Best Intellivision Consoles AI pick
Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.
AI pick (line): Mattel Intellivision (original)
The original Mattel Intellivision is the most widely compatible Intellivision hardware, running the full cartridge library without the third-party lockout found on the Intellivision II.
Not for: Anyone who wants plug-in-and-play on a modern TV without dealing with RF output, or who does not want to repair or replace aging hard-wired controllers.
AI picks by need
For detachable controllers
Mattel Intellivision II (line)
Its controllers unplug, so a worn controller can be swapped without opening the console.
Not for: Collectors who want to play Coleco's Intellivision cartridges, some of which are blocked by its lockout.
For modern TV, no cartridges
AtGames Intellivision Flashback (line)
It has built-in games and replica keypad controllers, and connects directly to current TVs.
Not for: Anyone who wants to play an original cartridge collection, because it has no cartridge slot.
What the AI looks for in Intellivision Consoles
- Video output
- Stock consoles output RF only. Plan for a TV with an analog tuner, an RF-to-composite converter, or a console with a composite/AV mod. Many modern TVs cannot tune the analog RF signal, or display it poorly.
- Controller condition
- Confirm every keypad button and all directions on the disc respond. On the original console the controllers are hard-wired. Membranes and cords wear out with age. On the original, a bad controller means opening the console to repair it.
- Cartridge compatibility
- Choose the original Intellivision or a Sears or INTV variant if you want Coleco-published carts, not the Intellivision II. The Intellivision II's lockout rejects some third-party cartridges.
- Region
- Match NTSC or PAL hardware to your TV and your cartridges. PAL and NTSC units differ in video output and timing.
- Tested working
- Prefer a listing that shows the console running a game on screen. Untested units often have dead power supplies, cracked boards or failed controllers.
- Power supply
- The original has an internal supply. The Intellivision II needs its specific external adapter, so make sure it is included. A wrong or missing adapter can damage the console or leave it unusable.
Brands that matter
- Mattel: Made the original Intellivision and the Intellivision II.
- INTV Corporation: Sold the later INTV System III, a revision of the original console.
- Sears: Sold a rebadged version as the Super Video Arcade.
- AtGames: Made the Intellivision Flashback plug-and-play console with built-in games.
What to avoid
- Untested 'as-is' consoles unless you plan to repair them.
- The Intellivision II if your collection includes Coleco Intellivision cartridges.
- Listings that leave out the RF switch or, for the Intellivision II, the power adapter.
- Assuming a stock console will display well on a modern TV without a converter or AV mod.
Questions
Will a stock Intellivision work on my flat-screen TV?
Only if your TV can tune an analog RF channel. Otherwise you need an RF-to-composite converter or a console with a composite mod.
Is the Intellivision II better than the original?
It is smaller and has detachable controllers, but its lockout blocks some third-party games, so the original is the safer choice for the full library.