Palmtex Super Micro System Video Game Console with Game & Lightpak PARTS REPAIR

Description

Please read carefully this description before buying. Although this game is currently working, this vintage collectible is being sold for parts and repair only, not being sold as a playable video game.
We've been selling a stash Super Micro games that came from an old store warehouse - but supplies are starting to run low especially the boxed items. Check our other listings for vintage Super Micro video rarities before they're gone!
This system was used a little and has some issues. System boots up and the screen display lights up, but sometimes goes dark and then you just need to tap or adjust the brightness thumb wheel to get it back on, sometimes it makes a high pitched squeal so the circuit is a little funky inside. The game starts and the controls and sound do work you can hear the game and the player moving around - sold for parts and repair. The system looks pretty nice overall, comes with battery cover, Lightpak and Aladdin's Adventure game.
Didn't test the Lightpak, and since the bulbs inside are hard-wired they are typically all burnt out anyways. You don't need the Lightpak to see the screen if you simply remove and plug in a cartridge without it then hold game up to a lamp or sun.
History:
The Super Micro handheld video game system was released in 1983 by a small Silicon Valley company named Palmtex (games for the “palm” of your hand). It was one of the first cartridge based programmable handheld game systems ever available. You may have already heard that this is probably one of the worst video game systems ever created! Actually beautiful in its own way, a fun electronic oddity, and a notable participant in the mid 1980s gaming industry meltdown. If you buy one we warn you this is the most fragile and unplayable video game you'll ever find - assume it won't work or won't be playable and then you won't be disappointed! The plastic is cheap while the screen, controls, display, software etc are all crazy buggy, and only 3 game cartridges were available. It was discontinued soon after its release, slow sales with retailers burdened with many customer returns, but its rarity and inventive design (however unsuccessful) makes it highly sought after by collectors.
Additional Information:
These systems were made with a confusing 3 piece sandwich design: base console (hinged clamshell), pin-connected cartridge in the middle, and the lightpak on top.
When assembling and disassembling never force these 3 pieces into place, go slowly.
First snap the cartridge into the lightpak clasps, then gently push the assembled lightpak-cartridge into the base console pins.
The front of both lightpak and base have a sharper angle than the rear, being aware of this asymmetry will help ensure you are assembling the orientation correctly, you may have to disassemble and try again if you get the angle orientation backwards. The cartridge pinouts at least have a somewhat fool-proof design (1 end is rounded the other squared) but otherwise the front/rear orientation is not user friendly.
When you seat the cartridge in the pins slots, make sure its nice and tight all around.
The lightpak contains small light bulbs inside which are hardwired, these bulbs are usually burnt out from age.
Our advice to you is do NOT use the light switch very often or the switch parts will soon break and fall inside.
We know from experience this is one of the many quirks. The lightpak is not required to use the console, this is merely an external lamp. Holding the console (with lightpak removed) near a lamp is an adequate light source. You can also adjust the screen brightness using a small dial on the bottom of unit.
Caution when turning the brightness dial, don’t force it, use sparingly.
This is another design flaw that forcing these dials can break the screen visibility. If you turn the dial counter-clockwise it increases the screen brightness but don't turn it all the way up, dial it back some to get better contrast.
When you gently squeeze the front and rear sides of base console at the same time it will open up as a hinged clamshell.
Do not ever force the base console open, do not ever use a tool to pry it open.
By gently squeezing together the front and rear of base it will pop open reliably once you learn how. If you try using a tool to open this the brittle plastic will chip, crack, or get carved out by the tool.
Important - never close the console battery cover while there are batteries inside!!
Once you do that, it is nearly impossible to open the battery cover door without damaging the plastic. Using your thumb the battery cover will slide open and closed easily enough when it is empty, but with the 4 AA batteries inside there is a design flaw causing the battery cover to become tightly sealed shut.
If you attempt to pry or force the battery cover open using a tool, the brittle plastic will chip, crack, or get gouged out by the tool.
To prevent damage to your Super Micro, this is rule number one.
Disclaimer:
We found a small cache of these from an old store (supplies running out!) and haven’t had any dissatisfied customers. We have even helped a few video game museums add these to their exhibitions! Still we warn you that its the crappiest most unreliable most flawed video game system ever designed. There has never been a more epic FAIL in video game hardware design. So bad yet amazing, we love the Super Micro System but feel obligated to warn you of the bitter reality. This is being sold as a fragile non-working rare collectible object, NOT as a playable video game.
This item is being sold as-is for parts and repair.
The item you will receive is the exact item you see in the photos and we have tried our best to describe it accurately. We have been selling vintage video games and electronics on eBay since 1998 and we take the preservation of these rare items seriously.
International Orders:
International buyers please get in touch first about ordering. First Class Registered Mail is the safest method for these systems which tend to confuse the customs agents, however it can take up to a couple weeks to arrive depending upon your country.