Intellivision Amico

Lore & Background

The Amico was conceived by Tommy Tallarico, a video game composer and creator of Video Games Live, who bought a stake in Intellivision Productions in 2017 after the death of its former owner. In May 2018, Tallarico announced plans to relaunch the Intellivision brand with a new console targeting families and non-gamers. The console was designed with wireless touchscreen controllers that dock into the console for charging, and smartphones could be used as controllers via an app. Games were required to have a maximum ESRB rating of E10+, and quality control was said to be strict. Intellivision Entertainment licensed Atari games and announced an exclusive Earthworm Jim title, among others. The console was originally priced between $149 and $179, but later VIP editions were offered at $249 and $279.

Development stalled due to supply-chain issues from the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to multiple delays from the original October 2020 date to April 2021, then October 2021, and later to the end of 2021. Pre-orders opened in April 2020, and the company raised $5.5 million on Fig. In May 2020, former Microsoft executive J Allard joined as global managing director but left months later, calling the role "not a good fit." The console faced criticism from journalists: an IGN Middle East preview in May 2021 noted laggy touchscreen software, while Ars Technica reported in June 2021 that hardware specs were weak compared to other consoles, that photos of people playing the Amico at E3 were stock photos, and that internal guidelines limited game prices to a maximum of $10 (later raised to $20 for physical versions). Tallarico initially attacked the journalist on Twitter but later apologized. In November 2021, it was revealed that the game Tank Battle used assets from World of Tanks and other sources. By late 2021, Intellivision reported 6,000 pre-ordered units.

Reader's Guide

The Intellivision Amico's significance lies primarily in its troubled development cycle and its attempt to revive a retro brand for a modern family audience. As of the available information, the console has not been released, making its legacy one of unfulfilled promises and repeated delays. The project attracted attention for its unusual approach: requiring all games to be family-friendly (E10+ or lower), using touchscreen controllers that double as charging docks, and allowing smartphone-based play. However, it also drew criticism for weak hardware specifications comparable to budget smartphones, high third-party revenue cuts (around 50%), and the use of non-exclusive mobile game ports. The controversy over photoshopped stock images and asset reuse in Tank Battle further damaged its credibility. The Amico's story illustrates the challenges of crowdfunded hardware development, especially when compounded by pandemic-related supply issues and leadership changes. Its ultimate impact remains uncertain, as the console has yet to reach consumers.

Did You Know?

• The Amico was originally announced in May 2018 with a planned October 2020 release, but has been delayed multiple times.
• The console's touchscreen controllers can be docked into the console for charging, and smartphones can be used as controllers via an app.
• In November 2021, the game Tank Battle was found to contain assets taken from World of Tanks and other third-party sources.