Epoch Cassette Vision: Japan’s First Programmable Console
The Epoch Cassette Vision was a video game console that was released in Japan in 1981. It was the first successful programmable console in Japan, and it used cartridges to play games. However, it is not very well known outside Japan, and its name is misleading, as it has nothing to do with cassette tapes.
In this blog post, we will explore the history, features, and games of the Epoch Cassette Vision, and compare it with its competitors and successors. We will also discuss some of the myths and rumors that surround this obscure console.
What is the Epoch Cassette Vision?
The Epoch Cassette Vision was a second-generation home video game console that was made by Epoch Co., a Japanese toy company that also produced the first video game console in Japan, the TV Tennis Electrotennis, in 19751
The Cassette Vision was launched on July 30, 1981, at a price of 13,500 yen (about $61 at the time). It came with four built-in controllers, two for each player, that consisted of knobs for horizontal and vertical movement, and buttons for firing. The console had a 54 x 62 resolution, 8 colors, and a beeper for sound2
The console used cartridges, or cassettes, to play games. The term cassette was a common synonym for ROM cartridge in Japan at the time, and it should not be confused with the magnetic cassette tape format. The Cassette Vision had 11 games in total, ranging from sports, racing, shooting, and puzzle genres. Some of the games were licensed from arcade hits, such as Galaxian and Pac-Man3
The Cassette Vision was a commercial success in Japan, selling around 400,000 units. It was the best-selling video game console in Japan before Nintendo’s Family Computer (Famicom) took over the market in 19834
How does the Epoch Cassette Vision compare with other consoles?
The Epoch Cassette Vision was released around the same time as other second-generation consoles, such as the Atari 2600, the Intellivision, and the Odyssey2. However, it was not as powerful or advanced as these consoles, and it had some drawbacks.
One of the main disadvantages of the Cassette Vision was its graphics. The console had a low resolution, limited colors, and simple sprites. The games looked blocky and pixelated, and they lacked detail and animation. Compared to the Atari 2600, which had a higher resolution, more colors, and smoother sprites, the Cassette Vision looked outdated and inferior.
Another drawback of the Cassette Vision was its controllers. The console had four controllers that were attached to the system, making it difficult to replace or repair them. The controllers were also awkward and uncomfortable to use, as they required the players to twist knobs and press buttons. The controllers were not suitable for fast-paced or precise games, and they often caused hand fatigue and frustration.
What are some of the myths and rumors about the Epoch Cassette Vision?
The Epoch Cassette Vision is a rare and obscure console, and there is not much information about it in English. This has led to some myths and rumors that are either false or unconfirmed.
One of the most common myths is that Sega and SNK made games for the Cassette Vision. This is based on the fact that some of the games had similar names or gameplay to Sega and SNK arcade games, such as Astro Wars, Elevator Fight, and Lupin III. However, there is no evidence that these games were officially licensed or developed by Sega or SNK, and they were likely clones or knock-offs made by Epoch.
Another rumor is that the Cassette Vision had a keyboard accessory that allowed users to program their own games. This is based on the fact that the console had a port on the back that looked like it could connect to a keyboard. However, there is no proof that such an accessory ever existed, and the port was probably used for testing or debugging purposes.
What are the successors of the Epoch Cassette Vision?
The Epoch Cassette Vision had two successors: the Cassette Vision Jr. and the Super Cassette Vision.
The Cassette Vision Jr. was a redesigned and cheaper version of the Cassette Vision that was released in 1983. It had a smaller and lighter body, and it came with two detachable controllers instead of four. It was compatible with the same games as the Cassette Vision, and it had no new games of its own. It was sold for 5,000 yen (about $22 at the time).
The Super Cassette Vision was a third-generation console that was released in 1984. It was a major upgrade from the Cassette Vision, as it had an 8-bit processor, 128 bytes of RAM, 4 KB of VRAM, 16 colors, 128 sprites, and a sound chip. It also had a new controller that had a directional pad and two buttons. It was compatible with 30 games, some of which were licensed from popular franchises, such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Slayer, and Mappy. It was sold for 14,800 yen (about $65 at the time).
The Super Cassette Vision was also released in Europe, especially in France, where it was distributed by ITMC under the Yeno brand. However, it did not achieve much success, as it faced stiff competition from the Famicom, the Sega SG-1000, and the ColecoVision.
The Super Cassette Vision also had a variant that was aimed at the female market, called the Super Lady Cassette Vision. It was released in 1985, and it had a pink color scheme, a carrying case, and a game called Milky Princess. It was the first console to target girls, but it did not sell well.
Conclusion
The Epoch Cassette Vision was a pioneer in the Japanese video game industry, as it was the first programmable console to be made and sold in Japan. It had a decent library of games, and it enjoyed a strong market share until the Famicom took over. However, it was not very advanced or user-friendly, and it had some flaws and limitations. It also spawned two successors, the Cassette Vision Jr. and the Super Cassette Vision, but they could not compete with the more popular and powerful consoles of the third generation.
The Epoch Cassette Vision is a fascinating piece of video game history, and it deserves more recognition and appreciation. It is a rare and valuable console for collectors and enthusiasts, and it offers a glimpse into the early days of the Japanese video game industry.
