Interton Video Computer 4000

Interton Video Computer 4000
An Interton VC 4000 with its accompanying game controller
Also known asInterton VC 4000 (abbreviation)
ManufacturerInterton
TypeHome video game console
GenerationSecond generation
Release date1978; 46 years ago (1978)
Introductory priceDM 298 (equivalent to DM 380.69 in 2021)
Discontinued1983
Units soldUnknown
Units shippedUnknown
CPUSignetics 2650A
Removable storageCartridges
GraphicsSignetics 2636 video controller[1]
Input2 controllers with 12 buttons, 2 fire buttons and an analog joystick
Online servicesNone
MassUnknown
Best-selling gameUnknown
PredecessorInterton Video 3001
SuccessorNone
Related1292 Advanced Programmable Video System
Company logo

The Interton Video Computer 4000 (officially abbreviated as Interton VC 4000) is an early 8-bit ROM cartridge-based second-generation home video game console that was released in Germany, England, France, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia in 1978 by German hearing aid manufacturer[2] Interton.[3][4] The console is quite obscure outside Germany, but many software-compatible systems can be found in numerous European countries (see versions of the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System). The console is the successor of the Interton Video 3001 and was sold for 298 Deutsche Mark and discontinued in 1983.[3]

It's unknown if Interton designed and produced the Interton VC 4000 within their own rights, or if they were sold the rights to design and produce it. This is because many other foreign brands have produced "clones" of this system in the preceding years.

The Interton VC 4000's power comes from a Signetics 2650 CPU (which is the same as an Arcadia 2001) and a Signetics 2636 gaming controller. Both controllers contain a 12-button keypad, two fire buttons, and a joystick. Inside the systems control panel, there are four different buttons. The ON/OFF switch, RESET, SELECT, and START.[5]

Released versions

The console was produced by different companies and sold with different names. Not every console is compatible with others due to differences in the shapes and dimensions of the cartridge slots, but all of the systems are software compatible.[6] In the article about the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System, there is a table with all the software-compatible consoles grouped by compatibility family (due to the slots).

Technical specifications

List of games

The games for the Interton VC 4000 were released on ROM cartridges known as cassettes[7][8] that were sold for 40 to 50 Deutsche Mark each.[3]

  1. Cassette - Car Races
  2. Cassette - Blackjack
  3. Cassette - Paddle Games
  4. Cassette - Tank Battle
  5. Cassette - Mathematics I
  6. Cassette - Mathematics II
  7. Cassette - Air/Sea Battle
  8. Cassette - Memory/Flag Capture
  9. Cassette - Intelligence I
  10. Cassette - Winter Sports
  11. Cassette - Hippodrome
  12. Cassette - Hunting
  13. Cassette - Chess
  14. Cassette - Motocross
  15. Cassette - Intelligence II
  16. Cassette - Intelligence III
  17. Cassette - Circus
  18. Cassette - Boxing Match
  19. Cassette - Outer Space Combat
  20. Cassette - Melody/Simon
  21. Cassette - Intelligence IV/Reversi
  22. Cassette - Chess II
  23. Cassette - Pinball
  24. Cassette - Soccer
  25. Cassette - Bowling/Ninepins
  26. Cassette - Draughts
  27. Cassette - Golf
  28. Cassette - Cockpit
  29. Cassette - Metropolis/Hangman
  30. Cassette - Solitaire
  31. Cassette - Casino
  32. Cassette - Invaders
  33. Cassette - Super Invaders
  34. Cassette - Space Laser (Unreleased)
  35. Cassette - Rodeo (Unreleased)
  36. Cassette - Backgammon
  37. Cassette - Monster Man
  38. Cassette - Hyperspace
  39. Cassette - Basketball (Unreleased)
  40. Cassette - Super-Space

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Interton Video Computer 4000.

References

  1. ^ Wikibook
  2. ^ "Videospielkonsolen - DER SPIEGEL". www.spiegel.de. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
  3. ^ a b c "Vom Hörgerät zum Computerspiel | HNF Blog". blog.hnf.de. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  4. ^ "Willkommen im Interton VC 4000/Video 2000 Online-Museum". www.vc4000.de. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  5. ^ "OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum". Archived from the original on 9 December 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  6. ^ "Interton VC-4000 Console Information". Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Interton VC4000". Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  8. ^ "Amigan Software archive for 1292 APVS & Interton VC 4000 game charts". amigan.1emu.net. 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2018-11-02.