Bally Astrocade vs Neo Geo Pocket
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The Bally Astrocade and Neo Geo Pocket are two classic gaming consoles from different eras. The Bally Astrocade was released in the 1970s, known for its unique controllers and advanced graphics for its time. On the other hand, the Neo Geo Pocket was a handheld console released in the late 1990s, offering a portable gaming experience with a strong library of games.
General information
Bally Astrocade
Neo Geo Pocket
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 Neo Geo Pocket was a handheld gaming console released by SNK in 1998. It was known for its high-quality graphics and arcade-style games. While it was not as popular as other handheld consoles at the time, it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console featured a unique click-stick for precise controls and had a short lifespan before being discontinued in 1999. It has become a sought-after collectible for gaming collectors.
The Neo Geo Pocket was a handheld gaming console released by SNK in 1998. It was known for its high-quality graphics and arcade-style games. While it was not as popular as other handheld consoles at the time, it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console featured a unique click-stick for precise controls and had a short lifespan before being discontinued in 1999. It has become a sought-after collectible for gaming collectors.
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 :
- Portable and compact design makes it easy to take on-the-go.
- High-quality graphics and sound for an immersive gaming experience.
- Impressive library of games available, including popular titles.
- Long battery life allows for extended gaming sessions.
- Durable construction ensures longevity and reliability.
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
- Small screen size
- Lack of backlight
- Short battery life
- Limited multiplayer options
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 : 1999
The Neo Geo Pocket was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a focus on arcade-style games. Despite its short lifespan, it gained a dedicated fan base.
The Neo Geo Pocket was launched in 1999, offering a portable gaming experience with a focus on arcade-style games. Despite its short lifespan, it gained a dedicated fan base.
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 : SNK
SNK, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo Pocket. Known for their arcade games, SNK brought their expertise to the handheld gaming market with this console.
SNK, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo Pocket. Known for their arcade games, SNK brought their expertise to the handheld gaming market with this console.
🔴 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 : Low.
The Neo Geo Pocket had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market and sold fewer units, making it less well-known among gamers.
The Neo Geo Pocket had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It had a niche market and sold fewer units, making it less well-known among gamers.
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 : Handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket is designed as a portable console, making it easy to take on the go for gaming on the move. Its compact size and battery-powered operation cater to on-the-go gaming experiences.
The Neo Geo Pocket is designed as a portable console, making it easy to take on the go for gaming on the move. Its compact size and battery-powered operation cater to on-the-go gaming experiences.
Official website :
https://www.ballyalley.com/
Official website :
https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/
Market and availability
Bally Astrocade
Neo Geo Pocket
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 Neo Geo Pocket was primarily available in Japan and North America. It had limited availability in other regions such as Europe and Asia through importation or specialty retailers.
The Neo Geo Pocket was primarily available in Japan and North America. It had limited availability in other regions such as Europe and Asia through importation or specialty retailers.
🟢 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 Neo Geo Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Collectors and fans of classic handheld consoles are seeking out these devices, increasing their value.
The Neo Geo Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and unique library of games. Collectors and fans of classic handheld consoles are seeking out these devices, increasing their value.
🟡 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 Neo Geo Pocket can be found secondhand fairly easily, but new units are rare. Collectors may have better luck finding limited edition models or bundles in good condition.
The Neo Geo Pocket can be found secondhand fairly easily, but new units are rare. Collectors may have better luck finding limited edition models or bundles in good condition.
🟡 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 Neo Geo Pocket is considered to have an average cost in the market. While it may not be as expensive as some rare consoles, it is also not as affordable as more common options.
The Neo Geo Pocket is considered to have an average cost in the market. While it may not be as expensive as some rare 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 Neo Geo Pocket can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by, but there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by, but there is a decent selection available 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.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket can vary in price, with some titles being more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market. Overall, the cost of games for this console is considered average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket can vary in price, with some titles being more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market. Overall, the cost of games for this console is considered average.
Technology
Bally Astrocade
Neo Geo Pocket
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 : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a 16-bit architecture, providing a decent level of performance for its time. This allowed for smooth gameplay and graphics on the handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a 16-bit architecture, providing a decent level of performance for its time. This allowed for smooth gameplay and graphics on the handheld console.
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 : Toshiba TLCS900H core
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a Toshiba TLCS900H core for its CPU, providing efficient processing power for gaming experiences on this handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket uses a Toshiba TLCS900H core for its CPU, providing efficient processing power for gaming experiences on this handheld console.
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 : 16 Kb
The Neo Geo Pocket has 16 Kb of memory, which was sufficient for storing game data and save files for the handheld console's library of games.
The Neo Geo Pocket has 16 Kb of memory, which was sufficient for storing game data and save files for the handheld console's library of games.
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 : Composite
The Neo Geo Pocket only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
The Neo Geo Pocket only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
⚪ 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 Neo Geo Pocket has a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its games. This feature contributes to the overall gaming experience on this handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket has a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its games. This feature contributes to the overall gaming experience on this handheld console.
⚪ 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 Neo Geo Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as Ethernet or WiFi for online connectivity.
The Neo Geo Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as Ethernet or WiFi for online connectivity.
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 Neo Geo Pocket is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.
The primary game format for the Neo Geo Pocket is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.
Gaming
Bally Astrocade
Neo Geo Pocket
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 : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Neo Geo Pocket allows for two players to connect and play simultaneously using two controllers. This enables multiplayer gaming experiences and competitive gameplay on the console.
The Neo Geo Pocket allows for two players to connect and play simultaneously using two controllers. This enables multiplayer gaming experiences and competitive gameplay on the console.
⚪ 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 : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer gaming is limited to local connections between consoles.
The Neo Geo Pocket does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer gaming is limited to local connections between 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.
Game titles for the Neo Geo Pocket were released consistently during its time on the market, but due to its limited popularity, finding games today can be a bit challenging. However, dedicated collectors can still find a decent selection available for purchase.
Game titles for the Neo Geo Pocket were released consistently during its time on the market, but due to its limited popularity, finding games today can be a bit challenging. However, dedicated collectors can still find a decent selection available for purchase.
Featured games : .
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as 'King of Fighters R-1', 'Metal Slug: 1st Mission', and 'SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium'.
The Neo Geo Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as 'King of Fighters R-1', 'Metal Slug: 1st Mission', and 'SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium'.
When choosing between the Bally Astrocade and Neo Geo Pocket, consider your preference for home console gaming versus portable gaming. The Astrocade offers a more traditional gaming experience with its unique controllers and graphics, while the Neo Geo Pocket provides convenience and portability. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your gaming preferences and whether you prioritize home or on-the-go gaming.