On Wednesday, Intellivision Entertainment LLC streamed a 90-minute youTube video showcasing their new Amico (Italian for “friend”) - a couch-co-op and family friendly game console reborn from the 1979 classic Mattel Intellivision system. The Amico’s form factor even suggests evolution of the compact Intellivision II released in 1983. The information overload was so much that the press release alone would not fit on an original 1979 game cartridge.
Intellivision Entertainment’s President and CEO Tommy Tallarico hosted the presentation, and definitely effused passion for his company’s titular console. He even displayed a 40-year-old photo of himself playing the original wood-paneled version of the Intellivision. Clearly a life-long fan, Tallarico wanted other fans, old and future, to know the “magic of Intellivision Amico is that it will bring families and friends together around gaming – something that the world could always use more of – and these new games and partnerships will be a critical part of that.”
With heartfelt regret, Tallarico began the presentation with news that Intellivision could not ship Amico consoles by the original target date in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 upheaval in worldwide manufacturing and shipping. October 10 is a very personal date to Tallarico, as that is the day of his late sister’s birthday. The date was chosen to honor her life with the project, but the new planned ship date is April 3, 2021 (4,3,2,1…launch!). The general retail release date is planned for April 15, 2021.
Then Tallarico excitedly started revealing game titles, some with previews, actively in development for the Amico. Games of all genres - all “E for Everyone” rated - started bombarding the senses. 12 new games were either verbally announced, or debuted with preview footage. Standouts were Earthworm Jim and Bomb Squad - potential system sellers? Hopefully. Additionally, Tallarico showed off updated demonstrations of previously announced titles, including Intellivision ACL Cornhole (yes, apparently that’s a thing), and modernized classic Intellivision titles such as Night Stalker, Battle Tanks and Astrosmash. Missile Command and Breakout look like rad new takes on the ‘80s arcade quarter-guzzlers, both making interesting use of the new Amico wireless controllers.
At first glance, the two included LED-laden wireless controllers look like something envisioned by Tron concept artists. The new 2020 controllers bear striking similarity to the signature telephone-cord-tethered paddles original Intellivision systems were notoriously known for, yet immediately familiar in look and feel to a smartphone - in fact, a free Intellivision Entertainment app will convert your iOS or Android device to an extra controller! The thumb disc serves as the primary directional driver, the multi-function screen adapts to the needs of each game, and a gyro/accelerometer lets players engage with games in full motion - much like a Wii or Switch remote. Tallarico promises a controller “deep dive” coming soon on Intellivision Entertainment’s official youTube channel.
Tallarico answered a few questions at the very end of the stream, offering a few tantalizing tidbits, especially for original system fans. Fan-favorite Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Cloudy Mountain gets the re-Intellivisioned treatment, to release as brandless Cloudy Mountain. Tron Discs, a must-have for the original system owners, may see renewal as well - pending ongoing discussions with Disney. Physical media may return, however Intellivision wants to firmly establish Amico as a modern digital platform a current-gen audience will embrace.
Pre-orders are already up on some online retailers. In the U.S. you buy the console in Graphic Black or Glacier White for $249. Gamestop will offer the exclusive Galaxy Purple Limited Edition for $299. Two controllers and six pack-in games are included. Fun fact: in 1979 the original Intellivision released for…$299. Online inflation calculators average the conversion to about $1100 in 2020. Whoa.
Only games rated E10 and under will be in Intellivision’s library, promoting the all-ages, all-welcome, couch-comfort gaming Tallarico envisions. Games for the system will be priced $2.99 to $9.99 USD, in-line with the pretty casual, app-adjacent presentation of the games seen thus far. Obviously, wallet-friendly pricing makes Amico all the more family-friendly too.
Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of the Amico as TheGamer.com plans to bring you updates and exclusive interviews as development unfolds.
SOURCES:
Intellivision Entertainment youTube channel
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