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| File:Bally-Arcade-Console.jpg | |
| Manufacturer | Bally Manufacturing Astrovision |
|---|---|
| Type | Home video game console |
| Generation | Second generation |
| Release date | April 1978 |
| Introductory price | US$299 (equivalent to $1,337 in 2023) |
| Discontinued | 1983 |
| CPU | Zilog Z80 clocked at 1.789 MHz |
| Memory | RAM: 4k-64k (with external modules) RAM, 8k ROM |
| Removable storage | ROM cartridge |
| Graphics | 160×102 or 320×204 in 4/8 colors |
| Sound | 3 × oscillators with noise mixing and hardware global vibrato |
The Bally Astrocade (also known as Bally Arcade or initially as Bally ABA-1000[1]) is a second-generation home video game console and simple computer system designed by a team at Midway, at that time the videogame division of Bally. It was originally announced as the "Bally Home Library Computer" in October 1977 and initially made available for mail order in December 1977. But due to production delays, the units were first released to stores in April 1978 and its branding changed to "Bally Professional Arcade". It was marketed only for a limited time before Bally decided to exit the market. The rights were later picked up by a third-party company, who re-released it and sold it until around 1984. The Astrocade is particularly notable for its very powerful graphics capabilities for the time of release,[citation needed] and for the difficulty in accessing those capabilities.
External links[]
- Bally Alley
- Astrocade history at The Dot Eaters
- Video Game Console Library
- TheGameConsole.com
- OldComputers.net
- Console Database
- Player's Choice Videogames
- What is a Bally/Astrocade - Dead Link - history overview at Glankonian.com
- Database at GiantBomb
- Bally Astrocade games playable for free in the browser at the Internet Archive Console Living Room
- ↑ video Magazine. 1980. Video Buyer's Guide. Article "Video Games". page 78.