On This Day: January 8, 1980 - Mattel Intellivision Released in the United States

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Pete

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On this day, January 8, 1980, the Mattel Intellivision video game system was officially released in the United States. As the first true competitor to the Atari 2600, the Intellivision brought a new level of sophistication to home gaming with its advanced graphics, innovative controller design, and impressive library of games.

The console featured a unique 16-direction control pad and a numeric keypad, which allowed for more complex gameplay. Its standout games included Astrosmash, BurgerTime, and B-17 Bomber. Intellivision also introduced the first voice synthesis module, setting it apart as a system ahead of its time.

Fun Fact: In 2009, IGN ranked the Mattel Intellivision #14 on their list of the greatest video game consoles of all time, praising its role in shaping the future of gaming.

Did you own or play an Intellivision? How do you think it compared to the Atari 2600? What were your favorite games?
 
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