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Vectrex

Vectrex icon Vectrex logo

Overview

The Vectrex is the only vector-based home console, equipped with a dedicated monochrome CRT. REG-Linux highlights the system through the vectrex metadata group and supports it via libretro: vecx or MAME with vector-focused shader packs.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Motorola 6809 running at 1.5 MHz.
  • Memory: 1 KB RAM and 8 KB ROM (expanded via cartridges) plus vector buffer memory.
  • Display: Custom vector CRT rendering 256×256 wireframe graphics with analog vector control.
  • Sound: AY-3-8912 PSG supplying three tone channels and noise via built-in speaker.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/vectrex
  • Accepted formats: .bin, .gam, .vec, .zip, .7z
  • Emulators: libretro: vecx, MAME
  • System group: vectrex, arcade

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Motorola 6809 at 1.5 MHz.
  • Memory: 1 KB RAM, 8 KB ROM (expandable via cartridges), plus vector buffer memory.
  • Display: Custom vector CRT rendering 256×256 wireframe graphics with analog vector control.
  • Sound: AY-3-8912 PSG delivering three tone channels plus noise through the built-in speaker.

ROMs & BIOS

libretro: vecx does not require a BIOS, but MAME needs the official vectrex.zip archive (exec_rom.bin, MD5 ab082fa8c8e632dd68589a8c7741388f or international exec_rom_intl_284001-1.bin, MD5 6a9c238473229912eb757ff3dfe6f4631). Place the archive under /userdata/bios/ or next to the ROM. Drop each .bin/.gam file or zipped ROM into /userdata/roms/vectrex.

Emulators

libretro: vecx

Use libretro: vecx inside RetroArch for accurate hardware reproduction. The core exposes global.res_multi to upscale vectors, and the standard vectrex.* backend, shader, and threaded video options. Open the Quick Menu ([HOTKEY] + south face button) to adjust these.

MAME

Standalone MAME uses the vectrex driver with BGFX settings (vectrex.video, vectrex.bgfxbackend, vectrex.bgfxshaders, vectrex.switchres) plus vectrex.use_guns when needed.

Controls & troubleshooting

The overlay at ../images/controller-overlays/vectrex.png documents the 4-way stick plus buttons. Increase global.res_multi (e.g., 4x) and apply vector shaders (Flatten-Glow) when the picture looks jagged. Consult the generic support pages if the ROM fails to boot or the core lacks the BIOS.