Bally Astrocade
| Bally Astrocade | ||
|---|---|---|
|
||
| Manufacturer | Bally | |
| Type | stationary game console | |
| publication |
|
|
| Main processor | Zilog Z80 (8-bit) | |
| Storage media | Modules , cassettes | |
| Controller | 4 multifunction controllers / light pen | |
| Online service | none | |
| Units sold | unknown | |
| predecessor | none | |
| successor | none | |
The Bally Astrocade , also known as The Professional Arcade , Bally Computer System or Astrocade , is a programmable 8-bit home video game console of the 2nd generation , which was sold by Bally from 1977 to 1985.
Technical specifications
- Processor: Zilog Z80 clocked at 1.789 M Hz
- RAM : 4 KB , expandable to 64 KB
- ROM : 8 KB
- Resolution: 160 × 102 to 320 × 204 pixels with 8 colors (no sprites )
- Audio: 3 voices and noise
- Mini keyboard with 24 keys, also for game overlays , full keyboard optional
- Up to four controllers with pistol triggers, the button on top also serves as a joystick and paddle .
particularities
The game console can be expanded into a CP / M -compatible home computer with keyboard using the ZGrass-32 unit . With a BASIC - Cartridge , which, like the device itself, from 1980 Jamie Fenton was developed, can also be written programs themselves. Other special features include the innovative design of the multifunction controller and the relatively high graphics capabilities.
Despite its superiority, the system, like others, could not hold its own against the Atari 2600 . The starting price was US $ 299. In 1979, Bally lost $ 10 million on this system and sold the rights to Astrovision. There were other name changes and an improved BASIC version in 1982 before the video game crash in 1983 .
Games
Four programs were installed ( Gun Fight , Checkmate, Calculator and Scribblings). 45 games were produced on modules (in cassette optics) and from 1980 more on cassettes. The games were called "Videocade". The following games have been released:
|
|
Arcade use
The sound hardware was also used in several arcade games such as Gorf and Wizard of Wor .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Zgrass unit on ballyalley.com
- ↑ Burnham: Supercade, p: 168