Atari Lynx vs Bally Astrocade
Please select two different options.
The Atari Lynx and Bally Astrocade are two classic gaming consoles from the 1980s, each offering unique features and gameplay experiences. The Atari Lynx was known for its color graphics and innovative design, while the Bally Astrocade boasted advanced hardware capabilities for its time.
General information
Atari Lynx
Bally Astrocade
Introduction :
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
Introduction :
The Bally Astrocade, released in 1977, was an early home video game console known for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities. While not as popular as other consoles of its time, it has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The Astrocade is considered a classic console and has become a sought-after collectible for those interested in vintage gaming technology.
The Bally Astrocade, released in 1977, was an early home video game console known for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities. While not as popular as other consoles of its time, it has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The Astrocade is considered a classic console and has become a sought-after collectible for those interested in vintage gaming technology.
Advantages :
- Portable design allows for gaming on the go
- Color LCD screen provides vibrant graphics
- Multiplayer capabilities for shared gaming experiences
- Wide variety of game genres available
- Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
Advantages :
- The Bally Astrocade has a unique design that stands out.
- It offers a wide variety of games to choose from.
- The console has a built-in BASIC programming language.
- It has a sturdy build quality that can withstand wear.
- The Astrocade has a unique controller with a built-in trackball.
Disadvantages :
- Bulky design may not appeal to modern gamers.
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Short battery life hinders portability.
- Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library with mostly obscure titles
- Poor graphics and sound quality compared to modern consoles
- Limited controller options and accessories available
- Lack of online multiplayer capabilities
- Fragile hardware prone to overheating and technical issues
Year launched : 1989
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Year launched : 1977
The Bally Astrocade was launched in 1977, offering innovative gaming experiences to players. It was one of the early contenders in the home console market, showcasing the potential for interactive entertainment in households.
The Bally Astrocade was launched in 1977, offering innovative gaming experiences to players. It was one of the early contenders in the home console market, showcasing the potential for interactive entertainment in households.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Manufacturer : Bally
The Bally Astrocade games console was manufactured by Bally Manufacturing, a company known for arcade games and pinball machines. The Astrocade was their foray into the home gaming market.
The Bally Astrocade games console was manufactured by Bally Manufacturing, a company known for arcade games and pinball machines. The Astrocade was their foray into the home gaming market.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Bally Astrocade had limited sales and market penetration compared to other consoles of its time. It is not as well-known or widely used as more popular consoles from the same era.
The Bally Astrocade had limited sales and market penetration compared to other consoles of its time. It is not as well-known or widely used as more popular consoles from the same era.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
Form factor : Home console.
The Bally Astrocade 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.
The Bally Astrocade 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/
Official website :
https://www.ballyalley.com/
Market and availability
Atari Lynx
Bally Astrocade
Console markets :
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
Console markets :
The Bally Astrocade was primarily available in the United States during the late 1970s. It had limited distribution in other countries, making it less common in international markets compared to other consoles of the time.
The Bally Astrocade was primarily available in the United States during the late 1970s. It had limited distribution in other countries, making it less common in international markets compared to other consoles of the time.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Bally Astrocade is now considered retro and collectible, with a niche market of enthusiasts seeking out this unique console for its historical significance and nostalgic value.
The Bally Astrocade is now considered retro and collectible, with a niche market of enthusiasts seeking out this unique console for its historical significance and nostalgic value.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Bally Astrocade is relatively rare in the secondhand market, with limited availability. Collectors may find it challenging to locate one in good condition, but patient searching can yield results.
The Bally Astrocade is relatively rare in the secondhand market, with limited availability. Collectors may find it challenging to locate one in good condition, but patient searching can yield results.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The Bally Astrocade is considered to have an average cost in the second-hand market. While not as expensive as some rare consoles, it may still require some investment to purchase.
The Bally Astrocade is considered to have an average cost in the second-hand market. While not as expensive as some rare consoles, it may still require some investment to purchase.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Bally Astrocade can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as widely available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Bally Astrocade can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as widely available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Bally Astrocade is average. While some games may be harder to find and more expensive due to its rarity, there are still affordable options available in the second-hand market.
The relative cost of games for the Bally Astrocade is average. While some games may be harder to find and more expensive due to its rarity, there are still affordable options available in the second-hand market.
Technology
Atari Lynx
Bally Astrocade
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Bally Astrocade uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common in gaming consoles of the late 1970s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to modern consoles.
The Bally Astrocade uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common in gaming consoles of the late 1970s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to modern consoles.
CPU : 65C02
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
CPU : Zilog Z80
The Bally Astrocade uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular 8-bit microprocessor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Bally Astrocade uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular 8-bit microprocessor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers during the 1970s and 1980s.
Memory : 64 Kb
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
Memory : 4 Kb
The Bally Astrocade has a memory of 4 Kb, which was considered impressive for its time in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Bally Astrocade has a memory of 4 Kb, which was considered impressive for its time in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
Video output : RF
The Bally Astrocade primarily uses RF connection for video output, which may require an RF modulator to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or composite inputs.
The Bally Astrocade primarily uses RF connection for video output, which may require an RF modulator to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or composite inputs.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Bally Astrocade's GPU information is not readily available or well-documented. Further research may be needed to determine if it has a dedicated GPU and any notable details about its performance.
The Bally Astrocade's GPU information is not readily available or well-documented. Further research may be needed to determine if it has a dedicated GPU and any notable details about its performance.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Bally Astrocade is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity. It does not have Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities for online gaming or browsing.
The Bally Astrocade is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity. It does not have Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities for online gaming or browsing.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Bally Astrocade is cartridges. Players can insert game cartridges into the console to play a variety of games.
The primary game format for the Bally Astrocade is cartridges. Players can insert game cartridges into the console to play a variety of games.
Gaming
Atari Lynx
Bally Astrocade
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers / players
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 4 controllers / 4 players
The Bally Astrocade supports up to 4 controllers, allowing for 4 players to enjoy multiplayer games simultaneously. This feature promotes social gaming experiences and friendly competitions among friends and family.
The Bally Astrocade supports up to 4 controllers, allowing for 4 players to enjoy multiplayer games simultaneously. This feature promotes social gaming experiences and friendly competitions among friends and family.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Bally Astrocade is an older console that does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options available for online multiplayer, but this information is not widely known.
The Bally Astrocade is an older console that does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options available for online multiplayer, but this information is not widely known.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx 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 are options for players to enjoy.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx 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 are options for players to enjoy.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Bally Astrocade were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to its limited popularity, finding specific titles may be more challenging compared to more mainstream consoles.
Game titles for the Bally Astrocade were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to its limited popularity, finding specific titles may be more challenging compared to more mainstream consoles.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
Featured games : .
When choosing between the Atari Lynx and Bally Astrocade, consider your preference for color graphics and portability with the Lynx, or advanced hardware capabilities with the Astrocade. Both consoles have their own charm and appeal, so make sure to pick the one that best suits your gaming needs and preferences.