Intellivision vs Emerson Arcadia 2001

The Emerson Arcadia 2001 and Intellivision are both classic gaming consoles from the 1980s, offering a variety of games and entertainment options. The Arcadia 2001 features a unique joystick controller design, while the Intellivision boasts advanced graphics and gameplay for its time.

General information

Intellivision
Emerson Arcadia 2001
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 Emerson Arcadia 2001 was released in 1982 as a home video game console. It was not as popular as other consoles of its time, but it has since become a classic and collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts. The console featured a variety of games and had a unique joystick controller. While it may not have had the same impact as other consoles, it holds a special place in gaming history.
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 :
  • Retro gaming experience
  • Unique library of games
  • Affordable price point
  • Compact and portable design
  • Easy to set up and use
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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
  • Poor graphics compared to modern consoles
  • Lack of online multiplayer capabilities
  • Fragile hardware that may be prone to breaking
  • Difficult to find replacement parts or support
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 : 1982
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 was launched in 1982, offering gamers of that era a unique gaming experience with its library of games and innovative features.
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 : Emerson Radio Corp.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 was manufactured by Emerson Radio Corp., a company known for producing a variety of consumer electronics including televisions, radios, and gaming consoles.
🟡 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.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 had limited sales and market presence compared to other consoles. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 Emerson Arcadia 2001 console is designed as a home gaming system, meant to be used in a stationary setting rather than on the go. It is not a portable unit.


Market and availability

Intellivision
Emerson Arcadia 2001
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 was primarily available in North America and Europe during its release in the early 1980s. It was not as widely distributed as some other popular consoles of the time.
🟢 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.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 is considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique design and limited availability make it sought after by collectors, driving up its value in the market.
🟡 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.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as some other retro consoles, it can still be found with some searching and patience.
🟡 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.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 is considered a low-cost option for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. Its availability in the second-hand market and lack of widespread popularity contribute to its relatively low cost.
🟡 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.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Emerson Arcadia 2001 can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores, but the selection may be limited compared to more popular consoles. Some titles may be rare and sought after by collectors.
🟡 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.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Emerson Arcadia 2001 are relatively inexpensive due to the console's limited popularity and availability. They can often be found at low prices in the second-hand market.


Technology

Intellivision
Emerson Arcadia 2001
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 : 8-bit.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This architecture provided basic graphics and sound capabilities for gaming.
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 : Signetics 2650A
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 uses the Signetics 2650A CPU, which was a popular choice for many early video game consoles. It is a simple 8-bit microprocessor known for its reliability.
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 Kb
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 has a very limited memory capacity of 2 Kb, which was common for gaming consoles of that era. This small memory size restricted the complexity of games available.
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 : RF and composite
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
🟢 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.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001's GPU details are not well-documented, making it unclear if it has a dedicated GPU. Further research may be needed to determine its graphics processing capabilities.
🔴 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.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It is primarily designed for offline gaming experiences.
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 : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Emerson Arcadia 2001 is cartridge-based. Games are played by inserting cartridges into the console, which contain the game data and software.


Gaming

Intellivision
Emerson Arcadia 2001
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 / 2 players
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 typically supports 2 controllers allowing for 2 players to enjoy multiplayer gaming on a single console. Players can compete or cooperate in various games together.
🟢 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.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, it may be possible to connect with others through third-party adapters or modifications, but this is not a standard feature.
🟡 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.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Emerson Arcadia 2001 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to its limited popularity, finding specific titles may be more challenging.
🟢 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.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Emerson Arcadia 2001 has several exclusive games such as Space Mission, Cat Trax, and Robot Killer. These games are considered iconic for the console and are highly sought after by collectors.


When choosing between the Emerson Arcadia 2001 and Intellivision, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and gaming priorities. If you value a unique controller design and a diverse game library, the Arcadia 2001 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize advanced graphics and gameplay features, the Intellivision could be the better option. Consider your gaming preferences and nostalgia factor when making your decision.