Bally Astrocade vs Intellivision
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The Bally Astrocade and Intellivision were both popular home video game consoles released in the late 1970s. The Bally Astrocade was known for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, while the Intellivision offered a wide range of games and a unique controller with a numeric keypad.
General information
Bally Astrocade
Intellivision
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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
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 : 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.
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.
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 : 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.
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.
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.
🔴 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.
🟡 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.
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 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.
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.
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.ballyalley.com/
Official website :
https://www.intellivision.com/
Market and availability
Bally Astrocade
Intellivision
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.
Console markets :
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟡 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 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.
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.
🟡 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.
🟡 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.
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.
🟡 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 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.
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.
🟡 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.
🟡 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.
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
Bally Astrocade
Intellivision
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.
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.
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 : 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Intellivision has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI inputs.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.
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.
⚪ 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.
🔴 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.
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 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.
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.
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
Bally Astrocade
Intellivision
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.
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.
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.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.
Intellivision allows multiplayer online play through its Intellivision Network. However, the availability of online multiplayer games may be limited compared to newer consoles.
🟡 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.
🟡 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.
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.
Featured games : .
🟢 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.
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.
Ultimately, choosing between the Bally Astrocade and Intellivision comes down to personal preference. If you value cutting-edge graphics and sound, the Astrocade may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a diverse game library and innovative controller design, the Intellivision could be the right console for you. Both systems have their own strengths and appeal to different types of gamers.