Mattel Intellivision vs Nintendo Game Boy Pocket

The Mattel Intellivision and Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are both iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Intellivision, released in 1979, was known for its advanced graphics and innovative controllers. On the other hand, the Game Boy Pocket, released in 1996, revolutionized portable gaming with its compact design and long battery life.

General information

Mattel Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
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.
Introduction :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was released in 1996 as a smaller and lighter version of the original Game Boy. It quickly became popular among gamers for its portability and improved screen visibility. The Game Boy Pocket is considered a classic in the handheld gaming market and is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgic value and iconic library of games.
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 :
  • Compact size makes it easy to carry around.
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Game Boy games.
  • Affordable price point for budget-conscious gamers.
  • Durable design that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
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  • Outdated controller design and functionality.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 screen visibility in low light
  • Lack of backlight for screen
  • Short battery life compared to newer consoles
  • Limited color options for display
  • Limited sound quality compared to newer consoles
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.
Year launched : 1996
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was launched in 1996, offering a more compact and lightweight version of the original Game Boy, making it easier for gamers to take their favorite games on the go.
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.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
The Game Boy Pocket was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned and iconic company in the gaming industry known for creating popular consoles and games loved by fans worldwide.
🟡 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.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket had moderate popularity during its release, with a significant number of units sold. It was a popular choice among handheld gaming enthusiasts, but faced competition from other portable consoles.
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.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is designed as a portable handheld console, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite games on the go. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Mattel Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
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.
Console markets :
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and other regions. It was widely popular and sold in many countries 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.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is now considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal and limited availability. It holds value among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 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.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is moderately available in the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found with some searching, especially for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 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.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It can be found at affordable prices for retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 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.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are still available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to their collectible nature.
🟡 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.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are relatively inexpensive due to their age and availability in the second-hand market. This makes it a cost-effective option for retro gaming enthusiasts.


Technology

Mattel Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
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.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for handheld consoles in the early 1990s. Despite its lower processing power compared to modern consoles, it was highly popular for its time.
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.
CPU : Sharp LR35902
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket uses the Sharp LR35902 CPU, which is a modified version of the Zilog Z80 processor. It is a low-power, 8-bit processor known for its efficiency.
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.
Memory : 32 Kb
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has 32 Kb of memory, allowing players to save game progress and data. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for the games of its time.
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.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to a modern TV that typically uses HDMI 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.
⚪ Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The specific details about the GPU in the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket are not widely documented. Due to the console's age and simplicity, it is unclear if it has a dedicated GPU.
⚪ 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.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as 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.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.


Gaming

Mattel Intellivision
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
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.
Controllers : 1 controller, 1 player
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket is a handheld console designed for single-player gaming, with one controller built into the device for solo play on the go.
⚪ 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.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, some games may support link cables for local multiplayer, but online multiplayer is not possible.
🟡 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.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo Game Boy Pocket were released in physical cartridges, with a decent selection available. While some titles are harder to find now, the secondhand market offers a variety of options for 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.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Pocket has several exclusive and iconic games such as Pokemon Red and Blue, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.


Ultimately, the choice between the Mattel Intellivision and Nintendo Game Boy Pocket comes down to personal preference and gaming needs. If you prefer classic home console gaming with unique controllers, the Intellivision is a great choice. However, if you value portability and a wide range of games on-the-go, the Game Boy Pocket is the way to go. Both consoles offer a nostalgic gaming experience worth exploring.