Amstrad GX4000 vs Intellivision

The Amstrad GX4000 and Intellivision are both classic gaming consoles that have left their mark on the gaming industry. The Amstrad GX4000 was released in the late 1980s as an attempt to compete with other popular consoles of the time, while the Intellivision was a pioneering console from the early 1980s known for its advanced graphics and gameplay.

General information

Amstrad GX4000
Intellivision
Introduction :
The Amstrad GX4000 was released in 1990 as a follow-up to the unsuccessful Amstrad CPC Plus series. Despite its short lifespan and limited game library, the console has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. It was primarily marketed in Europe and featured enhanced graphics compared to its predecessor. While not as popular as other consoles of its time, the Amstrad GX4000 is considered a classic and collectible item for retro gaming collectors.
Introduction :
The Intellivision was released in 1979 by Mattel Electronics and quickly became a popular choice among gamers in the early 1980s. Known for its innovative controllers featuring a numeric keypad and side buttons, the Intellivision offered a wide variety of games including sports, action, and strategy titles. While not as well-known as some other consoles from the era, the Intellivision has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • The Amstrad GX4000 offers a unique retro gaming experience.
  • It has a diverse library of classic games to enjoy.
  • The console is compact and easy to set up.
  • It provides a nostalgic feel for gamers who grew up with it.
  • The GX4000 is a budget-friendly option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • Intellivision was one of the first home gaming consoles.
  • It had a unique controller with a numeric keypad.
  • Intellivision offered a variety of game genres to enjoy.
  • The console had impressive graphics and sound capabilities for its time.
  • Intellivision had a strong library of exclusive games.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to other consoles of the time.
  • Lack of third-party developer support for new games.
  • Poor graphics and sound quality compared to competitors.
  • Fragile and prone to hardware malfunctions.
  • Limited controller options and accessories available.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to modern consoles.
  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Limited storage capacity for game downloads.
  • Difficulty finding replacement parts or accessories.
Year launched : 1990
The Amstrad GX4000 was launched in 1990, offering gamers a new console experience with its advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities compared to older systems.
Year launched : 1979
The Intellivision was launched in 1979, offering gamers a new and advanced gaming experience compared to previous consoles. It featured innovative controllers and a variety of games for players to enjoy.
Manufacturer : Amstrad
The Amstrad GX4000 was manufactured by Amstrad, a British electronics company known for producing home computers and gaming consoles in the 1980s and 1990s. The GX4000 was their only foray into the gaming console market.
Manufacturer : Mattel Electronics
The Intellivision Games Console was manufactured by Mattel Electronics, known for its innovative gaming technology and popular game titles during the early days of video gaming.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Amstrad GX4000 had low popularity compared to other consoles. It sold poorly and had a small market share, leading to its discontinuation shortly after release.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Intellivision had moderate success during its time, selling around 3 million units. It had a decent market share but was overshadowed by competitors like Atari. Its popularity today is mainly among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Form factor : Home console.
The Amstrad GX4000 is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be portable and is best enjoyed in a living room setting.
Form factor : Home console.
The Intellivision console is designed as a home gaming unit, meant to be connected to a TV for playing games on a larger screen in the comfort of one's living room.
Official website : https://www.amstrad.com/


Market and availability

Amstrad GX4000
Intellivision
Console markets :
The Amstrad GX4000 was primarily available in Europe, with a focus on markets such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. It was not widely distributed in other regions.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Amstrad GX4000 is now considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its limited release and unique library of games have increased its value in the market.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Intellivision is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the limited availability of Intellivision systems contribute to its collectibility.
⚪ Console availability : Unknown.
The Amstrad GX4000 is a relatively rare console, with limited availability both new and secondhand. It may be challenging to find one for sale, especially in good condition.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
Intellivision consoles can be found in the secondhand market fairly easily, but new units are rare. Collectors may have better luck finding complete, working systems with games and accessories.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Amstrad GX4000 is considered a low-cost console due to its limited availability and lack of popularity among collectors. It can often be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The Intellivision console is considered to have an average cost in the current market. While it may not be as expensive as some rare vintage consoles, it is also not as affordable as more common options.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Amstrad GX4000 can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by, but overall there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Intellivision can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to the console's age and collectible status.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Amstrad GX4000 are relatively inexpensive due to the console's limited popularity and availability. They can often be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Intellivision console is considered average. While some games may be more affordable due to their age, others may be harder to find and therefore more expensive.


Technology

Amstrad GX4000
Intellivision
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Amstrad GX4000 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the late 1980s. This architecture allowed for simpler graphics and gameplay compared to newer consoles.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Intellivision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to modern consoles.
CPU : Zilog Z80
The Amstrad GX4000 uses a Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular choice for many gaming consoles and computers in the 1980s. It is known for its simplicity and efficiency in handling 8-bit tasks.
CPU : General Instrument CP1610
The Intellivision uses the General Instrument CP1610 CPU, which is an 8-bit microprocessor known for its performance in handling graphics and sound in early gaming consoles.
Memory : 64 Kb
The Amstrad GX4000 has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered sufficient for gaming in the late 1980s when the console was released.
Memory : 2 Kb
The Intellivision Games Console has 2 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for its time in the late 1970s. This limited memory capacity influenced game design and graphics capabilities.
Video output : Composite
The Amstrad GX4000 has a composite video output connection, which can be used to connect to older TVs or with the use of a composite to HDMI converter for modern TVs.
Video output : RF and composite
Intellivision has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Amstrad GX4000's GPU information is not well-documented. Due to its release in the early 1990s, details about its dedicated GPU are scarce, making it difficult to determine its specific capabilities.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Intellivision console does not have a dedicated GPU as modern consoles do, but it does have specialized graphics hardware designed to handle the specific demands of its games.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Amstrad GX4000 is not internet connected. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or WiFi capabilities for online connectivity.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Intellivision console is not internet connected. Released in 1979, it predates modern internet capabilities, lacking Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity for online gaming or browsing.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Amstrad GX4000 is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for quick and easy gameplay without the need for additional accessories.
Game media format : Cartridge.
Intellivision primarily uses cartridges as the game format. These cartridges are inserted into the console to play different games, providing a physical and tangible gaming experience for users.


Gaming

Amstrad GX4000
Intellivision
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Amstrad GX4000 supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on a single console. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay together.
Controllers : Up to 4 controllers/players
The Intellivision console supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 players using wired controllers. This allows for a fun and competitive gaming experience for friends and family.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Amstrad GX4000 did not have online multiplayer capabilities as it was released in the early 1990s before online gaming became mainstream. Local multiplayer with multiple controllers was the primary option.
🟢 Online multiplayer : Yes.
Intellivision allows multiplayer online play through its Intellivision Network. However, the availability of online multiplayer games may be limited compared to newer consoles.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Amstrad GX4000 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to its limited popularity, finding specific titles may require some effort in the secondhand market.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Intellivision game titles have been released in good numbers, but due to the console's age, finding specific titles can be challenging. However, the secondhand market offers a variety of options for collectors.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Amstrad GX4000 has notable exclusive games such as Burning Rubber, Switchblade, and Fire and Forget II, which are iconic titles for the console and offer unique gameplay experiences.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
Intellivision has exclusive and iconic games such as 'Astrosmash', 'Night Stalker', and 'Utopia'. These titles are unique to the Intellivision console and are highly regarded by retro gaming enthusiasts.


When choosing between the Amstrad GX4000 and Intellivision, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and nostalgia. The Amstrad GX4000 offers a more modern gaming experience with improved graphics, while the Intellivision provides a nostalgic trip back to the early days of gaming. Whichever console you choose, both offer a unique and enjoyable gaming experience for retro gaming enthusiasts.