Game Axe

The Game Axe is an unlicensed handheld version of the Famicom, made by the Taiwanese hardware manufacturer Legend Technology Co.,LTD..[1][2][3][4][5] Launched in 1989 it made a comeback around 2000, being sold in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan under the Redant brand.[5][6][4] It is a portable Famiclone that can play Famicom games, and by using the included adapter, American and European Nintendo Entertainment System games.[1][7]

Game Axe
Also known asGame Axe Color
ManufacturerLegend Technology Co.,LTD. / Redant
TypeHandheld video game console
Release date1989 (1989)
CPUNMOS 6502 @ 1.8 MHz
DisplayPassive Matrix LCD screen with backlight
SoundpAPU (pseudo-Audio Processing Unit)
Controller inputDigital joypad; A, B, Turbo A and Turbo B buttons
PowerSix AA batteries or AC adapter 9VDC/500mA

Design

The design of the Game Axe was horizontal and similar in appearance to Sega's Game Gear.[1] It had a 3.5-inch (model FC-812) or 4-inch (models FC-816/FC-868) colour LCD screen,[8] two controller ports at the base, an AC jack, and an RCA jack, allowing the Game Axe to by plugged to a television and essentially replace a Famicom.[6][5]

Technical specifications

These are the basic technical specifications for the Game Axe:[5]

  • Power: 9 volts DC 500-1000mA / 6 AA batteries.
  • CPU: NMOS 6502 at 1.8 MHz
  • Graphics: PPU (Picture Processing Unit)
  • Display: 3.8 inch Passive Matrix LCD screen with backlight.
  • Sound: pAPU (pseudo-Audio Processing Unit)
  • Connectors:
    • DC in, cartridge slot, A/V Out, RCA A/V in (component video Y-cable connecting to 1/8” mini jack)
    • Controllers
    • A/V Out (using standard Sega Genesis A/V out cord)
    • Phones

Issues with the NES cartridge adapter

Due to the necessity of an extra adapter, the Game Axe suffers severe stability issues if playing NES games while holding the device. Any jarring of the hand held causes NES games to lose enough contact to freeze or shut off.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Portable Pleasure: Handheld Generations". Edge. No. 104. Future Publishing. December 2001. p. 58.
  2. Barnholt, Ray (April 20, 2012). "The Hysterical History of Portable Consoles". 1UP. Archived from the original on 12 March 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  3. "Game Axe portable Famicom - Ultimate Console Database". ultimateconsoledatabase.com. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  4. "MO5.COM : Musée des Machines : Console portable : La Redant Game Axe". mo5.com. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  5. "The Game Axe Information Site". 2004-04-08. Archived from the original on 2004-04-08. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  6. Colin Williamson (June 9, 2000). "Game Axe Color". IGN. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  7. IGN Staff (1999-10-30). "Portable NES Hits Japan". IGN. Retrieved 2023-07-24.
  8. Danish, Roger (2006). "Console Curiosities" (PDF). Hardcore Gamer (8).
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