Bally Astrocade vs Mattel Intellivision
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When comparing the Bally Astrocade and the Mattel Intellivision, both consoles were released in the late 1970s and offered unique gaming experiences for their time. The Astrocade boasted impressive graphics and sound capabilities, while the Intellivision featured a diverse game library and innovative controller design.
General information
Bally Astrocade
Mattel 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 Mattel Intellivision was released in 1979 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in the early 1980s. It featured a unique controller with a numeric keypad and was known for its innovative graphics and gameplay. While not as well-known as some other consoles of its time, the Intellivision has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. It is now a sought-after collectible for many gamers.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in 1979 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in the early 1980s. It featured a unique controller with a numeric keypad and was known for its innovative graphics and gameplay. While not as well-known as some other consoles of its time, the Intellivision has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. It is now a sought-after collectible for many gamers.
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 offers a unique retro gaming experience for enthusiasts.
- It has a diverse library of classic games to choose from.
- The console’s controllers are innovative and ergonomic for comfortable gameplay.
- Intellivision has a strong nostalgic appeal for those who grew up with it.
- It is a collector’s item with a historical significance in gaming.
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 graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Outdated controller design and functionality.
- Lack of modern features such as streaming services.
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 Mattel Intellivision was launched in 1979, offering gamers a new and innovative gaming experience compared to other consoles of the time. It was a significant addition to the gaming market.
The Mattel Intellivision was launched in 1979, offering gamers a new and innovative gaming experience compared to other consoles of the time. It was a significant addition to the gaming market.
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
Mattel Intellivision was manufactured by Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the toy company Mattel. It was one of the early competitors to Atari in the video game console market during the early 1980s.
Mattel Intellivision was manufactured by Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the toy company Mattel. It was one of the early competitors to Atari in the video game console market during the early 1980s.
🔴 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 Mattel Intellivision was moderately popular during its release in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it did not achieve the same level of success as competitors like the Atari 2600. It has a niche following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Mattel Intellivision was moderately popular during its release in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it did not achieve the same level of success as competitors like the Atari 2600. It has a niche following 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 Mattel Intellivision is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not a portable unit and is intended for use in a stationary setting.
The Mattel Intellivision is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not a portable unit and is intended for use in a stationary setting.
Official website :
https://www.ballyalley.com/
Official website :
https://www.intellivisionentertainment.com/
Market and availability
Bally Astrocade
Mattel 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 :
The Mattel Intellivision was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in other regions, making it a popular choice among gamers in these specific markets.
The Mattel Intellivision was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in other regions, making it a popular choice among gamers in these specific 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 Mattel Intellivision is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the unique design make it sought after by collectors.
The Mattel Intellivision is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the unique design make it sought after by collectors.
🟡 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.
The Mattel Intellivision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible. New units are rare but can be found through specialized retailers or online platforms.
The Mattel Intellivision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible. New units are rare but can be found through specialized retailers or online platforms.
🟡 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 : Low.
The relative cost of the Mattel Intellivision is low due to its age and limited availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Mattel Intellivision is low due to its age and limited availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 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 Mattel Intellivision can be found through secondhand markets and online auctions. While not as readily available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Mattel Intellivision can be found through secondhand markets and online auctions. While not as readily available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 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 Mattel Intellivision is average. While some games may be more expensive due to rarity or popularity, there are also affordable options available in the second-hand market.
The relative cost of games for the Mattel Intellivision is average. While some games may be more expensive due to rarity or popularity, there are also affordable options available in the second-hand market.
Technology
Bally Astrocade
Mattel 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 Mattel Intellivision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. While limited by today's standards, it was revolutionary for its time.
The Mattel Intellivision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. While limited by today's standards, it was revolutionary for its time.
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 Mattel Intellivision uses the General Instrument CP1610 CPU, which was a unique microprocessor designed specifically for gaming consoles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Mattel Intellivision uses the General Instrument CP1610 CPU, which was a unique microprocessor designed specifically for gaming consoles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
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 : Less than 1 MB
The Mattel Intellivision has less than 1 MB of memory, which was sufficient for the games of its time but is significantly less than modern consoles.
The Mattel Intellivision has less than 1 MB of memory, which was sufficient for the games of its time but is significantly less than modern consoles.
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
The Mattel Intellivision console typically has an RF connection for video output, which may require an RF to HDMI converter to connect to modern TVs.
The Mattel Intellivision console typically has an RF connection for video output, which may require an RF to HDMI converter to connect to modern TVs.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the Mattel Intellivision are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence or absence of a dedicated GPU.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the Mattel Intellivision are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence or absence of a dedicated GPU.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The Mattel Intellivision is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online gaming capabilities are not supported on this system.
The Mattel Intellivision is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online gaming capabilities are not supported on this system.
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.
The primary game format for the Mattel Intellivision is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gameplay experience.
The primary game format for the Mattel Intellivision is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gameplay experience.
Gaming
Bally Astrocade
Mattel 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 Mattel Intellivision supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console, allowing for a fun and competitive gaming experience with friends and family.
The Mattel Intellivision supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console, allowing for a fun and competitive gaming experience with 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 : Unknown.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in the 1980s and does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party modifications or emulators that enable online multiplayer functionality.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in the 1980s and does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party modifications or emulators that enable online multiplayer functionality.
🟡 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.
Game titles for the Mattel Intellivision were released in a standard manner, with a decent variety available. However, finding specific titles today may require some effort due to the console's age.
Game titles for the Mattel Intellivision were released in a standard manner, with a decent variety available. However, finding specific titles today may require some effort due to the console's age.
Featured games : .
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Mattel Intellivision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Astrosmash, BurgerTime, and Tron: Deadly Discs. These games are considered classics in the gaming community.
The Mattel Intellivision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Astrosmash, BurgerTime, and Tron: Deadly Discs. These games are considered classics in the gaming community.
Ultimately, choosing between the Bally Astrocade and the Mattel Intellivision comes down to personal preference. If you value advanced graphics and sound, the Astrocade may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a wide range of games and innovative controllers, the Intellivision could be the ideal console for you. Consider your gaming priorities to make the right decision.