Intellivision vs Nintendo DS

The Intellivision and Nintendo DS are two vastly different gaming consoles from different eras. The Intellivision, released in the late 1970s, was a pioneering console known for its innovative controllers and library of classic games. On the other hand, the Nintendo DS, released in the mid-2000s, revolutionized handheld gaming with its dual screens and touch functionality.

General information

Intellivision
Nintendo DS
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 Nintendo DS, released in 2004, was a revolutionary handheld gaming console that featured dual screens, touch screen technology, and a wide range of popular games. It quickly became a hit with gamers of all ages, selling over 150 million units worldwide. The DS has since become a classic and collectible item for many gaming enthusiasts, with a vast library of games that continue to be enjoyed by players today.
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 :
  • Portable and compact design for gaming on the go.
  • Dual screens offer unique gameplay experiences.
  • Touch screen functionality adds interactivity to games.
  • Wide range of game titles available for all ages.
  • Backward compatibility with Game Boy Advance games.
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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 graphics capabilities compared to newer consoles.
  • Small screen size may not be ideal for all players.
  • Limited online capabilities and multiplayer options.
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves and downloads.
  • Lack of modern features such as HD graphics and streaming services.
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 : 2004
The Nintendo DS was launched in 2004, introducing dual screens and touch screen capabilities. It quickly became popular for its innovative features and diverse game library.
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 : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Nintendo DS, a popular handheld gaming console that was released in 2004. Known for its innovative dual-screen design and extensive game library.
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.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo DS was a popular handheld console with over 154 million units sold worldwide. It had a significant market share in the handheld gaming market, but faced competition from other consoles.
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 : Handheld console.
The Nintendo DS is a portable console designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and dual-screen layout make it easy to take with you wherever you go.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/ds/


Market and availability

Intellivision
Nintendo DS
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Nintendo DS was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time.
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 Nintendo DS is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal, unique dual-screen design, and library of classic games. Collectors are willing to pay premium prices for rare editions.
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 Nintendo DS is still relatively available in the secondhand market, with a decent amount of units being sold. However, finding brand new consoles may be more challenging as they are no longer in production.
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.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo DS is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively affordable compared to newer consoles on the market.
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.
While new games for the Nintendo DS are no longer being produced, there is still a decent selection available through secondhand markets, online retailers, and used game stores. Collectible availability varies.
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.
๐ŸŸข Game costs : Low.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo DS is low due to the console being older and games being readily available in the second-hand market at affordable prices.


Technology

Intellivision
Nintendo DS
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 Nintendo DS uses a 32-bit architecture, providing sufficient processing power for its handheld gaming capabilities. This architecture allows for smooth gameplay and engaging graphics on the go.
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 : ARM946E-S
The Nintendo DS uses an ARM946E-S CPU, which is a 32-bit processor with a clock speed of 67 MHz. It is known for its power efficiency and suitability for handheld gaming devices.
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 : 4 MB
The Nintendo DS has 4 MB of memory, which was sufficient for its time and allowed for a variety of games to be played on the handheld console.
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 Nintendo DS only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital 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 Nintendo DS features a dedicated GPU for handling graphics processing tasks, providing enhanced visuals and performance for games on the console.
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.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo DS can connect to the internet through Wi-Fi, allowing players to access online features, download games, and play multiplayer games with others around the world.
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 Nintendo DS is cartridges. These small cartridges contain the game data and are inserted into the console to play games.


Gaming

Intellivision
Nintendo DS
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 : Up to 8 controllers/players
The Nintendo DS supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using wireless connections. This allows for a fun and engaging gaming experience with friends and family on a single 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.
๐ŸŸข Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo DS allows multiplayer online play for certain games, providing an interactive gaming experience with friends and players worldwide. However, the online service for the DS has been discontinued, limiting some multiplayer capabilities.
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.
๐ŸŸข Number of titles : Good.
Nintendo DS game titles were released consistently with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many games are still highly sought after in the secondhand market, making it a collectible console for gamers.
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 Nintendo DS has many exclusive and iconic games such as Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Animal Crossing: Wild World, making it a beloved console for gamers.


When choosing between the Intellivision and Nintendo DS, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and gaming needs. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and nostalgic classics, the Intellivision may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more modern and versatile gaming experience, the Nintendo DS offers a wider range of games and features to enjoy on the go.