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Close to Pulling Trigger on a Tandyvision. Need (Intellivision) Help & Advice!


StormSurge

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So, is this a good deal? It seems like one.

 

If so, I'll pull the trigger. Then I'll hit up the forum for some games. :)

 

OR, would I be better of with an Intellivision 2? I haven't done any research to know which system is better, what the prices are, etc. I'm relying on you all, the experts.

Thanks!

 

(Link removed as the eBay auction changed once I purchased the item)

Edited by StormSurge
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Oh I love posts like this!  Advice a coming.

  • Yes, this is a good deal.
  • Do NOT get an Intellivision 2.  It's got compatibility issues with some third party games.  And the on/off-reset combo button is terrible.
  • This Tandy unit is unique.  It's identical to a real Intellivision just with different coloring.
  • My favorite Intellivision is the Sears Video Arcade version.  it's got detachable controllers AND no compatibility issues like the INTV 2.  And it's a lot cheaper to buy than the very unique Tandyvision. 

In any case, I hope you give the Intv a go.  It's a great system.

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I didn't see any Sears version reasonably priced on eBay, which is kind of surprising.  But if it were me, I'd at least look for one of those before deciding.  It might also be worth asking if anyone on the Facebook "Intellivision Invasion" group has one for sale, or maybe a local retro gaming Facebook group. 

If you are eager to get started, buying that Tandy is a good choice. 

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I do have a Tandyvision Intelly and I do think it is a sexy looking Intelly! I will also mirror Rick's advise and NOT get the Intelly 2. The ONLY advantage real 3 advantages that is offers over this TandyVision or standard 2609 model Intelly is:

 

Small size/form factor

Detachable controllers (Sears video arcade has this feature as well)

Ability to use System Changer (To play Atari 2600 games through the Intelly)

 

That's it...really...

 

The controllers on the Intelly 2 are stiff with hard edge lines in the design making them the most uncomfortable controllers to hold and use. As Rick also stated, the wonky power/reset combo button is a booger to use and finicky to boot!

 

The Sears unit is the best Intellivision to use for day to day intellivision games. It has no compatibility issues as he stated, removable controllers, and the only other Intelly model to use the 2609 innards (totally interchangeable btw) while still looking uniquely different from the rest. (Easy to AV MOD too!)

 

I also like the INTV III or Super Pro System with the black plastic matte finish and silver label and trim work. But the controller button mylar doesn't seem to be nearly as good on those last released models. 

 

No Sears version here either, but it is usually possible to get some decent deals on Intellivision from here as well. In fact that last one on this page has two games I don't have and wouldn't mind having. But since they require the ECS to use them, it makes me wonder if that is hidden elsewhere on the site..HMM...

 

https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Listings?st=intellivision&sg=&c=&s=&lp=0&hp=999999&sbn=false&spo=false&snpo=false&socs=false&sd=false&sca=false&caed=6/1/2018&cadb=7&scs=false&sis=false&col=0&p=1&ps=40&desc=false&ss=0&UseBuyerPrefs=true

See what I'm up to over at the Ivory Tower Collections: http://www.youtube.com/ivorytowercollections

 

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Very nice man, GO FOR IT! My only Intellivision is the INTV II and I like it but I have no frame of reference, one of my regrets when I was still in a position to collect I never got an original styled model, any of the bigger ones, for sure a TANDYVISION is awesome ! 

I am Rob aka MaximumRD aka OldSchoolRetroGamer and THIS is my world http://about.me/maximumrd

"For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday."

 - M. Bison

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How big a deal is it that there’s no overlay for the games? Are the games pretty much useless without? Are they easy enough to find loose? Repros?

 

Depends on the game. If you know the game well enough, you don't need them. They're basically a "cheat sheet" for the controls. Most games you should be able to find pretty cheap CIB.

The No Swear Gamer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtJuo040EOCTVziObIgVcg

Host of The Atari 7800 Game by Game Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube

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How big a deal is it that there’s no overlay for the games? Are the games pretty much useless without? Are they easy enough to find loose? Repros?

Some great questions. 

  • How hard is it to play without an overlay?  It depends on the game.  Some don't need an overlay.  For the sports games, they are very much needed.  If you don't have them, you can print out a PDF version and just keep it handy.  You don't have to put it on the controller, it's easy enough to just reference it.  Also, there are usually a lot of them in retro junk boxes -- especially if you request that some be added to the box.
  • Finding them loose - probably not gonna happen.  Unless you find a boxed copy of a game.  It's best to just ask here, AtariAge, or even on Facebook for what you need.  There are a ton of very nice Intv people that will help you out.
  • As mentioned, for MANY games, they are totally unnecessary. 
  • And finally, I rarely put mine on the controller.  As mentioned earlier, just keep it on the desk for reference.
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Also, you can get this pack of 50 pairs of different overlays from Intellivision Productions. The were made to supplement the Flashback, but they could work for a regular Intellivision also. That's a big chunk of the library, although I don't know if the quality is as good as the originals. 

 

https://intellivision-productions-inc.myshopify.com/products/missing-overlay-pack-for-intellivision-flashback

The No Swear Gamer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtJuo040EOCTVziObIgVcg

Host of The Atari 7800 Game by Game Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube

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The No Swear Gamer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtJuo040EOCTVziObIgVcg

Host of The Atari 7800 Game by Game Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube

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Darn it. You would post that minutes after I pulled the trigger on the Tandy.

 

Ugg! Sorry!

Let me know what games you're looking for too. I'll let you know if I see any on ebay during my searches or if I have any duplicates myself.

The No Swear Gamer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtJuo040EOCTVziObIgVcg

Host of The Atari 7800 Game by Game Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube

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Will do! I’m completely evergreen, so I’ll be digging into some reviews & soliciting advice from all of you.

 

Thanks!

 

I've been trying to review more Inty on my show. I've now covered 20 titles.

Here's my current top ten:

post-303-0-01319700-1527995465.png

 

Some other titles I have not reviewed, but played enough to recommend include Thunder Castle, Shark Shark, Cloudy Mountain (aka AD & D),  Pinball (If you like video pinball games) and Space Spartans (needs intellivoice)

The No Swear Gamer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtJuo040EOCTVziObIgVcg

Host of The Atari 7800 Game by Game Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube

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intellivision also has Dreadnaut factor, although unlike the 5200 and 8-bit versions it is a horizontal scrolling version and not vertical scrolling. Still it is a lot of fun on the Intellivision.

 

And Thunder Castle might just be my favorite game on the Intelly to be honest. Great game all the way around.

See what I'm up to over at the Ivory Tower Collections: http://www.youtube.com/ivorytowercollections

 

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