The Mattel Intellivision is regarded as one of the most iconic and influential gaming consoles of all time. Its release in 1980 marked a significant milestone in the video gaming industry, revolutionizing the way gamers interacted with their favorite games. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the Mattel Intellivision console’s history, its impact on the industry, reception, sales figures, games, and a review.
This article is intended for gamers and enthusiasts with a high school education level, providing an in-depth look at what made this console such a powerhouse in its time. It is essential to understand the significance of the Mattel Intellivision and how it played a vital role in shaping the gaming industry as we know it today.
Without a doubt, the Mattel Intellivision console deserves an exploratory retrospective, diving into its highs and lows, and its impact on the gaming community.
The History of Mattel Intellivision Console
The Mattel Intellivision Console was developed by Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the well-known toy manufacturer, Mattel Inc. The console was initially released in 1979, and although it was overshadowed by Atari at first, it quickly made a name for itself in the gaming world.
One of the console’s most unique features was its controller, which had a numeric keypad and was dubbed “the Master Component.” This controller opened up new possibilities for video games that simply weren’t possible before. Another standout feature was the console’s graphics, which were far more advanced than those of the Atari 2600. The console also boasted a sleek, futuristic design and was promoted as a premium product compared to its competitors.
The release of Mattel Intellivision Console revolutionized the gaming industry and set a new bar for what was possible in video games. With its sleek design, advanced graphics, and unique controller system, it quickly became a fan-favorite among gamers. The console delivered unique and innovative gameplay, including some of the first sports games such as basketball, hockey, and tennis.
The release of the Mattel Intellivision Console sparked new interest in the gaming market, prompting the production of new and advanced games with better graphics and gameplay. It also forced other gaming companies to reevaluate their approach in developing video games. The console helped create the modern gaming landscape we enjoy today, and it undoubtedly earned its place in video game history.
Reception and Sales of Mattel Intellivision Console
When Mattel introduced the Intellivision console in 1980, it immediately generated a lot of buzz in the gaming industry. The console boasted futuristic designs and specifications that were unheard of at the time. Therefore, it was easy to see why gamers and tech enthusiasts alike were excited about this new console.
Upon its release, the gaming community was divided on their opinion of the console. On the one hand, many gamers were impressed with the console’s advanced graphics and sound capabilities, which set it apart from other consoles at the time. However, others criticized the console’s controllers’ unique design, which took a while to get used to for some.
Despite the mixed reception, the Intellivision console was a commercial success. The console managed to sell 3 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful consoles of its time. It was released at a time when the gaming industry was rapidly expanding, making it a unique product at the time.
Although the console was highly successful, it still couldn’t beat Atari’s 2600 console in terms of sales. This was mainly because the Atari console was already established in the gaming market, making it difficult for newcomers to compete. Despite this, the success of the Intellivision helped shape the industry’s direction, inspire new consoles, and take the gaming experience to the next level.
Mattel Intellivision Console Games
The Mattel Intellivision Console was not known for its number of available games, but the ones that were available stood out as some of the most memorable and beloved games of the era. Here are some of the most popular titles:
- Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Released in 1982, this role-playing game was an instant classic. It was one of the earliest video games based on the popular tabletop game and was praised for its graphics and music.
- BurgerTime: In this game, players take on the role of a chef who has to assemble burgers by walking all over them. It may sound simple, but the addictive gameplay and catchy soundtrack made it an instant hit.
- Tron: Deadly Discs: A game based on the movie Tron, this was one of the earliest video games to incorporate voice synthesis. The gameplay consisted of the player throwing deadly discs at opponents and dodging their own opponents’ attacks.
Overall, the games on the Mattel Intellivision Console were well-received and innovative for their time. Many of these games were revolutionary in their gameplay and graphic design. Compared to other high-end games of the era, these games stood out as some of the most creative pieces of interactive entertainment.
Mattel Intellivision Console Review
After discussing the history and sales of the Mattel Intellivision Console, it is essential to analyze its pros and cons. When compared to the gaming consoles of today, the Mattel Intellivision is undoubtedly outdated. However, for its time, it was an impressive piece of technology that offered a unique gaming experience.
One of the primary advantages of the Mattel Intellivision console was its graphics. The console’s unique selling point was its ability to display “more realistic” graphics for the time. Unlike other consoles that had limited graphic capabilities, the Mattel Intellivision could present detailed gameplay, which led to a more immersive and entertaining gaming experience.
Another significant advantage of the Mattel Intellivision console was the design of its controller. The controller may seem archaic by today’s standards, but at the time, it was revolutionary. The controller had a 16-directional disc and numeric keypad that significantly enhanced the gaming experience. The controller allowed for more complex functional usage, including being able to control multiple in-game characters simultaneously.
However, the Mattel Intellivision Console’s disadvantages cannot be ignored. The biggest drawback of the console was its limited game library. Although the console’s games were incredibly popular during its release, they were only a mere fraction of the gaming options available on modern consoles. Additionally, the console had limited computing power, which resulted in a limited number of game physics or other interactive features.
Despite its cons, the Mattel Intellivision Console continues to be relevant for gamers today. The console’s unique features still have nostalgia for those who grew up with it. Those in the gaming industry have cited that the console is still relevant in gaming history and has influenced future consoles’ development. Furthermore, anyone looking to expand their collections or experience vintage gaming can find the Mattel Intellivision Console a worthy investment.
Conclusion
The Mattel Intellivision console was a revolutionary piece of gaming technology that helped shape the industry for generations to come. As we have learned throughout this retrospective, the console had a significant impact on the gaming industry, from its unique features and design to its new brand of gaming experiences.
Throughout this article, we’ve taken a deep dive into its history, reception, sales, games released, and finally, our review of the console itself. It is clear that this console played a crucial role in shaping the gaming industry as we know it today.
When looking back at history, it is essential to reflect on the impact that each piece of technology had on society. With the Mattel Intellivision console, it helped introduce new concepts that are now common features within modern gaming systems. It gave people a new gaming experience that challenged the status quo of the video game industry.
FAQs
What is the Mattel Intellivision console?
The Mattel Intellivision console was a gaming console released in 1979 by Mattel Electronics. It was popular in the early 80s and featured unique controllers and advanced graphics for the time.
What impact did the Mattel Intellivision console have on the gaming industry?The Mattel Intellivision console was one of the first consoles to feature advanced graphics and unique controllers. It challenged the dominance of Atari and paved the way for other gaming consoles to push the boundaries of gaming technology.
What were some of the most popular games on the Mattel Intellivision console?
Some of the most popular games on the Mattel Intellivision console included “Astrosmash,” “Tron: Deadly Discs,” and “BurgerTime.” These games were known for their innovative gameplay and graphics.
How does the Mattel Intellivision console compare to modern consoles?
In terms of graphics and processing power, the Mattel Intellivision console is significantly outdated compared to modern consoles. However, its unique controllers and innovative games still hold nostalgic value for many gamers.
Where can I try out the Mattel Intellivision console?
The Mattel Intellivision console is no longer in production, but it is possible to find used consoles and games online. Retro gaming stores and expos may also have the console available for play or purchase.
