Epoch Game Pocket Computer
{{short description|Handheld game console by Epoch Co.}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = Epoch Game Pocket Computer
| logo = Epoch Game Pocket Computer Logo.png
| image = Epoch-Game-Pocket-Computer-FL.jpg
| caption = An Epoch Game Pocket Computer
| aka =
| developer = Epoch Co.
| manufacturer = Epoch Co.
| family =
| type = Handheld game console
| generation = Second generation
| lifespan =
| discontinued =
| media = ROM cartridge
| os =
| power = 4 AA batteries
| soc =
| cpu = NEC μPD78C06 @ 6 MHz
| memory = 2 KB
| storage =
| memory card =
| display = Monochrome, 75 × 64 or 128 pixels
| graphics =
| sound = 1 sound channel
| input =
| controllers = 8-way joypad
| camera =
| touchpad =
| connectivity =
| platform =
| dimensions =
| weight =
| compatibility=
| predecessor =
| successor =
| related =
| website =
| title =
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1984}}
| price = ¥12,800
| unitssold =
| unitsshipped =
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| topgame =
}}
The {{nihongo|Epoch Game Pocket Computer|ゲームポケコン|Gēmupokekon|lead=yes}} is a second-generation handheld game console released by Epoch Co. in Japan in 1984 for 12,800 Japanese yen.{{Cite magazine |last=ASCII |date=February 1985 |title=Data Log |url=http://archive.org/details/logi-n-february-1985 |magazine=LOGiN Magazine (ログイン) |page=166 |access-date=2022-12-20}} It is also known as Pokekon.{{Cite web |title=Game Pocket Computer by Epoch – The Video Game Kraken |url=http://videogamekraken.com/game-pocket-computer |access-date=2020-06-14 |website=videogamekraken |language=en-US}}
The system was a commercial failure in Japan, and as a result, only 5 games were made for it. A puzzle game and a paint program were built into the system. It was powered by 4 AA batteries, and screen's contrast could be adjusted by the user. Input and output controls included four buttons, an 8-way joypad, a contrast dial, and a sound on-off switch.{{Cite web |title=1984 Game Pocket Computer and Cartridges |url=http://www.miniarcade.com/epoch/pgc.htm |website=Miniarcade.com}}
Technical specifications
- LCD display: monochrome, 75 × 64 pixels{{Cite web |title=Epoch Game Pocket Computer |url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Epoch/GamePock.htm |website=www.handheldmuseum.com}}{{Cite web |title=Epoch Game Pocket Computer |url=https://binarium.de/game_pocket_computer |access-date=2020-06-14 |website=Binarium}}{{Cite web |title=Chris Covell's Epoch Game Pocket Computer page |url=https://chrismcovell.com/GamePokekon/index.html |access-date=2020-07-31 |website=chrismcovell.com}}
- Power supply: 4 AA batteries
- Battery life: Not clear; >70 hours or 60 hours
- CPU: NEC μPD78C06 clocked at 6 MHz
- RAM: 2 KB
- ROM (cartridges): 8 or 16 KB
- Sound: 1 sound channel
Games
There were a total of 7 different games released for the system.
2 were built into the system. The {{nihongo|Built-in Functions|本体内蔵機能|Hontai naizō kinō|lead=no}} cartridge included with the system only serves as instructions and to occupy the cartridge slot, containing no game data, as it doesn't need to be inserted into the system to play the games;
- {{nihongo|Puzzle Game|パズルゲーム|Pazurugēmu|lead=no}}, an 11 tile version of Fifteen puzzle.
- {{nihongo|Graphics function|グラフィック機能|Gurafikku kinō|lead=no}}, a Raster graphics editor paint program.
The other 5 were released separately for 2,980 Japanese yen each, excluding Pocket Computer Mahjong which was 3,800 yen;
See also
- Barcode Battler, another handheld game console released by Epoch Co.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Epoch/GamePock.htm Pictures and info about the Game Pocket Computer]
- [http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Epoch/ Other handheld games made by Epoch]
- [http://www.miniarcade.com/epoch/pgc.htm More pictures and info for the Game Pocket Computer]
{{Second generation game consoles}}
{{Handheld game consoles}}
Category:Discontinued handheld game consoles
Category:Handheld game consoles
Category:Monochrome video game consoles
Category:Products introduced in 1984
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