Atari 7800 vs Intellivision

The Atari 7800 and Intellivision are both classic gaming consoles from the 1980s, offering a range of retro games and nostalgic gameplay experiences. The Atari 7800 is known for its improved graphics and backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games, while the Intellivision boasts unique controllers and a diverse game library.

General information

Atari 7800
Intellivision
Introduction :
The Atari 7800 was released in 1986 as a successor to the Atari 5200. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games. Despite its short lifespan, the console has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its library of classic arcade ports and original titles, the Atari 7800 remains a beloved piece of gaming history.
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 Atari 7800 offers a wide variety of classic games.
  • It has backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games.
  • The console has durable hardware that can withstand years of use.
  • The controllers are comfortable and easy to use for long gaming sessions.
  • The 7800 has a strong community of collectors and 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 newer consoles.
  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
  • Lack of third-party developer support.
  • Limited online connectivity features.
  • Fragile controllers prone to wear and tear.
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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 : 1986
The Atari 7800 was launched in 1986, offering gamers a new console experience with improved graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. It aimed to compete with other popular consoles of the time.
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 : Atari
Atari was the manufacturer of the Atari 7800, a popular games console released in the mid-1980s. Known for its compatibility with older Atari games and improved graphics capabilities, it was a competitor to other consoles of its time.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Atari 7800 had limited success in the market, with lower sales compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with more popular consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Master System.
๐ŸŸก 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 Atari 7800 is a home console, designed to be used in a living room or gaming setup. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
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.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari 7800
Intellivision
Console markets :
The Atari 7800 was primarily available in North America, with limited availability in Europe and Australia. It was not as widely distributed as other consoles of its time.
Console markets :
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Atari 7800 is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal among gaming enthusiasts. Its limited availability and unique library of games contribute to its value in the collector's market.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Atari 7800 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but others showing signs of wear. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Atari 7800 is considered a low-cost option for retro gaming enthusiasts, as it is widely available in the second-hand market at affordable prices. However, prices may vary depending on the condition and included accessories.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari 7800 are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection of titles to choose from.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Atari 7800 games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles may be more expensive due to their collectibility, many games can be found at reasonable prices on the second-hand market.
๐ŸŸก 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

Atari 7800
Intellivision
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Atari 7800 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and sound capabilities compared to later 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 : MOS Technology 6502C
The Atari 7800 uses the MOS Technology 6502C CPU, a popular 8-bit processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers during the 1980s. It has a single core and moderate performance capabilities.
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 : 4 KB RAM, 48 KB ROM
The Atari 7800 has 4 KB of RAM and 48 KB of ROM, allowing for storage of game data and system software. While modest by today's standards, it was sufficient for many classic games.
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 : RF and composite
The Atari 7800 has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
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.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari 7800 is equipped with a dedicated GPU, which helps enhance graphics performance and overall gaming experience compared to consoles without a dedicated GPU.
๐ŸŸข 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.
โšช Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari 7800 is an older console and does not have built-in internet connectivity. It lacks features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online capabilities, making its internet connection status unknown.
๐Ÿ”ด 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 Atari 7800 is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for quick and easy gameplay without the need for loading times.
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

Atari 7800
Intellivision
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Atari 7800 supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on the 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.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari 7800 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options or modifications available to enable online multiplayer, but this is not a standard feature of the console.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari 7800 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there is a reasonable variety for collectors.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Atari 7800 has notable exclusive games such as 'Donkey Kong Junior', 'Ms. Pac-Man', and 'Joust'. These games helped define the console's library and are still fondly remembered by fans.
๐ŸŸข 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 Atari 7800 and Intellivision, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value enhanced graphics and compatibility with older games, the Atari 7800 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a diverse game library and unique controllers, the Intellivision could be the ideal console for you. Consider your gaming priorities to make the right decision.