Atari 2600 Driving Controller (modified)--the Atari 2600 Driving Controller was originally only used for the Indy 500 game for the 2600 console; however, this version was modified for use for the Spinnerama package and the Vaboom!/Vectracehomebrew cart, allowing an additional, smoother control option (as compared to the original Vectrex controller) to several Vectrex games.
Controllers that Dondzila has modified, going clockwise from top left, a Sega controller, a Super Pad and a Nippon America box
Vectrex controller (modified)--There have been many modern day controllers distributed by John Dondzila of Classic Game Creations, mostly via converting control pads originally made for the Sega Genesis system. However, with the controllers being digital, they did not work with 100% of Vectrex games, since a few were geared towards the original analog joystick, although the only ones that would not work with them were Hyperchase, game two on Star Hawk, and the analog version of Spike's Water Balloons on the Vectopia cartridge. Dondzila was able to supply customers with these converted six button controllers for years, but unfortunately with the Genesis having ceased production in the 1990s, there aren’t exactly a lot of companies creating replacement controllers for the system any more. Dondzila had posted about this in late 2009 on his website, letting his customers know they could be put on an e-mailing list for when new controllers became available, then those sold out very quickly once he found a new supplier for them (along with a modified PlayStation controller as well, which he also had a limited supply of those), and in 2010Dondzila stated he did not know when he would be able to acquire controllers again once his last batch sold out.
Peripherals
Vectrex 3D Imager
Vectrex Light Pen
Peripherals (modern day)
72 Game Multicart--This is a modern day homebrew multicart that was released in April 2008 from Blazin'Games. It’s a menu-driven cartridge (or a “lite” version PCB without cartridge casing is also available for those that prefer those instead) that contains every GCE-released Vectrex game (except for Animaction), some prototypes, several homebrews, some hacked games (for the spinner package, along with Berzerk Debugged, the Star Trek: The Motion Picture controller hack, etc.), various music and homebrew game demos, and two new games of Hangman (which is exclusive to the multicart) and City Bomber. There is no way to swap out the game ROMs, however (unlike with the Sean Kelly Multicart), as what comes with the multicart is what you get.
AutoFire Dongle--Released by Vectrexmad! Productions in August 2009, this is a dongle that connects in between the Vectrex controller and the controller port, allowing any shooting in a game (such as Mine Storm) to be automatic when the fire button is held down, eliminating the need for repeatedly pressing the fire button and cutting down on the wear and tear of a controller. Vectrexmad! has stated on their website that it is 100% compatible with both the original Vectrex controllers and modern day compatibles.
PlayStation to Vectrex controller adapter--Released in 2003 by Clay Cowgill, this is an adapter so a person can use a PlayStation controller for their Vectrex. Unfortunately Cowgill ceased production of these, along with pretty much everything else retro-related years ago, due to a lack of time (as stated by Cowgill himself on his site) and not enough revenue was coming in to justify continuing making retro products such as these.
Sean Kelly Multicart--Probably the most famous (and oldest, coming out in 1999 originally) of the Vectrex multicarts is the Sean Kelly models, noted for their ease of swapping out ROMs and being able to store dozens of them at a time. Usually only a handful are made at a time and released unannounced through e-bay over the years at no specific times though.
Spinnerama--This is a modified Atari 2600 Driving Controller where Armor Attack, Bedlam, Cosmic Chasm, Mine Storm, Mine Storm II, Omega Chase, Omega Chase Deluxe, Pole Position, Rip Off, Solar Quest and Star Castle can utilize the controller (along with some other modern day homebrews, such as the Vaboom!/Vectrace cartridge), although it won’t work with any of the games that have two player options. Unfortunately its creator, Christopher Tumber of Capital S Software, has been M. I. A. from the video game/hardware scene for years now, reportedly after suffering a house fire at some point, and his whereabouts and any information if he will ever re-emerge in the Vectrex scene is unknown.
VecArcade Construction Kit--Here's an interesting take on the original Vectrex display stand, along with saving tear on a Vectrex controller as well as the system itself. Five of these units were made and sold in 2009, which, as the title says, is a construction cabinet for a Vectrex. Some assembly was required, along with a power supply to illuminate the built-in controller buttons (that's right, this had its own specialized controller, as the original was not needed!). However, only Mine Storm and cartridges without cases (such as the Lite Version of the 72 Game Multicart) can be used due to restrictions on space. It is currently unknown if any more cases will be built in 2011. (The customer must have their own Vectrex.)
VecFlash--Another multicart, this USB is a user loadable device known for its fast speed on its last model.
VecLink--Currently not in production yet, this is designed by Alex Herbert, who created Protector, which links two Vectrexes together. Berzerk Arena is one of the planned games for the unit, although little has been heard of any recent development of this unit for years now.
Vectrex Multicart (Ronan Habot)--Yet another multicart, this one built by Ronan Habot, although he never made it to be mass produced or put up for sale. It supports up to 512K of games in total, games that are up to 32K in size, the player could press the reset button to switch a game (unlike with the Sean Kelly Multicart where the power had to be turned off) and cost well under $30.
VecVox Deluxe--Another offering (although not mass produced/for sale) from Vectrexmad! Productions
