| Intellivision | |
|---|---|
| |
| Manufacturer | Mattel |
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Second generation |
| Release date | 1979 |
| Retail availability | 1980 |
| Introductory price | $299 |
| Discontinued | 1984 |
| Units sold | 3 million |
| Media | ROM Cartridge |
| Controller input | Hardwired |
| Best-selling game | Donkey Kong |
| Successor | HyperScan |
The Intellivision is a second generation video game console made available in 1980 in North America.
Background[]
Development of the Intellivision started in 1978, less than a year after the introduction of its main competition, the Atari 2600. Over 3 million Intellivision units were sold and a total of 125 games were released for this console.
Online Capability[]
The Intellivision had the capability for online video game streaming through the PlayCable. Gamers could stream up to 20 games a month (with a fee). The PlayCable channel was broadcast through a special data channel within the FM Band of the cable line. Special PlayCable adapters would be connected to the cable line. Users could tune to the PlayCable channel, which showed a menu of game titles that could be played and used the keypad to select a game. The adapter would wait for the code of the selected title to show up in the data stream, then download the game to the adapter's internal memory for play.
Notes[]
The word "Intellivision" is a combination of "intelligent television".