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MG FACTS
by Marriott_Guy

During the 1970s, Pong systems began to flood the market due to the success of the Atari PONG system. Looking to capitalize on this emerging market, Coleco produced their own line of these dedicated systems called the Telstar. Many variations were released, with the final itineration being the Telstar Arcade - a combination PONG system that also incorporated interchangeable cartridges.

What makes this console stand out is its unique triangular shape and integrated controls. One side featured spinner-type controls for use in Pong style games, while the other two sides featured a steering wheel and light gun respectively. The custom MPS-700 microcontroller chip was actually contained on the game cartridge, similar to the technology used with the PC-50X family of systems. The cartridge port is located on the top of the console. Only four (4) games would be released for the Telstar Arcade.

Once the Atari VCS began to dominate the market in 1978, Coleco ceased production to focus on their own console that would accept programmable cartridges - the ColecoVision.

This is a very interesting console that truly represented the very best of Pong technology for the era. Definitely worth a look for console collectors if you can score one on the cheap.

MODELS Officially licensed releases
Coleco Telstar Arcade (Model #6177 - Canadian version)





CLONES Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.

CONSOLE RATINGS
by Marriott_Guy

Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

Images courtesy of our friends at Pong-Story

CRITERIA	RATING	NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design	08	I rather like the unique triangular design with the integrated controls. The wood grain facing just screams 'Retro'.
Console Durability	04	Though I have not had any issues, many people have stated having issues with the cartridge port and inconsistent video output.
Controllers	05	Though I love the variety, using the various controls is somewhat difficult (especially the spinners) and not the least bit comfortable.
Graphics	05	Blocky pong-style graphics are the norm, with the Pinball variations providing the best graphical experience IMHO.
Audio	05	An internal beeper provides sound, which was pretty standard for the time on these types of machines.
Media	03	The triangular design is definitely is definitely unique, but some have experienced issues with the system not recognizing the inserted cartridge.
Gamer Value	01	With a few exceptions, all offerings are all basically variations of Pong and offers really nothing new for the standard gamer.
Collector Value	06	These systems are relatively easy to acquire, but could set you back a few dollars depending on what games are included. This console is a kind of cool addition to add to your collection.

FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the Coleco Telstar Arcade was distributed in the ROM cartridge format, sporting a rather unique triangular shape. Like the PC-50X family of consoles, the processor was contained within the cartridge. The system was sold with Cartridge #1, with the remaining three available for the purchase price of $25 each. The list of available titles:
Cartridge #1: Road Race \ Tennis \ Quick Draw Cartridge #2: Hockey \ Tennis \ Handball \ Target	Cartridge #3: Bonus Pinball \ Deluxe Pinball \ Shooting Gallery Cartridge #4: Naval Battle \ Blast Away \ Speed-Ball

Coleco Telstar Arcade Game Cartridges


SCREENSHOTS Captured in-game images
Pinball	Road Race	Tennis

EMULATION
First and third party system emulators

No emulators have been released for this system.

SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.

Processor Type	Processor Speed	Other Processor Information	RAM \ Video RAM
MOS Technology MPS-7600 (contained in cartridge)	N\A	N\A	N\A
Screen Resolution	Color Palette	Polygons \ Sprites	Audio
Unknown	4 Colors	N\A	Internal Beeper
Media Format	Media Capacity	Games Released	Other Supported Formats
Cartridge	Unknown	4	None
Internal Storage	External \ Removable Storage	Game Controllers	Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
None	None	Spinner controls (2), Steering Wheel, Light Gun	Optional paddle controllers (came with Cartridge #2)
Controller Ports	Network Ports	Other Ports	Audio \ Video
None (controls built into system)	None	None	RF
Power Supply - External	Other Outputs	Other Details \ Notes
Input: AC 110V, 60Hz, 5W Output: DC 9.0V, 200mA	None	None
Manuals
Not available