The Entex Space Invader handheld electronic game is a classic VHF-style portable arcade unit released in 1980. It is highly sought after by collectors of vintage 1980s electronics. I used to have one in the early eighties, my first taste of computing technology and gaming.
Design & Hardware
- Form Factor: Large wedge-shaped black plastic tabletop/handheld console designed by Entex Tokyo.
- Display Type: Vibrant, bright-green Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) that mimics retro arcade visuals.
- Power Source: Requires 6 AA batteries or an external AC mains power adapter.
- Controls: Physical mechanical buttons, including left and right directional keys and a dedicated fire button.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Objective: Move your laser cannon horizontally across the bottom of the screen to shoot down descending waves of alien invaders.
- Layout: Displays four distinct lanes of action with columns of moving digital alien targets.
- Scoring System: Tracks and displays electronic numeric scoring up to a maximum of 1,000 points.
- Audio: Features simple built-in, synthesized electronic space sound effects for firing lasers and alien tracking.
Known Product Variants
- 1980 Black Model: The original release featuring a dark case, designed and programmed natively in Japan by Entex Tokyo.
- 1981 Grey Model: A re-programmed version developed by Rick Dyer & AMS featuring slightly adjusted gameplay. The distinct grey casing was actually the result of a factory paperwork typo that swapped two Pantone color codes.
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