Atari Jaguar vs ColecoVision

The Atari Jaguar and ColecoVision are both classic gaming consoles that have left a mark in the history of video games. The Atari Jaguar was known for its advanced graphics and processing power, while the ColecoVision was praised for its library of games and innovative peripherals.

General information

Atari Jaguar
ColecoVision
Introduction :
The Atari Jaguar was released in 1993 as the first 64-bit gaming console, boasting impressive graphics and sound capabilities. Despite its innovative technology, the Jaguar struggled to compete with other consoles of the era, such as the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. While it did not achieve great commercial success, the Atari Jaguar has since become a sought-after collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Introduction :
The ColecoVision was released in 1982 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in North America. It featured a wide range of games with impressive graphics for its time, making it a classic console that is highly sought after by collectors today. The ColecoVision is known for its innovative controllers and library of games that included popular titles like Donkey Kong and Zaxxon.
Advantages :
  • Powerful 64-bit processor for impressive graphics and gameplay.
  • CD-ROM drive allows for larger game storage capacity.
  • Unique controller with number pad for innovative gameplay mechanics.
  • Backwards compatibility with Atari Lynx games for added nostalgia.
  • Wide variety of game genres available for diverse gaming experiences.
Advantages :
  • Extensive library of classic games
  • Retro gaming experience
  • Durable hardware
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Affordable price point
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library with mostly mediocre titles.
  • Poor third-party support compared to other consoles.
  • Complex controller design can be uncomfortable to use.
  • Lack of popular franchises and exclusive titles.
  • Limited multimedia capabilities compared to newer consoles.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Difficulty finding working consoles and games.
  • Limited availability of accessories and peripherals.
Year launched : 1993
The Atari Jaguar was launched in 1993, making it one of the early contenders in the gaming console market. It boasted 64-bit technology, aiming to provide cutting-edge gaming experiences to players.
Year launched : 1982
The ColecoVision was launched in 1982, offering advanced graphics and gameplay compared to other consoles of its time. It quickly became popular for its library of games and add-on peripherals.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari, a prominent video game company, manufactured the Atari Jaguar games console. Known for its advanced technology at the time, the Jaguar was released in the mid-1990s to compete with other gaming systems.
Manufacturer : Coleco Industries
ColecoVision was manufactured by Coleco Industries, a company known for producing various gaming consoles and toys during the 1980s. The ColecoVision was a popular console during its time.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari Jaguar had low popularity compared to other consoles. It struggled to compete with more established brands and only sold around 250,000 units. It has a niche following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The ColecoVision had a moderate level of popularity during its release in the early 1980s, with a decent number of units sold. It had a niche market share compared to other consoles of its time.
Form factor : Home console.
The Atari Jaguar is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Form factor : Home console.
The ColecoVision console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be set up in a living room or entertainment area for a traditional gaming experience.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari Jaguar
ColecoVision
Console markets :
The Atari Jaguar was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not widely available in other regions and had limited distribution compared to other consoles of its time.
Console markets :
The ColecoVision was available in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia during its release in the early 1980s. It was not widely available in other regions outside of these markets.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Jaguar is considered retro and collectible due to its limited production, unique design, and nostalgic appeal for fans of classic gaming. It has a dedicated following in the retro gaming community.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The ColecoVision is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique library of games and historical significance make it a sought-after item for collectors and fans of classic gaming.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari Jaguar is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as other retro consoles, it can still be found with some searching, especially for collectors or enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The ColecoVision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but also some scarcity. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The Atari Jaguar is considered to have an average relative cost compared to other games consoles. While it can be found on the second-hand market, prices can vary depending on availability and condition.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The ColecoVision console is considered low in cost due to its age and limited availability. It can often be found at affordable prices in the second-hand market.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Jaguar can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. Some titles are rare and sought after by collectors, while others are more common and easier to find.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the ColecoVision can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. Some titles are considered collectible, which can impact pricing and availability for certain games.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari Jaguar games can vary in cost, with some being more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market. However, rare or sought-after titles can be more expensive to acquire.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for ColecoVision is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many games are still affordable and accessible for collectors and gamers.


Technology

Atari Jaguar
ColecoVision
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Atari Jaguar uses a 64-bit architecture, making it one of the first consoles to do so. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The ColecoVision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to later consoles.
CPU : 68000 processor
The Atari Jaguar uses a 68000 processor, which was a popular CPU in many gaming consoles during the 1990s. It provided decent performance for its time and allowed for a variety of games to be played.
CPU : Zilog Z80
The ColecoVision uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the Z80 helped power a wide range of classic games.
Memory : 2 MB
The Atari Jaguar has 2 MB of memory, which was considered impressive for its time in the early 1990s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to other consoles of that era.
Memory : 32 Kb
The ColecoVision games console has 32 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This allowed for a variety of games to be played.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Jaguar has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
Video output : RF and Composite
The ColecoVision 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 : Yes.
The Atari Jaguar features a dedicated GPU, the Tom & Jerry chip, which was revolutionary for its time in providing advanced graphics capabilities. This allowed for more detailed and immersive gaming experiences.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The ColecoVision's hardware specifications are not well-documented, making it unclear whether it had a dedicated GPU. Further research is needed to determine the presence and details of a GPU.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Jaguar was released in the mid-90s and did not have built-in internet connectivity. It relied on physical game cartridges for gameplay, without any notable internet capabilities.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The ColecoVision is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Jaguar is cartridge-based. Games are loaded and played directly from cartridges inserted into the console, providing a quick and seamless gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the ColecoVision is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a diverse gaming library for users.


Gaming

Atari Jaguar
ColecoVision
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Atari Jaguar supports up to 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on the console. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay together.
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The ColecoVision typically supports 2 controllers, allowing for 2 players to enjoy multiplayer games. This classic console offers a shared gaming experience for friends and family to enjoy together.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Jaguar was released in the 1990s and did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. There may be unofficial methods to enable online play, but it is not a standard feature.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The ColecoVision does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, but there may be third-party adapters or modifications available to enable online multiplayer functionality.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Jaguar were released in an average manner. While some popular titles are sought after by collectors, the overall availability of games for this console is decent in the secondhand market.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for ColecoVision were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find now due to the console's age, but they are still collectible among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Jaguar has several exclusive and notable games such as Alien vs Predator, Tempest 2000, and Rayman. These games are iconic for the console and offer unique gaming experiences.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The ColecoVision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Donkey Kong, Zaxxon, and Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.


When choosing between the Atari Jaguar and ColecoVision, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value cutting-edge technology and graphics, the Atari Jaguar may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a diverse game library and unique peripherals, the ColecoVision could be the right console for you. Consider your gaming priorities before making a decision.