Intellivision vs Sega Master System
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The Intellivision and Sega Master System were both popular gaming consoles in the 1980s, offering a range of classic games and innovative features. While the Intellivision was known for its unique controller and library of exclusive titles, the Sega Master System boasted superior graphics and sound capabilities, as well as a strong lineup of arcade ports.
General information
Intellivision
Sega Master System
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.
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 Master System, released in 1985, was Sega's first entry into the home console market. While not as popular as its competitor, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Master System gained a dedicated following in Europe and Brazil. It featured a diverse library of games, including iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd. Today, the Master System is considered a classic console and is sought after by collectors.
The Sega Master System, released in 1985, was Sega's first entry into the home console market. While not as popular as its competitor, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Master System gained a dedicated following in Europe and Brazil. It featured a diverse library of games, including iconic titles like Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd. Today, the Master System is considered a classic console and is sought after by collectors.
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 :
- The Sega Master System has a diverse library of games.
- It offers backward compatibility with Sega SG-1000 games.
- The console has a built-in game pause feature.
- It supports light gun peripherals for shooting games.
- The Master System is known for its durable hardware construction.
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 and graphics capabilities compared to newer consoles.
- Lack of popular third-party game titles available for the system.
- Limited sound capabilities leading to lower quality audio in games.
- Outdated controller design and lack of ergonomic features.
- Limited memory capacity resulting in smaller game file sizes.
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.
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 : 1985
The Sega Master System was launched in 1985, offering gamers a new way to experience video games with improved graphics and gameplay compared to previous consoles.
The Sega Master System was launched in 1985, offering gamers a new way to experience video games with improved graphics and gameplay compared to previous consoles.
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.
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 renowned video game company, manufactured the Sega Master System, a popular games console in the 1980s. Known for its iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega was a major player in the console market.
Sega, a renowned video game company, manufactured the Sega Master System, a popular games console in the 1980s. Known for its iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sega was a major player in the console market.
🟡 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.
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 : Average.
The Sega Master System had moderate popularity during its time, with a loyal fan base and decent sales figures. It competed with the NES but did not dominate the market.
The Sega Master System had moderate popularity during its time, with a loyal fan base and decent sales figures. It competed with the NES but did not dominate the market.
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.
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 Sega Master System is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location with a TV. It is not intended for portable use.
The Sega Master System is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location with a TV. It is not intended for portable use.
Official website :
https://www.intellivision.com/
Official website :
https://www.sega.com/
Market and availability
Intellivision
Sega Master System
Console markets :
Console markets :
The Sega Master System was available in North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was not officially released in certain markets like South America and Africa, but could be found through unofficial channels.
The Sega Master System was available in North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was not officially released in certain markets like South America and Africa, but could be found through unofficial channels.
🟢 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.
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 Sega Master System is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the console's historical significance contribute to its value.
The Sega Master System is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the console's historical significance contribute to its value.
🟡 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.
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 Sega Master System is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles and games. Collectors may find rarer editions harder to come by, but overall, it is a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Sega Master System is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles and games. Collectors may find rarer editions harder to come by, but overall, it is a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 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.
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 Sega Master System is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively inexpensive compared to newer consoles on the market.
The Sega Master System is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively inexpensive compared to newer consoles on the market.
🟡 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.
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 Sega Master System can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles are more common, others may be harder to come by, making availability overall average.
Games for the Sega Master System can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles are more common, others may be harder to come by, making availability overall average.
🟡 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.
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 Sega Master System are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and availability of second-hand copies. Prices can vary, but overall, games for this console are considered to be on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Games for the Sega Master System are relatively inexpensive due to the console's age and availability of second-hand copies. Prices can vary, but overall, games for this console are considered to be on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
Technology
Intellivision
Sega Master System
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.
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 Master System uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simpler graphics and sound capabilities compared to later consoles.
The Sega Master System uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simpler graphics and sound capabilities compared to later consoles.
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.
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 Master System uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers. It has a clock speed of 3.58 MHz.
The Sega Master System uses the Zilog Z80 CPU, a popular processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers. It has a clock speed of 3.58 MHz.
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.
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 : 8 Kb
The Sega Master System has 8 Kb of memory, which was standard for gaming consoles of its time. This limited memory capacity required developers to optimize their games efficiently.
The Sega Master System has 8 Kb of memory, which was standard for gaming consoles of its time. This limited memory capacity required developers to optimize their games efficiently.
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.
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 and RF
The Sega Master System has composite and RF video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Sega Master System has composite and RF video output connections, which may require adapters 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.
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 : Yes.
The Sega Master System does have a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and allowed for better graphics and smoother gameplay compared to other consoles of its era.
The Sega Master System does have a dedicated GPU, which was considered advanced for its time and allowed for better graphics and smoother gameplay compared to other consoles of its era.
🔴 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.
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 : No.
The Sega Master System is not internet connected. Released in the 1980s, it predates widespread internet use in gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
The Sega Master System is not internet connected. Released in the 1980s, it predates widespread internet use in 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.
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 Master System is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for easy swapping and gameplay without the need for additional accessories.
The primary game format for the Sega Master System is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for easy swapping and gameplay without the need for additional accessories.
Gaming
Intellivision
Sega Master System
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.
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
The Sega Master System supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy games with a friend or family member on this classic console.
The Sega Master System supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy games with a friend or family member on this classic console.
🟢 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.
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 : No.
The Sega Master System does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer is limited to local play with additional controllers.
The Sega Master System does not have online multiplayer capabilities due to its age and lack of internet connectivity features. Multiplayer is limited to local play with additional controllers.
🟡 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.
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 Sega Master System were released in a fairly average manner. While some popular titles are sought after by collectors, the overall availability and pricing in the secondhand market are moderate.
Game titles for the Sega Master System were released in a fairly average manner. While some popular titles are sought after by collectors, the overall availability and pricing in the secondhand market are moderate.
🟢 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.
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 Sega Master System has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Phantasy Star, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
The Sega Master System has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd in Miracle World, and Phantasy Star, which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
When choosing between the Intellivision and Sega Master System, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and gaming priorities. If you value a diverse game library and innovative controls, the Intellivision may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize superior graphics and sound quality, the Sega Master System could be the better option. Both consoles have their own strengths and appeal to different types of gamers.