Intellivision Amico Controller Detailed, First Pack-In Game Revealed

Published: December 9, 2019 10:30 AM /

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Intellivision Amico Controller three sides

Details on the upcoming Intellivision Amico controller have been revealed alongside a mention of the first of five pack-in games.

If you have no idea what an Intellivision is, the odds are good that you're probably under the age of 40. This was a gaming console created back in the era when anyone with a soldering gun and a dream could take a crack at the console market.

The O.G. Intellivision featured a strange wired controller with a dial wheel and a numeric keypad, something that's certainly unique to say the least. Now, the console is coming back for families on a budget and details about the new controller have been revealed.

Before we get into those, it's also worth mentioning that the first of five pack-in games has also been announced: Skiing. Have a gander at this video to see what the original version was like:

As you can see, things were a wee bit simpler back in the age of the original Intellivision.

Of course, a new console warrants a new version of this classic game. Here's what's coming with the new Skiing according to a press release:

  • 10 Courses
  • 4-player Ski Cross competitive racing
  • Up to 8 players

It seems like a neat prospect, but controlling this game will certainly be a unique experience — especially with what we've learned about the Intellivision Amico controller.

Intellivision Amico Controller console slice

What's New with the Intellivision Amico Controller?

The people behind this console revival have done "extensive focus group testing" to get things just right and we now have details on the fruits of their labor.

If you're interested, you can hear Intellivision CEO Tommy Tallarico talk about it in detail over 20 minutes in the below video.

The Intellivision Amico controller was in development for more than two years. They've now more or less settled on a final design with the following notable features:

  • The side buttons are now separated to better mimic shoulder buttons on other controllers.
  • Each of the side buttons has LED lights (along with the center disc) that can change color.
  • The controller can be wired if you want to play while charging.
  • The current iteration of the battery will give 5–6 hours of gameplay.
  • A contact port on the underside lets the Intellivision Amico Controller charge while docked, as the developers felt that other forms of charging weren't as reliable.
  • The screen will have a glass front and capacitive touch technology instead of resistive touch.
  • There are some "patent pending" things in the controller that aren't yet being revealed.
  • Both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity are currently being tested.
  • A free mobile app can be used as an additional controller.

What are the Intellivision Amico Games?

There are over 75 games in development for the Intellivision Amico, with a mix between retro-remakes, sports games, party games, and some new ideas taking advantage of the controller. So far, a handful of games have been announced exclusively for the Intellivision Amico:

Other games have been teased for the console, most notably during their Gamescom trailer. The Intellivision Amico games number 75 in development, with over 40 developers working on them. Five of the games, including Intellivision Skiing, will be pack-in titles. 

And that's all we know for now! You'll be able to buy an Intellivision Amico of your own on October 10, 2020. In the meantime, you can learn more about this upcoming console at intellivisionamico.com.

What do you think of the new Intellivision Amico Controller? Do you think this console will succeed where others have failed? Let us know in the comments below!

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


A photograph of TechRaptor Senior Writer Robert N. Adams.
| Senior Writer

One of my earliest memories is playing Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System. I've had a controller in my hand since I was 4 and I… More about Robert N