The Intellivision Amico Debacle Continues... Now with FCC Violations!
When it comes to the development and distribution of new gaming consoles, there are certain expectations and standards consumers and industry professionals alike have come to rely upon. These standards aren't just about delivering quality gaming experiences, but also maintaining honesty, credibility, and adherence to fundamental safety regulations. Recent events surrounding Intellivision Entertainment's much-anticipated Amico console have, unfortunately, left many observers questioning the company's practices and transparency.
A major blow to the console's credibility occurred when Intellivision Entertainment inadvertently sent an Amico unit to a 'shill', someone ostensibly intended to promote the product without disclosing their affiliation with the company. This individual, in turn, accidentally revealed a false Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sticker on the unit, a serious violation of trade practices that instantly sparked controversy and doubts about the integrity of the product.
However, this FCC sticker issue was only the tip of the iceberg. Further examination of the Amico console and its packaging unveiled a multitude of other concerning errors. Notably, spelling errors, such as 'Nurenburg' instead of 'Nuremberg,' were found on the box, adding to the growing list of inexplicable oversights.
The packaging of the Amico also showcases various major properties, such as Sesame Street and MLB, despite the fact that licenses for these properties have reportedly expired. Using these brands without valid licensing is not just misleading to potential buyers, but it also breaches copyright laws and can lead to severe legal consequences.
Perhaps one of the more arcane, yet equally critical, issues noticed was the power adapter's polarity. It uses a center-negative plug, a configuration that's quite uncommon in modern digital electronics. While this might seem like a minor point to some, it's worth noting that most consumer electronics these days use center-positive plugs. Center-negative plugs, while still used in the music industry, were more common in the 1980s. The use of a center-negative plug in the Amico raises questions about the product's design decisions and could potentially lead to safety issues if users try to use a more common center-positive AC/DC adapter instead.
Moreover, the information card included with the console directs users to a website that, as it turns out, is a dead link. It's another error that, in the larger context, contributes to a perception of carelessness or lack of attention to detail.
As we watch the developments around the Intellivision Amico, the numerous missteps and errors point to a concerning lack of professionalism, quality assurance, and due diligence on the part of Intellivision Entertainment. For a product that was poised to bring nostalgic joy to many, the ongoing saga surrounding its release has instead become a cautionary tale in the gaming industry.
~Smash
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