Unreleased consoles: Difference between revisions
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: | : [[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. | ||
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== 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. | ||
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== 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. | ||
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: | : [[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. | '''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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== 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. | ||
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== Apex Digital ApeXtreme == | == 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. | ||
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== 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. | ||
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== 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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== 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. | ||
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== 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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}} | }} | ||
: | : [[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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== 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. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
: | : [[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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}} | }} | ||
: | : [[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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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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}} | }} | ||
: | : 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. | ||
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=== Resources === | === Resources === | ||
* | * Panasonic Press Releases and Operating Manuals | ||
** [https://faberp.tripod.com/m2fz21spr.html Panasonic FZ-21S Press Release (June 1998)] | ** [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://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-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] | ** [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://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/3DODemoDisc 3DO M2 Demo Disc, by Video Game Esoterica] | ||
** [https://archive.org/details/3-dom-2-viz VizHouse, dumped 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] | ** [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://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://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] | ** [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] | ** [https://faberp.tripod.com/M2DEV.htm M2 Development Unit FZ-DR21] | ||
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}} | }} | ||
: | : [[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''). | ||
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== Retro Chameleon == | == 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. | ||
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== 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. | ||
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== 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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== 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. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
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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}} | }} | ||
: | : [[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. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
: | : [[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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== Sega Trip == | == 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 | 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!}} | ||
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== SNES CD Add-ons == | == SNES CD Add-ons == | ||
: | : [[Wikipedia: Super NES CD-ROM]] | ||
=== Nintendo / Sony Play Station === | === Nintendo / Sony Play Station === | ||