Q&A Mephisto Phoenix Electronic Chess

We're listening to current and prospective Phoenix Chess Computer owners. This is an opportunity for you to share your questions and suggestions with the producers of this extraordinary chess computer.

Recent Q&A Webinar

Here are some highlights from a recent live webinar held in Munich where the product experts answered questions about the product and demonstrated features in detail. You can watch the recorded webinar on Youtube although it is currently in German only.

• Compatibility & Setups: Queries on whether Phoenix is compatible with other chessboards or pressure sensor boards.
• Customization: Questions on customizing features like engine speeds, adaptive mode, Elo settings, and emulations.
• Online Play & Updates: Interest in integration with platforms like Lichess and upcoming options for Chess.com.
• User Profiles: Inquiries on the flexibility of player profiles, personalized settings, and how it supports different player levels.
• Retro Emulation: Requests for additional emulation capabilities, especially of classic chess computers. 

• Compatibility: Phoenix is compatible with various Millennium boards but only with figure-recognition models; pressure sensor boards are not supported.
• Online Play via Lichess API: Phoenix allows direct Lichess play without needing a phone or computer intermediary; a similar integration for Chess.com is being released at present as a paid add-on.
• Customization & Profiles: Phoenix allows in-depth customization of engines, speed limits, and book openings; users can switch profiles or modify presets to fit different play styles or training purposes.
• Retro Emulations: The Phoenix includes 23 retro emulations that replicate the behavior of classic chess computers from the 1980s, offering a nostalgic and authentic experience.

Open Questions

• Further Emulation Options: Participants asked about adding other classic chess computers, like the Novag Super Constellation, which is a work-in-progress and yet-to-be confirmed.
• Enhanced Weight and Custom Pieces: There is an interest in heavier custom piece options, though this is limited by material constraints.
• Full Support for Chess960: Currently unsupported on Phoenix, with only partial support possible through online interfaces. However, ChessConnect does offer this.

Features of Most Interest to Users

• Adaptive Mode for Personalized Play: Shredder’s adaptive mode garnered significant interest as it adjusts to match user skill levels.
• Realistic Retro Emulations: High demand for the authentic feel and behavior of classic chess computers.
• Online Play without Extra Devices: Participants appreciated Phoenix's ability to connect directly to Lichess and Chess.com (through ChessConnect), creating a seamless online play experience.
• Evaluation Bar: The real-time position evaluation bar was popular, allowing players to assess their standing easily during gameplay.
• Customization of Engines and Play Profiles: Flexibility to tailor engines, Elo limits, and settings for different play styles and training needs.

New Features in Development

• Chess.com Integration: Expected in November 2024, allowing play against Chess.com opponents directly from the board.
• Voice Output of Moves: A planned feature to have the device read moves aloud, which would benefit accessibility.
• Free Analysis Mode: A future addition that will allow players to input and analyze specific board positions and try out variations.