Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Here's the latest shell for the Galaxy Purple Amico!

 

The new darker silver is AWESOME!

 

What do you think??

 

 

 

 

This looks so amazing.  Those two colors compliment each other so well

57 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Here's the latest shell for the Galaxy Purple Amico!

 

The new darker silver is AWESOME!

 

What do you think??

 

 

 

 

In some ways, the delay(s) have given you the opportunity to rethink/redesign/redo some things on the physical side. I know you mentioned that the team was working on sound deadening. If I recall you may mount a foam like pad under where the controllers will sit. For those who don't know, the foam will make it sound less hollow when you put the controller in the console. While some may scoff at this.  I do not think that this is a trivial thing. The look, feel, and sound of a product all lend to the overall appeal of a product.  Feel the difference between a real Xbox/PS controller vs the cheap knock offs. They certainly look the same at first glance. Within a second of holding/using you can really tell the difference. Especially when you use it for a while and it starts to creak/squeak.  

Did I mention that I like the new version of the color?!?! I will probably end up purchasing this in the store after it becomes more available.  That is the main reason I only have have one on order. If controllers are available at the store, I may do the same for them. Get them at the store. If they will be constrained, I'll end up per-ordering.   As with everything else, I'm sure Tommy will tell us.

This brings up a question of redesigning. With the 2(to 4) components that you may have to find alternates for, I would assume that you will have to go through a large round of testing all over again. I think you Had mentioned it on one or two of the shows that Tommy was on. A slight redesign of the motherboard would probably have to be done.  If you go that route, are there other components that you have barely enough of, that you may reconsider and swap out for something a little more available? 

I would guess it would come down to the cost/benefit of: Do you release and eat the cost/risk of not finding those components after your initial shipment? Can a rev B model come out within a few months while you are starting to recognize revenue?  Is that worth all the extra effort/cost that will have to go into testing every game that comes out? Even if they are simple components, I would assume testing has to be done on each hardware revision.  I could go on about different scenarios. 

All that for .. NICE PURPLE!!

https://invisioncommunity.co.uk/intellivision-amico-launch-titles-and-accessories-revealed/

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Here's the latest shell for the Galaxy Purple Amico!

 

The new darker silver is AWESOME!

 

What do you think??

 

 

 

 

The darker silver is a nice touch.  However, I would like a darker hue of purple, such as the Purple Haze paint that Chevy had back in the early 1990s.

31 minutes ago, Intellivision Master said:

https://invisioncommunity.co.uk/intellivision-amico-launch-titles-and-accessories-revealed/

I’ll take everything on that list 😎
 

i need my FE in October 🙏
 

if there is a delay, it must be under the 🎄 

1 hour ago, Intellivision Master said:

https://invisioncommunity.co.uk/intellivision-amico-launch-titles-and-accessories-revealed/

Maybe it's the Big News Tommy said we would have this week !

Now we know all the physical games that will be available !

Edit : Yes, probably there will be one or two more physical games available, but probably not at launch.

For example, I think Night Stalker should be a physical game, and Tommy already mentioned that

this game could be released a few weeks later to create enthusiasm for the arrival of a new game after the release of the Amico!

And I agree with that ! When we've played all of the games available at launch, we will want to have at least one title that we're excited to look forward to!

Cloudy Mountain could be another game like this, or maybe it will be available at launch without a physical release !?

https://youtu.be/TJag8O5rGOE

This is a video coming 6/3 at 3pm ET from Essex Retro Gamer.  It's a Tommy Q&A.

Tommy, can you keep one of your old White Amico for me. 😅

Maybe I am the only one, but I really like how it was before with two different tones !

But I understand that mothers will probably wanted the one who is only white !!! 😁

1 hour ago, LePionnier said:

Maybe it's the Big News Tommy said we would have this week !

Now we know all the physical games that will be available !

 

Edit : Yes, probably there will be one or two more physical games available, but probably not at launch.

For example, I think Night Stalker should be a physical game, and Tommy already mentioned that

this game could be released a few weeks later to create enthusiasm for the arrival of a new game after the release of the Amico!

And I agree with that ! When we've played all of the games available at launch, we will want to have at least one title that we're excited to look forward to!

Cloudy Mountain could be another game like this, or maybe it will be available at launch without a physical release !?

No.  That isn't it.  But pretty cool like you mentioned.

Here's another article on press release today:

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/intellivision-has-announced-more-details-on-the-amicos-launch-titles/

1 hour ago, LePionnier said:

Maybe it's the Big News Tommy said we would have this week !

Now we know all the physical games that will be available !

 

Edit : Yes, probably there will be one or two more physical games available, but probably not at launch.

For example, I think Night Stalker should be a physical game, and Tommy already mentioned that

this game could be released a few weeks later to create enthusiasm for the arrival of a new game after the release of the Amico!

And I agree with that ! When we've played all of the games available at launch, we will want to have at least one title that we're excited to look forward to!

Cloudy Mountain could be another game like this, or maybe it will be available at launch without a physical release !?

Cloudy Mountain and Night Stalker will DEFINITELY be physical media titles. 

But as mentioned, they won't be on launch.

But rest assured, they'll be in physical form!

3 hours ago, woobman said:

This brings up a question of redesigning. With the 2(to 4) components that you may have to find alternates for, I would assume that you will have to go through a large round of testing all over again. I think you Had mentioned it on one or two of the shows that Tommy was on. A slight redesign of the motherboard would probably have to be done.  If you go that route, are there other components that you have barely enough of, that you may reconsider and swap out for something a little more available? 

Correct. 

But to be 100% accurate... the 4 components that we are having issues with... we don't have much of them at all.  Less than 50 and we need to continue making dev kits.

We'll know a lot more by mid July.

3 hours ago, woobman said:

 

I would guess it would come down to the cost/benefit of: Do you release and eat the cost/risk of not finding those components after your initial shipment?

Every day we don't ship it costs us money and overhead.  We want to get this out sooner than anyone.  

3 hours ago, woobman said:

 

 

Can a rev B model come out within a few months while you are starting to recognize revenue? 

Correct.  We currently have different revs of our board that we're working on.  Our system is a lot simpler in some ways (ARM processor, etc.) yet also more complex (tons of LED lights, transferring packs of data back and forth to multiple touch screens, etc.)

3 hours ago, woobman said:

Is that worth all the extra effort/cost that will have to go into testing every game that comes out? Even if they are simple components, I would assume testing has to be done on each hardware revision.  I could go on about different scenarios. 

It's not really a matter of game compatibility.  More about power sourcing, heat syncing, etc.

3 hours ago, woobman said:

 

All that for .. NICE PURPLE!!

Yes!  Purple is cool.

8 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Here's the latest shell for the Galaxy Purple Amico!

 

The new darker silver is AWESOME!

 

What do you think??

 

 

 

 

I love it!

Glad you are going with the darker silver. 

I am already very excited and happy that I chose to preorder PURPLE!!!😀👍

Well,that and my Founders edition,couldn't pass on that one either.

8 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Here's the latest shell for the Galaxy Purple Amico!

 

The new darker silver is AWESOME!

 

What do you think??

 

 

 

 

It looks good. 👍

15 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Cloudy Mountain and Night Stalker will DEFINITELY be physical media titles. 

But as mentioned, they won't be on launch.

But rest assured, they'll be in physical form!

 

Great news, those are two of my most anticipated games and are must buys for physical. Hopefully they will hit the store in the first few months after launch.

That does bring up a challenge however, Intellivision is going to need to sync their in-store physical launches with digital (at least within a day or two). Otherwise the physical sales will suffer if a game has been available digitally for too long without the physical being available. That is going to take some close retailer coordination. Just yet another thing that isn’t as easy as it may seem when getting into retail.

3 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

That does bring up a challenge however, Intellivision is going to need to sync their in-store physical launches with digital (at least within a day or two). Otherwise the physical sales will suffer if a game has been available digitally for too long without the physical being available. That is going to take some close retailer coordination.

I thought about that too, but then it occurred to me, it's probably not a problem, after all, IMHO.

- I presume the "physical media" do not require an account setting up on the Intellivision store, and just link to
the console/primary controller, so those people who don't or can't or won't setup online account/purchases will
be the ones buying from the shops. That includes the older people or kids, I presume, so no conflict in sales.

- The collectors may buy a game electronically, but will want a new/sealed box for their collection in any case,
and won't open it, so they won't care if they already bought the game to play, previously, so there's no conflict.

- Everybody else who just wants to play the games will just buy them at the best price electronically, online.

What do you think?

I have got an email from Amazon (UK) indicating that my Amico console pre-order will be delayed.

Quote

Unfortunately, the release date for the item(s) listed below was changed by the supplier, and we need to provide you with a new estimated delivery date based on the new release date:

 "Intellivision Amico (Electronic Games)"
   Estimated arrival date: October 13 2021

It's a little odd as the delay is minimal (just one day - I think the target delivery date was originally 12 October; two days after the official launch date) but I am a wee bit cautious as I was one of the folk who originally had their pre-order cancelled by Amazon UK. I guess that this was an automated email message but I wonder why they are advising of a small delay?

47 minutes ago, totalamico said:

I have got an email from Amazon (UK) indicating that my Amico console pre-order will be delayed.

 

 

It's a little odd as the delay is minimal (just one day - I think the target delivery date was originally 12 October; two days after the official launch date) but I am a wee bit cautious as I was one of the folk who originally had their pre-order cancelled by Amazon UK. I guess that this was an automated email message but I wonder why they are advising of a small delay?

I am guessing because they expect delivery 10/10 and they are thinking they need to build some shipping time in there. All of this stuff is usually automated so somebody types in 'warehouse delivery date' at 10/10/2021 and bingo an email gets sent out to all pre-orders about a 3 day shipping delay. I would put little stock into this email, most likely the result of automated responses over actual decisions made.

1 hour ago, justclaws said:

I thought about that too, but then it occurred to me, it's probably not a problem, after all, IMHO.

- I presume the "physical media" do not require an account setting up on the Intellivision store, and just link to
the console/primary controller, so those people who don't or can't or won't setup online account/purchases will
be the ones buying from the shops. That includes the older people or kids, I presume, so no conflict in sales.

- The collectors may buy a game electronically, but will want a new/sealed box for their collection in any case,
and won't open it, so they won't care if they already bought the game to play, previously, so there's no conflict.

- Everybody else who just wants to play the games will just buy them at the best price electronically, online.

What do you think?

I think physical media will require a store account and the reason is Tommy's hinting about non fungible tokens. Without getting too geeky this will actually tie a physical purchase to you electronically - theoretically forever (unless you transfer it). This is basically the new digital ownership. For example, it was just used for the sale of a meme video: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/charlie-bit-my-finger-youtube-video-sells-nft-760-999-n1268322

I probably will fall into that category - buy it electronically & digitally because I am collecting and don't want to open the box (or maybe I buy two physicals, that could happen too - mostly that that depends on what is in the box). I think there will be some people who are moderately interested though and who might want the physical but if it isn't available or there is a big delay would just settle for the digital instead. Those would cannibalize sales if the physical isn't synced, but how many are those?

Overall I agree that it may not has as much impact as I originally thought, you have some darn good points.

28 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

I think physical media will require a store account and the reason is Tommy's hinting about non fungible tokens. Without getting too geeky this will actually tie a physical purchase to you electronically - theoretically forever (unless you transfer it). This is basically the new digital ownership. [...]

[...]

Overall I agree that it may not has as much impact as I originally thought, you have some darn good points.

I understand the benefit of NFTs; I'm actually a fan of the concept, particularly for software resales.

However, I think having the "physical media" tied to an account, rather than anonymously to a console,
would be a negative, because the console is being marketed to tech-averse, or tech challenged people.

I know several Dutch people (young and old) who point-blank refuse to use online services which require
any kind of personal account. They won't give real name, real email, and definitely never their credit card.

The idea to buy a physical game, and just touch the console to play, would definitely appeal to them most.
"Bricks and Mortar" stores still survive surprisingly well, against online equivalents, for similar reasons. 

Here, in The Netherlands, we have a national digital identity online system, a government portal, and it
is a constant irritation to many people, as it assumes Internet access, which is not free, or easy for many.

Thanks for your positive feedback on my previous comment! :-)

3 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

Great news, those are two of my most anticipated games and are must buys for physical. Hopefully they will hit the store in the first few months after launch.

 

That does bring up a challenge however, Intellivision is going to need to sync their in-store physical launches with digital (at least within a day or two). Otherwise the physical sales will suffer if a game has been available digitally for too long without the physical being available. That is going to take some close retailer coordination. Just yet another thing that isn’t as easy as it may seem when getting into retail.

You can definitely argue the point about this... who is buying the physical media?  For our generation and collectors alike, we love physical media.  For a pure gamer and someone that is more a tune to the technology of online purchases... it's pay and play.  It's cheaper for the publisher, it's more profit in the pockets of the developer...and with the digital download speeds you can attain in well supported cities and suburbs, it just makes sense to go digital.  Many of the "big name" games can do both, but for smaller independent game developers, digital download is a dream come true.

Animal Crossing for the Switch is probably the best example I can think of to prove this.  Because it was such a big hit for kids that were 10 playing the original on a Wii... many wanted that physical media to have, collect, compare... etc... at age 20 and play on the Switch.  Sales were fantastic both physical and digital.  A small group of 20-something kids were lined up out the door at our local Game Stop the day it was released.  My daughter and I pre-ordered and walked right in to collect, but I was pretty shocked at how fast it sold out.

Personally, I like having the physical media.  Of the legit game titles I own, all were physical purchases except Skyrim and FarCry5.   Our WWI game (OBD Software) is digital only, and has done as expected.  With no physical presence in stores tied in with such a unique genre of aerial combat... we sell enough to pay for the efforts.

4 hours ago, justclaws said:

I thought about that too, but then it occurred to me, it's probably not a problem, after all, IMHO.

- I presume the "physical media" do not require an account setting up on the Intellivision store, and just link to
the console/primary controller, so those people who don't or can't or won't setup online account/purchases will
be the ones buying from the shops. That includes the older people or kids, I presume, so no conflict in sales.

- The collectors may buy a game electronically, but will want a new/sealed box for their collection in any case,
and won't open it, so they won't care if they already bought the game to play, previously, so there's no conflict.

- Everybody else who just wants to play the games will just buy them at the best price electronically, online.

What do you think?

I think it's downright crazy to buy a physical game just to put it on a shelf and not play it, but that's just me and I'm not a collector...

GOOD GOD!!!  THIS LOOKS AWESOME!!!!!   I can't wait to play this one!!!

4 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

GOOD GOD!!!  THIS LOOKS AWESOME!!!!!   I can't wait to play this one!!!

 

I love the little musical keyboard in the bottom left (cdefgab)!