| The Philips Videopac G7000, released in Europe in December 1978, is the European counterpart of the Magnavox Odyssey 2 home console. It marked a transition in second-generation gaming by combining cartridge-based gameplay with computer-like features. The system is powered by an Intel 8048 microcontroller running at approximately 1.79 MHz, supported by 64 bytes of internal RAM and an additional 128 bytes in the video subsystem, along with a 1 KB BIOS ROM. Graphics are handled by an Intel 8245 video controller, offering a 160×200 resolution and a palette of 8 colors. Audio is a simple single-channel beeper. One of the console’s notable features is its full alphanumeric membrane keyboard, which was used for game selection, educational titles, and simple programming. The system includes two joystick ports and outputs video via RF (with later models supporting composite or SECAM). Early units featured detachable joysticks, while some later versions had hardwired controllers. Game cartridges ranged in capacity from 2 KB to 8 KB and included both standard titles and those requiring add-ons such as the voice synthesis module “The Voice” and a chess module with its own Z80 processor. Approximately 50–60 titles were released for the platform. The Videopac G7000 enjoyed commercial success in Europe and Brazil, selling around two million units, but it was less successful in North America and Japan. It was discontinued in 1984 following the video game market crash. |
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