Coleco Gemini

Technical specifications

• Processor: 8-bit 6507
• CPU speed: 1.19 MHz
• RAM: 128 bytes
• Resolution: 160x200, 128 colors

History

In 1982, Coleco released Expansion Module #1 for its ColecoVision video game system. With a custom-made clone of the Atari 2600 TIA chip and off-the-shelf components, the module enabled the ColecoVision to be compatible with Atari 2600 software. Later that year, Atari, Inc. sued Coleco for patent infringement, and the companies wound up settling out of court, with Coleco becoming a licensee of Atari's patents.

Gemini vs. 2600

The main difference between the Coleco Gemini and the Atari 2600 is the controller design. The Coleco Gemini controllers (dubbed the 'Dual Command') featured an 8-way joystick and a 270-degree paddle on the same controller (the joystick was at the top of the controller, and the paddle was at the bottom of the controller). To play paddle games on the 2600, a Y-connector could be used to connect a joystick and paddles to the controller jack at the same time, rather than physically swapping controllers.

The Gemini was more compact than the large faux-woodgrain or gloss black-trimmed consoles sold by Atari at the time. The Gemini also had a different game included with the system. Atari was including its 1982 version of Pac-Man along with Combat (1977). The Gemini initially came bundled with Coleco's 1982 port of Donkey Kong, but at some point also included Carnival, Mouse Trap and Front Line. Sears also offered a version of the Gemini with both Donkey Kong and Mouse Trap included as separate cartridges.

References

References

1. "Coleco Gemini". Old Computers.com.
2. Baker, Kevin. (2013). "The Ultimate Guide to Classic Game Consoles". eBookit.com.
3. Baskerville, Tim. (February 26, 1983). "Coleco, Atari Going One-on-One in Expansion". Billboard.
4. . (December 9, 1982). ["Coleco Industries Is Sued by Atari"](https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/09/business/coleco-industries-is-sued-by-atari.html). *[[The New York Times]]*.
5. (March 13, 1983). "Coleco, Atari settle up". The Ledger.
6. . (March 12, 1983). ["Company News: Atari-Coleco Pact"](https://www.nytimes.com/1983/03/12/business/company-news-atari-coleco-pact.html). *The New York Times*.
7. Sittnick, Mike. (December 1983). "Coleco's Gemini: The Dual Purpose Game System". Pumpkin Press.
8. "Image of box with Pac-Man sticker".
9. (April 8, 1983). "1982 Annual Report". Coleco.
10. (1983). "1983 Wish Book". Sears.