Intellivision vs Sega Game Gear Micro

The Intellivision and Sega Game Gear Micro are two classic gaming consoles that cater to different preferences. The Intellivision offers a retro gaming experience with a variety of classic games, while the Sega Game Gear Micro provides a more portable and modern gaming experience with a smaller form factor.

General information

Intellivision
Sega Game Gear Micro
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 Sega Game Gear Micro is a miniature version of the original Game Gear handheld console released in 1990. It features a 1.15-inch screen and comes in four different colors, each with a unique set of games. While the Game Gear Micro may not have the same popularity as other retro consoles, it holds a special place in the hearts of Sega fans and collectors. Its compact size and nostalgic games make it a fun and collectible piece for 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 :
  • Portable size makes it easy to take on-the-go.
  • Retro gaming experience with classic Sega games.
  • Variety of color options for personalization.
  • Affordable price point for budget-conscious gamers.
  • Perfect for collectors or fans of retro gaming 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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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 :
  • Small screen size may strain eyes during long play sessions.
  • Limited game library compared to other consoles.
  • Short battery life requires frequent recharging.
  • Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
  • Small size may be uncomfortable for players with larger hands.
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 : 2020
The Sega Game Gear Micro was launched in 2020, offering a nostalgic gaming experience in a compact handheld device. It aimed to appeal to fans of retro gaming and collectors.
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 : Sega
Sega, a well-known gaming company, manufactured the Sega Game Gear Micro, a compact handheld console with a variety of classic games available for nostalgic gamers 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 Sega Game Gear Micro is considered to have low popularity compared to other game consoles. It had limited sales and a smaller market share during its release.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro is designed as a portable console, making it easy to take on the go for gaming on the move. Its compact size allows for convenient handheld play.


Market and availability

Intellivision
Sega Game Gear Micro
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Sega Game Gear Micro is available in Japan and was not officially released in other markets. However, it can be imported to other regions through online retailers.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro is now considered retro and collectible due to its limited release and nostalgic appeal to fans of classic handheld gaming. Its small size and unique design also add to its collectibility.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro is moderately available, with new units occasionally released by collectors or retailers. Secondhand units can be found through online marketplaces, but may vary in condition and price.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Console cost : High.
The Sega Game Gear Micro is considered to have a high relative cost due to its limited availability as a collector's item, driving up prices in the second-hand market 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 Sega Game Gear Micro are available through online marketplaces, retro gaming stores, and secondhand sellers. However, the selection may be limited compared to newer consoles, and some titles may be more difficult to find.
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.
๐Ÿ”ด Game costs : High.
Games for the Sega Game Gear Micro are relatively expensive due to their rarity and limited availability. Collectors may find them valuable, but casual gamers might find the cost prohibitive.


Technology

Intellivision
Sega Game Gear Micro
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 Sega Game Gear Micro uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common in handheld consoles of the early 1990s. While limited in processing power compared to modern consoles, it was sufficient for the time.
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 : Zilog Z80
The Sega Game Gear Micro uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular processor known for its use in various retro gaming consoles. It is a single-core processor with a focus on efficiency.
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 : 128 Kb
The Sega Game Gear Micro has 128 Kb of memory, which was standard for handheld consoles of its time. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be played on the device.
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 : No HDMI or composite output
The Sega Game Gear Micro does not have HDMI or composite output connections, so an adapter or converter may be needed to connect it to a modern TV.
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 GPU in the Sega Game Gear Micro are not readily available. As a compact handheld console, its GPU capabilities may not be as advanced as modern consoles.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or WiFi, making it solely a standalone gaming device.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro is cartridge-based. Players insert physical game cartridges into the console to play different games.


Gaming

Intellivision
Sega Game Gear Micro
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 : 1-2 controllers/players
The Sega Game Gear Micro typically supports 1-2 players with its single console setup, allowing for local multiplayer gaming experiences. Each player can use their own controller for a more interactive gameplay session.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, it may be possible to connect multiple consoles for local multiplayer, but online play is not supported.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro were released in limited quantities, making them somewhat rare and collectible. However, the small screen size and lack of backlighting may limit the overall gaming experience.
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 Sega Game Gear Micro has exclusive games such as 'Sonic the Hedgehog' and 'Shining Force Gaiden'. These iconic titles are only available on this handheld console, adding to its appeal.


Ultimately, the choice between the Intellivision and Sega Game Gear Micro comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy nostalgic gaming and a wide selection of classic titles, the Intellivision may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more portable and modern gaming experience, the Sega Game Gear Micro could be the better option. Consider your gaming preferences and priorities to make the best decision for your gaming needs.