Which Intellivision console do you prefer, original, II, or III?

[atarigal]

I found the Intellivision FAQ on the INTV Funhouse website so I understand the technical differences, but which do you think has the best play value or durability? Thinking about picking one up sometime but not sure which to get.

[jaybird3rd]

An original Intellivision Master Component or an INTV System III would probably be the best from a maintainability point of view. More people also seem to prefer the feel of the controllers on those systems. True, the controllers are unpluggable on the Intellivision II, but if anything wears out inside them, they're much more difficult to open and repair than the controllers for the I or the III. It's also harder to replace the chips in an Intellivision II if you ever need to, since they're usually all soldered in. Plus, the original seems to be the cheapest and most plentiful model on the used market.

 

I find myself using a II these days, mainly because it's smaller and is the best cosmetic match for my restored ECS Computer Adaptor. But when I get my game room set up, I'll probably do most of my gaming on an original Intellivision paired with a matching Voice Synthesis Module.

[ghsqb]

I found the Intellivision FAQ on the INTV Funhouse website so I understand the technical differences, but which do you think has the best play value or durability? Thinking about picking one up sometime but not sure which to get.

 

I'd definitely say the Super Pro System or the Intellivision III.

IMHO the original has the best hand controllers and wood grain goodness but issues with overheating, and the inability to easily swap out damaged or defective hand controllers make Intelly III the choice I think.

 

I'd say stay away from the II.

 

Incompatibility with some of the games, and the worst hand controllers of the group make this one a no go.

[atarigal]

Thanks! These replies are very helpful. I had read about the II not playing certain games, but wasn't sure how much of a problem it really was. I'm kind of glad to hear the II is not the best one, because to be honest I don't like the aesthetics of it. I know that's a bad reason to dislike it though. The original and the III just look way cooler to me.

[+cmart604]

I'd suggest either the Tandyvision version (like the original but with much darker woodygraininess ) or the Sears Super Pro System because of the removable controllers. The controllers on the INTV 2 as mentioned are not as tactile in my books. Whichever model you choose, it'll be awesome!

 

You should be able to get a loose system and a fair number of games for $30-50. Many of the best games are common and fairly inexpensive. Try PM'ing Revolutionika and see if he has a system available. There are a number of us you can hit up for cheap games. If you have any questions feel free to ask away.

[ghsqb]

Thanks! These replies are very helpful. I had read about the II not playing certain games, but wasn't sure how much of a problem it really was. I'm kind of glad to hear the II is not the best one, because to be honest I don't like the aesthetics of it. I know that's a bad reason to dislike it though. The original and the III just look way cooler to me.

 

The III has a lot of advantages, but personally I like the I because the controllers just feel better.

The keys on the number pad are bubbled and raised a little, there's a definite response when you push them.

The keypad on the III, the numbers are kind of flat.

Having said all that, as mentioned in my first post, the first model had issues with overheating and if you get wonky controllers its a real headache.

 

That's why the III is the safer bet.

 

Once you decide which one you want, just let us know, its a very friendly group here, and I'm sure the group here can hook you up with a system and a good compliment of games at prices much more attractive than ebay.

[+cmart604]

Thanks! These replies are very helpful. I had read about the II not playing certain games, but wasn't sure how much of a problem it really was. I'm kind of glad to hear the II is not the best one, because to be honest I don't like the aesthetics of it. I know that's a bad reason to dislike it though. The original and the III just look way cooler to me.

 

The III has a lot of advantages, but personally I like the I because the controllers just feel better.

The keys on the number pad are bubbled and raised a little, there's a definite response when you push them.

The keypad on the III, the numbers are kind of flat.

Having said all that, as mentioned in my first post, the first model had issues with overheating and if you get wonky controllers its a real headache.

 

That's why the III is the safer bet.

 

Once you decide which one you want, just let us know, its a very friendly group here, and I'm sure the group here can hook you up with a system and a good compliment of games at prices much more attractive than ebay.

 

 

I think the overheating seems to be found in the earlier batches of the INTV 1, I must admit I haven't encountered it very much. I too prefer the bubbled feel of the INTV 1 controllers.

[tz101]

I have two model I's, but from a purchase standpoint I highly recommend model III, purely due to aging of components. A model III is essentially identical to model I only the electronic components have had less years to die from age-related rot. It doesn't take a mathematician to figure it out...

[theredlineboss]

I have a model 1 and a Telegames version and I actually prefer the Telegames unit. Besides liking the look, I have to say that the removable contorollers are quite convenient, as they work nicely with a generic extension cable.

 

-Rob

[Rev]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

 

 

 

 

 

[jaybird3rd]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

You're making me cry. As an educational technology freak and an Intellivision fan, I'd love to get to explore the TutorVision and the library of games that were made for it someday, but I'll probably never have the opportunity. They're such nice-looking machines, too.

[atarigal]

Thanks again! I sounds like maybe the III or one of the Sears ones are our best option. I've been looking on eBay but the auctions are kind of unpredictable on there, so it's good to know I can find one here.

 

One question, are the games playable without the inserts? And does every game have inserts or are some played without them? This will sound pretty dumb, but it actually took me a few minutes to figure out they were for the controllers, HA.

[jaybird3rd]

One question, are the games playable without the inserts? And does every game have inserts or are some played without them? This will sound pretty dumb, but it actually took me a few minutes to figure out they were for the controllers, HA.

Several Intellivision games took full advantage of the 12-button keypads, so they might be a little difficult to figure out without the hand controller overlays. Here is a website which includes scans of most of the overlays, and the manuals as well, in case the games you get don't come with them.

[atarigal]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

 

Ooo pretty. Do you actually have one of those or did they not exist in consumer form?

[jaybird3rd]

Ooo pretty. Do you actually have one of those or did they not exist in consumer form?

They exist, but they're rarer than hens' teeth; I think only two or three of them have ever been found. They're prototypes (circa 1989) for what was going to be an educational video game console, a joint venture between INTV and World Book Encyclopedia. Here is an interesting item from the Intellivision Lives! newsletter about it. It's a fascinating project, and it looks as if substantial development work was done on it, but for whatever reason, it was never released.

[BassGuitari]

I like all of them, but I think my favorite is actually the Intellivision II.

 

Contrary to popular misconception, 4 of the 8 Coleco titles are perfectly compatible with Intellivision II (Donkey Kong Junior, Zaxxon, Turbo, and Lady Bug). Only Donkey Kong, Carnival, Mouse Trap, and Venture WILL NOT run on an Intellivision II, in addition to (I think) one of the Electric Company games (what a loss...).

 

But in exchange for not being able to play a handful of mediocre-to-below-average games (okay, Venture is pretty rad), the Intellivision II can be used with the ECS computer adapter (which a handful of quasi-rare games require, but is neat even by itself) and System Changer 2600 adapter.

 

The controllers really aren't that bad, either. They're a little strange in that the fire buttons aren't actually buttons (they're more like pressure points, and as such, they offer virtually zero tactile feedback), but they're surprisingly responsive. Once you make the connection that you aren't actually pressing buttons, you get a feel for them. Or at least, I did.

 

[BassGuitari]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

You're making me cry. As an educational technology freak and an Intellivision fan, I'd love to get to explore the TutorVision and the library of games that were made for it someday, but I'll probably never have the opportunity. They're such nice-looking machines, too.

 

Sean Kelly actually had a Tutorvision Commando at Midwest Gaming Classic last month. No idea if it sold. I sincerely doubt it, but I guess I can ask Sean when I pick up my Vectrex controller, which he's fixing up for me.

 

During the show, I asked him where he got it, and he said, "If I tell you, I'll have to kill you!"

 

I said, "I've had a good run. Spill it."

[+cmart604]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

You're making me cry. As an educational technology freak and an Intellivision fan, I'd love to get to explore the TutorVision and the library of games that were made for it someday, but I'll probably never have the opportunity. They're such nice-looking machines, too.

 

Sean Kelly actually had a Tutorvision Commando at Midwest Gaming Classic last month. No idea if it sold. I sincerely doubt it, but I guess I can ask Sean when I pick up my Vectrex controller, which he's fixing up for me.

 

During the show, I asked him where he got it, and he said, "If I tell you, I'll have to kill you!"

 

I said, "I've had a good run. Spill it."

 

Nice! Wow, if that didn't sell..... Please let me know. I bought my mint Learning Fun 2 from Sean about six months ago, he has ridiculous stuff.

[+cmart604]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doesn't matter how many times I see this, I can't get enough.

[zylon]

Go with a Tandyvision. Mine has never failed me. I never really cared for the II's but I have seen copies of the incompatible games that do work on them. It's in the fine print on the label. A later production run had compatibility upgrades.

[Rev]

You could always go with the Tutorvision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doesn't matter how many times I see this, I can't get enough.

 

 

 

 

pretty, huh?

 

Im sure one will pop up sooner or later.

[atarigal]

Go with a Tandyvision. Mine has never failed me. I never really cared for the II's but I have seen copies of the incompatible games that do work on them. It's in the fine print on the label. A later production run had compatibility upgrades.

 

I do like the look of the Tandyvision. Reminds me of the Atari we had as a kid.

[edintv]

I found the Intellivision FAQ on the INTV Funhouse website so I understand the technical differences, but which do you think has the best play value or durability? Thinking about picking one up sometime but not sure which to get.

 

I'd definitely say the Super Pro System or the Intellivision III.

IMHO the original has the best hand controllers and wood grain goodness but issues with overheating, and the inability to easily swap out damaged or defective hand controllers make Intelly III the choice I think.

 

I'd say stay away from the II.

 

Incompatibility with some of the games, and the worst hand controllers of the group make this one a no go.

 

I Agree, but please note that the Intv System III had several Versions of the controllersm I have the lucky to find the best one that is like the Original (golden Keypad) Stay away of the ones with Black keypad because is more frustrating to new users.

[crade]

I'm a bit surprised no one likes the II, I don't like the old keypads as much because the stupid bubble things always end up sticking. I'll admit that opening up the II controllers is a bad idea though I just keep some spares around, but you can use different controllers with the intv II if you like too. My Intellivision II has lasted me from about 1984 or so until now with no serious problems other than replacing the controllers every once in a while. I do have an original in the basement I could bring out if I ever want to play coleco games, but for some reason it hasn't been an issue yet

[BassGuitari]

I'm a bit surprised no one likes the II, I don't like the old keypads as much because the stupid bubble things always end up sticking. I'll admit that opening up the II controllers is a bad idea though I just keep some spares around, but you can use different controllers with the intv II if you like too. My Intellivision II has lasted me from about 1984 or so until now with no serious problems other than replacing the controllers every once in a while. I do have an original in the basement I could bring out if I ever want to play coleco games, but for some reason it hasn't been an issue yet

 

I like all of them, but I think my favorite is actually the Intellivision II.

 

Contrary to popular misconception, 4 of the 8 Coleco titles are perfectly compatible with Intellivision II (Donkey Kong Junior, Zaxxon, Turbo, and Lady Bug). Only Donkey Kong, Carnival, Mouse Trap, and Venture WILL NOT run on an Intellivision II, in addition to (I think) one of the Electric Company games (what a loss...).

 

But in exchange for not being able to play a handful of mediocre-to-below-average games (okay, Venture is pretty rad), the Intellivision II can be used with the ECS computer adapter (which a handful of quasi-rare games require, but is neat even by itself) and System Changer 2600 adapter.

 

The controllers really aren't that bad, either. They're a little strange in that the fire buttons aren't actually buttons (they're more like pressure points, and as such, they offer virtually zero tactile feedback), but they're surprisingly responsive. Once you make the connection that you aren't actually pressing buttons, you get a feel for them. Or at least, I did.

 

 

I'll amend my earlier post, however, in regards to the ECS computer adapter: I just tried it on my Tandyvision, and it works. So apparently the ECS will work with any Intellivision system.

 

(I wonder how "it will only work on a II" got started, let alone taken as gospel for so long? Probably the same way that "Intellivision II won't run ANY Coleco titles" did. )

 

Regardless, I still like Intellivision II the best. :D

 

And honestly, I've always thought the "don't get an Intellivision II because it won't play X,Y, and Z" is a bunch of crap, since -let's face it- the games that are incompatible with it aren't games you're likely to want to play much anyway, other than to see if they're as bad as you remember. (Venture, again, being the notable exception.)