The retro gaming world is filled with nostalgia, excitement, and mystery. For many enthusiasts, the 1980s were the golden era of video games, when iconic consoles like Intellivision and Colecovision ruled the living rooms. While these consoles may seem similar, many people wonder – are Intellivision and Colecovision the same? In this article, we’ll delve into the history, features, and differences between these two beloved retro gaming giants.
The Birth of Rivals
Intellivision, released in 1980, was the brainchild of Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the popular toy company Mattel. The console was designed to compete with the Atari 2600, which was dominating the market at the time. Intellivision’s launch was met with great fanfare, touted as a superior alternative to the Atari 2600, with better graphics and sound.
Colecovision, on the other hand, was released in 1982 by Coleco Industries, a company known for its success in the toy and game industry. Coleco saw an opportunity to create a console that could not only rival Intellivision but also surpass it in terms of graphics, sound, and game selection.
The Battle for Supremacy
The early 1980s were a tumultuous time for the gaming industry, with multiple consoles vying for market share. Intellivision and Colecovision quickly became embroiled in a heated battle for supremacy, each trying to outdo the other in terms of technology, games, and marketing.
Intellivision’s strong point was its graphics capabilities, which were considered superior to those of the Atari 2600. The console boasted a 16-bit processor, 4KB of RAM, and a custom graphics chip, allowing for detailed and colorful graphics. The console’s controller, featuring a 12-button keypad and a joystick, was also praised for its ergonomics and functionality.
Colecovision, not to be outdone, countered with its own technical advancements. The console featured a 3.58 MHz processor, 1KB of RAM, and a custom graphics chip that enabled near-arcade-quality graphics. The console’s controller, while similar to Intellivision’s, had a more ergonomic design and a detachable keypad.
Games, Games, and More Games
Games were a crucial aspect of the console war between Intellivision and Colecovision. Both consoles boasted an impressive library of titles, many of which were exclusive to each platform.
Intellivision was known for its sports games, such as NFL Football and Major League Baseball, which were praised for their realism and depth. The console also featured popular titles like Space Armada, a space-themed shooter, and Astrosmash, a space-themed action game.
Colecovision, on the other hand, had a strong lineup of arcade ports, including Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Q*bert. The console also featured a range of original titles, such as Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel’s Castle, a platformer based on the popular cartoon.
Key Differences
While both consoles shared some similarities, there were several key differences that set them apart.
Graphics and Sound
Intellivision’s graphics capabilities were generally considered superior to those of Colecovision, particularly in terms of resolution and color depth. However, Colecovision’s sound capabilities were more advanced, featuring a dedicated sound chip and support for stereo sound.
Controller Design
The controllers for both consoles had their own unique features and designs. Intellivision’s controller featured a 12-button keypad and a joystick, while Colecovision’s controller had a more ergonomic design and a detachable keypad.
Game Selection
As mentioned earlier, both consoles had their own exclusive games, but Intellivision was known for its sports titles, while Colecovision had a stronger lineup of arcade ports.
Price Point
Colecovision was generally priced lower than Intellivision, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers.
The Legacy of Rivals
Despite their rivalry, both Intellivision and Colecovision left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. They pushed the boundaries of technology, innovation, and game design, paving the way for future consoles.
Intellivision, although ultimately discontinued in 1990, remains a beloved retro gaming icon, with a dedicated community of enthusiasts and collectors. The console’s games, such as Night Stalker and Thin Ice, are still celebrated for their unique gameplay and charm.
Colecovision, while not as widely remembered as Intellivision, still maintains a loyal following, with many enthusiasts praising its arcade-quality graphics and sound. The console’s games, such as Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel’s Castle and Dragon’s Lair, continue to delight retro gaming enthusiasts.
A New Era of Rivalry?
In recent years, both Intellivision and Colecovision have experienced a resurgence of interest, with modern retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors seeking out these classic consoles and games.
In 2018, Intellivision announced the development of a new console, the Intellivision Amico, which promises to revive the spirit of retro gaming while incorporating modern features and gameplay.
Colecovision, meanwhile, has seen a rise in homebrew development, with enthusiasts creating new games and hardware for the classic console.
The Future of Retro Gaming
As we look to the future of retro gaming, it’s clear that the rivalry between Intellivision and Colecovision will continue to shape the industry. With new consoles, games, and innovations on the horizon, the spirit of competition and innovation that defined the 1980s will once again come to the forefront.
In conclusion, while Intellivision and Colecovision share some similarities, they are most certainly not the same. Each console brought its own unique features, games, and innovations to the table, shaping the retro gaming landscape in ways that continue to influence the industry today. As we look to the future, one thing is clear – the rivalry between Intellivision and Colecovision will remain a vital part of gaming history.
What are Intellivision and Colecovision?
Intellivision and Colecovision are two popular retro gaming consoles from the 1980s. Intellivision was released in 1980 by Mattel, while Colecovision was released in 1982 by Coleco. Both consoles were designed to compete with the Atari 2600, which was the dominant gaming console at the time.
Both Intellivision and Colecovision offered advanced graphics and gameplay compared to the Atari 2600, and they quickly gained popularity among gamers. Intellivision was known for its sports games, such as NFL Football and Major League Baseball, while Colecovision was popular for its arcade-style games like Donkey Kong and Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel’s Castle.
Are Intellivision and Colecovision the same?
No, Intellivision and Colecovision are not the same. Although they were released around the same time and were competitors in the gaming market, they are two distinct consoles with their own unique features, games, and controllers.
Intellivision was known for its high-quality sports games and its ability to produce 16-bit graphics, which was a significant improvement over the Atari 2600. Colecovision, on the other hand, had a more extensive library of arcade-style games and was compatible with Atari 2600 games through an expansion module.
What were some of the key differences between Intellivision and Colecovision?
One of the main differences between Intellivision and Colecovision was their controllers. Intellivision controllers had a unique design with a numeric keypad and a disc-shaped directional pad, while Colecovision controllers were more similar to the Atari 2600 controllers.
Another key difference was the type of games available for each console. Intellivision focused on sports games and educational titles, while Colecovision had a more extensive library of arcade-style games and adventure games. Additionally, Colecovision was compatible with Atari 2600 games through an expansion module, which gave it an edge over Intellivision in terms of game availability.
Which console was more popular?
Intellivision was initially more popular than Colecovision, with higher sales figures and more extensive marketing campaigns. However, Colecovision quickly gained popularity due to its extensive library of games and its compatibility with Atari 2600 games.
In the end, Intellivision sold around 3 million units, while Colecovision sold around 5 million units. Although both consoles were eventually discontinued due to the video game crash of 1983, Colecovision outsold Intellivision in the long run.
Are Intellivision and Colecovision still playable today?
Yes, both Intellivision and Colecovision are still playable today, although the original consoles are rare and often expensive. Many retro gaming enthusiasts still collect and play the original consoles, and there are also various ways to play the games on modern devices.
Emulators and retro gaming consoles like the RetroN 77 and the Colleen allow players to play Intellivision and Colecovision games on modern TVs and computers. Additionally, many of the classic games have been re-released on modern gaming platforms like the Nintendo Virtual Console and the PlayStation Store.
What legacy do Intellivision and Colecovision have in the gaming industry?
Intellivision and Colecovision played an important role in the development of the gaming industry. They introduced new concepts like sports games, educational titles, and arcade-style games, which paved the way for later consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis.
Many gamers who grew up in the 1980s have fond memories of playing Intellivision and Colecovision games, and the consoles continue to be celebrated by retro gaming enthusiasts today. Additionally, the legacy of Intellivision and Colecovision can be seen in modern gaming trends, such as the resurgence of retro-style games and the popularity of gaming nostalgia.
Are there any plans to revive Intellivision and Colecovision?
Yes, there have been several attempts to revive Intellivision and Colecovision over the years. In 2018, Intellivision Entertainment announced plans to release a new Intellivision console, the Amico, which would feature updated versions of classic Intellivision games.
Coleco, the company behind Colecovision, has also released several retro-style consoles and handheld devices featuring classic Colecovision games. Additionally, there have been several indie developers who have created new games inspired by Intellivision and Colecovision, demonstrating the ongoing popularity and influence of these retro gaming consoles.