PlayMax 2000

TechEruo PlayMax 2000 is a home video game console developed by TechEruo. In North America, it was distributed by.

History
PlayMax 2000 was launched in 1980, in Eruowood with the price of $199.99. The console featured 2-player controller ports, cartridge slot, expansion ports on the console and controllers, high-quality performance and better colors, much superior to Atari 2600. It had some similarities with Colecovision.

The PlayMax 2000 was unable to overtake Atari 2600, the leader of second generation era home console in the US.

It avoided the game crash due to being advertised as a computer or a toy.

After slumping sales after TechEruo released the Pal System in 1986, the console was discontinued on May 14, 1989.

TechEruo officially stopped repair support in 1990, game copies were pulled out of most stores in 1991 and some the unsold copies were sold in 1995 at FairCon as part of a limited time sale offering where they sold the games with the console. But the PlayMax 2000's FairCon '95 sale was a flop because of the rise of newer consoles like the Century Theoron, Sega Saturn, and Playstation 1. The majority of the unsold game copies, consoles, etc. were later sold at closeout stores like until around 2000.

Expansion modules
The PlayMax 2000 has two expansion ports, one on the console itself and one on the controller. Certain games require certain expansion module(s) in order to play it. The modules were sold separately from the consoles.

Console modules

 * Action Pad Module - A module that is a floor mat for playing physical control games.
 * Family Computer Module - A module that turns the PlayMax 2000 into a home computer with a floppy disk drive for certain games/programs. Called the Microcomputer Module in Japan due to disagreements with Nintendo.
 * Player Plus - A module that adds two additional controller ports for games that have a 4-player option.
 * Stereo Blaster - Speakers that can be attached to the console to play games that support stereo sound. Doesn't work on all flat screen TVs and even some newer CRTs. This was often considered really innovative at the time.
 * VCR Recorder Module - A VHS VCR module that came with a color camcorder that hooks up to the VCR module. It lacks the recording off TV feature of most VCRs. A remote control that can be plugged into the second player controller port was included with this module.

Controller modules

 * Family Computer Keyboard - A computer keyboard. Used mostly for work and typing programs. Called the Microcomputer Keyboard in Japan.
 * Flash Blaster - A light gun that has a sci-fi look to it. Doesn't work on flat-screen TVs without the 2010 Comic-Con exclusive "Flat Blaster Adapter".
 * Steering Wheel - An arcade style steering wheel with an electronic "horn". An optional module for select racing games.
 * Telepad - A keypad. Games that require this module are packaged with an overlay to show what Telepad keys are used for that game.

Game Library
The Play Max 2000 has over 300+ games. Their hits include Xoshi, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Galaxian, Galaga, Dig-Dug, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Upper Control, Asteroids, Q-Bert, Pole Position, Pong X, Mission Action, etc.

Reception
It was well received among "arcade rats" due to the emulation of games being the most impressive at the time compared to other consoles.

The PlayMax 2000 was marketed more like a home computer toy in order downplay the fact that it's a video game console.

It didn't do well in America due to TechEruo being an unknown brand at the time. Also the Video game crash of 1983 played a role in the PlayMax 2000's lackluster sales in the US.

Trivia

 * Unlike the Colecovision and the Intellevision, the PlayMax 2000's number pad was a detachable module for the controller.
 * In the mid-1980s TechEruo deliberately marketed the PlayMax 2000 as a home computer toy in attempt to convince stores to continue selling it.
 * The graphic on PlayMax 2000 game are slightly comparable to the graphics on games.
 * Prior to the release of the Nintendo Wii, the PlayMax 2000 has the most accessories of all home consoles.
 * The PlayMax 2000 was the first TechEruo console to be released worldwide. It was also the first console to have a wide release in Eruowood, instead of being first released in major stores like Wickney, Kmart, Toys "R" Us, etc.
 * In response to consumer complaints about the PlayMax 2000 Jr. not compatible with any of the controller modules, separate controllers were made.
 * The cartridges were round, kind of resembling a vinyl record.
 * The PlayMax 2000 was the first home console with four player support.
 * Due to that, it gained the semi-official tagline "Double the players, Double the fun!"
 * The PlayMax 2000 uses the same nine pin controller port as Atari 2600, Colecovison, and Sega Genesis.
 * The PlayMax 2000 was originally planned as a "clone" of the Atari 2600 console.