| The Dick Smith Wizzard is a hybrid video game console and home computer released in Australia in 1982. It is a rebranded version of the VTech CreatiVision, which was also marketed under names like FunVision, Hanimex Rameses, and VZ 2000 in various regions. Powered by an 8-bit Rockwell 6502 CPU running at 2 MHz, the Wizzard featured 1 KB of RAM and 16 KB of video RAM. Its graphics capabilities included a resolution of 256×192 pixels with a 16-color palette and support for up to 32 sprites. The system utilized cartridge-based games and offered additional peripherals such as a cassette tape recorder/player, a BASIC programming cartridge, and an optional “Moving Key Keyboard” for text input. The Wizzard’s controllers were integrated into the console and featured joystick functionality along with a membrane keypad. When placed in a special compartment on top of the console, the controllers could combine to form a rudimentary QWERTY keyboard, allowing for basic computing tasks. Despite its innovative features, the Wizzard faced challenges in the market and was discontinued in 1985. It remains a notable example of early hybrid gaming systems that aimed to bridge the gap between video gaming and personal computing. |
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