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Magnavox Odyssey²
Magnavox had been playing around with Pong consoles throughout the 70’s but didn’t make another “cartridge” based console (and I use that term loosely as the Odyssey barely qualified) until 1978. The Odyssey² was another console aimed at being both a video game and home computer. However unlike the separate keyboard for the Intellivision the Odyssey² had one built in.
While it was technically inferior to the 2600, its main competitor, it did have a faster processor. Graphics were on par with the Channel F but with twice the colors. The image below is a European Magnavox Odyssey², distributed by Philips, that shows the graphical capabilities. Controllers were the standard joystick with one button. Thankfully no keypads here. The Odyssey² was programmable but only on a very basic level. A cartridge titled “Computer Intro!” was intended to teach basic programming. Other educational games would also use the keyboard which for other games was thankfully only for option selection. Membrane keyboards…ugh…woe to those who know them.
A unique add-on (which to my memory is the first of its type in console history) is the Chess Module. This module held a second CPU and extra memory to run Chess as the console itself lacked the power. Which is really funny to think about when you can buy crappy LCD chess games from the toy section today. Though rudimentary, this add on would pave the way for similar cartridges with add-ons like the FX chip in Starfox.
The Odyssey² would be the last video game console released with the Magnavox name as Philips had bought the company. Philips would release their own attempt at a gaming console which was the CDi, but we’ll cover that abomination in due time. As with the Fairchild the Odyssey² is a rare bird. Sales were low and as such very hard to find. Sorry guys but I don’t have this one either so image credits go again to Evan-Amos (jeez that guy’s photos have been a lifesaver), Liftarn, and boffy_b. I promise though once we hit the 3rd generation of consoles I’ll have some hands on experience to share.
Dusty Consoles 