Amstrad GX4000 vs Sega Genesis Mega Drive

The Amstrad GX4000 and Sega Genesis Mega Drive were both popular gaming consoles released in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the GX4000 focused on providing advanced graphics and sound capabilities, the Genesis Mega Drive offered a wide range of popular games and accessories for an immersive gaming experience.

General information

Amstrad GX4000
Sega Genesis Mega Drive
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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive, released in 1988, was a popular 16-bit video game console known for its iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog. It gained popularity in North America and Europe, becoming a classic console for many gamers. With its sleek design and innovative gameplay, the Sega Genesis Mega Drive has become a collectible item for 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 :
  • Extensive game library
  • Classic retro gaming experience
  • Durable hardware
  • Affordable pricing
  • Easy to find and collect
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 graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles
  • Limited storage capacity for games
  • Lack of online multiplayer capabilities
  • Limited selection of games available
  • Outdated technology compared to current gaming systems
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 : 1988
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive was launched in 1988, offering gamers a new and exciting gaming experience with its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, paving the way for future console innovations.
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 : Sega
Sega, a prominent video game company, manufactured the Sega Genesis Mega Drive, a popular games console known for its library of classic titles and iconic design that contributed to the console wars of the 1990s.
🔴 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive was a popular console in the 1990s, with a significant market share. While not as successful as some of its competitors, it still has a strong following 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive is designed as a home console, meant to be set up in a living room or gaming area for stationary use. It is not intended to be portable.
Official website : https://www.amstrad.com/
Official website : https://www.sega.com/


Market and availability

Amstrad GX4000
Sega Genesis Mega Drive
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 :
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was not officially released in some regions like South America and certain parts of Asia.
🟢 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive is considered retro and collectible due to its iconic status in gaming history. Its popularity among collectors and nostalgia for classic games drive up its value.
⚪ 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.
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles in varying conditions. Collectible versions may be harder to find and more expensive.
🟢 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 : Low.
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive is considered low in cost due to its availability in the second-hand market and the abundance of affordable games and accessories. It is a budget-friendly option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive are still relatively easy to find, especially through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some rare or sought-after titles may be more challenging to come by.
🟢 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive is average. While some popular titles can be expensive due to their rarity, many games are still affordable on the second-hand market.


Technology

Amstrad GX4000
Sega Genesis Mega Drive
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 : 16-bit.
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive uses a 16-bit architecture, allowing for improved graphics and gameplay compared to earlier 8-bit consoles. It was a popular choice for gamers in the 1990s.
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 : Motorola 68000
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive uses the Motorola 68000 CPU, a 16/32-bit processor known for its performance in gaming consoles. It was a popular choice for many games during the console's era.
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 : 512 Kb
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive has 512 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and system operations. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of 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.
Video output : Composite
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive has composite video output connections, which can be used with modern TVs using a composite to HDMI converter for better compatibility.
⚪ 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive has a dedicated GPU, the Video Display Processor (VDP), which is responsible for graphics rendering and performance. It contributed to the console's impressive visuals for its time.
🔴 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 Sega Genesis Mega Drive does not have internet connectivity capabilities, as it was released before the widespread use of internet in gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
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.
The primary game format for the Sega Genesis Mega Drive is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console through cartridges, allowing for physical gameplay without the need for CDs or downloads.


Gaming

Amstrad GX4000
Sega Genesis Mega Drive
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 : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for classic multiplayer gaming experiences. Enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay with a friend on this iconic console.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party adapters or mods available that could enable online multiplayer functionality.
🟡 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 : Good.
Game titles for the Sega Genesis Mega Drive were released in abundance, with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many classic titles are still highly sought after in the secondhand market.
🟢 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.
The Sega Genesis Mega Drive has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage, and Phantasy Star. These games are highly regarded and are synonymous with the console.


When choosing between the Amstrad GX4000 and Sega Genesis Mega Drive, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value cutting-edge graphics and sound, the GX4000 may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a diverse game library and accessories, the Genesis Mega Drive could be the ideal console for you. Consider your gaming priorities to make the right decision.