We return this week to Konix, who two weeks (and 10 years) previously had turned up at the industry's premier games show with no working models of their new console, the Multi System, which was supposed to have been shipping to retail after the event. News began to emerge from the Welsh factory that the delays were down to money; namely that Konix had run out of the stuff. As a result, negotiations were said to be taking place with a number of 'heavyweight' partners which would enable the machine to meet its new launch date of early November.

Somewhat contradicting this upbeat spin came the simultaneous statement that all software development for the machine had been put on hold. Konix had failed to deliver the next stage of hardware development systems to those who were creating Multi System software, so there were dozens of programmers sat around twiddling their thumbs. Despite this, senior management were still confident that the machine would appear on (its new) time and succeed.

As the weeks passed, however, and early November came and went, the industry's attention began to wander away from this 'jam tomorrow' system and returned to the 'bread and butter today' formats that were actually on the shelves for the public to buy: Amiga, ST, Sega Master System, Nintendo NES and even the C64 and Spectrum.

Programmers' thumbs ceased twiddling and were re-directed into these directions. Konix announced they were 'close' to a deal and the New Year would be a bright new tomorrow... 'Just be patient a little longer.' They sold the rights to their Speed King and Navigator joysticks to a rival so they could concentrate on the Multi System... 'Not long to wait now.' The factory closed...'We're really, really close to signing.' The workers were made redundant...'But the wait will be worth it.'

We're still waiting.