicated consoles. It was poorly received at the 1978 CES due to being terribly outdated, so it was cancelled. | ||
==Atari Panther== | == Atari Panther == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Atari Panther]] | |||
The '''Panther''' was a system developed by the Atari Corporation, slated for a 1991 release. | The '''Panther''' was a system developed by the Atari Corporation, slated for a 1991 release. | ||
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While it was never completed, there are various prototypes in the wild. | While it was never completed, there are various prototypes in the wild. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [https://ctrl-alt-rees.com/atari-panther-cancelled-prototype-console-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know ctrl.alt.rees: The Panther - Atari's Cancelled Console] | * [https://ctrl-alt-rees.com/atari-panther-cancelled-prototype-console-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know ctrl.alt.rees: The Panther - Atari's Cancelled Console] | ||
==Atari Jaguar Duo== | == Atari Jaguar Duo == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Atari Jaguar CD]] | |||
The '''Jaguar Duo''' was a planned upgraded version of the [[Atari Jaguar emulators|Jaguar]] with a built-in Jaguar CD drive, slated for a 1996 release. However, the Jaguar had been such a commercial failure that by late 1995 Atari had stopped any further hardware production. Only an [https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/atari-jaguar-jagduo-prototype-console empty mock-up case] and an [https://forums.atariage.com/topic/270457-atari-jagduo-pcb-discovered/ unpopulated PCB] seem to exist. | The '''Jaguar Duo''' was a planned upgraded version of the [[Atari Jaguar emulators|Jaguar]] with a built-in Jaguar CD drive, slated for a 1996 release. However, the Jaguar had been such a commercial failure that by late 1995 Atari had stopped any further hardware production. Only an [https://consolevariations.com/collectibles/atari-jaguar-jagduo-prototype-console empty mock-up case] and an [https://forums.atariage.com/topic/270457-atari-jagduo-pcb-discovered/ unpopulated PCB] seem to exist. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg90-jaguar_duo.htm VGCL: Atari Jaguar Duo] | * [http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg90-jaguar_duo.htm VGCL: Atari Jaguar Duo] | ||
==Atari Jaguar 2== | == Atari Jaguar 2 == | ||
The '''Jaguar 2''' (codename "Midsummer") was meant to be the successor to the [[Atari Jaguar emulators|Jaguar]]. However the Jaguar was a commercial failure and Atari closed doors in 1996. A number of developers are said to have received [https://web.archive.org/web/20060117051615/http://www.atari-explorer.com/jaguar/jaguar-2.html development prototypes] (codename "Cobweb") and reference material; Atari Museum had access to a working unit, and confirmed it to be backwards-compatible. | The '''Jaguar 2''' (codename "Midsummer") was meant to be the successor to the [[Atari Jaguar emulators|Jaguar]]. However the Jaguar was a commercial failure and Atari closed doors in 1996. A number of developers are said to have received [https://web.archive.org/web/20060117051615/http://www.atari-explorer.com/jaguar/jaguar-2.html development prototypes] (codename "Cobweb") and reference material; Atari Museum had access to a working unit, and confirmed it to be backwards-compatible. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [https://jagcube.atari.org/jaguartwo.html JagCube: Atari Jaguar 2 Prototype] | * [https://jagcube.atari.org/jaguartwo.html JagCube: Atari Jaguar 2 Prototype] | ||
* [https://atarimuseum.ctrl-alt-rees.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jag2.html Atari Museum: Jaguar II prototype (mirror)] | * [https://atarimuseum.ctrl-alt-rees.com/videogames/consoles/jaguar/jag2.html Atari Museum: Jaguar II prototype (mirror)] | ||
==Atari Mirai== | == Atari Mirai == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Atari Mirai | | title = Atari Mirai | ||
|image = Atari Mirai.jpg | | image = Atari Mirai.jpg | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: Atari Mirai shell at the Classic Gaming Expo 2007 | | imagecaption = Pictured: Atari Mirai shell at the Classic Gaming Expo 2007 | ||
|developer=Atari | | developer = Atari | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = no | ||
}} | }} | ||
Little is known about the '''Mirai''' ("future" in Japanese). A mockup shell was found in 1996 after Atari's bankruptcy; it is on display at the National Videogame Museum in Frisco. Aesthetically very similar to the [[Atari 8-bit emulators|Atari XEGS]], it is speculated to be a variant of that, or a consolized version of the [[Atari ST emulators|ST]] computer, or even a rebranded version of SNK's [[Neo Geo and variants|Neo Geo]]. In any case, no solid information is known. | Little is known about the '''Mirai''' ("future" in Japanese). A mockup shell was found in 1996 after Atari's bankruptcy; it is on display at the National Videogame Museum in Frisco. Aesthetically very similar to the [[Atari 8-bit emulators|Atari XEGS]], it is speculated to be a variant of that, or a consolized version of the [[Atari ST emulators|ST]] computer, or even a rebranded version of SNK's [[Neo Geo and variants|Neo Geo]]. In any case, no solid information is known. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111019002354/http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?p=58265 Assembler Games thread] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20111019002354/http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?p=58265 Assembler Games thread] | ||
* [https://forums.atariage.com/topic/65900-about-atari-mirai/ Atari Age thread] | * [https://forums.atariage.com/topic/65900-about-atari-mirai/ Atari Age thread] | ||
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* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/greg2600/albums/72157669684796172/ Trip to the NVM, photo of the case] | * [https://www.flickr.com/photos/greg2600/albums/72157669684796172/ Trip to the NVM, photo of the case] | ||
==Hasbro Control-Vision== | == Hasbro Control-Vision == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Control-Vision]] | |||
The '''Control-Vision''' (codename "NEMO" - short for "never ever mention outside") was a system by Hasbro, slated for a 1989 release. It would use VHS tapes, with computer data stored alongside multiple video streams, to offer live action and interactive full-motion video. | The '''Control-Vision''' (codename "NEMO" - short for "never ever mention outside") was a system by Hasbro, slated for a 1989 release. It would use VHS tapes, with computer data stored alongside multiple video streams, to offer live action and interactive full-motion video. | ||
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The system's developers bought the software assets from Hasbro and formed a new company, Digital Pictures, which later released those games on the Sega CD and other platforms. | The system's developers bought the software assets from Hasbro and formed a new company, Digital Pictures, which later released those games on the Sega CD and other platforms. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/10/31/17997106/nemo-hasbro-vhs-console-mark-turmell/ Polygon - The story of NEMO, Hasbro's console that never was] | * [https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/10/31/17997106/nemo-hasbro-vhs-console-mark-turmell/ Polygon - The story of NEMO, Hasbro's console that never was] | ||
==Indrema Entertainment System (L600)== | == Indrema Entertainment System (L600) == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Indrema Entertainment System L600 | | title = Indrema Entertainment System L600 | ||
|image = Indrema preview Next Generation.jpg | | image = Indrema preview Next Generation.jpg | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: Indrema preview, Next Generation magazine 04/2001 | | imagecaption = Pictured: Indrema preview, Next Generation magazine 04/2001 | ||
|developer = Indrema Corporation | | developer = Indrema Corporation | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|release = Q3 2001 (planned) | | release = Q3 2001 (planned) | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Indrema]] | |||
A console with PC-based hardware and running the Linux operating system. Announced on early 2000, just in time for the dot-com crash: the company could not get further financing and closed doors without releasing any product. | A console with PC-based hardware and running the Linux operating system. Announced on early 2000, just in time for the dot-com crash: the company could not get further financing and closed doors without releasing any product. | ||
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* [https://retro-replay.com/indrema-l600-the-greatest-console-that-never-was/ Retro Replay: The Rise and Fall of the Indrema L600] | * [https://retro-replay.com/indrema-l600-the-greatest-console-that-never-was/ Retro Replay: The Rise and Fall of the Indrema L600] | ||
==Infinium Labs Phantom== | == Infinium Labs Phantom == | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Phantom Entertainment]] | |||
The '''Phantom''' was a PC-based console by Infinium Labs. It was revealed in 2003 as a system that would eschew physical media in favor of an online subscription model. It was seen with suspicion from the start, as the announcement was light on specifics and heavy on buzzwords, and digital-only distribution seemed unfeasible when high-speed internet was still not widespread. The company repeatedly announced release dates, but never delivered. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accused it of never intending it to actually launch a product, being merely a pump-and-dump scheme. | The '''Phantom''' was a PC-based console by Infinium Labs. It was revealed in 2003 as a system that would eschew physical media in favor of an online subscription model. It was seen with suspicion from the start, as the announcement was light on specifics and heavy on buzzwords, and digital-only distribution seemed unfeasible when high-speed internet was still not widespread. The company repeatedly announced release dates, but never delivered. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accused it of never intending it to actually launch a product, being merely a pump-and-dump scheme. | ||
==Intellivision Amico== | == Intellivision Amico == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Intellivision Amico | | title = Intellivision Amico | ||
|image = Intellivision Amico.png | | image = Intellivision Amico.png | ||
|developer = Amico Entertainment | | developer = Amico Entertainment | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
[[Category:Eighth-generation video game consoles]] | [[Category:Eighth-generation video game consoles]] | ||
|release = 2020 (planned) | | release = 2020 (planned) | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
: [[wikipedia:Intellivision Amico|Wikipedia: Amico]] | |||
The '''Amico''' was a console announced in 2018 and slated for a 2020 release. | The '''Amico''' was a console announced in 2018 and slated for a 2020 release. | ||
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While there was never an official announcement of cancellation, and there are some working prototypes out there, the project can be considered effectively dead, as they couldn't secure funding for mass production. | While there was never an official announcement of cancellation, and there are some working prototypes out there, the project can be considered effectively dead, as they couldn't secure funding for mass production. | ||
==Konix Multisystem== | == Konix Multisystem == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Konix Multisystem | | title = Konix Multisystem | ||
|image = Konix Multisystem.jpg | | image = Konix Multisystem.jpg | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: Konix Multisystem promotional image | | imagecaption = Pictured: Konix Multisystem promotional image | ||
|developer=Konix, Flare | | developer = Konix, Flare | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]] | | generation = [[:Category:Fourth-generation video game consoles|Fourth generation]] | ||
|release = Canceled | | release = Canceled | ||
| emulated = yes | |||
|emulated = | |||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
: [[Wikipedia: Konix Multisystem]] | |||
The '''Multisystem''' was a console by British peripheral manufacturer Konix, announced on early 1989. It was designed by Flare Technology, a team of former Sinclair Research employees. It was derived from their Flare One design, which in turn was a successor to the canceled Sinclair Loki computer. The Multisystem was promised to surpass the graphical capabilities of the [[Amiga]] and [[Atari ST line|ST]] computers by a wide margin, while retailing for half as much. However, as development suffered multiple delays, Konix ran out of funds and closed doors. | The '''Multisystem''' was a console by British peripheral manufacturer Konix, announced on early 1989. It was designed by Flare Technology, a team of former Sinclair Research employees. It was derived from their Flare One design, which in turn was a successor to the canceled Sinclair Loki computer. The Multisystem was promised to surpass the graphical capabilities of the [[Amiga]] and [[Atari ST line|ST]] computers by a wide margin, while retailing for half as much. However, as development suffered multiple delays, Konix ran out of funds and closed doors. | ||
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The Flare One design was utilized by Bell-Fruit Manufacturing on a [https://konixmultisystem.co.uk/index.php?id=bell-fruit range of quiz arcades.] Those machines are emulated by [[MAME]]. | The Flare One design was utilized by Bell-Fruit Manufacturing on a [https://konixmultisystem.co.uk/index.php?id=bell-fruit range of quiz arcades.] Those machines are emulated by [[MAME]]. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
* [https://www.konixmultisystem.co.uk/ Slipstream: the Konix Multisystem archive] | * [https://www.konixmultisystem.co.uk/ Slipstream: the Konix Multisystem archive] | ||
* [https://github.com/Konix-Multisystem Konix Multisystem emulator] | * [https://github.com/Konix-Multisystem Konix Multisystem emulator] | ||
* [https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/categories/konix-multisystem/ Games That Weren't: Konix Multisystem canceled & unreleased games] | * [https://www.gamesthatwerent.com/categories/konix-multisystem/ Games That Weren't: Konix Multisystem canceled & unreleased games] | ||
==Mera-Elzab GEM-1== | == Mera-Elzab GEM-1 == | ||
Placeholder Text | Placeholder Text https://gadzetomania.pl/kometka-dla-swietlic-i-klubow-bajty-z-broda,6704136032499329a | ||
https://gadzetomania.pl/kometka-dla-swietlic-i-klubow-bajty-z-broda,6704136032499329a | |||
==Namco 16== | == Namco 16 == | ||
Little is known about the '''Namco 16'''. It is rumored that Namco wanted to get into the console business, but lacked the capital to do so. | Little is known about the '''Namco 16'''. It is rumored that Namco wanted to get into the console business, but lacked the capital to do so. | ||
New Computer Express [https://archive.org/details/NH2021_New_Computer_Express_Issue053.pdf/page/n3/mode/2up reported] in their issue 053 (November 1989) that Namco had designed a 16-bit console that could compete against Nintendo's still-upcoming Super Famicom. They had offered it to various American and Japanese hardware manufacturers, and Hudson Soft, creators of the [[PC Engine]], acquired it to make it that system's successor. | |||
In contrast, | In contrast, Electronic Gaming Monthly [https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20002%20%28July-August%201989%29/page/n3/mode/2up reported] in their issue 002 (July-August 1989) on Namco's system, which was "almost completed". They also reported on NEC's "PC Engine 2" as a separate machine from that. Then, in issue 003 (September-October 1989), they [https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20003%20%28Sep-October%201989%29/page/n27/mode/2up reported] that NEC had attempted to acquire Namco's system, but Hudson Soft intervened to prevent that deal. | ||
Ultimately, nothing came of Namco's design. NEC and Hudson instead released the [[PC Engine SuperGrafx emulators|SuperGrafx]] as the successor to the PC Engine. | Ultimately, nothing came of Namco's design. NEC and Hudson instead released the [[PC Engine SuperGrafx emulators|SuperGrafx]] as the successor to the PC Engine. | ||
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* [https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-story-of-the-unreleased-16-bit-namco-console.132498/ ResetEra thread] | * [https://www.resetera.com/threads/the-story-of-the-unreleased-16-bit-namco-console.132498/ ResetEra thread] | ||
==Panasonic M2== | == Panasonic M2 == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Panasonic M2 | | title = Panasonic M2 | ||
|image = panasonic-m2.png | | image = panasonic-m2.png | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: FZ-21S Model | | imagecaption = Pictured: FZ-21S Model | ||
|developer=[[3DO Company|3DO]] | | developer = [[3DO Company|3DO]] | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth generation]] | | generation = [[:Category:Sixth-generation video game consoles|Sixth generation]] | ||
|release = Canceled | | release = Canceled | ||
|predecessor = [[3DO emulators|3DO]] | | predecessor = [[3DO emulators|3DO]] | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = no | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | : Not to be confused with [[Konami M2]], although they do share some history. | ||
The '''Panasonic M2''', also known as '''3DO M2''' or simply '''M2''', is a 64-bit, sixth-generation home video game console meant to be released by Matsushita (Panasonic) in 1997. Developed by The 3DO Company, M2 featured a CPU comprised of dual PowerPC 602s clocked @ 66 MHz, alongside a custom ASIC chip codenamed "Bulldog", which handled several audiovisual elements. It was originally intended to be an add-on for the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]]. Third-party developers received the M2 SDK, and they stated that the console is inferior to the Nintendo 64. | The '''Panasonic M2''', also known as '''3DO M2''' or simply '''M2''', is a 64-bit, sixth-generation home video game console meant to be released by Matsushita (Panasonic) in 1997. Developed by The 3DO Company, M2 featured a CPU comprised of dual PowerPC 602s clocked @ 66 MHz, alongside a custom ASIC chip codenamed "Bulldog", which handled several audiovisual elements. It was originally intended to be an add-on for the [[3DO Interactive Multiplayer]]. Third-party developers received the M2 SDK, and they stated that the console is inferior to the Nintendo 64. | ||
After system specifications were sold to Matsushita in early 1996, the company made a deal with Konami to produce arcade hardware based on the specifications (See [[Konami M2|''' | After system specifications were sold to Matsushita in early 1996, the company made a deal with Konami to produce arcade hardware based on the specifications (See [[Konami M2]]). | ||
Despite this, plans for release of the home console were canceled in mid 1997, and in October of the same year, Matsushita started marketing the M2 hardware for use in other markets, such as [[Interactive Kiosk|interactive kiosks]]. However, several games and miscellaneous software have surfaced since, such as "''IMSA Racing''", "''PonPonLand''" and "''VizHouse''".{{no current emulators}} | |||
=== Models === | |||
* Interactive Media Player FZ-21S (FZ-21S1TK / FZ-21S1K) | |||
The system uses a case design identical to what was intended for the finalized M2 console. Additionally, it is much more rare than the FZ-35S. | |||
* Interactive Media Player FZ-35S | |||
* Interactive Media Player | |||
Uses a completely different case design, has 16MB of RAM and features a DVD-ROM drive. Other than that, the hardware is identical to the FZ-21S. | Uses a completely different case design, has 16MB of RAM and features a DVD-ROM drive. Other than that, the hardware is identical to the FZ-21S. | ||
---- | ---- | ||
==Philips CD-i 2== | === Resources === | ||
* Panasonic Press Releases and Operating Manuals | |||
** [https://faberp.tripod.com/m2fz21spr.html Panasonic FZ-21S Press Release (June 1998)] | |||
** [https://faberp.tripod.com/m2fz35spr.html Panasonic FZ-35S Press Release (November 1998)] | |||
** [https://3dodev.com/_media/documentation/manuals/panasonic_fz-21s1k_-_operating_manual_us.pdf FZ-21S1K Operating Instructions, courtesy of 3dodev.com] | |||
** [https://3dodev.com/_media/documentation/manuals/panasonic_fz-35s_-_operating_manual.pdf FZ-35S Operating Instructions, courtesy of 3dodev.com] | |||
* Software | |||
** [https://hiddenpalace.org/Category:Panasonic_M2_prototypes IMSA Racing and 3DO M2 Shooter Demo prototypes] | |||
** [https://archive.org/details/3DODemoDisc 3DO M2 Demo Disc, by Video Game Esoterica] | |||
** [https://archive.org/details/3-dom-2-viz VizHouse, dumped by Video Game Esoterica] | |||
** [https://3dodev.com/software/roms FZ-35S BIOS, courtesy of 3dodev.com] | |||
* Operating System | |||
** [https://github.com/trapexit/portfolio_os_m2 3DO M2 Portfolio OS v3.0, released by trapexit] | |||
** [https://archive.org/details/m-2-src-pre-release M2 Portfolio OS 1996-11-26 Snapshot, released by EagleSoft] | |||
** [https://3dodev.com/documentation/development_documents/m2_releases 3DO M2 Release 2.7 Documents] | |||
* Miscellaneous | |||
** [https://faberp.tripod.com/M2DEV.htm M2 Development Unit FZ-DR21] | |||
== Philips CD-i 2 == | |||
The '''CD-i 2''' was the planned successor to the ill-fated [[CD-i emulators|CD-i]]. Jeremy San of Argonaut Software said in an interview that his company was contracted by Philips to develop the machine's 3D graphics chip, and it was very advanced for the time.[https://www.timeextension.com/features/interview-i-thought-of-the-biggest-number-i-could-think-of-which-was-a-million-dollars-then-i-doubled-it-jez-san-on-argonaut-nintendo-and-sta?page=3] However, the original system had sold very poorly, and Philips CEO Cor Boonstra decided to take the company out of the consumer media business entirely; so the system was cancelled. | The '''CD-i 2''' was the planned successor to the ill-fated [[CD-i emulators|CD-i]]. Jeremy San of Argonaut Software said in an interview that his company was contracted by Philips to develop the machine's 3D graphics chip, and it was very advanced for the time.[https://www.timeextension.com/features/interview-i-thought-of-the-biggest-number-i-could-think-of-which-was-a-million-dollars-then-i-doubled-it-jez-san-on-argonaut-nintendo-and-sta?page=3] However, the original system had sold very poorly, and Philips CEO Cor Boonstra decided to take the company out of the consumer media business entirely; so the system was cancelled. | ||
==RDI Halcyon== | == RDI Halcyon == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = RDI Halcyon | | title = RDI Halcyon | ||
|image = RDI Halcyon.png | | image = RDI Halcyon.png | ||
| | | imagewidth = 160px | ||
|developer = RDI Video Systems | | developer = RDI Video Systems | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Third-generation video game consoles|Third generation]] | | generation = [[:Category:Third-generation video game consoles|Third generation]] | ||
|release = 1985 (planned) | | release = 1985 (planned) | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = no | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
: [[wikipedia:Halcyon (console)|Wikipedia: Halcyon]] | |||
The '''Halcyon''' is a [[LaserDisc]]-based, third-generation home video game console produced by RDI Video Systems. | The '''Halcyon''' is a [[LaserDisc]]-based, third-generation home video game console produced by RDI Video Systems. | ||
The System was planned to be released in January 1985, priced at {{Inflation|USD|2500|1985}}. This makes it the most expensive console of all time. However, investors got cold feet and pulled the money; RDI produced less than a dozen prototype units before closing their doors. Surprisingly, it seems that [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401578341/ some units | The System was planned to be released in January 1985, priced at {{Inflation|USD|2500|1985}}. This makes it the most expensive console of all time. However, investors got cold feet and pulled the money; RDI produced less than a dozen prototype units before closing their doors. Surprisingly, it seems that [https://www.newspapers.com/image/401578341/ some units were sold] at now-defunct electronics shop Beverly Stereo in Los Angeles. | ||
Only two games for the Halcyon were completed: ''Raiders vs. Chargers'' (released in arcades by Bally Midway as ''NFL Football''), and ''Thayer's Quest'' (released in arcades by RDI, then ported to other systems by Interplay as ''Kingdom: The Far Reaches''). | Only two games for the Halcyon were completed: ''Raiders vs. Chargers'' (released in arcades by Bally Midway as ''NFL Football''), and ''Thayer's Quest'' (released in arcades by RDI, then ported to other systems by Interplay as ''Kingdom: The Far Reaches''). | ||
:Also see [[Home media players#Emulators]] section. | : Also see [[Home media players#Emulators]] section. | ||
== Retro Chameleon == | |||
: [[wikipedia:Chameleon (console)|Wikipedia: Retro Chameleon]] | |||
The '''Retro Chameleon''' (originally Retro VGS, then Coleco Chameleon) was a crowdfunded console announced in 2015. | The '''Retro Chameleon''' (originally Retro VGS, then Coleco Chameleon) was a crowdfunded console announced in 2015. | ||
From the start its creators seemed to be shady, running crowdfunding campaigns without showing any prototype. The first one they did show, at the 2016 American International Toy Fair, was identified as [https://www.eurogamer.net/theres-a-waft-of-dodgy-about-the-coleco-chameleon-console a SNES inside a transparent Jaguar case.] They responded by showing a new photograph of their supposed system, but that also was quickly identified as [https://forums.atariage.com/topic/247145-coleco-chameleon-hardware-speculations/page/152/#comment-3454429 a video capture card inside the same case]. In response, Coleco Holdings revoked permission to use their brand, and the whole project was shut down. | From the start its creators seemed to be shady, running crowdfunding campaigns without showing any prototype. The first one they did show, at the 2016 American International Toy Fair, was identified as [https://www.eurogamer.net/theres-a-waft-of-dodgy-about-the-coleco-chameleon-console a SNES inside a transparent Jaguar case.] They responded by showing a new photograph of their supposed system, but that also was quickly identified as [https://forums.atariage.com/topic/247145-coleco-chameleon-hardware-speculations/page/152/#comment-3454429 a video capture card inside the same case]. In response, Coleco Holdings revoked permission to use their brand, and the whole project was shut down. | ||
==Sega Jupiter== | == Sega Jupiter == | ||
: | |||
: [https://segaretro.org/Sega_Jupiter Sega Retro: Sega Jupiter] | |||
The '''Jupiter''' is an idea explored by Sega during the development of the [[Sega Saturn emulators|Saturn]]. The two machines would be identical specs-wise; but the Jupiter would lack a CD-ROM drive (cutting the price from the planned ¥50,000 to ¥30,000), running cartridge-based games instead; it would be upgradable into a Saturn by acquiring the CD-ROM drive separately. | The '''Jupiter''' is an idea explored by Sega during the development of the [[Sega Saturn emulators|Saturn]]. The two machines would be identical specs-wise; but the Jupiter would lack a CD-ROM drive (cutting the price from the planned ¥50,000 to ¥30,000), running cartridge-based games instead; it would be upgradable into a Saturn by acquiring the CD-ROM drive separately. | ||
It does not appear that the Jupiter ever reached the prototype stage; however, it is conceptually similar to the Sega Titan arcade system, which is essentially the Saturn hardware with games loaded from cartridges. | It does not appear that the Jupiter ever reached the prototype stage; however, it is conceptually similar to the Sega Titan arcade system, which is essentially the Saturn hardware with games loaded from cartridges. | ||
==Sega Neptune== | == Sega Neptune == | ||
: | |||
: [https://segaretro.org/Sega_Neptune Sega Retro: Sega Neptune] | |||
The '''Neptune''' was a planned upgraded version of the [[Sega Genesis emulators#Hardware features and accessories|Sega Genesis, with a built-in 32X]]. | The '''Neptune''' was a planned upgraded version of the [[Sega Genesis emulators#Hardware features and accessories|Sega Genesis, with a built-in 32X]]. | ||
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[[Ares]] can emulate Sega Genesis games with 32X hardware, essentially replicating the way the Neptune would run Genesis games. | [[Ares]] can emulate Sega Genesis games with 32X hardware, essentially replicating the way the Neptune would run Genesis games. | ||
==Sega Pluto== | == Sega Pluto == | ||
: | |||
: [https://segaretro.org/Sega_Pluto Sega Retro: Sega Pluto] | |||
The '''Pluto''' was the codename of an upgraded version of the [[Sega Saturn emulators|Saturn]] that would have included a modem and a hard-drive built in the console. | The '''Pluto''' was the codename of an upgraded version of the [[Sega Saturn emulators|Saturn]] that would have included a modem and a hard-drive built in the console. | ||
There are two known working prototypes. | There are two known working prototypes. | ||
==SKB Kontur Krokha== | == SKB Kontur Krokha == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = SKB Krokha | | title = SKB Krokha | ||
|image = SKB Krokha.png | | image = SKB Krokha.png | ||
|developer = SKB Kontur | | developer = SKB Kontur | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|release = 199? | | release = 199? | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = yes | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Krokha''' ( | |||
The '''Krokha''' (Кроха, "baby" in Russian) is a console by Russian company SKB Kontur (СКБ Контур). The hardware is said to be based on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialist_(computer) Specialist] computer design. It was a rather basic machine, with monochrome graphics and one sound channel. 200 test units were produced in 1990, and given to the employees when the project was cancelled. | |||
Only a cartridge with five games was developed for it. It can be emulated on MAME. | Only a cartridge with five games was developed for it. It can be emulated on MAME. | ||
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* {{YouTubeVideo|kUP2Dv1jdEA|Top Retro Games:Krokha (1990) 5 Games}} | * {{YouTubeVideo|kUP2Dv1jdEA|Top Retro Games:Krokha (1990) 5 Games}} | ||
==SNK NeoStar== | == SNK NeoStar == | ||
Placeholder Text | Placeholder Text | ||
==Taito WoWoW== | == Taito WoWoW == | ||
The '''WoWoW''' was a console produced by a joint venture between arcade developer Taito, satellite operator <abbr title="Japan Satellite Broadcasting">JSB</abbr>, and publisher ASCII. It was to run games from either CD-ROM or download them via satellite. It was unveiled at the 1992 Tokyo Game Show. However, data transfer speed was too slow, and the satellite receiver would make the system quite expensive, so it was cancelled. Only a pared down port of arcade ''Darius'' was developed for it. | The '''WoWoW''' was a console produced by a joint venture between arcade developer Taito, satellite operator <abbr title="Japan Satellite Broadcasting">JSB</abbr>, and publisher ASCII. It was to run games from either CD-ROM or download them via satellite. It was unveiled at the 1992 Tokyo Game Show. However, data transfer speed was too slow, and the satellite receiver would make the system quite expensive, so it was cancelled. Only a pared down port of arcade ''Darius'' was developed for it. | ||
* [https://www.unseen64.net/2015/08/10/interview-taito-wowow-console/ Unseen64: Interview with designer Yukiharu Sambe] | * [https://www.unseen64.net/2015/08/10/interview-taito-wowow-console/ Unseen64: Interview with designer Yukiharu Sambe] | ||
==Ultravision Video Arcade System== | == Ultravision Video Arcade System == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Ultravision Video Arcade System | | title = Ultravision Video Arcade System|image=Ultravision Video Arcade System.jpg | ||
|image = Ultravision Video Arcade System.jpg | | imagecaption = Pictured: VAS advertisement | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: VAS advertisement | | developer = Ultravision | ||
|developer = Ultravision | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | generation = [[:Category:Second-generation video game consoles|Second generation]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Second-generation video game consoles|Second generation]] | | release = 1983? (planned) | ||
|release = 1983? (planned) | | emulated = no | ||
|emulated = | |||
}} | }} | ||
: | : [[Wikipedia: Ultravision Video Arcade System]] | ||
A system by Miami-based developer Ultravision, it was supposed to combine a game console, a home computer, and a built-in 10" color TV. Add-ons to play Atari 2600 and Colecovision games would be sold separately. It was announced at the 1983 Las Vegas CES, but the company closed doors that same year. | A system by Miami-based developer Ultravision, it was supposed to combine a game console, a home computer, and a built-in 10" color TV. Add-ons to play Atari 2600 and Colecovision games would be sold separately. It was announced at the 1983 Las Vegas CES, but the company closed doors that same year. | ||
* [https://books.google.com.mx/books?id=AjAEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false InfoWorld 17 January 1983] - "All-in-1 home entertainment center" | * [https://books.google.com.mx/books?id=AjAEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false InfoWorld 17 January 1983] - "All-in-1 home entertainment center" | ||
==Vanguard Vang-Ball== | == Vanguard Vang-Ball == | ||
Placeholder Text for a cancelled spanish magnavox odyssey clone | Placeholder Text for a cancelled spanish magnavox odyssey clone https://prehistoricgaming.com/vang-ball-la-consola-espanola-perdida-de-1974/ | ||
https://prehistoricgaming.com/vang-ball-la-consola-espanola-perdida-de-1974/ | |||
=Unreleased luggables= | = Unreleased luggables = | ||
==Atari Cosmos== | == Atari Cosmos == | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Atari Cosmos | | title = Atari Cosmos | ||
|image = Atari Cosmos advertisement.jpg | | image = Atari Cosmos advertisement.jpg | ||
|imagecaption = Pictured: Atari Cosmos advertisement | | imagecaption = Pictured: Atari Cosmos advertisement | ||
| | | imagewidth = 160px | ||
|developer = Atari | | developer = Atari | ||
|type = [[:Category:Luggable video game consoles|Luggable]] | | type = [[:Category:Luggable video game consoles|Luggable]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Second-generation video game consoles|Second generation]] | | generation = [[:Category:Second-generation video game consoles|Second generation]] | ||
|release = 1981 (planned) | | release = 1981 (planned) | ||
|emulated = | | emulated = no | ||
}} | }} | ||
: | |||
: [[wikipedia:Atari Cosmos|Wikipedia: Cosmos]] | |||
The '''Cosmos''' was a portable / tabletop console by Atari. Like many early handhelds, it was a simplistic hardware with a LED-based display; but it superimposes a printed two-layer holographic image to produce a 3D effect. It was shown at the 1981 New York Toy Fair, but reactions were mostly negative, so it was cancelled. | The '''Cosmos''' was a portable / tabletop console by Atari. Like many early handhelds, it was a simplistic hardware with a LED-based display; but it superimposes a printed two-layer holographic image to produce a 3D effect. It was shown at the 1981 New York Toy Fair, but reactions were mostly negative, so it was cancelled. | ||
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* {{YouTubeVideo|KrryeeUKYIY|Atari Cosmos - Space Invaders hologram}} | * {{YouTubeVideo|KrryeeUKYIY|Atari Cosmos - Space Invaders hologram}} | ||
=Unreleased add-ons= | = Unreleased add-ons = | ||
==Sega Trip== | |||
The '''Trip''' was an add-on for the [[Sega Saturn emulators|Saturn]], that added an SH-3 CPU to improve its 3D graphics capabilities. Its existence has been confirmed by Sega engineer Junichi Naoi in an [https://note.com/beep21/n/n5cf486789ca5 interview] to | == Sega Trip == | ||
The '''Trip''' was an add-on for the [[Sega Saturn emulators|Saturn]], that added an SH-3 CPU to improve its 3D graphics capabilities. Its existence has been confirmed by Sega engineer Junichi Naoi in an [https://note.com/beep21/n/n5cf486789ca5 interview] to Beep21. | |||
* {{YouTubeVideo|tGyBZCLch_4|Video Game Esoterica: Lost Sega Console Revealed!}} | * {{YouTubeVideo|tGyBZCLch_4|Video Game Esoterica: Lost Sega Console Revealed!}} | ||
==SNES CD Add-ons== | == SNES CD Add-ons == | ||
: | |||
===Nintendo / Sony | : [[Wikipedia: Super NES CD-ROM]] | ||
=== Nintendo / Sony Play Station === | |||
{{Main|Super Nintendo emulators#Hardware variants}} | {{Main|Super Nintendo emulators#Hardware variants}} | ||
{{Infobox console | {{Infobox console | ||
|title = Nintendo | | title = Nintendo Play Station | ||
|image = Sony-playstation prototype.jpg | | image = Sony-playstation prototype.jpg | ||
| | | imagewidth = 160px | ||
|developer = [[ | | developer = [[Sony]]<br>[[Nintendo]] | ||
|type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | | type = [[:Category:Home video game consoles|Home video game console]] | ||
|generation = [[:Category:Fifth-generation_video_game_consoles|Fifth generation]] | | generation = [[:Category:Fifth-generation_video_game_consoles|Fifth generation]] | ||
|successor = [[PlayStation emulators|PlayStation]] | | successor = [[PlayStation emulators|PlayStation]] | ||
|emulated = {{~}} | | emulated = {{~}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Super Famicom CD-ROM Adapter''' (a.k.a <abbr title="Super Nintendo Entertainment System CD-ROM System">"SNES CD"</abbr>, "Super Disc", "Super CD", or "Nintendo | |||
The '''Super Famicom CD-ROM Adapter''' (a.k.a <abbr title="Super Nintendo Entertainment System CD-ROM System">"SNES CD"</abbr>, "Super Disc", "Super CD", or "Nintendo Play Station") is a prototype add-on for the [[Super Nintendo emulators|Super Nintendo]], developed by Sony in cooperation with Nintendo. It was never released to the public. The system seemingly would be available as both a CD-ROM add-on for the SNES, and a standalone unit that would read games in cartridge and CD. | |||
However, Nintendo eventually realized that the terms of the partnership were disastrous: Sony would have full control of the Super Disc format and reap all profits from software and multimedia licensing. Nintendo cancelled the deal and made a new one with Philips. Sony decided to proceed with their own new hardware, retaining the name [[PlayStation emulators|PlayStation]]. | However, Nintendo eventually realized that the terms of the partnership were disastrous: Sony would have full control of the Super Disc format and reap all profits from software and multimedia licensing. Nintendo cancelled the deal and made a new one with Philips. Sony decided to proceed with their own new hardware, retaining the name [[PlayStation emulators|PlayStation]]. | ||
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While hundreds of prototypes were produced, only two are known to still exist. One is owned by entrepreneur Greg McLemore; the other is owned by PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi. | While hundreds of prototypes were produced, only two are known to still exist. One is owned by entrepreneur Greg McLemore; the other is owned by PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi. | ||
===Nintendo / Philips Add-on=== | === Nintendo / Philips Add-on === | ||
As a public | As a public f*ck you to Sony, Nintendo made a deal with their major rival, Dutch electronics giant Philips, to create a different SNES CD add-on. | ||
This system would have a 32-bit processor (possibly an NEC V810), and add four audio channels to the SNES' eight. It would have a 2x speed, caddy-type CD drive. Its media would use a new format called Nintendo Disc, a variant of the CD-ROM XA format. Its games were planned to be compatible with the CD-i line, which was also being planned at the time. | This system would have a 32-bit processor (possibly an NEC V810), and add four audio channels to the SNES' eight. It would have a 2x speed, caddy-type CD drive. Its media would use a new format called Nintendo Disc, a variant of the CD-ROM XA format. Its games were planned to be compatible with the CD-i line, which was also being planned at the time. | ||
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Nintendo quietly cancelled the system before any prototype was produced. | Nintendo quietly cancelled the system before any prototype was produced. | ||
===Resources=== | === Resources === | ||
*[https://playstation.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Prototype_consoles PlayStation Fandom: Prototype consoles]. | |||
* [https://playstation.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Prototype_consoles PlayStation Fandom: Prototype consoles]. | |||
=See also= | = See also = | ||
* [[Preservation projects]] (especially Hidden Palace) | |||
* [[Development Kits]] | |||
* [[Console-specific development wikis]] | |||
* [[Interactive Kiosk]] | |||
[[Category:Console types]] | [[Category:Console types]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:41, 7 September 2026
This page covers unreleased consoles, these include consoles that have been announced, sometimes with release dates. This page also covers consoles that were never released in general, these systems can have many reasons behind their cancellation, Such as lack of faith in the console being successful or disagreements within the company/companies. Most of these systems had prototypes, a physical build made for testing, developing and refining into a final product.
Some prototypes do (highly likely without permission from the developers and/or company/companies backing it) get sold to collectors, the exact relationship between the seller and the company is generally unknown.
Upcoming consoles
[edit | edit source]Clydeware GameTank
[edit | edit source]The GameTank is an open-source 8-bit retroconsole. A production run was crowdsourced and is currently underway.
Sony PlayStation 6
[edit | edit source]Planned successor to the PlayStation 5. No info yet available.
Microsoft Xbox Project Helix
[edit | edit source]Planned successor to the Xbox Series X/S. No info yet available.
Unreleased handhelds
[edit | edit source]Ericsson Red Jade
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Developer | Ericsson |
|---|---|
| Type | PDA |
| Release date | 2002 (planned) |
| Emulated | ✗ |
The Red Jade was a handheld/PDA by Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, slated for a late 2002 release. It was cancelled amid corporate restructuring and mass firings, as the company was experiencing poor financial results in 2001.
GamePark XGP
[edit | edit source]The XGP was a South Korean handheld by GamePark, the successor to their GP32. Cancelled due to the company's bankruptcy in 2007.
Ink Console
[edit | edit source]The Ink was an e-reader/handheld hybrid by Spanish developer Daniel Puchau. It has an e-ink touch screen, meant for text adventures / interactive fiction games. It was planned to be crowdfunded, but the campaign was cancelled as new management took over. It is unconfirmed whether it is still under development. [1]
MoMA Eve
[edit | edit source]The MoMA Eve was a handheld PC designed by startup Ministry of Mobile Affairs and produced by VIA Technologies. It ran Windows XP embedded. It was presented at the 2004 E3, but was never released.
Nintendo Project Atlantis
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: Atlantis prototype, next to a DSi | |
| Developer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Handheld video game console |
| Generation | Fifth generation |
| Release date | Canceled |
| Predecessor | Game Boy |
| Emulated | ✗ |
Project Atlantis was the codename of the intended successor to the original Game Boy. Its development started in 1995, and was slated for release in late 1996 or early 1997. Electronic Gaming Monthly reported in their issue 083 (June 1996) that it would be powered by a 32-bit ARM710 CPU, and it'd have "a 3-by-2-inch color LCD screen, at least four buttons, a link port and a port for connecting an external controller."
A number of factors are speculated to have caused this ambitious project to be shelved. Nintendo couldn't figure how to make it small, cheap, and power-efficient enough. And they realized that it would not be ready before Bandai's rumored WonderSwan. So Nintendo chose instead a fast and cheap solution: upgrade the Game Boy with color capabilities, thus creating the Game Boy Color. And afterwards the unexpected commercial success of the Pokémon franchise breathed new life into the original Game Boy, stifling the need to rush toward a next-gen successor.
Nintendo later produced a new handheld, the Game Boy Advance; while it's not said to be a direct continuation of Atlantis, it does share similarities to its rumored specs--especially being powered by the ARM7TDMI, a pared-down, low-power version of the same CPU.
Nintendo's Masato Kuwahara (lead designer of the DSi) revealed an image of the device during his presentation at the 2009 Game Developers Conference.
Resources
[edit | edit source]- GDC Vault - The Inspiration Behind Nintendo DSi Development (video of Kuwahara's presentation)
LSuperSonicQ:The Mystery of Project Atlantis & Mario's Castle (Canceled Nintendo Projects)- DidYouKnowGaming:How Pokemon Killed Nintendo's Lost 'Project Atlantis'
Philips In2it
[edit | edit source]The In2it (codename "Kidcom") was an early tablet device produced by Philips, aimed at young girls. It had a monochrome touch screen, infrared communications, and a smart card reader. Anything from 100 to 1000 units were produced, but ultimately the company decided the product was not viable and cancelled it.
Panasonic Jungle
[edit | edit source]The Jungle was a palmtop computer / handheld by Japanese electronics giant Panasonic, aimed at people who wanted to play MMOs on the go. Powered by an Nvidia Tegra SoC. Slated for a mid-2011 release, cancellation announced in early 2011.
Unreleased Home consoles
[edit | edit source]Apex Digital ApeXtreme
[edit | edit source]The ApeXtreme is a PC-based console by Apex Digital, running Windows XP Embedded. It was shown at E3 2004, but cancelled in December that year.
Atari Game Brain
[edit | edit source]The Game Brain was a low-cost game console by Atari, slated for a 1978 release. The console itself was little more than a shell, with the hardware contained in each cartridge doing the actual processing. This was never intended to be a major seller, but a way to clear CPUs from unsold dedicated consoles. It was poorly received at the 1978 CES due to being terribly outdated, so it was cancelled.
Atari Panther
[edit | edit source]The Panther was a system developed by the Atari Corporation, slated for a 1991 release.
At the same time, the team was working on its planned successor, the Jaguar. As the system was found to have bugs that would have been costly to correct, and the Jaguar design progressed faster than expected, Atari decided to skip the Panther.
While it was never completed, there are various prototypes in the wild.
Resources
[edit | edit source]Atari Jaguar Duo
[edit | edit source]The Jaguar Duo was a planned upgraded version of the Jaguar with a built-in Jaguar CD drive, slated for a 1996 release. However, the Jaguar had been such a commercial failure that by late 1995 Atari had stopped any further hardware production. Only an empty mock-up case and an unpopulated PCB seem to exist.
Resources
[edit | edit source]Atari Jaguar 2
[edit | edit source]The Jaguar 2 (codename "Midsummer") was meant to be the successor to the Jaguar. However the Jaguar was a commercial failure and Atari closed doors in 1996. A number of developers are said to have received development prototypes (codename "Cobweb") and reference material; Atari Museum had access to a working unit, and confirmed it to be backwards-compatible.
Resources
[edit | edit source]Atari Mirai
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: Atari Mirai shell at the Classic Gaming Expo 2007 | |
| Developer | Atari |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Emulated | ✗ |
Little is known about the Mirai ("future" in Japanese). A mockup shell was found in 1996 after Atari's bankruptcy; it is on display at the National Videogame Museum in Frisco. Aesthetically very similar to the Atari XEGS, it is speculated to be a variant of that, or a consolized version of the ST computer, or even a rebranded version of SNK's Neo Geo. In any case, no solid information is known.
Resources
[edit | edit source]Hasbro Control-Vision
[edit | edit source]The Control-Vision (codename "NEMO" - short for "never ever mention outside") was a system by Hasbro, slated for a 1989 release. It would use VHS tapes, with computer data stored alongside multiple video streams, to offer live action and interactive full-motion video.
Two games were completed for it: Night Trap and Sewer Shark. However, shortly before the planned release, Hasbro executives deemed it to not be price-competitive and canceled it; the system was projected to retail for $300, while the hugely popular NES could be had for $80. The untimely death of Hasbro's CEO Stephen Hassenfeld, the main champion of the project in the company, was likely a major factor as well.
The system's developers bought the software assets from Hasbro and formed a new company, Digital Pictures, which later released those games on the Sega CD and other platforms.
Resources
[edit | edit source]Indrema Entertainment System (L600)
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: Indrema preview, Next Generation magazine 04/2001 | |
| Developer | Indrema Corporation |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Release date | Q3 2001 (planned) |
A console with PC-based hardware and running the Linux operating system. Announced on early 2000, just in time for the dot-com crash: the company could not get further financing and closed doors without releasing any product.
- Next Generation Magazine, 04/2001: Indrema preview
- Retro Replay: The Rise and Fall of the Indrema L600
Infinium Labs Phantom
[edit | edit source]The Phantom was a PC-based console by Infinium Labs. It was revealed in 2003 as a system that would eschew physical media in favor of an online subscription model. It was seen with suspicion from the start, as the announcement was light on specifics and heavy on buzzwords, and digital-only distribution seemed unfeasible when high-speed internet was still not widespread. The company repeatedly announced release dates, but never delivered. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accused it of never intending it to actually launch a product, being merely a pump-and-dump scheme.
Intellivision Amico
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Developer | Amico Entertainment |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Release date | 2020 (planned) |
The Amico was a console announced in 2018 and slated for a 2020 release.
Intellivision Productions, a company formed by former Mattel Electronics employees, obtained the rights to the Intellivision system and games in the late '90s.[2] After the death of founder Keith Robinson in 2017, game composer and compulsive liar Tommy Tallarico bought a stake in the company, and announced that the Intellivision brand would return as a retro-style, family-oriented console.
However, the system suffered multiple delays. Excitement fizzled as the press noted that the hardware was akin to a budget smartphone, and some of the promised titles were already available as free web games or phone games. Tallarico got in public online spats with journalists, and left the company in 2022. In 2024 Atari SA acquired the Intellivision brand, so the company rebranded to Amico Entertainment.
While there was never an official announcement of cancellation, and there are some working prototypes out there, the project can be considered effectively dead, as they couldn't secure funding for mass production.
Konix Multisystem
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: Konix Multisystem promotional image | |
| Developer | Konix, Flare |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Fourth generation |
| Release date | Canceled |
| Emulated | ✓ |
The Multisystem was a console by British peripheral manufacturer Konix, announced on early 1989. It was designed by Flare Technology, a team of former Sinclair Research employees. It was derived from their Flare One design, which in turn was a successor to the canceled Sinclair Loki computer. The Multisystem was promised to surpass the graphical capabilities of the Amiga and ST computers by a wide margin, while retailing for half as much. However, as development suffered multiple delays, Konix ran out of funds and closed doors.
Flare proceeded to create a new "Flare Two" system; the team was acquired by Atari, and that became the basis for the Jaguar.
The Flare One design was utilized by Bell-Fruit Manufacturing on a range of quiz arcades. Those machines are emulated by MAME.
Resources
[edit | edit source]- Slipstream: the Konix Multisystem archive
- Konix Multisystem emulator
- Games That Weren't: Konix Multisystem canceled & unreleased games
Mera-Elzab GEM-1
[edit | edit source]Placeholder Text https://gadzetomania.pl/kometka-dla-swietlic-i-klubow-bajty-z-broda,6704136032499329a
Namco 16
[edit | edit source]Little is known about the Namco 16. It is rumored that Namco wanted to get into the console business, but lacked the capital to do so.
New Computer Express reported in their issue 053 (November 1989) that Namco had designed a 16-bit console that could compete against Nintendo's still-upcoming Super Famicom. They had offered it to various American and Japanese hardware manufacturers, and Hudson Soft, creators of the PC Engine, acquired it to make it that system's successor.
In contrast, Electronic Gaming Monthly reported in their issue 002 (July-August 1989) on Namco's system, which was "almost completed". They also reported on NEC's "PC Engine 2" as a separate machine from that. Then, in issue 003 (September-October 1989), they reported that NEC had attempted to acquire Namco's system, but Hudson Soft intervened to prevent that deal.
Ultimately, nothing came of Namco's design. NEC and Hudson instead released the SuperGrafx as the successor to the PC Engine.
Panasonic M2
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: FZ-21S Model | |
| Developer | 3DO |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Sixth generation |
| Release date | Canceled |
| Predecessor | 3DO |
| Emulated | ✗ |
- Not to be confused with Konami M2, although they do share some history.
The Panasonic M2, also known as 3DO M2 or simply M2, is a 64-bit, sixth-generation home video game console meant to be released by Matsushita (Panasonic) in 1997. Developed by The 3DO Company, M2 featured a CPU comprised of dual PowerPC 602s clocked @ 66 MHz, alongside a custom ASIC chip codenamed "Bulldog", which handled several audiovisual elements. It was originally intended to be an add-on for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. Third-party developers received the M2 SDK, and they stated that the console is inferior to the Nintendo 64.
After system specifications were sold to Matsushita in early 1996, the company made a deal with Konami to produce arcade hardware based on the specifications (See Konami M2).
Despite this, plans for release of the home console were canceled in mid 1997, and in October of the same year, Matsushita started marketing the M2 hardware for use in other markets, such as interactive kiosks. However, several games and miscellaneous software have surfaced since, such as "IMSA Racing", "PonPonLand" and "VizHouse".THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO EMULATORS FOR THIS DEVICE OR PLATFORM. ANY CLAIMS TO OFFER THEM ARE SCAMS!
Models
[edit | edit source]- Interactive Media Player FZ-21S (FZ-21S1TK / FZ-21S1K)
The system uses a case design identical to what was intended for the finalized M2 console. Additionally, it is much more rare than the FZ-35S.
- Interactive Media Player FZ-35S
Uses a completely different case design, has 16MB of RAM and features a DVD-ROM drive. Other than that, the hardware is identical to the FZ-21S.
Resources
[edit | edit source]- Panasonic Press Releases and Operating Manuals
- Software
- Operating System
- Miscellaneous
Philips CD-i 2
[edit | edit source]The CD-i 2 was the planned successor to the ill-fated CD-i. Jeremy San of Argonaut Software said in an interview that his company was contracted by Philips to develop the machine's 3D graphics chip, and it was very advanced for the time.[3] However, the original system had sold very poorly, and Philips CEO Cor Boonstra decided to take the company out of the consumer media business entirely; so the system was cancelled.
RDI Halcyon
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Developer | RDI Video Systems |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Third generation |
| Release date | 1985 (planned) |
| Emulated | ✗ |
The Halcyon is a LaserDisc-based, third-generation home video game console produced by RDI Video Systems.
The System was planned to be released in January 1985, priced at $2500 ($7487 in 2026). This makes it the most expensive console of all time. However, investors got cold feet and pulled the money; RDI produced less than a dozen prototype units before closing their doors. Surprisingly, it seems that some units were sold at now-defunct electronics shop Beverly Stereo in Los Angeles.
Only two games for the Halcyon were completed: Raiders vs. Chargers (released in arcades by Bally Midway as NFL Football), and Thayer's Quest (released in arcades by RDI, then ported to other systems by Interplay as Kingdom: The Far Reaches).
- Also see Home media players#Emulators section.
Retro Chameleon
[edit | edit source]The Retro Chameleon (originally Retro VGS, then Coleco Chameleon) was a crowdfunded console announced in 2015.
From the start its creators seemed to be shady, running crowdfunding campaigns without showing any prototype. The first one they did show, at the 2016 American International Toy Fair, was identified as a SNES inside a transparent Jaguar case. They responded by showing a new photograph of their supposed system, but that also was quickly identified as a video capture card inside the same case. In response, Coleco Holdings revoked permission to use their brand, and the whole project was shut down.
Sega Jupiter
[edit | edit source]The Jupiter is an idea explored by Sega during the development of the Saturn. The two machines would be identical specs-wise; but the Jupiter would lack a CD-ROM drive (cutting the price from the planned ¥50,000 to ¥30,000), running cartridge-based games instead; it would be upgradable into a Saturn by acquiring the CD-ROM drive separately.
It does not appear that the Jupiter ever reached the prototype stage; however, it is conceptually similar to the Sega Titan arcade system, which is essentially the Saturn hardware with games loaded from cartridges.
Sega Neptune
[edit | edit source]The Neptune was a planned upgraded version of the Sega Genesis, with a built-in 32X.
Only one non-functional prototype mockup is known to exist, although there are unofficial recreations.
Ares can emulate Sega Genesis games with 32X hardware, essentially replicating the way the Neptune would run Genesis games.
Sega Pluto
[edit | edit source]The Pluto was the codename of an upgraded version of the Saturn that would have included a modem and a hard-drive built in the console.
There are two known working prototypes.
SKB Kontur Krokha
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Developer | SKB Kontur |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Release date | 199? |
| Emulated | ✓ |
The Krokha (Кроха, "baby" in Russian) is a console by Russian company SKB Kontur (СКБ Контур). The hardware is said to be based on the Specialist computer design. It was a rather basic machine, with monochrome graphics and one sound channel. 200 test units were produced in 1990, and given to the employees when the project was cancelled.
Only a cartridge with five games was developed for it. It can be emulated on MAME.
SNK NeoStar
[edit | edit source]Placeholder Text
Taito WoWoW
[edit | edit source]The WoWoW was a console produced by a joint venture between arcade developer Taito, satellite operator JSB, and publisher ASCII. It was to run games from either CD-ROM or download them via satellite. It was unveiled at the 1992 Tokyo Game Show. However, data transfer speed was too slow, and the satellite receiver would make the system quite expensive, so it was cancelled. Only a pared down port of arcade Darius was developed for it.
Ultravision Video Arcade System
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: VAS advertisement | |
| Developer | Ultravision |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Second generation |
| Release date | 1983? (planned) |
| Emulated | ✗ |
A system by Miami-based developer Ultravision, it was supposed to combine a game console, a home computer, and a built-in 10" color TV. Add-ons to play Atari 2600 and Colecovision games would be sold separately. It was announced at the 1983 Las Vegas CES, but the company closed doors that same year.
- InfoWorld 17 January 1983 - "All-in-1 home entertainment center"
Vanguard Vang-Ball
[edit | edit source]Placeholder Text for a cancelled spanish magnavox odyssey clone https://prehistoricgaming.com/vang-ball-la-consola-espanola-perdida-de-1974/
Unreleased luggables
[edit | edit source]Atari Cosmos
[edit | edit source]
| |
| Pictured: Atari Cosmos advertisement | |
| Developer | Atari |
|---|---|
| Type | Luggable |
| Generation | Second generation |
| Release date | 1981 (planned) |
| Emulated | ✗ |
The Cosmos was a portable / tabletop console by Atari. Like many early handhelds, it was a simplistic hardware with a LED-based display; but it superimposes a printed two-layer holographic image to produce a 3D effect. It was shown at the 1981 New York Toy Fair, but reactions were mostly negative, so it was cancelled.
Unreleased add-ons
[edit | edit source]Sega Trip
[edit | edit source]The Trip was an add-on for the Saturn, that added an SH-3 CPU to improve its 3D graphics capabilities. Its existence has been confirmed by Sega engineer Junichi Naoi in an interview to Beep21.
SNES CD Add-ons
[edit | edit source]Nintendo / Sony Play Station
[edit | edit source]- Main article: Super Nintendo emulators#Hardware variants
| |
| Developer | Sony Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Fifth generation |
| Successor | PlayStation |
| Emulated | ~ |
The Super Famicom CD-ROM Adapter (a.k.a "SNES CD", "Super Disc", "Super CD", or "Nintendo Play Station") is a prototype add-on for the Super Nintendo, developed by Sony in cooperation with Nintendo. It was never released to the public. The system seemingly would be available as both a CD-ROM add-on for the SNES, and a standalone unit that would read games in cartridge and CD.
However, Nintendo eventually realized that the terms of the partnership were disastrous: Sony would have full control of the Super Disc format and reap all profits from software and multimedia licensing. Nintendo cancelled the deal and made a new one with Philips. Sony decided to proceed with their own new hardware, retaining the name PlayStation.
While hundreds of prototypes were produced, only two are known to still exist. One is owned by entrepreneur Greg McLemore; the other is owned by PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi.
Nintendo / Philips Add-on
[edit | edit source]As a public f*ck you to Sony, Nintendo made a deal with their major rival, Dutch electronics giant Philips, to create a different SNES CD add-on.
This system would have a 32-bit processor (possibly an NEC V810), and add four audio channels to the SNES' eight. It would have a 2x speed, caddy-type CD drive. Its media would use a new format called Nintendo Disc, a variant of the CD-ROM XA format. Its games were planned to be compatible with the CD-i line, which was also being planned at the time.
Nintendo quietly cancelled the system before any prototype was produced.
Resources
[edit | edit source]See also
[edit | edit source]- Preservation projects (especially Hidden Palace)
- Development Kits
- Console-specific development wikis
- Interactive Kiosk