Odyssey TV Games
Magnavox Odyssey 4000  (1977)
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Magnavox Odyssey 4000

This is the last of the line of dedicated video game consoles that Magnavox produced commercially: the Odyssey 4000 game console. It was released in 1977 and used a new Texas Instruments Ball and Paddle chip, the AY-3-8600.

The AY-3-8600 chip allowed the Odyssey a total of siz different games:

  1. Tennis
  2. Hockey
  3. Soccer
  4. Basketball
  5. Smash
  6. Gridball
  7. Practice Mode
The practice mode for solo-play was available in variants for basketball and Smash.

THe Odyssey 4000 has a skill switch that allows for three levels: novice, semi-pro and pro. Additional settings allow for automatic serving and variable ball speeds.

The Odyssey 4000 also has detachable controllers and an extra AY-3-8615 chip for display in color rather than the black and white of previous models.

Odyssey 5000

Magnavox had plans for a new Odyssey 5000. It would have been built around two chips, National Semiconductor's MM571068 and Signetics' MUGS-1, and would have had a total of seven games (Tennis, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball, Knockout, Tank, and Helicopter). Planned variations on these games would have created twenty-four different gaming experiences. The unit would have allowed up to four players and included a Practice mode for solo play against the computer. However, the console never was released to the public and only ever has existed as a prototype. However, it forms the basis of the next generation of Magnavox Odyssey home console, the Magnavox Odyssey 2.

Magnavox / Philips Odyssey

Technical Details
Released
1977
Country
United States
Brand
Magnavox
Type
Odyssey TV Games
Name
Magnavox Odyssey 4000
CPU Class
AY-3-8xxx
CPU
General Instruments AY-3-8500 Ball & Paddle
Memory
RAM: none
Sound Chip
AY-3-8600
Sound
Mono beeps
Display Chip
AY-3-8600 & AY-3-8615 (color)
Display
Color
Best Color
Limited color display
Graphics
not applicable
Sprites
no sprites
Original Price
$99.99
External Links 🌐
Magnavox / Philips Odyssey
Wikipage about the Magnavox / Philips Odyssey