Intellivision vs Nintendo Game Boy Color

The Intellivision and Nintendo Game Boy Color are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Intellivision, released in 1979, was known for its innovative controllers and library of classic games. On the other hand, the Game Boy Color, released in 1998, revolutionized portable gaming with its color screen and extensive game library.

General information

Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Color
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 Game Boy Color was released in 1998 as a successor to the original Game Boy. It was popular among gamers of all ages and became a classic handheld console. With its color display and backward compatibility with original Game Boy games, it offered a wide variety of gaming options. The Game Boy Color is now considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 :
  • Backward compatibility with original Game Boy games
  • Compact and portable design for gaming on the go
  • Wide variety of game titles available for the system
  • Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
  • Vibrant color display enhances gaming experience
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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 color palette may not appeal to modern gamers.
  • Small screen size can strain eyes during long play sessions.
  • Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
  • Limited processing power compared to newer consoles.
  • Limited library of games available compared to newer consoles.
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 : 1998
The Nintendo Game Boy Color was launched in 1998, offering a color screen and enhanced graphics compared to its predecessor. It quickly became a popular handheld gaming device for gamers of all ages.
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, a renowned gaming company, manufactured the Game Boy Color, a popular handheld console known for its vibrant color display and extensive library of games, making it a beloved choice for gamers.
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 Game Boy Color was popular during its time, selling over 118 million units worldwide. It had a significant market share in the handheld gaming market, but faced competition from other handheld 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 Game Boy Color is designed as a portable handheld console, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go. Its compact size and battery-powered operation make it ideal for gaming anywhere.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Nintendo Game Boy Color was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was a popular handheld gaming device that reached a global audience.
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 Game Boy Color is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic value and limited availability. It has a dedicated fan base and can fetch high prices in the collector's market.
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 Game Boy Color is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
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 Game Boy Color is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively affordable compared to newer consoles.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Color are still available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature.
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.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Color are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and the abundance of second-hand options available. Prices can vary, but overall, they are considered low cost.


Technology

Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Color
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 Nintendo Game Boy Color uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for handheld gaming consoles in the late 1990s. This architecture allowed for simple yet effective gameplay experiences 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 : Z80 Sharp processor
The Nintendo Game Boy Color uses a Z80 Sharp processor, a popular choice for many handheld gaming devices of that era. It is known for its efficiency in handling 8-bit processing tasks.
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 : 32 Kb
The Nintendo Game Boy Color has 32 Kb of memory, allowing for storage of game data and save files. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
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 Game Boy Color only has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter or converter 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.
โšช Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about the presence of a dedicated GPU in the Nintendo Game Boy Color are not widely documented. Further research may be needed to determine the exact configuration of its graphics processing capabilities.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo Game Boy Color does not have internet connectivity capabilities, as it was released before the era of internet-connected gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
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 Game Boy Color is cartridge-based, where games are stored on small cartridges that are inserted into the console for gameplay.


Gaming

Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Color
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 Nintendo Game Boy Color typically supports 2 players with 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can connect via a link cable for head-to-head gameplay in compatible games.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Online multiplayer : No.
The Nintendo Game Boy Color does not support online multiplayer functionality, as it was released before online gaming became popular. Multiplayer options are limited to local connections.
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 Nintendo Game Boy Color were released in physical cartridges, with a decent selection available. Many titles are still sought after by collectors, making them somewhat valuable 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 Nintendo Game Boy Color has exclusive iconic games such as Pokemon Gold and Silver, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, and Super Mario Bros. Deluxe.


When choosing between the Intellivision and Nintendo Game Boy Color, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and classic titles, the Intellivision may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer portable gaming with a wide variety of games, the Game Boy Color offers a more modern and versatile experience. Both consoles have their own unique charm and appeal, so the best choice depends on your gaming preferences.