An old brand is about to reenter the console ring, but it's not looking to spar with the heavyweights. Instead of taking on the likes of Nintendo Switch or PS4, Intellivision has different plans for its new console, due out in 2020. The new machine will be called Amico, and it will be priced towards children and casual gamers who are on a budget. The games will be simpler fare, with nothing priced over $8 or rated higher than E for Everyone.
“We are creating a console that parents want to buy, not that they were asked to buy,” said Intellivision leader Tommy Tallarico according to Polygon. He went on to say that the bulk of today's console games are designed with "only the hardcore gamer in mind."
There's a large audience, he feels, that wants to play multiplayer games in their living rooms with friends. But games and controllers have gotten so intricate, and consoles expensive, that there's a huge barrier to entry for people who just want to play for fun. "The Intellivision Amico," he declares, "is our answer to this gaping hole we see within the current video game industry.”
In the interest of making the Amico accessible, Intellivision plans to have the console cost something between $149 and $179 when it releases in 2020. It will also have added value in the form of several built-in games. Additional games will be purchasable from the online store on day one, and will reportedly range in price from $2.99 to $7.99.
All of these games will be exclusive to the Amico. Many of the launch titles are reimaginings of the original Intellivision games, with some Atari classics like Centipede thrown in the mix. Apparently these games will all get exclusive extra content exclusive to their Amico release, although no details were given on what exactly that means. Although Intellivision did make it a point to say that there will be no DLC or in-app purchases in these games. Another point Intellivision stresses is that every single game will be rated E for Everyone and E10+.
While the Amico is still in concept, some interesting details were revealed about the design. It will have two Bluetooth controllers with built-in touchscreens and a circular touchpad. That already facilitates multiplayer right out of the box, but up to six other players can also join in using their phones and a free app.
Intellivision aims to release the Amico on October 10th, 2020 (10/10/2020, get it?). More information and specs can be found on the official page.