APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) vs Vectrex
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The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) and the Vectrex are both classic gaming consoles from the early 1980s. The APF MP1000 features a built-in keyboard and basic programming capabilities, while the Vectrex stands out with its vector graphics display and unique controller.
General information
APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000)
Vectrex
Introduction :
The APF Microcomputer System, also known as the APF MP1000, was released in 1978 as one of the first microcomputer systems that could also play video games. It gained popularity in the US market for its unique combination of computer and gaming capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles from the same era, the APF MP1000 has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors.
The APF Microcomputer System, also known as the APF MP1000, was released in 1978 as one of the first microcomputer systems that could also play video games. It gained popularity in the US market for its unique combination of computer and gaming capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles from the same era, the APF MP1000 has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors.
Introduction :
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
Advantages :
- Retro gaming experience
- Affordable price point
- Compact and portable design
- Easy to set up and use
- Compatible with a variety of game cartridges
Advantages :
- Unique vector graphics display
- Built-in screen eliminates need for TV
- Portable and self-contained
- Innovative controller with analog joystick
- Retro appeal for collectors
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library, lacks popular titles from other consoles.
- Outdated graphics and sound capabilities compared to modern consoles.
- Limited storage capacity for game saves and downloads.
- Lack of online multiplayer capabilities for modern gaming experiences.
- Limited availability of accessories and support for repairs or upgrades.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of color graphics may not appeal to some players.
- Bulky design may not fit well in modern entertainment setups.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
- Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
Year launched : 1978
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) was launched in 1978, offering early gamers a range of cartridge-based games and basic computer functions in a compact system.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) was launched in 1978, offering early gamers a range of cartridge-based games and basic computer functions in a compact system.
Year launched : 1982
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Manufacturer : APF Electronics Inc.
APF Electronics Inc. was the manufacturer of the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) gaming console. The company was known for producing a variety of electronic products during the 1970s and 1980s.
APF Electronics Inc. was the manufacturer of the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) gaming console. The company was known for producing a variety of electronic products during the 1970s and 1980s.
Manufacturer : Smith Engineering
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is considered to have low relative popularity among games consoles. It had limited sales and market penetration compared to other consoles of its time.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is considered to have low relative popularity among games consoles. It had limited sales and market penetration compared to other consoles of its time.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
Form factor : Home console.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is designed as a home console, meant to be used in a stationary setting for gaming and computing purposes.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is designed as a home console, meant to be used in a stationary setting for gaming and computing purposes.
Form factor : Home console.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
Official website :
https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1148
Official website :
https://www.vectrex.com/
Market and availability
APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000)
Vectrex
Console markets :
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) was primarily available in the United States and Canada during the 1970s. It was not widely distributed in other regions.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) was primarily available in the United States and Canada during the 1970s. It was not widely distributed in other regions.
Console markets :
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is now considered retro and collectible. Its unique design and limited availability have increased its value among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is now considered retro and collectible. Its unique design and limited availability have increased its value among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
⚪ Console availability : Unknown.
The availability of the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) in the current market is uncertain. It may be challenging to find both new and secondhand units due to its age and limited production.
The availability of the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) in the current market is uncertain. It may be challenging to find both new and secondhand units due to its age and limited production.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is considered low in cost due to its limited availability and lack of popularity compared to other retro gaming consoles. It can often be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is considered low in cost due to its limited availability and lack of popularity compared to other retro gaming consoles. It can often be found at affordable prices on the second-hand market.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the APF Microcomputer System are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, the selection may be limited compared to more popular consoles from the same era.
Games for the APF Microcomputer System are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, the selection may be limited compared to more popular consoles from the same era.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
⚪ Game costs : Unknown.
The relative cost of games for the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is unknown due to limited availability and information on pricing in the current market. It may vary depending on rarity and demand.
The relative cost of games for the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is unknown due to limited availability and information on pricing in the current market. It may vary depending on rarity and demand.
🔴 Game costs : High.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
Technology
APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000)
Vectrex
Architecture : 8-bit.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to newer consoles.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to newer consoles.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
CPU : MOS 6502
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) uses the MOS 6502 CPU, a popular 8-bit microprocessor known for its use in various gaming consoles and home computers during the 1970s and 1980s.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) uses the MOS 6502 CPU, a popular 8-bit microprocessor known for its use in various gaming consoles and home computers during the 1970s and 1980s.
CPU : M6809
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
Memory : 2 Kb
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) has 2 Kb of memory, which was standard for gaming consoles of that era. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) has 2 Kb of memory, which was standard for gaming consoles of that era. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed.
Memory : 1 Kb
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
Video output : RF
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) has RF video output connection, which may require an RF modulator to connect to modern TVs.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) has RF video output connection, which may require an RF modulator to connect to modern TVs.
Video output : RF and composite
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) does not have clear information available regarding a dedicated GPU. Further research may be needed to determine its graphics processing capabilities.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) does not have clear information available regarding a dedicated GPU. Further research may be needed to determine its graphics processing capabilities.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is an older console and it is unclear if it has internet connectivity capabilities such as ethernet or wifi. Further research may be needed.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is an older console and it is unclear if it has internet connectivity capabilities such as ethernet or wifi. Further research may be needed.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is cartridge-based. Games are played by inserting cartridges into the console for gameplay.
The primary game format for the APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is cartridge-based. Games are played by inserting cartridges into the console for gameplay.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
Gaming
APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000)
Vectrex
Controllers : 2
The APF MP1000 supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming, allowing for two players to enjoy games together on the console.
The APF MP1000 supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming, allowing for two players to enjoy games together on the console.
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is primarily a single-player console with limited information on multiplayer capabilities. Further research is needed to determine if online multiplayer is supported.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) is primarily a single-player console with limited information on multiplayer capabilities. Further research is needed to determine if online multiplayer is supported.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the APF Microcomputer System were released in a fairly average manner, with a decent selection available. However, finding these games today may be a bit challenging due to the console's rarity.
Game titles for the APF Microcomputer System were released in a fairly average manner, with a decent selection available. However, finding these games today may be a bit challenging due to the console's rarity.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) has exclusive games such as Space Destroyers, Blackjack, and Pinball. These titles are iconic for the console and offer unique gameplay experiences.
The APF Microcomputer System (APF MP1000) has exclusive games such as Space Destroyers, Blackjack, and Pinball. These titles are iconic for the console and offer unique gameplay experiences.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
Ultimately, choosing between the APF MP1000 and the Vectrex comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy retro gaming with a focus on programming and versatility, the APF MP1000 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to the innovative vector graphics and immersive gameplay of the Vectrex, it could be the perfect console for you. Both systems offer a nostalgic gaming experience that will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike.