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Vectrex Playable Console (B41)

Currently updates are on hold. I was not anticipating the update schedule of B42 (the regular updates are great, but they make things difficult for maintaining mods, at least for the time being).

In addition to some other changes/a busy schedule, I am conducting a Project Zomboid B41 campaign with some friends, which has been a work in progress for nearly two years - so that takes priority/my remaining free time. Once TIS sets an approximate date for when B42's multiplayer will be available, I will work on updating my mods for B42. If I find time, the update will come, however for now I suggest just sticking with B41 if you want multiplayer or to play with these mods. Otherwise, check out B42 iand explore the new features and content TIS has been adding - personally I think there's plenty there to keep people busy without too many mods. B42 also added quite a few features that I'd like to incorporate in both existing and new mods I have planned, so when I get back into the swing of modding, some more exciting things will be coming down the line.

Thanks for all your interest! I'm not disappearing from Zomboid, don't worry.

End of January 2025. The crafting system overhaul in B42 has most likely broken the recipes used for unpacking the Vectrex boxes and playing the games, but the fixes will also likely to be fairly straightforward.

A new B42 version will be uploaded to the workshop so B41 players can still use this one.


We are proud to present the most complete Vectrex mod ever added to the Steam workshop. The mod is fully lore-friendly and adds a playable Vectrex to Project Zomboid. The console, game cartridges, screen overlays, Vectrex Light Pen, Vectrex 3D Imager, and ALL retail packaging can all be found as extremely rare loot in garages, wardrobes, living rooms, storage units, toy chests, electronics stores, and pawn shops. We've included a few easter eggs as well that are also lore-friendly (both for Zomboid as well as for Vectrex fans). Loot rates (adjustable in the sandbox settings) are similar to those found in Video Game Consoles: Insanely Rare.


Vector Graphics: The Vectrex utilized vector graphics, generating smooth lines and shapes similar to arcade games of the time by moving an electron beam around. This gave it a distinct, futuristic look and feel to the gameplay.

Short-Lived: Unfortunately, the Vectrex's release timing around the 1983 video game crash led to its discontinuation in 1984. However, home-brew games made by Vectrex die-hards have kept the console alive.

• Vectrex Console and Original Retail Packaging: Fully 3D modeled and textured using their real-life physical versions. The box, once opened, can be used like any other container.
  
  
• Built-in Monitor: No need for a TV! The Vectrex featured a compact black and white CRT monitor built right into the console, making it self-contained and "portable" (playable on any powered tile).
  
  
• 27 Collectible Cartridges, cartridge boxes, and 28 Playable Games: Playing games reduces boredom and unhappiness and only requires player to be on a powered square - no TV is required (just like in real life!). All games, with the exception of Mine Storm, require a cartridge to play (Mine Storm was programmed directly into the Vectrex).
  
  
• 22 Screen Overlays: As Vectrex graphics used an electron beam, they were in black and white. A colored overlay came packaged in 22 of the 28 games released and enhanced the graphics on-screen. Now you can collect and swap out screen overlays for your Vectrex!
  
  
• Wearable Vectrex 3D Imager: A set of special "3D glasses" was also available for the Vectrex, which, using alternating spinning disks in front of the viewer's eyes, gave the illusion of a 3D experience for certain games. The headset won't really protect you against zombies but you will look really cool wearing it!
  
  
  
  
• Vectrex Light Pen : Traditionally used for games like Melody Master, you can also try to poke zombies with it in a pinch.
  
  
  
  
• Real Vectrex Audio : No emulation has been used - all audio included in the mod has been meticulously sampled not from one, but TWO Vectrex consoles: a 1982 version which has the famous "Vectrex buzz" (due to poor wire shielding and improper grounding) and a 1983 version which has a much cleaner sound. If you find a 1982 version and hate the buzz, level your electrical skill to 6, get some spare electrical components, and fix it! If you regret this decision or find a 1983 version and want to experience the buzz, the process works also in reverse. (Note: You must first remove the overlay, if any, from the Vectrex before you can modify it.)
  
  
• Realistic Loot Rates (adjustable in the sandbox settings): Unfortunately the Vectrex was not a commercial success, and the console was discontinued in 1984, just two years after its launch. While estimates vary, based on serial numbers for Vectrex units, a safe guess for the number of Vectrexes produced is between 100,000 to 800,000. Compared to the 30 million Atari 2600s sold, this makes Vectrex a fairly rare console.
  
  
• Lore-Accurate Easter Eggs for Die-Hard Vectrex Fans!

Subscribe and add it to your mod list. This mod does not overwrite any game files so it shouldn't interfere with other mods.

Tested using 41.78, works in both singleplayer and multiplayer.
Safe to use with existing saves. A new save is recommended due to the low spawn rate of the Vectrex.
October 2024 Update: added new "Dusty Vectrex Game box" to improve compatibility with "Item Stories". Found in pawn shops, it can be opened to receive a random Vectrex game (95% chance), its overlay (80% chance), and a second random overlay (20% chance). All dummy items used for spawning now look and function like the "Dusty Vectrex Game box" item - thus if "Item Stories" spawns them into the world, no admin intervention is needed - players will be able to receive some Vectrex items from it.

This mod will be updated for Build 42 and will be released as a separate Build 42-compatible mod. This version (for Build 41) will remain on the workshop until the stable version of Build 42 is fully released (so...NOT the unstable beta), after which it will be removed after 6 months.

Spenglerian: Code and scripts, audio, textures, playtesting
Zhamul: 3D modeling, textures and UV mapping, certified dual Vectrex ownership, Vectrex lore consultation

Workshop ID: 3310855080
Mod ID: VectrexPlayableConsole