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| '''Micro Genius''' ({{zh|c=小天才|p=Xiǎo Tiān Cái|l= |
'''Micro Genius''' ({{zh|c=小天才|p=Xiǎo Tiān Cái|l=Little Genius}}) is a brand name used for ] ] marketed in several countries around the world, particularly in areas where ] consoles were not readily available, including the ], ], ], ], ] and ]n countries excluding ] and ]. The name was initially and most famously used by TXC Corporation for its range of ]ese-made Famicom clones, software and accessories, but later passed to other companies and remains in use today on rebranded ] Famicom clones and ] games. | ||
| In some countries during the early 1990s, Micro Genius Famicom clones were the most popular game consoles,<ref name=nst>{{Cite web|title=The un-consoled|date=15 April 2009|first=Syed Umar|last=Ariff|url=http://www1.nst.com.my/Current_News/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/MyJohor/2531147/Article/|accessdate=19 August 2010|work=Johor Streets|publisher=NST Online|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230030848/http://www1.nst.com.my/Current_News/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/MyJohor/2531147/Article|archivedate=30 December 2010}}</ref> mirroring the popularity enjoyed several years earlier by Nintendo's official Famicom and NES in Japan and North America. However, they rarely reached markets where Nintendo was more recognisable, as they often infringed on Nintendo's ]s in those regions.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Nintendo takes action against infringers|last=Radakrishnan|first=G |journal=IP Asia|volume=4|year=1991|publisher=Shomei Ltd}}</ref> | In some countries during the early 1990s, Micro Genius Famicom clones were the most popular game consoles,<ref name=nst>{{Cite web|title=The un-consoled|date=15 April 2009|first=Syed Umar|last=Ariff|url=http://www1.nst.com.my/Current_News/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/MyJohor/2531147/Article/|accessdate=19 August 2010|work=Johor Streets|publisher=NST Online|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230030848/http://www1.nst.com.my/Current_News/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/MyJohor/2531147/Article|archivedate=30 December 2010}}</ref> mirroring the popularity enjoyed several years earlier by Nintendo's official Famicom and NES in Japan and North America. However, they rarely reached markets where Nintendo was more recognisable, as they often infringed on Nintendo's ]s in those regions.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Nintendo takes action against infringers|last=Radakrishnan|first=G |journal=IP Asia|volume=4|year=1991|publisher=Shomei Ltd}}</ref> | ||
| ==Quebec== | |||
| Micro-Genius versions of Famicom games were a large part of the gaming market in ] throughout 1989-1990, with dozens of games selling thousands of copies in flea markets, independent game stores, and video game rental stores. Notably, Micro-Genius' version of '']'' was sold extensively throughout Quebec for months ahead of its officiel North American NES release. ] was described as a major international thoroughfare for Micro-Genius sales, with a network of Taiwanese importers acting as a distribution nexus for Micro-Genius games. This culminated in Nintendo issuing injuctions against 68 retailers, and the ] seizing several tens of thousands of Micro-Genius cassettes in December 1990, as part of a crackdown on the import and sale of illicit Micro-Genius games from Taiwan. As a result of this extensive market history, Micro-Genius games have become a prized collector's item especially in Quebec.<ref>{{cite web |title=Les cartouches pirates, un fléau de la NES au Canada |url=http://noirmagnetique.com/blogue/sujet-technos/les-cartouches-pirates-un-fleau-de-la-nes-au-canada/ |website=Noir Magnétique |access-date=7 November 2023 |language=French |trans-title=Pirate cartridges, the bane of the NES in Canada |date=2 February 2016}}</ref> | |||
| ==Consoles and accessories== | ==Consoles and accessories== | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ⚫ | There are several models of the Micro Genius, but the Micro Genius '''IQ-501''' was particularly popular until the official introduction of competitors like ] and ] in the regions where it was sold. | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ] | ||
| ⚫ | ]There are several models of the Micro Genius, but the Micro Genius '''IQ-501''' was particularly popular until the official introduction of competitors like ] and ] in the regions where it was sold. | ||
| The games came in form of 60-pin cartridges, identical to those of the Japanese Famicom, which were inserted from the top into a cartridge port. | The games came in form of 60-pin cartridges, identical to those of the Japanese Famicom, which were inserted from the top into a cartridge port. | ||
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| Micro Genius consoles include: | Micro Genius consoles include: | ||
| * '''IQ-201''' - an early model resembling the ], with hard-wired controllers | * '''IQ-201''' - an early model resembling the ], with hard-wired controllers, sold as '''Computer Game'''. | ||
| * '''IQ-301''' - similar to the IQ-201, with the addition of turbo switches | * '''IQ-301''' - similar to the IQ-201, with the addition of turbo switches, sold as '''Computer Game'''. | ||
| * '''IQ-501''' - introduces detachable controllers, sold as '''] Classic''' in Russia and CIS, '''Nichi-Man''' in Colombia, '''Samurai Micro Genius''' in India.<ref name=samurai>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTESo86hD98 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/RTESo86hD98 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Video |website=www.youtube.com |access-date=2020-12-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microgenius IQ 501 - Ultimate Console Database |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgenius_501.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | * '''IQ-501''' - introduces detachable controllers, sold as '''Computer Game, ] Classic''' in Russia and CIS, '''Nichi-Man''' in Colombia, '''Samurai Micro Genius''' in India.<ref name=samurai>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTESo86hD98 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/RTESo86hD98 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Video |website=www.youtube.com |access-date=2020-12-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microgenius IQ 501 - Ultimate Console Database |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgenius_501.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | ||
| * '''IQ-502''' - sold as ''']''' in Russia and ], '''] IQ-502''' in Poland and Czechia,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oldgames.sk/images/magazine/level/1995/05/level5-037.jpg |title= Photo |website=www.oldgames.sk|access-date=2020-12-12}}</ref> '''Video Game GT 3300''' in Czechia,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oldgames.sk/images/magazine/score/1995/22/score22-074.jpg |title=Photo|website=www.oldgames.sk |format=PDF|access-date=2020-12-12}}</ref> '''Super Bitgame''' in Argentina<ref>{{cite journal |title= Bitgame | journal = Dos Posibilidades Para la Misma Aventura| issue= 12 |pages= 4–5}}</ref> and '''Redstone''' in Iceland.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timarit.is/page/2592187?iabr=on#page/n43/mode/2up/search/redstone | title=Dagblaðið Vísir - DV - Jólagjafahandbók (04.12.1991) - Tímarit.is }}</ref> | * '''IQ-502''' - sold as ''']''' in Russia and ], '''] IQ-502''' in Poland and Czechia,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oldgames.sk/images/magazine/level/1995/05/level5-037.jpg |title= Photo |website=www.oldgames.sk|access-date=2020-12-12}}</ref> '''Video Game GT 3300''' in Czechia,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oldgames.sk/images/magazine/score/1995/22/score22-074.jpg |title=Photo|website=www.oldgames.sk |format=PDF|access-date=2020-12-12}}</ref> '''Super Bitgame''' in Argentina<ref>{{cite journal |title= Bitgame | journal = Dos Posibilidades Para la Misma Aventura| issue= 12 |pages= 4–5}}</ref> and '''Redstone''' in Iceland.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timarit.is/page/2592187?iabr=on#page/n43/mode/2up/search/redstone | title=Dagblaðið Vísir - DV - Jólagjafahandbók (04.12.1991) - Tímarit.is }}</ref> | ||
| * '''IQ-701''' - resembles the international ]. Sold in Indonesia as '''Spica IQ-701'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro Genius IQ 701 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgeniusiq701.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | * '''IQ-701''' - resembles the international ]. Sold in Indonesia as '''Spica IQ-701'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro Genius IQ 701 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgeniusiq701.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | ||
| * '''IQ-901''' - an early ]. Sold as '''MARgame''' in Italy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://vgprintads.tumblr.com/post/177295035507/margame-misc-italy-magazine-1993 | title='Margame' | date=August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro Genius 901 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgenius901.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | * '''IQ-901''' - an early ]. Sold as '''Handy System''', and as '''MARgame''' in Italy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://vgprintads.tumblr.com/post/177295035507/margame-misc-italy-magazine-1993 | title='Margame' | date=August 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro Genius 901 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgenius901.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | ||
| * '''IQ-1000''' - built-in infra-red receiver, comes with one wireless controller and one wired. Sold in Russia and CIS as '''Bitman 2'''<ref name=bitman>{{cite web | url=https://www.20thcenturyvideogames.com/index.php?action=vermodelos&submenu=Consolas&tipo=4&sistema=Bitman&verletra=Y | title=20th Century Video Games }}</ref> and in Indonesia as '''Spica IQ-1001'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro Genius IQ 1000 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgeniusiq1000.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | * '''IQ-1000''' - built-in infra-red receiver, comes with one wireless controller and one wired. Sold in Russia and CIS as '''Bitman 2'''<ref name=bitman>{{cite web | url=https://www.20thcenturyvideogames.com/index.php?action=vermodelos&submenu=Consolas&tipo=4&sistema=Bitman&verletra=Y | title=20th Century Video Games }}</ref> and in Indonesia as '''Spica IQ-1001'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Micro Genius IQ 1000 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com |url=http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones/microgeniusiq1000.htm |access-date=2023-07-23 |website=ultimateconsoledatabase.com}}</ref> | ||
| * '''IQ-2000''' - similar to the IQ-1000 but comes with two wireless controllers. Sold in Russia and CIS as '''Bitman Infra'''<ref name=bitman/> and in India as '''Samurai IQ-2000'''.<ref name=samurai/> | * '''IQ-2000''' - similar to the IQ-1000 but comes with two wireless controllers. Sold in Russia and CIS as '''Bitman Infra'''<ref name=bitman/> and in India as '''Samurai IQ-2000'''.<ref name=samurai/> | ||
| <gallery mode="packed"> | |||
| ⚫ | Accessories for other consoles were also sold under the Micro Genius brand, including lightguns and controllers for the original NES, and wireless controllers for the ] and ]. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| File:Micro Genius IQ-901 5614992132.jpg|IQ-901 | |||
| File:Картирджи Micro Genius.jpg|Micro Genius cartridges | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ==Games== | ==Games== | ||
| Most versions of Micro Genius are compatible with ] cartridges but require a 72-pin to 60-pin adapter to play NES games, although certain models were produced in both 60-pin Famicom and 72-pin NES versions. It was often sold with ]. The 60-pin Famicom versions also generally supported expansion audio chips such as Konami's ] and |
Most versions of Micro Genius are compatible with ] cartridges but require a 72-pin to 60-pin adapter to play NES games, although certain models were produced in both 60-pin Famicom and 72-pin NES versions. It was often sold with ]. The 60-pin Famicom versions also generally supported expansion audio chips such as Konami's ] and VRC7 making them a more affordable alternative for those in Europe wanting to play Famicom games with expansion audio without making modifications to the console as long as they don't mind 50 Hz slowdown. | ||
| A series of original Micro Genius games, such as ''Chinese Chess'' and ''Thunder Warrior'', was produced in both Famicom and NES format, but unlicensed copies of Japanese games remained more popular in the countries where the console was sold. | A series of original Micro Genius games, such as ''Chinese Chess'' and ''Thunder Warrior'', was produced in both Famicom and NES format, but unlicensed copies of Japanese games remained more popular in the countries where the console was sold. | ||
| ===List of games=== | ===List of games=== | ||
| On the list, all Idea-Tek games were later re-released by the same |
]On the list, all Idea-Tek games were later re-released by the same TXC/Micro Genius.<ref></ref><ref></ref> | ||
| {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| Line 87: | Line 82: | ||
| | 13 || ''Thunder Warrior'' || 1992 || '''1)''' Also known as '''''Hōng Tiān Zhìzūn'''''.<br />'''2)''' An adapted version was released by Gluk Video as '''''Gluk: The Thunder Warrior'''''. | | 13 || ''Thunder Warrior'' || 1992 || '''1)''' Also known as '''''Hōng Tiān Zhìzūn'''''.<br />'''2)''' An adapted version was released by Gluk Video as '''''Gluk: The Thunder Warrior'''''. | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 14 || ''3 |
| 14 || ''3 in 1 Supergun'' || 1993 || 3 games in 1: ''Clown'', ''Snake Charmer'', and ''Shooter''. | ||
| |- | |- | ||
| | 15 || ''Journey to the West'' || 1994 || '''1)''' Also known as '''''Western Heaven (Xītiān Qǔjīng)'''''.<br />'''2)''' Developed by Chengdu Tai Jing Da Dong Computer Co. | | 15 || ''Journey to the West'' || 1994 || '''1)''' Also known as '''''Western Heaven (Xītiān Qǔjīng)'''''.<br />'''2)''' Developed by Chengdu Tai Jing Da Dong Computer Co. | ||
| Line 94: | Line 89: | ||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| * ] | * ] | ||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 100: | Line 96: | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| * | * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412042221/http://ultimateconsoledatabase.com/famiclones.htm |date=2021-04-12 }} | ||
| {{Nintendo Entertainment System}} | {{Nintendo Entertainment System}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:58, 5 December 2024
Line of Famicom clone consoles | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | Late 1980s |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Fate | Closed |
| Headquarters | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Products | Famiclones (late 1980s–mid 1990s) Video games (1991–1994) |
Micro Genius (Chinese: 小天才; pinyin: Xiǎo Tiān Cái; lit. 'Little Genius') is a brand name used for Famicom clone consoles marketed in several countries around the world, particularly in areas where Nintendo consoles were not readily available, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, South Africa and East Asian countries excluding Japan and South Korea. The name was initially and most famously used by TXC Corporation for its range of Taiwanese-made Famicom clones, software and accessories, but later passed to other companies and remains in use today on rebranded Chinese Famicom clones and LCD games.
In some countries during the early 1990s, Micro Genius Famicom clones were the most popular game consoles, mirroring the popularity enjoyed several years earlier by Nintendo's official Famicom and NES in Japan and North America. However, they rarely reached markets where Nintendo was more recognisable, as they often infringed on Nintendo's patents in those regions.
Consoles and accessories
There are several models of the Micro Genius, but the Micro Genius IQ-501 was particularly popular until the official introduction of competitors like Sega and Nintendo in the regions where it was sold.
The games came in form of 60-pin cartridges, identical to those of the Japanese Famicom, which were inserted from the top into a cartridge port.
A standard Micro Genius console package came with two wired controllers and sometimes a light gun. Some models also used an RF antenna to transmit signals wirelessly to a receiver inserted in the TV. Later incarnations came with IR wireless controllers.
Micro Genius consoles include:
- IQ-201 - an early model resembling the Famicom, with hard-wired controllers, sold as Computer Game.
- IQ-301 - similar to the IQ-201, with the addition of turbo switches, sold as Computer Game.
- IQ-501 - introduces detachable controllers, sold as Computer Game, Dendy Classic in Russia and CIS, Nichi-Man in Colombia, Samurai Micro Genius in India.
- IQ-502 - sold as Dendy Classic II in Russia and CIS, Pegasus IQ-502 in Poland and Czechia, Video Game GT 3300 in Czechia, Super Bitgame in Argentina and Redstone in Iceland.
- IQ-701 - resembles the international Nintendo Entertainment System. Sold in Indonesia as Spica IQ-701.
- IQ-901 - an early handheld TV game. Sold as Handy System, and as MARgame in Italy.
- IQ-1000 - built-in infra-red receiver, comes with one wireless controller and one wired. Sold in Russia and CIS as Bitman 2 and in Indonesia as Spica IQ-1001.
- IQ-2000 - similar to the IQ-1000 but comes with two wireless controllers. Sold in Russia and CIS as Bitman Infra and in India as Samurai IQ-2000.
Accessories for other consoles were also sold under the Micro Genius brand, including lightguns and controllers for the original NES, and wireless controllers for the Mega Drive and SNES.
Games
Most versions of Micro Genius are compatible with Famicom cartridges but require a 72-pin to 60-pin adapter to play NES games, although certain models were produced in both 60-pin Famicom and 72-pin NES versions. It was often sold with cartridges containing multiple games. The 60-pin Famicom versions also generally supported expansion audio chips such as Konami's VRC6 and VRC7 making them a more affordable alternative for those in Europe wanting to play Famicom games with expansion audio without making modifications to the console as long as they don't mind 50 Hz slowdown.
A series of original Micro Genius games, such as Chinese Chess and Thunder Warrior, was produced in both Famicom and NES format, but unlicensed copies of Japanese games remained more popular in the countries where the console was sold.
List of games
On the list, all Idea-Tek games were later re-released by the same TXC/Micro Genius.
| No. | Title | Original release |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F-15 City War | 1990 | Released by Idea-Tek. |
| 2 | Puzzle | 1990 | Released by Idea-Tek. |
| 3 | Chinese Chess | 1991 | 1) Also known as Zhōngguó Xiàngqí. 2) In some versions the game is misspelled, credited as "Chinese Chese". |
| 4 | Creatom | 1991 | |
| 5 | Enjoyable Horse Racing | 1991 | 1) Also known as 1991 Du Ma Racing (1991 Dǔ Mǎ Dàsài). 2) Released by Idea-Tek. |
| 6 | Mahjong Block | 1991 | 1) Released by Idea-Tek; a Mahjong theme version of Poke Block. 2) The game was also released and published (with the addition of nudity) by Hacker International as AV Dragon Mahjang. |
| 7 | Poke Block | 1991 | 1) Released by Idea-Tek. 2) In 1992, was re-released by TXC and published by American Video Entertainment as Stakk'M. |
| 8 | Rad Racket: Deluxe Tennis II | 1991 | Released by Idea-Tek. |
| 9 | Venice Beach Volleyball | 1991 | Released by Idea-Tek. |
| 10 | Xiǎo Mǎ Lì | 1991 | 1) Released by Nei-Hu Electronics and distributed by Idea-Tek. 2) Re-released by TXC as Bingo. |
| 11 | Policeman | 1992 | Game similar to Bonanza Bros. by Sega. |
| 12 | Strike Wolf | 1992 | |
| 13 | Thunder Warrior | 1992 | 1) Also known as Hōng Tiān Zhìzūn. 2) An adapted version was released by Gluk Video as Gluk: The Thunder Warrior. |
| 14 | 3 in 1 Supergun | 1993 | 3 games in 1: Clown, Snake Charmer, and Shooter. |
| 15 | Journey to the West | 1994 | 1) Also known as Western Heaven (Xītiān Qǔjīng). 2) Developed by Chengdu Tai Jing Da Dong Computer Co. |
See also
References
- Ariff, Syed Umar (15 April 2009). "The un-consoled". Johor Streets. NST Online. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
- Radakrishnan, G (1991). "Nintendo takes action against infringers". IP Asia. 4. Shomei Ltd.
- ^ "Video". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
- "Microgenius IQ 501 - Ultimate Console Database". ultimateconsoledatabase.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
- "Photo". www.oldgames.sk. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
- "Photo" (PDF). www.oldgames.sk. Retrieved 2020-12-12.
- "Bitgame". Dos Posibilidades Para la Misma Aventura (12): 4–5.
- "Dagblaðið Vísir - DV - Jólagjafahandbók (04.12.1991) - Tímarit.is".
- "Micro Genius IQ 701 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com". ultimateconsoledatabase.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
- "'Margame'". August 2018.
- "Micro Genius 901 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com". ultimateconsoledatabase.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
- ^ "20th Century Video Games".
- "Micro Genius IQ 1000 - Ultimate Console Database at ultimateconsoledatabase.com". ultimateconsoledatabase.com. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
- Idea-Tek and TXC Corp.
- Gluk: Los Juegos del Naranjito
- Enjoyable Horse Racing << Famicom World
- Gluk: Los Juegos del Naranjito
External links
- Famicom Clones Archived 2021-04-12 at the Wayback Machine
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| Preceded by Color TV-Game • Succeeded by Super Nintendo Entertainment System | |||||