Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

1 hour ago, GrudgeQ said:

Nintendo is large enough they basically ignore retailers and release special colors/editions occasionally to stimulate sales. For most companies, including Intellivision, custom colors/versions are often driven by retailers who want a distinctive unit just for themselves. The standard Amico retail colors will be Glacier White and Obsidian Black but certain retailers may request (and back with pre-orders) custom color models just for that retailer. Maybe Target will order the GTO red model for their stores and back it with a large guaranteed order to cover the specialized production cost. I am guessing that the only Intellivision company special color combo will be the gold & wood grain version which will be pre-ordered, so they will have a good idea of the demand on these special units. So basically Intellivision isn’t risking anything early on because all of the special colors will be backed by retailer or customer preorders. Later on they may release a Hello Kitty edition like the Nintendo Switch Pokémon special edition after the system is well established.

Y'know...  people are going to start thinking I have a second account cause you keep nailing exactly what we're doing!  I'm starting to think you have access to my e-mail or hard drive!!  

In reality though... I know that you've listened to almost every interview... which is super cool! 

9 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Y'know...  people are going to start thinking I have a second account cause you keep nailing exactly what we're doing!  I'm starting to think you have access to my e-mail or hard drive!!  

Not ever since that judge issued that cyber stalking restraining order . Actually my Reddit posting habits of one Amico related item at least every week or so keeps me pretty well informed. Will continue to follow as closely as possible - from a safe, court approved distance.

6 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

Not ever since that judge issued that cyber stalking restraining order . Actually my Reddit posting habits of one Amico related item at least every week or so keeps me pretty well informed. Will continue to follow as closely as possible - from a safe, court approved distance.

Haha! 

Thanks for doing the Reddit stuff.  I look forward to hopefully doing an AMA at some point.  I've done 2 in the past and they were both well received (which I understand is sometimes difficult on Reddit).  I don't follow Reddit so I'm not aware of the "culture" there (i.e. whether it is toxic or nott).  I've heard different opinions from different folks.  Some bad... others good.  What is everyone's opinion here on Reddit?  Would it make sense to do something there?  Or would I just be opening myself up to toxic hatred and negativity?

9 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Hello Kitty Amico would be considered a Special Limited Edition version of the console and would need to be sold at a slightly higher price as the expense to manufacture would be higher.

Damn!  So close!! 



 

And paid royalties to Hello Kitty owners.

15 minutes ago, Serguei2 said:

And paid royalties to Hello Kitty owners.

Your right but it probably would be released with a Hello Kitty game and maybe some merch like the physical media in the box as an Amico premium bundle. Recently DC is breathing new life into the old He-Man series with a comic book release and the Intellivision goes back to the original TV series with them so maybe a development deal there too. Plus given the family friendly positioning and reasonable game development costs - maybe a return of Cool Spot or Kool-aid games? Buy 10 specially marked 7-Up 2 liters and receive a code for a free Amico Cool Spot game - all done at couch cushion change levels for the 7-Up marketing budget. I can see a ton of cross promotional deals possible.

10 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

This is exactly the reason why all of the different choices are Special Limited Editions and not just normal choices.  The Black & White are the normal retail choices.  All of the others are special editions only obtained through special means and distribution outlets.  This becomes very important to a place like Walmart and GameStop if they are the only ones where a specific style can be obtained.  This is exactly why the brick and mortor retailers love us so much.  The same will be the case with our physical game media as well.  Each store has it's own special physical limited editions that can not be purchased anywhere else except for that specific store.

It also enables us to sell Limited Editions direct to consumers to obtain a better profit margin for the company (so we're able to provide more cool items like this).  And unless some retailer comes around and pays us a TON of money... you'll be seeing things like the Vintage Woodgrain only available through our mailing list and website.    That way... folks know that any of those profits are supporting us 100%.

 

All of these variations are going to kill cmart!!!

Sold on vintage woodgrain however I have to obtain it!👍😀

12 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Would it make sense to do something there?  Or would I just be opening myself up to toxic hatred and negativity?

Depends on if you want honest feedback, or just good feelings.

13 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Hello Kitty Amico would be considered a Special Limited Edition version of the console and would need to be sold at a slightly higher price as the expense to manufacture would be higher.

Damn!  So close!! 



 

I understand there would be a price increase based on licensing. If that price is reasonable my purchase is still a go. Pink is my favorite color and my daughter loved Hello Kitty when she was younger. I'm sure a pink model would sell well for you, the Hello Kitty name and logo would be a bonus. Getting a family friendly, hello kitty themed game exclusive to your console could only do good things for you. Many people associate pink as being a feminine color (I don't) so it would rope in that crowd looking to buy with females in mind who approach their purchases under that pretense too.

Hey Tommy,

On the games front, is there any chance of seeing some flavor of Tempest? It would not be an non-mainstream console without something from Llamasoft/Jeff Minter. 

Thanks!

Steve

2 hours ago, Shawn said:

 

I understand there would be a price increase based on licensing. If that price is reasonable my purchase is still a go. Pink is my favorite color and my daughter loved Hello Kitty when she was younger. I'm sure a pink model would sell well for you, the Hello Kitty name and logo would be a bonus. Getting a family friendly, hello kitty themed game exclusive to your console could only do good things for you. Many people associate pink as being a feminine color (I don't) so it would rope in that crowd looking to buy with females in mind who approach their purchases under that pretense too.

Atomic Purple. If I get one it will probably be that because I know the wife would like it.

5 hours ago, Flojomojo said:

 

Depends on if you want honest feedback, or just good feelings.

Yeah, but there are ways to give constructive feedback without being immature self-righteous assholes.

Honesty shouldnt always mean "nasty".

.

3 hours ago, woobman said:

Hey Tommy,

 

On the games front, is there any chance of seeing some flavor of Tempest? It would not be an non-mainstream console without something from Llamasoft/Jeff Minter. 

 

Thanks!

Steve

Absolutely!  It's one of the 12 licenses I acquired from Atari.  Exclusively on Amico. 

We haven't started it yet though... but it's going to be super cool with the disc I believe!

11 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

Absolutely!  It's one of the 12 licenses I acquired from Atari.  Exclusively on Amico. 

 

We haven't started it yet though... but it's going to be super cool with the disc I believe!

 

 

Yeah. OK. Great. Like I wasn't excited enough about the Amico already. I honestly can't wait for this system to debut and haven't been this interested in a console in some time. Gotta get one. Heck, why not grab two? Make mine snazzy woodgrain and GTO red (or, is that Tallarico Ferrari red?)

47 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

Absolutely!  It's one of the 12 licenses I acquired from Atari.  Exclusively on Amico. 

 

We haven't started it yet though... but it's going to be super cool with the disc I believe!

 

 

That is one instance where a disc would make total sense.

20 hours ago, Swami said:

I think Apple really discovered the potential with the iMac.

 

Back then, even with less than 5% market share, that Bondi Blue iMac was the best selling computer model for Xmas 1998.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/05/06/20-years-ago-the-imac-changed-the-world

22 hours ago, bojay1997 said:

In fairness, collections like these aren't the kind of thing a soccer mom or a truly casual gamer would ever put together.  I mean some of those Gamecubes and N64s are extremely expensive.  Similarly, I don't think having color choices is a determinative factor either way in the success or failure of a consumer product.  I think there is something to be said for the fact that it could lead to consumer confusion or possible inventory issues if a particular color proves very popular and sells out and people refuse to buy the less popular color.  That's why Nintendo tends to restrict color choices early on and then adds additional options later.     

You know I wasn't truly serious about that, right? Who uses an iBook G3 anymore?

But also as a counter argument, those that are slamming Intellivision on color choices is among the EXACT crowd that are likely to collect N64 Apple copycat/marketing trend consoles.

18 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Haha! 

Thanks for doing the Reddit stuff.  I look forward to hopefully doing an AMA at some point.  I've done 2 in the past and they were both well received (which I understand is sometimes difficult on Reddit).  I don't follow Reddit so I'm not aware of the "culture" there (i.e. whether it is toxic or nott).  I've heard different opinions from different folks.  Some bad... others good.  What is everyone's opinion here on Reddit?  Would it make sense to do something there?  Or would I just be opening myself up to toxic hatred and negativity?

 

 

As long as you do a story on a Karen that needs to speak to your manager on r/IDon'tWorkHereLady & tried to get you fired for not accepting her expired coupon, then you'll be fine.

5 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

Absolutely!  It's one of the 12 licenses I acquired from Atari.  Exclusively on Amico. 

 

We haven't started it yet though... but it's going to be super cool with the disc I believe!

 

 

Not that you didn't already have it... You just didn't know it. I already have the T-Shirt.. Now I have to get a matching console. If you tell me Adventure, Star Raiders, Warlords or any game made by the original Activision team, I'll have to eat ramen for a while.. But I think it will be worth it.

14 hours ago, RetroAl said:

All of these variations are going to kill cmart!!!

Lol. This is going to get out of hand. 

9 hours ago, cmart604 said:

Lol. This is going to get out of hand. 

And there is a rumour (that I just made up) that there will be a case variation for every NHL hockey team and Canadian curling team.  That should make collecting fun.  

This is also coming in 2020. How about selling an Iron Gwazi Amico at Busch Gardens gift shops? Who needs another coaster themed coffee mug?

BTW: This thing is gonna be amazing!

50 minutes ago, Sinjinhawke said:

And there is a rumour (that I just made up) that there will be a case variation for every NHL hockey team and Canadian curling team.  That should make collecting fun.  

Minnesota went to the Olympics in curling a few years ago, we should get one, too!

17 hours ago, Shawn said:

 

That is one instance where a disc would make total sense.

Tell me about it. All versions of Tempest from Jaguar on, just don't cut it in the control dept. I've got the Dreamcast & XB360 versions & it's an effort in frustration. The game is not made for Dpads or analog sticks & makes for a frustrating game of scooting past the target channels. It was designed for a spinner and Amico's disc looks to do the trick.

Haven't seen the arcade cabinet in years. Must be in private collections.

15 minutes ago, Swami said:

Minnesota went to the Olympics in curling a few years ago, we should get one, too!

You betcha ya should.