Chapter 1.8

Coleco ColecoVision (1982)

History

In the midst of intense competition from Atari and Mattel, Coleco’s ColecoVision tried to distinguish itself with “arcade-quality” graphics and ports. This was 1982, and the arcade was the place to go if you wanted to play state-of-the-art-games. Conversions of hit arcade games like Pac-Man for home consoles usually meant a severe reduction in graphical detail and animation, especially in the case of the Atari 2600. Coleco realized a market existed for a higher-end console that could do a better job of bringing the arcade experience home, but the competition would be ferocious. The Atari 2600 had an all-you-care-to-play buffet of great games and accessories, and the Intellivision was the undisputed ...

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