Game Axe Explained

Game Axe
Aka:	Game Axe Color
Manufacturer:	Legend Technology Co.,LTD. / Redant
Type:	Handheld video game console
Power:	Six AA batteries or AC adapter 9VDC/500mA
Cpu:	NMOS 6502
Display:	Passive Matrix LCD screen with backlight
Sound:	pAPU (pseudo-Audio Processing Unit)
Controllers:	Digital joypad; A, B, Turbo A and Turbo B buttons
Cpuspeed:	1.8 MHz

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. It is a portable Famiclone that can play Famicom games, and by using the included adapter, American and European Nintendo Entertainment System games.^{[1] [6]}

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,^[7] two controller ports at the base, an AC jack, and an RCA jack, allowing the Game Axe to be plugged to a television and essentially replace a Famicom.^[8]

Technical specifications

These are the basic technical specifications for the Game Axe:

• 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.

See also

• Nintendo Entertainment System hardware clone
• Pocket Famicom
• Sega Nomad
• TurboExpress

Notes and References

1. December 2001 . Portable Pleasure: Handheld Generations . . Future Publishing . 104 . 58.
2. Web site: Barnholt . Ray . April 20, 2012 . The Hysterical History of Portable Consoles . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140312104421/http://www.1up.com/features/hysterical-history-portable-consoles?pager.offset=2 . 12 March 2014 . 3 February 2014 . 1UP.
3. Web site: Game Axe portable Famicom - Ultimate Console Database . 2023-07-24 . ultimateconsoledatabase.com.
4. Web site: MO5.COM : Musée des Machines : Console portable : La Redant Game Axe . 2023-07-24 . mo5.com.
5. Web site: 2004-04-08 . The Game Axe Information Site . 2023-07-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040408094818/http://members.fortunecity.com/davidlevine/ga.htm . 2004-04-08 .
6. Web site: IGN Staff . 1999-10-30 . Portable NES Hits Japan . 2023-07-24 . IGN . en.
7. Console Curiosities. Hardcore Gamer . Roger . Danish . 2006 . 8 .
8. Web site: Game Axe Color . June 9, 2000 . 3 February 2014 . Colin Williamson . IGN.