Sega Dreamcast vs Intellivision

The Intellivision and Sega Dreamcast are two iconic gaming consoles from different eras. The Intellivision, released in 1979, was a pioneer in home gaming with its innovative controller and library of classic games. On the other hand, the Sega Dreamcast, released in 1999, was ahead of its time with its online capabilities and impressive graphics for its time.

General information

Sega Dreamcast
Intellivision
Introduction :
The Sega Dreamcast was released in 1999 and was the last console released by Sega. It was popular in markets such as Japan and North America but ultimately failed to compete with the PlayStation 2. Despite its short lifespan, the Dreamcast has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and is highly sought after by collectors for its innovative games and unique features like the VMU memory card.
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.
Advantages :
  • The Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time in terms of graphics
  • It had a built-in modem for online gaming capabilities
  • The controller design was innovative and comfortable to use
  • The console had a wide variety of unique and exclusive games
  • The Dreamcast had a strong cult following and loyal fanbase
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.
Disadvantages :
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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.
Year launched : 1999
The Sega Dreamcast was launched in 1999, offering cutting-edge graphics and innovative features for its time. Despite its short lifespan, it left a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
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.
Manufacturer : Sega
Sega Dreamcast was manufactured by Sega, a prominent player in the gaming industry known for their innovative consoles and popular game titles. The Dreamcast was Sega's last home console before transitioning to a third-party software developer.
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.
๐ŸŸก Popularity : Average.
The Sega Dreamcast had moderate success during its release in the late 1990s, selling over 9 million units worldwide. It had a dedicated fan base and introduced innovative features, but faced tough competition from Sony's PlayStation 2.
๐ŸŸก 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.
Form factor : Home console.
The Sega Dreamcast is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location such as a living room. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
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.
Official website : https://www.sega.com/


Market and availability

Sega Dreamcast
Intellivision
Console markets :
Console markets :
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast is now considered retro and collectible, with a dedicated fan base driving up prices for rare editions and games. Its innovative features and unique library make it a sought-after item for collectors.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Sega Dreamcast 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.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸข Console cost : Low.
The Sega Dreamcast is considered a low-cost option for gamers due to its discontinued status and availability primarily through the second-hand market. Prices can vary but generally remain affordable.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
While new games are no longer being produced, there is a decent selection of secondhand games available for the Sega Dreamcast. Some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to collectibility.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Sega Dreamcast is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many can be found at reasonable prices in the second-hand market.
๐ŸŸก 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.


Technology

Sega Dreamcast
Intellivision
Architecture : .
The Sega Dreamcast uses a 128-bit architecture, making it more powerful than its predecessors. This allowed for improved graphics and gameplay experiences compared to older consoles.
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.
CPU : Hitachi SH-4
The Sega Dreamcast uses the Hitachi SH-4 CPU, which was a 32-bit RISC processor known for its performance capabilities at the time of the console's release in 1999.
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.
Memory : 16 Mb
The Sega Dreamcast has 16 Mb of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for high-quality graphics and gameplay experiences on the console.
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.
Video output : Composite
The Sega Dreamcast has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter or converter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
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.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast is equipped with a dedicated GPU, the PowerVR2 CLX2, which was considered advanced for its time and contributed to the console's impressive graphics capabilities and performance.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸข Internet connected : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast was one of the first consoles to feature built-in internet connectivity through a modem adapter. Players could access online multiplayer, web browsing, and downloadable content.
๐Ÿ”ด 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.
Game media format : CD.
The primary game format for the Sega Dreamcast is CD. Games are typically played using compact discs inserted into the console 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.


Gaming

Sega Dreamcast
Intellivision
Controllers : 4 controllers/players
The Sega Dreamcast supports up to 4 controllers for multiplayer gaming, allowing for a fun and engaging experience for friends and family to enjoy together on the same console.
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.
๐ŸŸข Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast was one of the first consoles to offer online multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to connect and compete with others over the internet, revolutionizing the gaming experience.
๐ŸŸข 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.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Sega Dreamcast were released consistently during its lifespan, with a good variety of genres available. Many titles are still sought after by collectors, making them somewhat valuable in the secondhand market.
๐ŸŸก 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.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic Adventure, Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, and Crazy Taxi. These games are highly regarded and have a dedicated fan base.
๐ŸŸข 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.


When choosing between the Intellivision and Sega Dreamcast, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and nostalgia. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and classic titles, the Intellivision may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more modern gaming experience with online capabilities and improved graphics, the Sega Dreamcast would be the better option. Both consoles have their own unique charm and appeal, so choose based on what suits your gaming preferences best.