History : Intellivision

 

The Intellivision is a classic video game console that holds a special place in gaming history. Developed by Mattel Electronics and released in 1979, it offered innovative features and a diverse library of games that set it apart from its competitors. The Intellivision's story is one of technological advancements, intense competition, and a passionate community of gamers.

The development of the Intellivision began in the late 1970s when Mattel Electronics, a subsidiary of the toy company Mattel, recognized the growing popularity of home video game consoles. Seeking to enter the market dominated by Atari's Atari 2600, Mattel set out to create a console that would deliver more advanced graphics and gameplay experiences.

The Intellivision, short for "intelligent television," was designed to provide a higher level of graphics and audio capabilities than its contemporaries. It boasted a 16-bit processor, which was far superior to the 8-bit processors used in other consoles at the time. This increased processing power allowed for more detailed graphics and complex gameplay mechanics.

The Intellivision was released on December 3, 1979, with an initial launch price of $299. It featured a sleek, silver-colored design and a distinctive hand controller. Unlike the simple joystick controllers of its competitors, the Intellivision's controller included a numeric keypad, a directional disc, and side buttons, providing players with greater control and input options.

The console's library of games quickly expanded, offering a wide variety of genres and experiences. Mattel Electronics collaborated with various third-party developers to create games for the Intellivision, resulting in a diverse lineup that appealed to different tastes. Popular titles included "Astrosmash," "BurgerTime," "Pitfall!," and "Tron: Deadly Discs," among others.

One of the standout features of the Intellivision was its graphical capabilities. It offered more detailed and vibrant graphics compared to its competitors, thanks to its superior hardware. This allowed for more visually impressive games and enhanced the overall gaming experience for players.

Another notable feature of the Intellivision was its voice synthesis module, called the Intellivoice. Released in 1982 as an optional add-on, the Intellivoice allowed certain games to feature spoken dialogue and sound effects, adding a new dimension of immersion to the gameplay. However, due to its late release and limited game support, the Intellivoice did not achieve widespread success.

The Intellivision faced stiff competition from Atari's dominant Atari 2600, which had a larger game library and a more established user base. Atari's aggressive marketing campaigns and industry dominance posed challenges for the Intellivision, despite its technological advantages. However, the Intellivision was able to carve out a dedicated fan base and attract players who appreciated its enhanced graphics and sophisticated gameplay.

The console continued to evolve with the release of the Intellivision II in 1983. The Intellivision II featured a more compact design and addressed some of the technical limitations of the original model. It also introduced a simplified controller that aimed to improve usability and accessibility.

Despite its technological advancements and passionate fan base, the Intellivision struggled to compete with the emerging home computer market and the growing popularity of more advanced gaming consoles. In 1984, Mattel Electronics faced financial difficulties, leading to the discontinuation of the Intellivision and the closure of its video game division.

The Intellivision's legacy lives on through the continued appreciation of its unique contributions to the gaming industry. It is remembered as a console that pushed the boundaries of graphics and gameplay at a time when the industry was still in its infancy. The console's diverse library of games and innovative features set it apart from its competitors and garnered a dedicated following.

In recent years, Intellivision Entertainment has announced the development of a new console called the Intellivision Amico, which aims to recapture the spirit of the original Intellivision while embracing modern gaming trends. The Intellivision Amico is set to release in 2021, marking a new chapter in the Intellivision legacy.

The Intellivision holds a special place in gaming history as a console that brought advanced graphics and enhanced gameplay to the home gaming experience. Its technological innovations and diverse game library left a lasting impact on the industry, influencing future console designs and inspiring generations of gamers. The Intellivision's legacy is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its creators, who helped shape the gaming landscape we know today.