Bally Astrocade vs Nintendo 3DS
Please select two different options.
The Bally Astrocade is a vintage game console released in the 1970s, known for its unique controllers and impressive graphics for its time. On the other hand, the Nintendo 3DS is a modern handheld console with 3D capabilities and a vast library of games to choose from.
General information
Bally Astrocade
Nintendo 3DS
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 Nintendo 3DS is a handheld gaming console released in 2011. It features a glasses-free 3D display and a wide range of popular games such as Pokemon, Mario, and Zelda. The 3DS has been well-received by gamers of all ages and has become a classic in the handheld gaming market. With its unique features and extensive game library, the Nintendo 3DS continues to be a popular choice for gaming on the go.
The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld gaming console released in 2011. It features a glasses-free 3D display and a wide range of popular games such as Pokemon, Mario, and Zelda. The 3DS has been well-received by gamers of all ages and has become a classic in the handheld gaming market. With its unique features and extensive game library, the Nintendo 3DS continues to be a popular choice for gaming on the go.
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
- 3D capabilities provide a unique gaming experience
- Extensive library of games available, including popular Nintendo franchises
- StreetPass feature allows for social interactions with other players
- Backward compatibility with DS games expands gaming options
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 newer consoles.
- Small library of games compared to other consoles.
- Lower resolution screen compared to modern handheld devices.
- Lack of online multiplayer features in some games.
- Limited support and updates from Nintendo.
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 : 2011
The Nintendo 3DS was launched in 2011, offering gamers a glasses-free 3D gaming experience. It was a popular handheld console known for its innovative features and extensive game library.
The Nintendo 3DS was launched in 2011, offering gamers a glasses-free 3D gaming experience. It was a popular handheld console known for its innovative features and extensive game library.
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 : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Nintendo 3DS, a popular handheld gaming console known for its innovative features and extensive game library. Nintendo has been a leading player in the gaming industry for decades.
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Nintendo 3DS, a popular handheld gaming console known for its innovative features and extensive game library. Nintendo has been a leading player in the gaming industry for decades.
🔴 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 Nintendo 3DS has had moderate success in the market, selling over 75 million units worldwide. It has a dedicated fan base and a strong library of games, but faces competition from newer consoles.
The Nintendo 3DS has had moderate success in the market, selling over 75 million units worldwide. It has a dedicated fan base and a strong library of games, but faces competition from newer consoles.
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 Nintendo 3DS is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go with its compact size and clamshell design. It can be easily carried in a bag or pocket for gaming anywhere.
The Nintendo 3DS is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go with its compact size and clamshell design. It can be easily carried in a bag or pocket for gaming anywhere.
Official website :
https://www.ballyalley.com/
Official website :
https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/
Market and availability
Bally Astrocade
Nintendo 3DS
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 Nintendo 3DS was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was not officially released in regions such as China and South Korea.
The Nintendo 3DS was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was not officially released in regions such as China and South Korea.
🟢 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 Nintendo 3DS is now considered retro and collectible due to its discontinuation in 2020. Its unique 3D feature and library of exclusive games make it sought after by collectors and fans.
The Nintendo 3DS is now considered retro and collectible due to its discontinuation in 2020. Its unique 3D feature and library of exclusive games make it sought after by collectors and fans.
🟡 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 Nintendo 3DS is still fairly available in the secondhand market, with a good selection of used consoles and games. However, new units may be harder to find as it is no longer in production.
The Nintendo 3DS is still fairly available in the secondhand market, with a good selection of used consoles and games. However, new units may be harder to find as it is no longer in production.
🟡 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 Nintendo 3DS is considered to have a low relative cost due to being an older console with newer models available. It can often be found at a lower price point, especially in the second-hand market.
The Nintendo 3DS is considered to have a low relative cost due to being an older console with newer models available. It can often be found at a lower price point, especially in the second-hand market.
🟡 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 : Good.
The Nintendo 3DS has a wide range of games available, both physically and digitally. Many popular titles are still in production, and there is a thriving secondhand market for older games.
The Nintendo 3DS has a wide range of games available, both physically and digitally. Many popular titles are still in production, and there is a thriving secondhand market for older games.
🟡 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 Nintendo 3DS is average. While some older titles may be more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market, newer and popular games can still be on the pricier side.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo 3DS is average. While some older titles may be more affordable due to their availability in the second-hand market, newer and popular games can still be on the pricier side.
Technology
Bally Astrocade
Nintendo 3DS
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 : 32-bit.
The Nintendo 3DS uses a 32-bit ARM architecture, providing sufficient power for its handheld gaming capabilities. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and immersive experiences on the go.
The Nintendo 3DS uses a 32-bit ARM architecture, providing sufficient power for its handheld gaming capabilities. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and immersive experiences on the go.
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 : ARM11
The Nintendo 3DS uses an ARM11 CPU, which is a 32-bit RISC microprocessor. It is known for its power efficiency and is capable of handling the console's gaming needs effectively.
The Nintendo 3DS uses an ARM11 CPU, which is a 32-bit RISC microprocessor. It is known for its power efficiency and is capable of handling the console's gaming needs effectively.
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 : 128 MB
The Nintendo 3DS has 128 MB of memory, which is used for storing game data, system software, and other applications. This memory size is sufficient for running games and performing basic functions.
The Nintendo 3DS has 128 MB of memory, which is used for storing game data, system software, and other applications. This memory size is sufficient for running games and performing basic functions.
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 Nintendo 3DS 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 Nintendo 3DS 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 Nintendo 3DS features a dedicated GPU, which enhances graphics performance and allows for smoother gameplay experiences. This GPU contributes to the overall gaming capabilities of the console.
The Nintendo 3DS features a dedicated GPU, which enhances graphics performance and allows for smoother gameplay experiences. This GPU contributes to the overall gaming capabilities of the 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 : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS is internet connected through Wi-Fi, allowing players to access online features, download games, and play multiplayer games with friends over the internet.
The Nintendo 3DS is internet connected through Wi-Fi, allowing players to access online features, download games, and play multiplayer games with friends over the internet.
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 Nintendo 3DS is cartridges. Games are inserted into the console through a slot on the back, allowing for easy swapping and portability.
The primary game format for the Nintendo 3DS is cartridges. Games are inserted into the console through a slot on the back, allowing for easy swapping and portability.
Gaming
Bally Astrocade
Nintendo 3DS
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 8 controllers/players
The Nintendo 3DS supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using wireless connections. Players can enjoy various multiplayer games and experiences on a single console for a fun gaming session.
The Nintendo 3DS supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using wireless connections. Players can enjoy various multiplayer games and experiences on a single console for a fun gaming session.
⚪ 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.
The Nintendo 3DS allows players to enjoy multiplayer gaming online, connecting with friends and players worldwide for a more interactive gaming experience.
The Nintendo 3DS allows players to enjoy multiplayer gaming online, connecting with friends and players worldwide for a more interactive gaming experience.
🟡 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 : Good.
Game titles for the Nintendo 3DS have been released consistently, with a wide variety of popular titles available. The console is still sought after by collectors and has a strong secondhand market.
Game titles for the Nintendo 3DS have been released consistently, with a wide variety of popular titles available. The console is still sought after by collectors and has a strong secondhand market.
Featured games : .
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo 3DS has several exclusive and iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf, making it a must-have for Nintendo fans.
The Nintendo 3DS has several exclusive and iconic games such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Super Mario 3D Land, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf, making it a must-have for Nintendo fans.
While the Bally Astrocade holds nostalgic value for retro gaming enthusiasts, the Nintendo 3DS offers a more versatile and contemporary gaming experience with its advanced features and extensive game library. When choosing between the two, consider your preference for classic gaming versus modern technology to make the right decision for your gaming needs.