Intellivision vs Nintendo Wii

The Intellivision and Nintendo Wii are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Intellivision was released in the late 1970s, known for its innovative controllers and library of classic games. On the other hand, the Nintendo Wii revolutionized gaming with its motion-sensing controls and family-friendly gameplay.

General information

Intellivision
Nintendo Wii
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 Wii was released in 2006 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers of all ages. Its innovative motion-sensing controllers and family-friendly games made it a hit in the market. The Wii introduced a new way of playing video games, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers. With its unique gameplay experience and extensive library of games, the Nintendo Wii has become a classic console that is still enjoyed by many 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 :
  • Backwards compatibility with GameCube games
  • Innovative motion controls with the Wii Remote
  • Extensive library of family-friendly games
  • Virtual Console allows access to classic games
  • Affordable price compared to other consoles
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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.
  • Lack of online multiplayer support for many games.
  • Limited storage capacity for downloadable games and content.
  • Motion controls can be inaccurate or unresponsive at times.
  • Limited third-party support for new game releases.
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 : 2006
The Nintendo Wii was launched in 2006, revolutionizing gaming with its motion-sensing controls and family-friendly games. It quickly became a popular console 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 Japanese gaming company, manufactured the Nintendo Wii, a popular console known for its innovative motion controls and wide range of family-friendly games.
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 Wii was a popular console during its release, with over 100 million units sold worldwide. However, it faced stiff competition from other consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, making its popularity relatively average.
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 Nintendo Wii is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV and played in a living room setting. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.


Market and availability

Intellivision
Nintendo Wii
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Nintendo Wii was available in multiple markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was a popular console that reached a global audience during its release.
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 Wii is now considered retro and collectible due to its unique motion controls and popular game library. Its nostalgic appeal has driven up demand among collectors and gamers alike.
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 Wii is moderately available in both new and secondhand markets. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online retailers and auction sites. Some limited edition or collectible versions may be harder to come by.
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 Wii is considered low in cost due to being an older console with a large second-hand market. It is relatively inexpensive compared to newer gaming 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.
Games for the Nintendo Wii are still relatively easy to find, both new and used. While some titles may be harder to come by, the overall availability of games for this console is decent.
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 Wii are relatively inexpensive due to the console being older and games being widely available in the second-hand market. This makes it a cost-effective option for gamers.


Technology

Intellivision
Nintendo Wii
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 Wii uses a 32-bit architecture, allowing for smooth gameplay and graphics. While not as advanced as newer consoles, it still provides an enjoyable gaming experience for players of all ages.
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 : Broadway
The Nintendo Wii uses a custom IBM PowerPC-based CPU codenamed 'Broadway.' It features a single core and is known for its efficiency in running games and applications on the console.
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 : 512 MB
The Nintendo Wii has 512 MB of internal memory, which is used for storing game data, system updates, and other content. Additional storage can be added through SD cards or USB drives.
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, Component, and S-Video
The Nintendo Wii has composite, component, and S-video output connections. To connect to a modern TV, you may need an adapter or converter to convert these analog signals to digital HDMI.
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 Wii features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for an improved 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.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii is internet connected through built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to access online features such as the Wii Shop Channel and online multiplayer gaming.
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 : DVD.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Wii is DVD. Games are played using optical discs inserted into the console, providing a physical format for gameplay.


Gaming

Intellivision
Nintendo Wii
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 : 4 controllers / players
The Nintendo Wii supports up to 4 controllers or players simultaneously, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences. This feature promotes social gaming and interactive gameplay among friends and family.
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 Wii allows players to connect online and play multiplayer games with friends or strangers. However, the online multiplayer options are limited compared to newer consoles.
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 Wii game titles were released consistently with a wide variety of genres and popular franchises. Many games are still sought after by collectors, making the secondhand market strong for Wii titles.
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 Wii has several exclusive and iconic games such as Super Mario Galaxy, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Wii Sports, which helped define the console's success.


Ultimately, choosing between the Intellivision and Nintendo Wii comes down to personal preference and gaming needs. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and nostalgic experiences, the Intellivision may be the perfect choice. However, if you’re looking for a more modern and interactive gaming experience, the Nintendo Wii offers a wide range of games and features to enjoy.