Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) vs Nintendo 64 (N64)

The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) and Nintendo 64 (N64) are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Odyssey² was released in the late 1970s, while the N64 made its debut in the mid-1990s. Both consoles have their unique features and game libraries that cater to different generations of gamers.

General information

Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
Introduction :
The Magnavox Odyssey², also known as the Odyssey 2, was released in 1978 as a home video game console. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a variety of games such as sports, arcade, and educational titles. While not as well-known as some other consoles of its time, the Odyssey² has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors for its unique design and gameplay experiences.
Introduction :
The Nintendo 64 (N64) was released in 1996 and quickly became a beloved console for gamers around the world. Known for its innovative 3D graphics and iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the N64 has solidified its place as a classic in the gaming industry. With its unique controller featuring the iconic joystick, the N64 remains a popular choice for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • The Magnavox Odyssey² offers a unique and nostalgic gaming experience.
  • It has a diverse library of games that cater to different preferences.
  • The console is compact and easy to set up, perfect for small spaces.
  • The controllers are simple and intuitive, making gameplay accessible to all.
  • The Odyssey² is a budget-friendly option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • Iconic 90s console with nostalgic appeal for retro gaming enthusiasts. - Wide selection of classic games available for collectors and fans. - Innovative controller design with unique features for immersive gameplay. - Affordable option for budget-conscious gamers looking to experience retro titles. - Durable hardware that has stood the test of time for long-term use.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library
  • Poor graphics quality
  • Lack of third-party support
  • Limited controller options
  • Lack of online capabilities
Disadvantages :
  • Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles
  • Lack of online multiplayer functionality
  • Limited storage capacity for game saves
  • Limited selection of games compared to newer consoles
  • Outdated controller design and functionality
Year launched : 1978
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) was launched in 1978, offering early gamers a unique gaming experience with its innovative features and gameplay options compared to other consoles of the time.
Year launched : 1996
The Nintendo 64 was launched in 1996, offering groundbreaking 3D graphics and iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, revolutionizing gaming experiences for players.
Manufacturer : Magnavox
Magnavox, an American electronics company, manufactured the Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) gaming console. Released in 1978, it was one of the early home video game systems.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
Nintendo, a renowned gaming company, manufactured the Nintendo 64 (N64) console, known for its iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles. It did not sell as well as competitors and had a smaller market share in the gaming industry.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo 64 was popular during its release in the late 90s, selling over 32 million units worldwide. It had a significant market share but faced strong competition from Sony's PlayStation.
Form factor : Home console.
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not a portable unit and is intended for use in a stationary setting.
Form factor : Home console.
The Nintendo 64 (N64) is a home console designed to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not meant to be easily portable, as it requires a power source and controllers to play.
Official website : https://www.magnavox.com/


Market and availability

Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
Console markets :
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) was primarily available in North America and Europe during its release in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions.
Console markets :
The Nintendo 64 was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It was not officially released in regions such as South America and Africa.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Magnavox Odyssey² is considered retro and collectible due to its historical significance as one of the early home video game consoles. Its unique design and limited availability contribute to its appeal among collectors.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo 64 is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its iconic games and unique controller design have contributed to its lasting popularity in the gaming community.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) is moderately available in the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo 64 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with a decent selection of consoles and games to choose from. However, finding brand new units may be more challenging.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Magnavox Odyssey² is considered low in cost due to its age and limited availability. It can be found at relatively affordable prices on the second-hand market compared to newer consoles.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Nintendo 64 (N64) is average. While it is no longer in production, it is still popular among retro gamers, leading to a steady demand and stable pricing in the second-hand market.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Magnavox Odyssey² are available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts to explore.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Nintendo 64 can be found through online marketplaces, retro game stores, and secondhand shops. While some titles are more rare and expensive, there is a decent selection available for collectors and gamers.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Magnavox Odyssey² are relatively inexpensive due to their age and limited availability. They can often be found for reasonable prices in the second-hand market.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Games for the Nintendo 64 are relatively affordable on the second-hand market, with a good selection available at reasonable prices. However, some rare titles can be expensive to acquire.


Technology

Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the late 1970s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to modern consoles.
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Nintendo 64 uses a 64-bit architecture, which was considered advanced for its time, allowing for improved graphics and gameplay compared to older consoles with lower bit architectures.
CPU : Intel 8048
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) uses the Intel 8048 CPU, which was a popular 8-bit microcontroller known for its simplicity and efficiency in handling basic gaming functions during its time.
CPU : NEC VR4300
The Nintendo 64 (N64) uses the NEC VR4300 CPU, a 64-bit processor with a clock speed of 93.75 MHz. It is known for its performance and efficiency in handling N64 games.
Memory : 2 Kb
The Magnavox Odyssey² has a very limited memory capacity of only 2 Kb, which was sufficient for the simple games that were developed for this early console.
Memory : 4 MB
The Nintendo 64 (N64) has 4 MB of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for more detailed graphics and larger game worlds compared to previous consoles.
Video output : RF
The Magnavox Odyssey² has an RF output connection, which may require an RF modulator to connect to a modern TV for display.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo 64 has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) does not have clear information available about a dedicated GPU. Further research may be needed to determine the specifics of its graphics processing capabilities.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo 64 has a dedicated GPU, the Reality Coprocessor, which was designed by Silicon Graphics specifically for the console. It provided impressive graphics capabilities for its time.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) is not internet connected. Released in the 1970s, it predates modern internet capabilities and does not have ethernet or wifi connectivity for online gaming.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo 64 does not have internet connectivity capabilities, as it was released before online gaming became mainstream. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2) is cartridge-based. Games are played using cartridges that are inserted into the console for gameplay.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo 64 is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, which contain the game data and are specific to the N64 system.


Gaming

Magnavox Odyssey² (Odyssey 2)
Nintendo 64 (N64)
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Magnavox Odyssey² supports 2 controllers, allowing for 2 players to enjoy multiplayer games on the console. Each player can have their own controller for a more interactive gaming experience.
Controllers : 4 controllers
The Nintendo 64 supports up to 4 controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay on a single console, making it a great option for group gaming sessions.
🔴 Online multiplayer : No.
The Magnavox Odyssey² does not have online multiplayer capabilities as it was released in the 1970s before online gaming became popular. Multiplayer options are limited to local play with friends.
🔴 Online multiplayer : No.
The Nintendo 64 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may have been modified by fans to enable online play through unofficial means.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Magnavox Odyssey² were released in a standard manner for the time, with a decent selection available. While not as extensive as later consoles, finding games for the Odyssey² is still manageable.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo 64 were released in physical cartridges, which are still widely available in the secondhand market. Some titles have become collectible and can be more expensive to acquire.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Magnavox Odyssey² has notable exclusive games such as
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo 64 has several exclusive, iconic, and notable games such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007, which are considered classics in the gaming world.


When choosing between the Magnavox Odyssey² and Nintendo 64, consider your preference for retro gaming versus more advanced graphics and gameplay. The Odyssey² offers a nostalgic experience with classic games, while the N64 provides a more modern gaming experience with 3D graphics and innovative titles. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and gaming style.