Amstrad GX4000 vs Phillips CD-i
Please select two different options.
The Amstrad GX4000 and Phillips CD-i were both released in the early 1990s, offering unique gaming experiences for players. The Amstrad GX4000 focused on traditional gaming with its cartridge-based system, while the Phillips CD-i aimed to be a multimedia entertainment console with CD-ROM capabilities.
General information
Amstrad GX4000
Phillips CD-i
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.
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 Phillips CD-i, released in 1991, was a multimedia console that offered games, educational software, and movies on compact discs. While it did not achieve the same level of popularity as other consoles of its time, it has since gained a cult following among collectors for its unique library of games and interactive experiences. The CD-i was marketed as a more educational and family-friendly console compared to its competitors.
The Phillips CD-i, released in 1991, was a multimedia console that offered games, educational software, and movies on compact discs. While it did not achieve the same level of popularity as other consoles of its time, it has since gained a cult following among collectors for its unique library of games and interactive experiences. The CD-i was marketed as a more educational and family-friendly console compared to its competitors.
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 :
- The Phillips CD-i offers a unique library of exclusive games.
- It has multimedia capabilities, allowing for CD playback and more.
- The console has a variety of educational and interactive titles.
- It supports online capabilities for multiplayer gaming experiences.
- The CD-i is a collector’s item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 with mostly educational and interactive titles.
- Poor graphics and sound quality compared to other consoles.
- Expensive price tag for the features and performance offered.
- Lack of third-party developer support for new and popular games.
- Clunky and unintuitive controller design for gaming experience.
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.
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 : 1991
The Phillips CD-i was launched in 1991, offering a unique multimedia experience with interactive games and educational content. It was ahead of its time but faced challenges in the competitive gaming console market.
The Phillips CD-i was launched in 1991, offering a unique multimedia experience with interactive games and educational content. It was ahead of its time but faced challenges in the competitive gaming console market.
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.
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 : Philips
The Phillips CD-i was manufactured by the Dutch company Philips. It was a unique addition to the gaming market, offering a variety of multimedia capabilities in addition to gaming.
The Phillips CD-i was manufactured by the Dutch company Philips. It was a unique addition to the gaming market, offering a variety of multimedia capabilities in addition to 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.
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 : Low.
The Phillips CD-i had low popularity compared to other games consoles. It had limited sales and a small market share, making it a niche product among gamers.
The Phillips CD-i had low popularity compared to other games consoles. It had limited sales and a small market share, making it a niche product among gamers.
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.
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 Phillips CD-i console is designed as a home entertainment system, meant to be used in a fixed location rather than for on-the-go gaming. It is not a portable unit.
The Phillips CD-i console is designed as a home entertainment system, meant to be used in a fixed location rather than for on-the-go gaming. It is not a portable unit.
Official website :
https://www.amstrad.com/
Official website :
https://www.philips.com/cd-i
Market and availability
Amstrad GX4000
Phillips CD-i
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.
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 :
The Phillips CD-i was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. However, it did not achieve widespread success and was eventually discontinued due to poor sales.
The Phillips CD-i was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. However, it did not achieve widespread success and was eventually discontinued due to poor sales.
🟢 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.
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 Phillips CD-i is now considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique library of games and historical significance make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Phillips CD-i is now considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique library of games and historical significance make it a sought-after item for collectors.
⚪ 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.
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.
The Phillips CD-i is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as other consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
The Phillips CD-i is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as other consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
🟢 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.
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 : Low.
The relative cost of the Phillips CD-i is low due to its limited availability and lack of popularity among gamers. It can often be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market.
The relative cost of the Phillips CD-i is low due to its limited availability and lack of popularity among gamers. It can often be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market.
🟡 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.
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 : .
Games for the Phillips CD-i are limited and can be difficult to find. The console is not as popular as others, so availability may be scarce. Secondhand market and collectible availability may vary.
Games for the Phillips CD-i are limited and can be difficult to find. The console is not as popular as others, so availability may be scarce. Secondhand market and collectible availability may vary.
🟢 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.
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 : Low.
Due to the limited popularity and availability of games for the Phillips CD-i, the relative cost of games for this console is considered low. Second-hand market prices may vary.
Due to the limited popularity and availability of games for the Phillips CD-i, the relative cost of games for this console is considered low. Second-hand market prices may vary.
Technology
Amstrad GX4000
Phillips CD-i
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.
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 : 16-bit.
The Phillips CD-i uses a 16-bit architecture, which was common among gaming consoles of its time. This allowed for decent graphics and gameplay capabilities, although it may not be as advanced as newer consoles.
The Phillips CD-i uses a 16-bit architecture, which was common among gaming consoles of its time. This allowed for decent graphics and gameplay capabilities, although it may not be as advanced as newer 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.
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 : MIPS R3000
The Phillips CD-i uses a MIPS R3000 CPU, which was a popular processor in the early 1990s known for its performance in gaming consoles and workstations.
The Phillips CD-i uses a MIPS R3000 CPU, which was a popular processor in the early 1990s known for its performance in gaming consoles and workstations.
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.
The Amstrad GX4000 has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered sufficient for gaming in the late 1980s when the console was released.
Memory : 1 MB
The Phillips CD-i has 1 MB of memory, which was considered sufficient for the games and multimedia applications available on the console during its time.
The Phillips CD-i has 1 MB of memory, which was considered sufficient for the games and multimedia applications available on the console during its time.
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.
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 : Composite
The Phillips CD-i has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
The Phillips CD-i has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
⚪ 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.
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 Phillips CD-i has a dedicated GPU, which was notable for its performance capabilities during its time, providing enhanced graphics and processing power for gaming and multimedia applications.
The Phillips CD-i has a dedicated GPU, which was notable for its performance capabilities during its time, providing enhanced graphics and processing power for gaming and multimedia applications.
🔴 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.
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 Phillips CD-i is not internet connected. It does not have Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities, as it was primarily designed for playing CD-based games and multimedia applications offline.
The Phillips CD-i is not internet connected. It does not have Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities, as it was primarily designed for playing CD-based games and multimedia applications offline.
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.
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 : CD.
The primary game format for the Phillips CD-i is CD-based games. Players can enjoy a variety of games on compact discs designed specifically for this console.
The primary game format for the Phillips CD-i is CD-based games. Players can enjoy a variety of games on compact discs designed specifically for this console.
Gaming
Amstrad GX4000
Phillips CD-i
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.
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 2 controllers
The Phillips CD-i supports multiplayer gaming with up to 2 controllers connected to the console. This allows for cooperative or competitive gameplay experiences on the system.
The Phillips CD-i supports multiplayer gaming with up to 2 controllers connected to the console. This allows for cooperative or competitive gameplay experiences on the system.
⚪ 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.
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 : No.
The Phillips CD-i does not support multiplayer online gameplay, as it was released before online gaming became a common feature in consoles. Players can only engage in local multiplayer.
The Phillips CD-i does not support multiplayer online gameplay, as it was released before online gaming became a common feature in consoles. Players can only engage in local multiplayer.
🟡 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.
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.
Game titles for the Phillips CD-i were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, finding games may be a bit challenging compared to more mainstream consoles.
Game titles for the Phillips CD-i were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, finding games may be a bit challenging compared to more mainstream consoles.
🟢 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.
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.
The Phillips CD-i has several exclusive games such as Hotel Mario, Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, and Link: The Faces of Evil, which have gained a cult following among retro gamers.
The Phillips CD-i has several exclusive games such as Hotel Mario, Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon, and Link: The Faces of Evil, which have gained a cult following among retro gamers.
When choosing between the Amstrad GX4000 and Phillips CD-i, consider your gaming preferences and whether you value traditional gaming or multimedia capabilities. The Amstrad GX4000 is ideal for those who enjoy classic gaming experiences, while the Phillips CD-i offers a more diverse range of entertainment options. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and gaming needs.