Releasing A Console Is Hard
The Intellivision Amico has been having a tough time releasing. Inspired by the original console from the 1980s, has been delayed for the third time to the end of 2021. I guess we will just have to wait a bit longer to play Moon Patrol.
While three delays sounds like a lot, it isn’t that surprising. COVID has done a great job of making various parts nearly impossible to get. This latest delay notice went out to those who preordered by email where Intellivision announced an international component supply, and various logistical challenges have led to this decision.
“The team at Intellivision has been working tirelessly to bring Amico, our family-focused entertainment system, to eager households around the world,” Intellivision wrote. “We’ve grown to a strong and stable company of more than 60 passionate team members spanning three continents, representing some of the industry’s best talent. All of us are extremely excited to share Amico with you.
“We originally planned to launch Amico in the Fall of 2020 but had to adapt during the midst of the global pandemic disrupting our production. Despite our best efforts, and now facing new unprecedented international component supply and logistics challenges beyond our control, we want to apologise as we are forced to push our desired launch date yet again.”
Intellivision confirmed that they are “focused and determined to deliver pre-ordered units by the end of the year.” Furthermore, this delay will “allow us more time to optimise our operating system for future game development.”
Unfortunately, they are far from alone with having difficulty getting the parts needed right now. It is just a difficult time right now to try and release anything like a game console.
As an apology for the delay, Intellivision promised those who pre-ordered “a very special thank you gift via email next week.”
The Amico will be priced between $150-180, and that all of its games would be rated E for Everyone or E10+. All the games would be downloadable and run between $3 and $8, with no high-priced DLC or in-game purchases.