MBX
Expansion System

Near the end of 1983 Milton Bradley released the MBX expansion system for the TI-99/4A. Below is an excerpt from a TI catalog.

The MBX 3-unit system, together with a special group of cartridges, introduces you and your computer to a unique video and audio adventure. The console and the headset microphone allow you to use Voice Recognition, in which your spoken words direct screen action. The console also offers electronic Speech Synthesis. And a built-in, easy-to-access keypad.

Lastly, the MBX joystick offers full analog proportional movement and rotation of screen objects. The MBX System Operates Only With Cartridges Designed By Milton Bradley Each cartridge features high- resolution graphics and Speech Synthesis, and many allow Voice Recognition too.

Most of these cartridges can be used with your Texas Instruments Home Computer alone, without the MBX system.

The timing on this product was not very good, and it wasn't long before MB dropped it from their inventory. There were not that many produced and they are quite rare.

Above is a picture of the console unit with built-in keyboard. Overlays for the keyboard was included with some of the MBX games.

This is an overlay included with Championship Baseball.

This picture is of the included joystick. It had a trigger button, and three auxiliary buttons. The control knob on top acted like a standard joystick, but also had the ability to rotate items on the screen by turning it clockwise or counter clockwise.

The Headset Microphone was used for the speech recognition and only the microphone was actually used. The earphones where just there to keep it on your head!.

The diagram on the left shows how to hook it all up.

The above is a look inside the MBX console. I have removed the metal shield to show the circuit board. The speaker can also be seen. For a much larger view of the motherboard click here

MB released several games to be used with the MBX Expansion System. Below is a partial list with descriptions. The pictures below show the game "Space Bandits" and it's screenshot.

Honey Hunt

Help our little bee find flowers, but beware of spiders and dragonflies! Children try to remember safe routes through the meadow. Perky music intensifies game play. Simple game play with bright graphics. Speech Synthesis. MBX System is optional. Speech may be accessed through MBX Expansion System or Texas Instruments Speech Synthesizer.

Soundtrack Trolley

Pick up funny musicians and combine their tunes to form a band! Choice of three delightful musical games. Children play, match or follow a tune on key pad. Speech Synthesis. MBX System is not required for game play. However, the MBX System or the Texas Instruments Speech Synthesizer is needed to access speech. Cartridge. Terry Turtle’s AdventurelM Tell Terry how to get home and watch him obey and talk back! Children guide Terry through a changing landscape. Teaches elementary programming and learning concepts. Ten basic commands keep things simple. Speech Synthesis and Voice Recognition. MBX System required.

Terry Turtle's
Adventure

Terry Turtle's adventure is part of the Bright Beginnings series for younger children that combines fun with learning and uses a fascinatiing game to aid in elementary programming.

I’m Hiding

Hide-and-seek fun with bugs playing peek-a-boo in a crayon box. Bugs actually call out clues to tell kids if they’re ‘hot” or “cold”. Speech Synthesis and Voice Recognition. MBX System required.

Sewermania

Defuse a time bomb in a sewer filled with killer rats and alligators! Pick up ‘‘shovel’’ to bash the rats, Close up passageways behind you. Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis. The MBX System is optional for game play. However, it is needed for Voice Recognition and Speech capability.

Championship Baseball

Dazzling diamond action with a computer umpire to call out the plays. Make up your own team names for the scoteboad. Umpire actually calls out plays and pitches. Realistic player movements and ball park music. Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis. MBX System required for game play.

Super Fly

Destroy the alien spiders before the next batch hatches and gets you! Watch eggs develop into spiders before your eyes. Maneuver the fly into position and zap the spiders! Voice Recognition and Speech Syn- thesis. MBX System is optional for game play. However, MBX System or TI Speech Synthesizer is required to access speech.

Bigfoot

Can you dodge boulders and eagles to climb high and capture Bigfoot? Six mountains, each more challeng- ng than the previous. Pick up sup- plies and gold for bonus points. Throw out rope and align your climber. Speech Synthesis. MBX System is optional for game play. However, it is needed for Speech capability.

Space Bandits

Snatch up space crystals in a 3-D maze. Chased by deadly android guards! 3-D movement and visual effects. Wrap around shooting action. Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis. MBX System is optional for game play. However, it is needed for Voice Recognition and Speech capabilities.

Meteor Belt

Let your computer co-pilot warn you of enemy ships in this daring space duel! Fast action, destroy meteors and rival spaceships. Speech Synthesis. MBX System is optional for game play. However MBX System or TI Speech Synthesizer is required to access speech.