Mattel Intellivision vs Fairchild Channel F
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The Fairchild Channel F and the Mattel Intellivision were two pioneering game consoles from the late 1970s. The Fairchild Channel F was the first programmable ROM cartridge-based console, while the Mattel Intellivision boasted superior graphics and sound capabilities.
General information
Mattel Intellivision
Fairchild Channel F
Introduction :
The Mattel Intellivision was released in 1979 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in the early 1980s. It featured a unique controller with a numeric keypad and was known for its innovative graphics and gameplay. While not as well-known as some other consoles of its time, the Intellivision has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. It is now a sought-after collectible for many gamers.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in 1979 and quickly became a popular choice for gamers in the early 1980s. It featured a unique controller with a numeric keypad and was known for its innovative graphics and gameplay. While not as well-known as some other consoles of its time, the Intellivision has gained a cult following and is considered a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. It is now a sought-after collectible for many gamers.
Introduction :
The Fairchild Channel F was the first programmable ROM cartridge-based video game console released in 1976. It featured a unique controller with a built-in storage compartment for game cartridges. While not as popular as some of its successors, the Channel F holds a special place in gaming history for its innovative design and contribution to the evolution of home gaming consoles. Today, it is considered a classic and a sought-after collectible for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Fairchild Channel F was the first programmable ROM cartridge-based video game console released in 1976. It featured a unique controller with a built-in storage compartment for game cartridges. While not as popular as some of its successors, the Channel F holds a special place in gaming history for its innovative design and contribution to the evolution of home gaming consoles. Today, it is considered a classic and a sought-after collectible for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
- Intellivision offers a unique retro gaming experience for enthusiasts.
- It has a diverse library of classic games to choose from.
- The console’s controllers are innovative and ergonomic for comfortable gameplay.
- Intellivision has a strong nostalgic appeal for those who grew up with it.
- It is a collector’s item with a historical significance in gaming.
Advantages :
- The Fairchild Channel F was one of the first consoles.
- It featured interchangeable game cartridges for variety.
- The console had a unique controller design for gameplay.
- It offered a selection of games with different genres.
- The console had a pioneering impact on the gaming industry.
Disadvantages :
- Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Outdated controller design and functionality.
- Lack of modern features such as streaming services.
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
- Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
- Limited controller options and features.
- Difficult to find and expensive to collect for retro gaming.
Year launched : 1979
The Mattel Intellivision was launched in 1979, offering gamers a new and innovative gaming experience compared to other consoles of the time. It was a significant addition to the gaming market.
The Mattel Intellivision was launched in 1979, offering gamers a new and innovative gaming experience compared to other consoles of the time. It was a significant addition to the gaming market.
Year launched : 1976
The Fairchild Channel F was launched in 1976, making it one of the earliest programmable ROM cartridge-based video game consoles. It paved the way for future gaming innovations.
The Fairchild Channel F was launched in 1976, making it one of the earliest programmable ROM cartridge-based video game consoles. It paved the way for future gaming innovations.
Manufacturer : Mattel
Mattel Intellivision was manufactured by Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the toy company Mattel. It was one of the early competitors to Atari in the video game console market during the early 1980s.
Mattel Intellivision was manufactured by Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the toy company Mattel. It was one of the early competitors to Atari in the video game console market during the early 1980s.
Manufacturer : Fairchild Semiconductor
Fairchild Semiconductor, a pioneering company in the semiconductor industry, manufactured the Fairchild Channel F, one of the earliest programmable ROM cartridge-based video game consoles released in the 1970s.
Fairchild Semiconductor, a pioneering company in the semiconductor industry, manufactured the Fairchild Channel F, one of the earliest programmable ROM cartridge-based video game consoles released in the 1970s.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Mattel Intellivision was moderately popular during its release in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it did not achieve the same level of success as competitors like the Atari 2600. It has a niche following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Mattel Intellivision was moderately popular during its release in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it did not achieve the same level of success as competitors like the Atari 2600. It has a niche following among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Fairchild Channel F was not as popular as other consoles of its time, with limited sales and a small market share. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Fairchild Channel F was not as popular as other consoles of its time, with limited sales and a small market share. It is considered a niche console among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
Form factor : Home console.
The Mattel Intellivision 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.
The Mattel Intellivision 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 Fairchild Channel F console is designed as a home console, meant to be used in a stationary location for gaming entertainment. It is not intended to be portable.
The Fairchild Channel F console is designed as a home console, meant to be used in a stationary location for gaming entertainment. It is not intended to be portable.
Official website :
https://www.intellivisionentertainment.com/
Official website :
https://www.fairchildchannelf.com/
Market and availability
Mattel Intellivision
Fairchild Channel F
Console markets :
The Mattel Intellivision was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in other regions, making it a popular choice among gamers in these specific markets.
The Mattel Intellivision was available in North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not available in other regions, making it a popular choice among gamers in these specific markets.
Console markets :
The Fairchild Channel F was available in the United States and Canada, but did not have a wide international presence. It was primarily marketed towards North American consumers during its release.
The Fairchild Channel F was available in the United States and Canada, but did not have a wide international presence. It was primarily marketed towards North American consumers during its release.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Mattel Intellivision is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the unique design make it sought after by collectors.
The Mattel Intellivision is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Nostalgia for classic games and the unique design make it sought after by collectors.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Fairchild Channel F is now considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its historical significance and limited availability contribute to its value in the collector's market.
The Fairchild Channel F is now considered retro and collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its historical significance and limited availability contribute to its value in the collector's market.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Mattel Intellivision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible. New units are rare but can be found through specialized retailers or online platforms.
The Mattel Intellivision console is moderately available in the secondhand market, with some units being collectible. New units are rare but can be found through specialized retailers or online platforms.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Fairchild Channel F can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts, so prices can fluctuate.
The Fairchild Channel F can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts, so prices can fluctuate.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The relative cost of the Mattel Intellivision is low due to its age and limited availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Mattel Intellivision is low due to its age and limited availability in the second-hand market. It is considered an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
⚪ Console cost : Unknown.
The relative cost of the Fairchild Channel F is unknown due to its rarity and limited availability. Prices can vary significantly in the second-hand market, making it difficult to determine a consistent value.
The relative cost of the Fairchild Channel F is unknown due to its rarity and limited availability. Prices can vary significantly in the second-hand market, making it difficult to determine a consistent value.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Mattel Intellivision can be found through secondhand markets and online auctions. While not as readily available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Mattel Intellivision can be found through secondhand markets and online auctions. While not as readily available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Fairchild Channel F can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as widely available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Fairchild Channel F can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as widely available as newer consoles, there is still a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Mattel Intellivision is average. While some games may be more expensive due to rarity or popularity, there are also affordable options available in the second-hand market.
The relative cost of games for the Mattel Intellivision is average. While some games may be more expensive due to rarity or popularity, there are also affordable options available in the second-hand market.
⚪ Game costs : Unknown.
The relative cost of games for the Fairchild Channel F is unknown due to limited availability and lack of information on current market prices. It may vary depending on rarity and demand.
The relative cost of games for the Fairchild Channel F is unknown due to limited availability and lack of information on current market prices. It may vary depending on rarity and demand.
Technology
Mattel Intellivision
Fairchild Channel F
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Mattel Intellivision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. While limited by today's standards, it was revolutionary for its time.
The Mattel Intellivision uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. While limited by today's standards, it was revolutionary for its time.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Fairchild Channel F uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to modern consoles with higher bit architectures.
The Fairchild Channel F uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for consoles of its era. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and gameplay compared to modern consoles with higher bit architectures.
CPU : General Instrument CP1610
The Mattel Intellivision uses the General Instrument CP1610 CPU, which was a unique microprocessor designed specifically for gaming consoles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The Mattel Intellivision uses the General Instrument CP1610 CPU, which was a unique microprocessor designed specifically for gaming consoles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
CPU : Fairchild F8
The Fairchild Channel F uses the Fairchild F8 CPU, a custom 8-bit microprocessor. While not as powerful as modern CPUs, it was innovative for its time and capable of running the console's games effectively.
The Fairchild Channel F uses the Fairchild F8 CPU, a custom 8-bit microprocessor. While not as powerful as modern CPUs, it was innovative for its time and capable of running the console's games effectively.
Memory : Less than 1 MB
The Mattel Intellivision has less than 1 MB of memory, which was sufficient for the games of its time but is significantly less than modern consoles.
The Mattel Intellivision has less than 1 MB of memory, which was sufficient for the games of its time but is significantly less than modern consoles.
Memory : 2 Kb
The Fairchild Channel F games console has a very limited memory capacity of only 2 Kb. This was sufficient for the simple games of that era, but is extremely small by today's standards.
The Fairchild Channel F games console has a very limited memory capacity of only 2 Kb. This was sufficient for the simple games of that era, but is extremely small by today's standards.
Video output : RF
The Mattel Intellivision console typically has an RF connection for video output, which may require an RF to HDMI converter to connect to modern TVs.
The Mattel Intellivision console typically has an RF connection for video output, which may require an RF to HDMI converter to connect to modern TVs.
Video output : RF connection
The Fairchild Channel F console only has an RF connection, which may require an RF modulator or a specific adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or composite inputs.
The Fairchild Channel F console only has an RF connection, which may require an RF modulator or a specific adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or composite inputs.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the Mattel Intellivision are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence or absence of a dedicated GPU.
The specific details about a dedicated GPU in the Mattel Intellivision are not readily available. Further research may be needed to determine the presence or absence of a dedicated GPU.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Fairchild Channel F is an early console from the 1970s, and details about its hardware components, including a dedicated GPU, are not well-documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Fairchild Channel F is an early console from the 1970s, and details about its hardware components, including a dedicated GPU, are not well-documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Mattel Intellivision is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online gaming capabilities are not supported on this system.
The Mattel Intellivision is an older games console and does not have built-in internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online gaming capabilities are not supported on this system.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Fairchild Channel F is an older console released in 1976, so it is unlikely to have internet connectivity. It does not have notable details like Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
The Fairchild Channel F is an older console released in 1976, so it is unlikely to have internet connectivity. It does not have notable details like Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Mattel Intellivision is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gameplay experience.
The primary game format for the Mattel Intellivision is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gameplay experience.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Fairchild Channel F is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gaming experience.
The primary game format for the Fairchild Channel F is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a physical and tangible gaming experience.
Gaming
Mattel Intellivision
Fairchild Channel F
Controllers : Up to 4 controllers/players
The Mattel Intellivision supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console, allowing for a fun and competitive gaming experience with friends and family.
The Mattel Intellivision supports multiplayer gaming with up to 4 controllers or players connected to the console, allowing for a fun and competitive gaming experience with friends and family.
Controllers : 2 controllers/players
The Fairchild Channel F allows for up to 2 controllers/players to connect to the console, enabling multiplayer gaming experiences. This feature enhances social interaction and competitive gameplay on the platform.
The Fairchild Channel F allows for up to 2 controllers/players to connect to the console, enabling multiplayer gaming experiences. This feature enhances social interaction and competitive gameplay on the platform.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in the 1980s and does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party modifications or emulators that enable online multiplayer functionality.
The Mattel Intellivision was released in the 1980s and does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party modifications or emulators that enable online multiplayer functionality.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Fairchild Channel F was released in the 1970s, before online multiplayer capabilities became common in gaming consoles. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but further research is needed.
The Fairchild Channel F was released in the 1970s, before online multiplayer capabilities became common in gaming consoles. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but further research is needed.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Mattel Intellivision were released in a standard manner, with a decent variety available. However, finding specific titles today may require some effort due to the console's age.
Game titles for the Mattel Intellivision were released in a standard manner, with a decent variety available. However, finding specific titles today may require some effort due to the console's age.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Fairchild Channel F were released on cartridges, making them somewhat limited in availability. However, due to its historical significance as one of the first consoles to use cartridges, it is sought after by collectors.
Game titles for the Fairchild Channel F were released on cartridges, making them somewhat limited in availability. However, due to its historical significance as one of the first consoles to use cartridges, it is sought after by collectors.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Mattel Intellivision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Astrosmash, BurgerTime, and Tron: Deadly Discs. These games are considered classics in the gaming community.
The Mattel Intellivision has several exclusive and iconic games such as Astrosmash, BurgerTime, and Tron: Deadly Discs. These games are considered classics in the gaming community.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Fairchild Channel F has notable games such as Video Whizball, Space War, and Alien Invasion, which are considered exclusive and iconic titles for the console.
The Fairchild Channel F has notable games such as Video Whizball, Space War, and Alien Invasion, which are considered exclusive and iconic titles for the console.
When choosing between the Fairchild Channel F and the Mattel Intellivision, it ultimately comes down to whether you value the innovation of the Channel F or the advanced features of the Intellivision. Both consoles have their own unique strengths, so consider your gaming preferences before making a decision.