Cassette Vision
Cassette Vision  (1981)
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Epoch Cassette Vision

The Cassette Vision[a] is a second generation home video game console made by Epoch Co. and released in Japan on July 30, 1981. A redesigned model called the Cassette Vision Jr. was released afterwards.

The term cassette is a contemporary Japanese synonym for ROM cartridge, not to be confused with the magnetic cassette tape format. In terms of power, it is comparable to the Atari 2600.

The Cassette Vision has unusual controls: four knobs built into the console itself, two for each player (one for horizontal, one for vertical), and two action buttons per player.

The system originally retailed for ¥13,500, with games priced at ¥4,000. The Cassette Vision sold around 400,000 units. It received a successor called the Super Cassette Vision. As a 1984 machine, the Super Cassette Vision was more comparable to the likes of the Famicom and Sega's SG-1000 line. The SCV was also sold in Europe, but with little known success.

Epoch also made a version of the machine aimed at the female gamers, The Super Lady Cassette Vision. This version was released exclusively in Japan. While the specs were exactly the same, the plastic was pink in color and included a carrying case and the "Milky Princess" game.

Technical Details
Released
1981
Country
Japan
Brand
Epoch
Type
Cassette Vision
Name
Cassette Vision
CPU Class
DSP
CPU
NEC µPD77xx
Memory
RAM: Need Info
Sound Chip
none
Sound
beeper
Display Chip
NEC PD778
Display
54x62 in 8 colors
Best Text
n/a
Best Color
8 colors
Graphics
54x62
Storage
ROM cartridge
Original Price
¥13
500