Intellivision (1980)
Mattel Electronics US
The Console That Dared to Dream Bigger
In a landscape dominated by the Atari 2600, a challenger arose, promising a richer and more immersive gaming experience. That challenger was the Intellivision by Mattel Electronics. While perhaps not as widely remembered as some of its peers, the Intellivision was bold, innovative, and pivotal in shaping the gaming industry's trajectory.
| Release Date: | January 1979 |
| Units Sold: | 3 million |
| CPU | General Instrument CP1610 (16-bit) |
| Memory: | 1.4 KB RAM |
| Original Price: | $299 (Approximately $1,040 in 2023) |
| Notable Titles: | Astrosmash, Major League Baseball |
Setting the Stage
Mattel Electronics introduced the Intellivision to the market in 1979. Not content with being just another player in the gaming industry, Mattel positioned the Intellivision as the sophisticated alternative to Atari, touting its superior graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Innovative Features Galore
One of the Intellivision's standout features was its unique controller. Rather than a joystick or a paddle, it had a disc that allowed for 16-directional movement, offering a precision that was unparalleled at the time. Accompanied by a numeric keypad and interchangeable overlays for game-specific controls, the Intellivision was ambitious in its approach to interactive entertainment.
Not to be outdone in the audio department, Mattel released the Intellivoice Voice Synthesis Module. This add-on provided voice synthesis capabilities, bringing games to life in a way that few of its contemporaries could match.
Game Library and Legacy
While the Intellivision's hardware was impressive, it would've been nothing without a solid lineup of games. Titles like B-17 Bomber, Astrosmash and Utopia were not just fun to play but showcased the console's technical prowess. Utopia, in particular, is often credited as one of the earliest strategy simulation games.
Direct comparisons with Atari were inevitable, and Mattel embraced this, often running commercials that pitted games from both consoles side by side, highlighting the Intellivision's superior visuals and depth.
Fun Facts:
The Intellivision was one of the first consoles to introduce downloadable games, albeit in a very primitive form, through the PlayCable service.
Mattel had big plans for the Intellivision, including a keyboard component that would transform the console into a personal computer. While this component was announced, it faced numerous delays and was eventually scrapped.
The Intellivision's legacy endured beyond its initial run. Mattel sold the rights to the Intellivision, leading to the creation of the Intellivision II, and the brand has seen various revivals in the decades since.
The Intellivision may not have managed to topple the Atari 2600 from its pedestal, but its influence and ambition are undeniable. By pushing the boundaries of what a home console could offer, Mattel's Intellivision laid the groundwork for future innovations in gaming. For those with a passion for gaming history, the Intellivision stands as a monument to a time of rapid evolution and a testament to the idea that taking risks can lead to unforgettable experiences.