Amstrad GX4000 vs Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)

The Amstrad GX4000 and Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) are two gaming consoles from different eras. The Amstrad GX4000 was released in the early 1990s, while the PS2 came out in the early 2000s. Despite the time gap, both consoles have their own unique features and game libraries.

General information

Amstrad GX4000
Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)
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 Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) was released in 2000 and quickly became one of the best-selling and most popular gaming consoles of all time. It featured a vast library of games, DVD playback capabilities, and online gaming options. The PS2 is considered a classic console and is still sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts for its iconic titles and nostalgic appeal.
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 with classic titles
  • Backwards compatibility with PS1 games
  • Affordable price point for budget-conscious gamers
  • Built-in DVD player for entertainment versatility
  • Durable hardware that stands the test of time
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 newer consoles.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves and downloads.
  • Outdated technology and hardware compared to current consoles.
  • Limited availability of new games and 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 : 2000
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) was launched in 2000, revolutionizing the gaming industry with its advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities, becoming one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
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 : Sony
Sony, a leading electronics company, manufactured the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) gaming console. The PS2 was a highly successful console, selling over 155 million units worldwide and offering a vast library of games.
🔴 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 : High.
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) is one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with over 155 million units sold worldwide. It had a dominant market share during its time and remains popular 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 Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) is designed as a home console, meant to be stationary and connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Official website : https://www.amstrad.com/


Market and availability

Amstrad GX4000
Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)
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 Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and many other regions. It was one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
🟢 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 Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) is now considered retro and collectible, with a strong market for classic games and consoles. Nostalgia for the PS2 era drives its value among 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.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) is still relatively easy to find on the secondhand market, with a good selection of games available as well. However, new units are no longer in production.
🟢 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 relative cost of a Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) is low due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable 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 : Good.
Games for the Sony PlayStation 2 are readily available in the secondhand market and online platforms. Many popular titles are still in circulation, making it easy for gamers to find and enjoy a wide variety of games.
🟢 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 : Low.
Games for the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and the abundance of second-hand copies available. This makes it a budget-friendly option for gamers.


Technology

Amstrad GX4000
Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)
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 : 64-bit.
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) uses a 64-bit architecture, allowing for advanced graphics and processing capabilities. This architecture was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the PS1, and contributed to the PS2's success.
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 : Emotion Engine
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) uses the Emotion Engine CPU, which was a custom-designed processor by Sony and Toshiba. It featured two vector units and was known for its strong multimedia capabilities.
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 : 32 MB
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) has 32 MB of memory, allowing for smooth gameplay and efficient processing of graphics and game data. While modest by today's standards, it was sufficient for 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 and Component
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) has composite and component video output connections, which may require adapters or converters 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 Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) does have a dedicated GPU, the Graphics Synthesizer, which was considered powerful for its time and contributed to the console's impressive graphics capabilities.
🔴 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 : Yes.
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) does not have built-in internet connectivity, but it can be connected to the internet using an Ethernet adapter accessory, allowing for online gaming and browsing capabilities.
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 : DVD.
The primary game format for the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) is DVD. Games are typically played using DVDs inserted into the console for gameplay.


Gaming

Amstrad GX4000
Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)
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 : 4
The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) supports up to 4 controllers for multiplayer gaming, allowing for a maximum of 4 players on a single console. Players can enjoy multiplayer games together on the PS2.
⚪ 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 : No.
The Sony PlayStation 2 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may support LAN play or require additional accessories for 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 Sony PlayStation 2 were released consistently and are widely available in the secondhand market. The console's extensive library includes many classic and highly sought-after titles.
🟢 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 : .


When choosing between the Amstrad GX4000 and the Sony PlayStation 2, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of gaming experience you are looking for. The GX4000 offers a nostalgic retro gaming experience, while the PS2 provides a wider range of games and more advanced technology. Consider your gaming preferences and nostalgia factor when making your decision.