Mattel Intellivision vs Vectrex
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The Mattel Intellivision and Vectrex are both classic gaming consoles from the early 1980s, known for their unique features and gameplay experiences. The Intellivision boasted advanced graphics and a wide range of games, while the Vectrex stood out with its vector-based display and built-in screen.
General information
Mattel Intellivision
Vectrex
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 Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
The Vectrex is a unique games console released in 1982 that gained popularity for its vector graphics display and built-in screen. It was marketed as a standalone system with its own library of games. Despite its short lifespan, the Vectrex has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors due to its innovative design and limited availability. It is considered a rare and sought-after console in the gaming community.
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 :
- Unique vector graphics display
- Built-in screen eliminates need for TV
- Portable and self-contained
- Innovative controller with analog joystick
- Retro appeal for collectors
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 modern consoles.
- Lack of color graphics may not appeal to some players.
- Bulky design may not fit well in modern entertainment setups.
- Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
- Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer 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 : 1982
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Vectrex was launched in 1982, offering a unique gaming experience with vector graphics. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
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 : Smith Engineering
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
Smith Engineering was the manufacturer of the Vectrex games console, known for its vector graphics display. The console was released in 1982 and offered a unique gaming experience for its time.
🟡 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 Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
The Vectrex was not a commercial success, with only around 1 million units sold during its production run. It had a niche market appeal due to its unique vector graphics display, but was overshadowed by more popular consoles of its time.
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 Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
The Vectrex console is designed as a home console, meant to be played in a stationary location rather than on the go. It features a built-in screen and controllers for a complete gaming experience.
Official website :
https://www.intellivisionentertainment.com/
Official website :
https://www.vectrex.com/
Market and availability
Mattel Intellivision
Vectrex
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 Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
The Vectrex was primarily available in North America and Europe during its original release in the 1980s. It was not widely distributed in other regions, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
🟢 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 Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Vectrex Games Console is now considered retro and highly collectible among gaming enthusiasts. Its unique vector graphics and limited production make it a sought-after item for collectors.
🟡 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 Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
The Vectrex console can be found on the secondhand market, but availability may vary. It is considered a collectible item, so prices can be higher for well-maintained units.
🟢 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 : High.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of the Vectrex Games Console is high due to its rarity and popularity among collectors. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included accessories, making it a valuable item 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.
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 Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Vectrex can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection available 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 : High.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
The relative cost of games for the Vectrex is considered high due to its rarity and collectible nature. Games for this console can be expensive to purchase, especially in good condition.
Technology
Mattel Intellivision
Vectrex
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 Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the time.
The Vectrex Games Console uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture provided simple yet effective processing power for the 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.
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 : M6809
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
The Vectrex games console uses the Motorola 6809 CPU, known for its efficient performance in handling graphics and gameplay. This processor was a notable feature of the console's design.
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 : 1 Kb
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
The Vectrex Games Console has 1 Kb of memory, which was considered a decent amount for gaming in the early 1980s. This limited memory capacity influenced the types of games that could be developed for the console.
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 and composite
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Vectrex console has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component 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 Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely documented. Further research may be needed for confirmation.
The Vectrex is an older console released in the 1980s, and specific details about its hardware components, such as a dedicated GPU, are not widely 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 : No.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
The Vectrex games console is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as ethernet or wifi for online connectivity.
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 Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
The primary game format for the Vectrex is cartridges. These cartridges contain the game software and are inserted into the console to play different games. The Vectrex does not use CDs or downloads for games.
Gaming
Mattel Intellivision
Vectrex
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
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
The Vectrex console supports two wired controllers for multiplayer gaming. Players can enjoy classic titles together, adding a social element to the gaming experience on this retro console.
⚪ 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 Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
The Vectrex is a vintage console released in the 1980s, and online multiplayer capabilities were not common during that era. It is unlikely to support online multiplayer, but check for any modern adaptations or hacks.
🟡 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 : Good.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
Game titles for the Vectrex were released physically on cartridges, making them easily collectible today. The secondhand market for Vectrex games is active, with a variety of titles available for purchase.
🟢 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 Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
The Vectrex has several exclusive and iconic games such as MineStorm, Star Castle, and Armor Attack. These games were specifically designed to take advantage of the console's vector graphics display.
When choosing between the Mattel Intellivision and Vectrex, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you value a diverse game library and innovative graphics, the Intellivision may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more unique gaming experience with vector graphics, the Vectrex could be the perfect fit for you. Both consoles offer a piece of gaming history worth exploring.