We’ve been waiting on it for a while now, but the RETRO VGS, a modern console for cartridge games, has just launched on Indiegogo. What exactly is this console all about? It’s an attempt to bring back aspects of gaming that have long since been forgotten. For example, unlike the PS4, Xbox One, and Wii U, you won’t have to download patches and updates before even beginning a game. The goal is to create a system which is fast to boot, free of patches, DLC-less, and bring back a simpler time in consoles.

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What about the games?! Of course, the RETRO VGS simply cannot succeed on premise alone if there are no games for it. A variety of developers have confirmed they will port their games to the cartridge system. This includes titles such as GUNLORD, Read Only Memories, and Songbringer. Of course, there are negotiations to bring even more to the system. It was also previously confirmed that 8-bit console titles such as the NES library could run through the RETRO VGS with a cartridge adapter, which extends the library beyond modern indies.

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So, how much will it take to make the RETRO VGS a reality? Mike Kennedy and company have set a funding goal of $1,950,000 with consoles going for $299 at early bird tier (and $349 regularly). This is a huge number to see asked straight from the start — and it’s also a fixed funding campaign. Thus far no video game-specific Indiegogo projects have made over a million. However, a handful of technology projects have raised as much and more in the past year. It will be exciting to see how this project goes, though it’s odd to see they did not return to Kickstarter (as they did for both RETRO Magazine campaigns).

About the Author

Marcus Estrada

Marcus is a fellow with a love for video games, horror, and Japanese food. When he’s not writing about games for a multitude of sites, he’s usually still playing one. Writing about video games is something he hopes to continue doing for many years to come.

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