Japan's Real First Console? Bandai's TV Jack 5000
The Bandai TV Jack 5000, released in 1978, predates the Epoch Cassette Vision as Japan's first cartridge-based console, featuring poor-quality controllers and a limited library of four games.
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The Bandai TV Jack 5000, released in 1978, is often overlooked in discussions about early Japanese gaming consoles. While the Epoch Cassette Vision is frequently cited as the first cartridge-based console in Japan, the TV Jack 5000 predates it and represents a unique entry in the gaming landscape. This console is a successor to Bandai's earlier Pong-style consoles and features a distinctive design with detachable wired controllers. However, the controllers are criticized for their poor quality. The TV Jack 5000 uses cartridges that resemble those of the Fairchild Channel F but are not compatible. Internally, the console is relatively simple, relying on a General Instrument AY-3-8615 chip for video output and color modulation. Bandai released only four cartridges for the system, which are based on the AY-3-8610 chip, offering variations of Pong-style games. The console's design and functionality reflect a blend of American technology and Japanese innovation, making it a noteworthy piece of gaming history despite its limited game library and technical simplicity.
- The Bandai TV Jack 5000 is often considered Japan's first cartridge-based console, predating the Epoch Cassette Vision.
- It features detachable wired controllers, which have been criticized for their poor quality.
- The console uses a General Instrument AY-3-8615 chip for video output and color modulation.
- Bandai released only four cartridges for the TV Jack 5000, all based on the AY-3-8610 chip.
- The design reflects a combination of American technology and Japanese innovation in early gaming.
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