Intellivision vs Amiga CD32

The Amiga CD32 and Intellivision are both iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Amiga CD32 was a 32-bit console released in the early 1990s, known for its advanced graphics and CD-based games. On the other hand, the Intellivision was a pioneering console from the late 1970s, offering a unique gaming experience with its innovative controller and library of classic games.

General information

Intellivision
Amiga CD32
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.
Introduction :
The Amiga CD32 was released in 1993 as the first 32-bit CD-ROM based video game console. It was popular in Europe and Canada but did not see much success in the US due to legal issues. Despite its short lifespan, the Amiga CD32 has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, with a library of over 130 games available for the system.
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.
Advantages :
  • Extensive library of classic games
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Ability to play audio CDs
  • Affordable price point
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves.
  • Fragile CD drive prone to malfunction.
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.
Year launched : 1993
The Amiga CD32 was launched in 1993, offering gamers a unique gaming experience with its CD-based games and advanced graphics capabilities, setting it apart from other consoles of its time.
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.
Manufacturer : Commodore
Commodore, a well-known computer manufacturer, produced the Amiga CD32 games console. It was one of the first 32-bit CD-based gaming systems, offering a wide range of titles for players to enjoy.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Amiga CD32 had limited success in the market, with low sales numbers compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with more popular options, leading to its relative obscurity today.
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.
Form factor : Home console.
The Amiga CD32 is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be portable and is best enjoyed in a living room setting.
Official website : https://www.commodore.ca/


Market and availability

Intellivision
Amiga CD32
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Amiga CD32 was primarily available in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany. It was not widely released in North America or other regions, making it a more niche console in terms of market availability.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Amiga CD32 is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique library of games and nostalgia factor contribute to its value.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Amiga CD32 can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but prices can vary depending on condition and included games. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Amiga CD32 is average due to its availability in the second-hand market. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Amiga CD32 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.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
The cost of games for the Amiga CD32 is relatively average. While some titles may be harder to find and more expensive due to the console's rarity, there is still a decent selection available at reasonable prices.


Technology

Intellivision
Amiga CD32
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.
Architecture : 32-bit.
The Amiga CD32 uses a 32-bit architecture, allowing for more advanced graphics and processing capabilities compared to older 16-bit consoles. This architecture provides a smoother gaming experience.
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.
CPU : Motorola 68EC020
The Amiga CD32 uses the Motorola 68EC020 CPU, a 32-bit processor with a clock speed of 14.32 MHz. While not as powerful as modern CPUs, it was sufficient for gaming and multimedia tasks at the time.
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.
Memory : 2 MB
The Amiga CD32 has 2 MB of memory, which was considered impressive for a games console during its time. This allowed for smooth gameplay and immersive gaming experiences.
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.
Video output : Composite
The Amiga CD32 has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Amiga CD32 is equipped with a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for a more immersive gaming experience compared to consoles without a dedicated GPU.
๐Ÿ”ด 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.
โšช Internet connected : Unknown.
The Amiga CD32 does not have built-in internet connectivity. It does not have Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities, making it unable to connect to the internet for online gaming or browsing.
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.
Game media format : CD.
The primary game format for the Amiga CD32 is CD-ROM. This console was one of the first to utilize CDs for gaming, offering larger storage capacity and enhanced graphics.


Gaming

Intellivision
Amiga CD32
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.
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Amiga CD32 supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming experiences. Players can enjoy games together with a friend or family member on this classic console.
๐ŸŸข 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.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Amiga CD32 was primarily a console for playing single-player or local multiplayer games. Online multiplayer capabilities were not a standard feature of this console, so its online multiplayer capabilities are unknown.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Amiga CD32 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive in the secondhand market.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Amiga CD32 has several exclusive and notable games such as Alien Breed, Banshee, and Guardian. These games are iconic to the CD32 console and are highly regarded by fans.


When choosing between the Amiga CD32 and Intellivision, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and nostalgia. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and classic titles, the Intellivision may be the perfect choice. However, if you prefer more advanced graphics and gameplay, the Amiga CD32 could be the better option. Both consoles have their own charm and appeal, so make sure to choose based on your gaming preferences.