---
title: Epoch TV Vader
categories:
- Consoles
origins:
- Japan
years:
- '1980'
cpus:
- NEC D774C
params:
  name: TV Vader
  image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_1s.jpg
  company: /companies/epoch
  company_name: Epoch
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: TV Vader
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Epoch
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: Japan
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1980'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: 4 (or 5?) Space Invaders inspired games
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Stick (left & righ) + fire button built-in the system
  - label: CPU
    value: NEC D774C
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: 54x62
  - label: COLORS
    value: 'Yes'
  - label: SOUND
    value: Yes (unknown specifications)
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: Unknown
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Power in, video out
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: None
  - label: OS
    value: '4'
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: External power supply unit (6v, 250mA)
  - label: PRICE
    value: 15,000 yen (Japan, 1980)
  tabs:
  - photos
  - software
  - links
  - videos
  forum_thread: 991
  photos:
  - title: TV VADER
    subtitle: ''
    text: Thanks to [Taro Hino](http://homepage.mac.com/taro_hino/) for this picture.
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_1.jpg
  - title: USED SYSTEM
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_2.jpg
  - title: REAR
    subtitle: ''
    text: Back of the system with the power in connector
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_rear.jpg
  - title: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION & WARRANTY
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_doc.jpg
  - title: BOX
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_box_2.jpg
  - title: BOX - FRONT
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_box_front_1.jpg
  - title: BOX - BACK
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_box_back_1.jpg
  - title: BOX - OPENED
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/epoch_tv-vader_box_opened.jpg
  screenshots:
  - title: SCREENSHOT
    subtitle: ''
    text: |-
      One of the 4 (5 ?) built-in games offered by the TV Vader system...

      Thanks to [Ogashin](http://homepage1.nifty.com/OGASHIN/TVVADER.htm) for this picture.
    image: /media/museum/software/epoch_tv-vader_ss_1.jpg
  - title: SCREENSHOT 2
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/software/epoch_tv-vader_s2.jpg
  links:
  - title: Japanese page with nice pictures
    url: http://blog.goo.ne.jp/80-cafe/e/fec7f619f186759d63d8327b38d8256d
    text: ''
  - title: Japanese TV commercial
    url: http://www.nicozon.net/watch/sm4028988
    text: ''
  - title: Small japanese page
    url: http://homepage1.nifty.com/OGASHIN/TVVADER.htm
    text: Small description (japanese) + screenshot
  videos:
  - title: Epoch TV Vader gameplay
    url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiwG4GVNty8
    text: 'Length: 2min 20s'
  - title: Epoch TV Vader gameplay
    url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOcUmpZErdk
    text: 'Length: 3min 25s'
  oc_id: 1017
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230307165458/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1017
    date: '2023-03-07'
---

Epoch TV-Vader is a japanese stand-alone unit offering four Space-Invaders inspired games built-in the system. It was released in 1980.

The white console is quite simple in its design. In the middle of the case are the joystick (only left & right) and one fire button labeled "missile". Left to them is a LEVEL button used to select the game, and on the right is a START button and an ON/OFF power switch.

Apparently, the system offers four different games, largely inspired by Space Invaders. Each one seems to be variation of the arcade hit. Graphics are quite crude & blocky and very similar to the later [Epoch Cassette Vision](/museum/epoch-cassette-vision/) and its Battle Vader cartridge, released one year later.

Apart from these built-in games, there is no way to add new cartridges or anything. About connectors, there is only power in, and video out.

The [Epoch Cassette Vision](/museum/epoch-cassette-vision/) released one year later is surely based on the same hardware as the TV Vader (NEC D774C chipset).

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>