John Carlsen Interview - His Career and the RETRO Video Game System

Carl Williams writes, "This is a special opportunity to discuss what transpired during an integral part of the development of the RETRO Video Game System (now known as the Coleco Chameleon) by RETRO Video Game Systems Inc. It is clear that Mike Kennedy is the primary owner, as far as we know, of RETRO Video Game Systems Inc, he is also listed on their website as the president of the company. Mr. Kennedy has also been the voice of the project for quite a while as precious few of the other members are giving interviews to the press. Mr. John Carlsen is the former hardware engineer that was working on the RETRO Video Game System up to late 2015. After a failed IndieGoGo campaign, Mr. Carlsen disappeared from the gaming world. Having gone silent after a professional departure note was posted on the RETRO Video Game Systems Inc Facebook page, it was unclear as to what role Mr. Carlsen really played in the price of the console. Over the following months, Mr. Kennedy has done many interviews where he has placed the high cost of his console solely at the feet of Mr. Carlsen. In the pursuit of the truth and staying within my boundaries of a journalist, I contacted Mr. Carlsen and asked if he would like to discuss his position, activity and thoughts involving the RETRO Video Game System. What follows is that interview, edited as little as possible. The only things removed are formalities, personal discussion (life, traffic, website hosting, etc). This is as complete an interview as is available with Mr. Carlsen at this time."

[OoglyBoogly]

I wonder if this scam console will ever be released?

[triverse]

Doubtful, at least under the name "Coleco Chameleon" as the people that own the name "Coleco" have given RETRO Video Game Systems till Wednesday to provide the prototypes to Coleco for inspection. Currently no word from RVGS Inc on this situation (I have heard the owner is vacationing but cannot prove it).

[OoglyBoogly]

Yeah I heard about that. Must be in a bad way when you still don't have a prototype after, what, a year or two since the apparent "project" started?

[triverse]

@OoglyBoogly I have covered this from the first announcement of it. My first article was February 18th, 2015. Mike made the first public announcement earlier that week (I think on the 16th). It was in development for at least six months prior to that, possibly longer so yeah - about two years or so, minimum.