Chameleon (console): Difference between revisions
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| title = Retro Chameleon (Coleco Chameleon) |
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| image = Chameleon Console 3d Mockup.jpg |
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| image_size = |
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| caption = The CGI Mockup of the "Console". |
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| type = Video Game Console |
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| launch year = 2016 (planned) |
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| company = Coleco Holdings |
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Retro |
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| last production = March 2016 |
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}}{{unreliable sources|date=March 2016}} |
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The '''Retro Chameleon''', originally called the '''Retro VGS''' then '''Coleco Chameleon''' prior to the loss of the [[Coleco (brand)|Coleco Holdings]] (owner of the Coleco brand name) license,<ref>{{cite web|last=Neal|first=Ellis|title=Retro VGS and Chameleon seem to have become a cancelled project Console |url=http://thevillagessuntimes.com/2015/12/18/retro-vgs-returns-as-coleco-chameleon-console/|website=The Village Sun Times|accessdate=20 December 2015|ref=ellis122015}}</ref> is a cancelled [[video game console]]. Its creators have stated that it was inspired by the [[List of home video game consoles|second to fifth generations]] (1976–1999) of home video game consoles, and like most consoles of those generations, the Retro VGS had planned to run all of its games on individual [[ROM cartridge|cartridges]], as opposed to [[optical discs]] and [[digital distribution in video games|digital download]]. The Retro VGS was not expected to support any manner of online connectivity whatsoever, meaning all hardware and software released would have been the final product, and would not have the ability to update after release.<ref name=gamesradar>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/retro-vgs-console-isnt-return-golden-age-its-stunting-future/|title=The Retro VGS console isn't bringing back a golden age. It's stunting the future|first=David |last=Houghton |work=gamesradar|date=September 29, 2015}}</ref> A [[Kickstarter]] campaign was initially planned to raise funds for the project, but this was later moved to [[Indiegogo]] one week before the start of the campaign when a physical prototype was not produced.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/241471/The_RETRO_VGS_A_New_Cartridge_Based_Videogame_Console_Aimsto_Kickstart_Videogaming_Culture.php|title=Gamasutra - Press Releases - The RETRO VGS: A New Cartridge Based Videogame Console Aimsto Kickstart Videogaming Culture|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/09/19/retro-vgs-indiegogo-campaign-begins/168141/|title=Retro VGS Indiegogo Campaign Begins|publisher=}}</ref> |
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On March 8, 2016, Retro VGS pulled down their online social media presence after Coleco Holdings had withdrawn their support and involvement from the project. |
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==History== |
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===Retro VGS crowdfunding campaign=== |
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The Retro VGS team was the subject of criticism for its reversal on several of its early promises, including its change in crowdfunding venue from Kickstarter to Indiegogo.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} The entry level price was raised from US$150 as initially suggested to US$350 and up, not inclusive of shipping charges. The FPGA feature to allow playing classic games that were originally promised were revealed as a "stretch goal" pending crowdfunding at the US$3,100,000 level. The Retro VGS team failed to show hardware prototype or design specifications, a requirement for most Kickstarter promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kickstarter.com/rules|title=Our Rules — Kickstarter|publisher=}}</ref> The "prototype controller" that was shown has been revealed to be a third party Wii U Pro Controller with poor user reviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Controller-Wii-Nintendo-U-6304900/dp/B009D4JW3U/#customerReviews|title=Amazon.com: Pro Controller U for Wii and Wii U - Black: Video Games|publisher=}}</ref> The proposed software for the machine was criticized for not being unique enough from digital releases on other platforms to justify a cartridge release at higher prices. The cartridge-only distribution model does not allow for updates (including debugging) or additional content, which led some critics to question the value offered.<ref name=gamesradar /> |
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The [[Indiegogo]] campaign raised $81,158 out of a $1.95 million goal <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/retro-vgs#/story|title=RETRO VGS - Indiegogo|work=Indiegogo}}</ref> and was discontinued on September 29, 2015. The Retro VGS team stated that they would grant refunds to all of their IndieGoGo backers.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}} |
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====Proposed hardware==== |
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The console's developers planned to use the main console and cartridge shells of the 1993 [[Atari Jaguar]] to house completely new hardware to play brand-new games. The use of the Jaguar's molds for the Retro VGS was boasted as cost saving measure. The console planned to support both USB and 9-pin controllers and would have included one wired USB controller shipped with the console – a modified version of the Controller Pro U, a third party Wii Pro Controller manufactured by InterWorks Unlimited. Depending upon the level of funding achieved, the developers of the system stated they would have offered an [[FPGA]] with [[ARM architecture]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/retro-vgs-console-aims-to-revive-the-humble-video-game-cartridge/|title="Retro VGS" console aims to revive the humble video game cartridge [Updated]|work=Ars Technica}}</ref> According to the crowdfunding page, the console would have output high-quality audio and video simultaneously in digital and analog formats, and would be able to connect to many types of televisions and other devices via [[HDMI]] 1.3, [[RCA connector|composite video/stereo audio RCA]], [[Mini-DIN connector|9-pin Mini-DIN]], USB Type A, and USB Type B. |
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====Games==== |
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Titles that had been expected at launch included ''The Adventures of the Tiny Knight'' and ''Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death'' by CollectorVision Games, ''[[Read Only Memories]]'' by [[MidBoss]], ''Songbringer'' by Wizard Fu, ''Adventure in the Tower of Flight'' by Pixel Barrage Entertainment, ''[[Gunlord]]'' by [[NG.DEV.TEAM|NG:DEV.TEAM]], and ''Knights Chance'' by Neobitz. |
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===After 2015 crowdfunding campaign=== |
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The creators of the project stated that they planned to make adjustments to their hardware team, lower their asking price, and maintain popular features for a new prototype console in advance of launching a new crowdfunding campaign on [[Kickstarter]]. Hardware engineer John Carlsen announced his departure from the development team on his personal Facebook page shortly after this announcement. On November 20, the official Facebook page was renamed ''Retro Video Game Systems, Inc.'', and replaced their profile picture and banner with a black and green colored 8-bit question mark box that is similar in design to the iconic box from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' On December 17, 2015, Retro Video Game Systems, Inc. simultaneously announced a licensing deal with [[Coleco (brand)|Coleco Holdings]], and revealed an image of the newly redesigned console (though still retaining the Jaguar shell, and using the same controller), now rebranded the ''Coleco Chameleon''. It was also announced on the Retro Video Game Systems, Inc. website that the console would launch its crowdfunding campaign at an undetermined date in early 2016. |
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===American International Toy Fair prototype demonstration and controversy=== |
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Questions were raised after a prototype was shown at the [[American International Toy Fair]] in [[New York City|New York]] in February 2016. At first, people were concerned why games were played on the Coleco Chameleon using a Super NES controller. More questions raised on the amount of black electrical tape on the console. According to the AtariAge forum, the prototype was nothing more than the motherboard of a Super NES model [[SNS-101]] inside an Atari Jaguar case, using a [[flash cartridge]] to emulate Super NES games. Pictures comparing the Super NES motherboard to the official picture of the Coleco Chameleon proved to be identical. The official Retro VGS Facebook page took the photo down shortly thereafter. |
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===Second Chameleon prototype, questioning and end of project=== |
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In response to the New York Toy Fair controversy surrounding the Coleco Chameleon, Retro VGS posted a series of new images to Facebook showing a new prototype in a clear case. Eventually members of the AtariAge.com forum discovered that the new prototype was another fake after finding that the motherboard visible in the clear case was actually an HICAP50B CCTV capture card rather than a game console motherboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atariage.com/forums/topic/247145-coleco-chameleon-hardware-speculations/page-126|title=Coleco Chameleon .... hardware speculations?|work=AtariAge Forums}}</ref> Retro VGS quickly removed the top-down image of the prototype from their Facebook page, but not before a comparison of the prototype and the HICAP50B capture card began circulating the internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamingconviction.com/coleco-chameleon-caught-using-capture-card-in-fake-prototype/|title=GamingConviction.com - Coleco Chameleon Caught Using Capture Card In Fake Prototype|work=GamingConviction.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retrogamer.net/blog_post/coleco-chameleon-stirs-controversy/|title=Coleco Chameleon Stirs Controversy|publisher=}}</ref> |
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Shortly after the details of the second prototype began circling around the internet, YouTuber Brian Thomas Barnhart posted a video to YouTube detailing his experiences with the Chameleon after Mike Kennedy asked him to film the video for the KickStarter campaign. In his video, Barnhart alleges that on two occasions Retro VGS was unable to provide a working prototype for filming, and that shortly before the Kickstarter was due to launch Kennedy asked him to record a short video of Kennedy presenting his call to arms, and several voice-overs to overlay on existing footage of the console. Barnhart ultimately refused to do so, citing that the voice-overs could be misused. Instead, Barnhart invited Kennedy to come on his show "The Jag Bar" and present the console, an offer that Kennedy ultimately turned down. Barnhart then continued by reading through the entire script that was allegedly provided to him by Retro VGS, which he later released online at atari.io.<ref>{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv9cPXW1HLM|title=The Jag Bar Coleco Chameleon Kickstarter Script|date=1 March 2016|publisher=|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forums.atari.io/index.php/topic/1347-coleco-chameleon-formerly-retro-vgs/?p=16743|title=Coleco Chameleon (formerly Retro VGS)|work=Atari Forums}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamingconviction.com/new-coleco-chameleon-details-surface-as-brian-barnhart-posts-video-about-kickstarter-releases-script/|title=GamingConviction.com - New Coleco Chameleon Details Surface as Brian Barnhart Posts Video about Kickstarter, Releases Script|work=GamingConviction.com}}</ref> |
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On March 2 2016, Coleco Holdings released a statement on its Facebook page regarding the controversy and the apparent non-existence of a prototype.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1696447897298841&id=1616402778636687|title=Colecovision - Chameleon Product: We are thankful to have... - Facebook|publisher=}}</ref> Coleco Holdings demanded that prototype units be inspected by independent engineers, and stated that they would pull their name and support from the project if the allegations turned out to be true.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/02/coleco-chameleon-vanishing-act/|title=Coleco Chameleon Kickstarter over before it even begins (update)|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget}}</ref> |
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On March 8, 2016, Kris Naudus reported on Engadget that Coleco Holdings announced they had withdrawn their name and all Coleco branding from the project, stating: "Retro has decided that the work that they have created is not sufficient to demonstrate at this time. Consequently, we can no longer proceed with the project and the Chameleon project will be terminated. This separation is amicable. We wish Retro luck in the future." Naudus further reported [[Atari]]'s COO stating that Retro VGS never had a contract with Atari that would allow them to release [[Atari 2600]] games,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/03/08/coleco-pulls-support-from-chameleon/|title=Coleco officially pulls its name from the Chameleon (update)|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget}}</ref> as Naudus had reported on February 18, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/02/18/coleco-chameleon-atari-2600/|title=Coleco Chameleon will resurrect your favorite Atari 2600 games (update)|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget}}</ref> |
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On the same day, the Retro VGS webpage and social media presence were shut down. |
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==See also== |
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* [[Ouya]] |
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* [[Phantom console]] |
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* [[Indrema]] |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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[[Category:2010s toys]] |
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[[Category:ARM-based video game consoles]] |
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[[Category:Indiegogo projects]] |
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[[Category:Vaporware game consoles]] |
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[[Category:Video game controversies]] |
Revision as of 18:01, 25 September 2018
![]() The CGI Mockup of the "Console". | |
Typ | Video Game Console |
---|---|
Inception | 2016 (planned) |
Manufacturer | Coleco Holdings Retro |
Last production year | March 2016 |
The Retro Chameleon, originally called the Retro VGS then Coleco Chameleon prior to the loss of the Coleco Holdings (owner of the Coleco brand name) license,[1] is a cancelled video game console. Its creators have stated that it was inspired by the second to fifth generations (1976–1999) of home video game consoles, and like most consoles of those generations, the Retro VGS had planned to run all of its games on individual cartridges, as opposed to optical discs and digital download. The Retro VGS was not expected to support any manner of online connectivity whatsoever, meaning all hardware and software released would have been the final product, and would not have the ability to update after release.[2] A Kickstarter campaign was initially planned to raise funds for the project, but this was later moved to Indiegogo one week before the start of the campaign when a physical prototype was not produced.[3][4]
On March 8, 2016, Retro VGS pulled down their online social media presence after Coleco Holdings had withdrawn their support and involvement from the project.
History
Retro VGS crowdfunding campaign
The Retro VGS team was the subject of criticism for its reversal on several of its early promises, including its change in crowdfunding venue from Kickstarter to Indiegogo.[citation needed] The entry level price was raised from US$150 as initially suggested to US$350 and up, not inclusive of shipping charges. The FPGA feature to allow playing classic games that were originally promised were revealed as a "stretch goal" pending crowdfunding at the US$3,100,000 level. The Retro VGS team failed to show hardware prototype or design specifications, a requirement for most Kickstarter promotions.[5] The "prototype controller" that was shown has been revealed to be a third party Wii U Pro Controller with poor user reviews.[6] The proposed software for the machine was criticized for not being unique enough from digital releases on other platforms to justify a cartridge release at higher prices. The cartridge-only distribution model does not allow for updates (including debugging) or additional content, which led some critics to question the value offered.[2]
The Indiegogo campaign raised $81,158 out of a $1.95 million goal [7] and was discontinued on September 29, 2015. The Retro VGS team stated that they would grant refunds to all of their IndieGoGo backers.[citation needed]
Proposed hardware
The console's developers planned to use the main console and cartridge shells of the 1993 Atari Jaguar to house completely new hardware to play brand-new games. The use of the Jaguar's molds for the Retro VGS was boasted as cost saving measure. The console planned to support both USB and 9-pin controllers and would have included one wired USB controller shipped with the console – a modified version of the Controller Pro U, a third party Wii Pro Controller manufactured by InterWorks Unlimited. Depending upon the level of funding achieved, the developers of the system stated they would have offered an FPGA with ARM architecture.[8] According to the crowdfunding page, the console would have output high-quality audio and video simultaneously in digital and analog formats, and would be able to connect to many types of televisions and other devices via HDMI 1.3, composite video/stereo audio RCA, 9-pin Mini-DIN, USB Type A, and USB Type B.
Games
Titles that had been expected at launch included The Adventures of the Tiny Knight and Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death by CollectorVision Games, Read Only Memories by MidBoss, Songbringer by Wizard Fu, Adventure in the Tower of Flight by Pixel Barrage Entertainment, Gunlord by NG:DEV.TEAM, and Knights Chance by Neobitz.
After 2015 crowdfunding campaign
The creators of the project stated that they planned to make adjustments to their hardware team, lower their asking price, and maintain popular features for a new prototype console in advance of launching a new crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Hardware engineer John Carlsen announced his departure from the development team on his personal Facebook page shortly after this announcement. On November 20, the official Facebook page was renamed Retro Video Game Systems, Inc., and replaced their profile picture and banner with a black and green colored 8-bit question mark box that is similar in design to the iconic box from Super Mario Bros. On December 17, 2015, Retro Video Game Systems, Inc. simultaneously announced a licensing deal with Coleco Holdings, and revealed an image of the newly redesigned console (though still retaining the Jaguar shell, and using the same controller), now rebranded the Coleco Chameleon. It was also announced on the Retro Video Game Systems, Inc. website that the console would launch its crowdfunding campaign at an undetermined date in early 2016.
American International Toy Fair prototype demonstration and controversy
Questions were raised after a prototype was shown at the American International Toy Fair in New York in February 2016. At first, people were concerned why games were played on the Coleco Chameleon using a Super NES controller. More questions raised on the amount of black electrical tape on the console. According to the AtariAge forum, the prototype was nothing more than the motherboard of a Super NES model SNS-101 inside an Atari Jaguar case, using a flash cartridge to emulate Super NES games. Pictures comparing the Super NES motherboard to the official picture of the Coleco Chameleon proved to be identical. The official Retro VGS Facebook page took the photo down shortly thereafter.
Second Chameleon prototype, questioning and end of project
In response to the New York Toy Fair controversy surrounding the Coleco Chameleon, Retro VGS posted a series of new images to Facebook showing a new prototype in a clear case. Eventually members of the AtariAge.com forum discovered that the new prototype was another fake after finding that the motherboard visible in the clear case was actually an HICAP50B CCTV capture card rather than a game console motherboard.[9] Retro VGS quickly removed the top-down image of the prototype from their Facebook page, but not before a comparison of the prototype and the HICAP50B capture card began circulating the internet.[10][11]
Shortly after the details of the second prototype began circling around the internet, YouTuber Brian Thomas Barnhart posted a video to YouTube detailing his experiences with the Chameleon after Mike Kennedy asked him to film the video for the KickStarter campaign. In his video, Barnhart alleges that on two occasions Retro VGS was unable to provide a working prototype for filming, and that shortly before the Kickstarter was due to launch Kennedy asked him to record a short video of Kennedy presenting his call to arms, and several voice-overs to overlay on existing footage of the console. Barnhart ultimately refused to do so, citing that the voice-overs could be misused. Instead, Barnhart invited Kennedy to come on his show "The Jag Bar" and present the console, an offer that Kennedy ultimately turned down. Barnhart then continued by reading through the entire script that was allegedly provided to him by Retro VGS, which he later released online at atari.io.[12][13][14]
On March 2 2016, Coleco Holdings released a statement on its Facebook page regarding the controversy and the apparent non-existence of a prototype.[15] Coleco Holdings demanded that prototype units be inspected by independent engineers, and stated that they would pull their name and support from the project if the allegations turned out to be true.[16]
On March 8, 2016, Kris Naudus reported on Engadget that Coleco Holdings announced they had withdrawn their name and all Coleco branding from the project, stating: "Retro has decided that the work that they have created is not sufficient to demonstrate at this time. Consequently, we can no longer proceed with the project and the Chameleon project will be terminated. This separation is amicable. We wish Retro luck in the future." Naudus further reported Atari's COO stating that Retro VGS never had a contract with Atari that would allow them to release Atari 2600 games,[17] as Naudus had reported on February 18, 2016.[18]
On the same day, the Retro VGS webpage and social media presence were shut down.
See also
References
- ^ Neal, Ellis. "Retro VGS and Chameleon seem to have become a cancelled project Console". The Village Sun Times. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
- ^ a b Houghton, David (September 29, 2015). "The Retro VGS console isn't bringing back a golden age. It's stunting the future". gamesradar.
- ^ "Gamasutra - Press Releases - The RETRO VGS: A New Cartridge Based Videogame Console Aimsto Kickstart Videogaming Culture".
- ^ "Retro VGS Indiegogo Campaign Begins".
- ^ "Our Rules — Kickstarter".
- ^ "Amazon.com: Pro Controller U for Wii and Wii U - Black: Video Games".
- ^ "RETRO VGS - Indiegogo". Indiegogo.
- ^ ""Retro VGS" console aims to revive the humble video game cartridge [Updated]". Ars Technica.
- ^ "Coleco Chameleon .... hardware speculations?". AtariAge Forums.
- ^ "GamingConviction.com - Coleco Chameleon Caught Using Capture Card In Fake Prototype". GamingConviction.com.
- ^ "Coleco Chameleon Stirs Controversy".
- ^ The Jag Bar Coleco Chameleon Kickstarter Script. 1 March 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Coleco Chameleon (formerly Retro VGS)". Atari Forums.
- ^ "GamingConviction.com - New Coleco Chameleon Details Surface as Brian Barnhart Posts Video about Kickstarter, Releases Script". GamingConviction.com.
- ^ "Colecovision - Chameleon Product: We are thankful to have... - Facebook".
- ^ "Coleco Chameleon Kickstarter over before it even begins (update)". Engadget. AOL.
- ^ "Coleco officially pulls its name from the Chameleon (update)". Engadget. AOL.
- ^ "Coleco Chameleon will resurrect your favorite Atari 2600 games (update)". Engadget. AOL.