R-Zone (Platform)

R-Zone

PLATFORM» RZON» 1995

The R-Zone was a heavily marketed, cartridge based LCD handheld that ultimately flopped. It marked Tiger's first attempt at a handheld game system.

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R-Zone XPG

Model: 71-331 Batteries: 4 "AA" until late 1996 then 4 "AAA" CPU: ??? Screen: LCD Audio: Mono Color: 2 (Red & Black)

R-Zone Head Gear

Model: 71-212 Batteries: 2 "AAA" CPU: ??? Screen: Polycarbonite Screen Audio: Mono Color: 2 (Red & Black)

R-Zone Super Screen

of Model: 71-???

Batteries: 4 "C" CPU: ??? Screen: Magnifying Lens Display Audio: Mono Color: 1 (Black)

Models

XPG: Xtreme Pocket Gear (1995)

The XPG was Tiger's first iteration of the R-Zone and had a relatively standard design with a directional pad on the left of the screen and 4 buttons on the right. The middle of the device simply bears the XPG logo, while the game is reflected onto a mirror that flips up off the top of the device. It used 4 AAA batteries in 2 separate compartments on either end of the unit. The bulb used to light screen takes up so much room in the device that it is somewhat of a misnomer to be called "pocket." The name XPG was intended to be the systems proper name but the system is usually referred to simply as "R-Zone."

Head Gear (1996)

The R-Zone Head Gear was Tiger's attempt at providing a virtual reality experience for the player. It was marketed as such, but in reality, it only resembles virtual reality in cosmetic design. It plays simple LCD games via a mirror reflecting light through the game screen into one eyeball. The controller was wired to the headset and provided the power with 4 AAA batteries. The controller has volume and brightness dials on the bottom, as well as a slot to store an extra game cartridge. The Head Gear is largely criticized for being almost exclusively cosmetic. The headset adds nothing to the gameplay experience and limits the viewable screen to one eye.

Super Screen (1997)

The R-Zone Super Screen was a table top version of the original R-Zone XPG. Tiger scrapped the virtual reality marketing campaign and tried to improve the LCD console as much as they could with the Super Screen. The big changes are that the screen is much larger and magnified, the d-pad was scrapped in favor of 4 buttons and that a color filter could be placed over some games to give the backgrounds more color. All movement on the screen is still black. Also, the screen is directly backlit so there is no more mirror; the major effect being that other players can see the game since it doesn't need to be viewed at a specific angle. One spare backlight was included with the console. The beastly device ran on 4 C batteries and can hardly be considered a handheld.