Intellivision plans comeback with a new console

Watch out SONY, Microsft and Nintendo, Intellevision is coming back with a new console called Amico in the 2020. The first console of Intellevision appear in 1979, now with this new console “Amico” it will include the original’s omni-directional disc and a full-color touchscreen on each controller.

Intellivision’s leadership team, led by chief executive officer and video game musician Tommy Tallarico, is making some bold claims about its device, which is still on the drawing board. Chief among them is the console’s price point, said to be between $149 and $179. Additionally, every single game published for the platform will be exclusive and cost between $2.99 and $7.99, they said. It will launch with several built-in titles and over 20 more games in its online store.

“We are creating a console that parents want to buy, not that they were asked to buy,” Tallarico said during a keynote address at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo this past weekend.

“Most every game being made for the home consoles these days is created with only the hardcore gamer in mind,” he continued. “We see a world where everyone is interested in playing at home and with friends, but this isn’t currently possible because the barrier to entry is nearly impossible for a non-gamer due to the complexity of the controllers, intricacy of gameplay, expense of the hardware and software and steep learning curve with an unbalanced fun factor for the beginner. Our goal was to create a console that both gamers and non-gamers are able to have fun with and play together. The Intellivision Amico is our answer to this gaping hole we see within the current video game industry.”

Concept art for the Amico shows an all-white console with built-in ambient lighting. Prominently featured on top are a pair of Bluetooth controllers that pay tribute to the Intellivision’s rectangular keypad design. Each will include a color touchscreen, a circular directional pad and tactile buttons along the left and right side. A gyroscope and accelerometer will allow for motion control. Up to six other players will be able to connect to the device using a free smartphone app for iOS and Android.

The launch lineup includes a number of reimagined titles, including Astrosmash, SNAFU, Tron: Deadly Discs and Star Strike. It will also have a version of Cloudy Mountain: Crown of Kings, a re-branded take on Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Cloudy Mountain, one of the first console role-playing games licensed from TSR, Inc. The console will also offer numerous titles from the Atari catalog.

Check out the Trailer: