Interton Video Computer 4000

Interton Video Computer 4000
The Interton Video Computer 4000 (officially abbreviated as Interton VC 4000) is an early 8-bit ROM cartridge-based second-generation home video game console that was released in Germany, England, France, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia in 1978 by German hearing aid manufacturer Interton. The console is quite obscure outside Germany, but many software-compatible systems can be found in numerous European countries (see versions of the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System). The console is the successor of the Interton Video 3001 and was sold for 298 Deutsche Mark and discontinued in 1983.
It's unknown if Interton designed and produced the Interton VC 4000 within their own rights, or if they were sold the rights to design and produce it. This is because many other foreign brands have produced "clones" of this system in the preceding years.
The Interton VC 4000's power comes from a Signetics 2650 CPU (which is the same as an Arcadia 2001) and a Signetics 2636 gaming controller. Both controllers contain a 12-button keypad, two fire buttons, and a joystick. Inside the systems control panel, there are four different buttons. The ON/OFF switch, RESET, SELECT, and START.
Released versions
The console was produced by different companies and sold with different names. Not every console is compatible with others due to differences in the shapes and dimensions of the cartridge slots, but all of the systems are software compatible.
In the article about the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System, there is a table with all the software-compatible consoles grouped by compatibility family (due to the slots).
Technical specifications
CPU: Signetics 2650A at 0.887 MHz
Video controller: Signetics 2636
Data memory: 37 bytes
List of games
The games for the Interton VC 4000 were released on ROM cartridges known as cassettes that were sold for 40-50 Deutsche Mark each.
Cassette - Car Races
Cassette - Blackjack
Cassette - Paddle Games
Cassette - Tank Battle
Cassette - Mathematics I
Cassette - Mathematics II
Cassette - Air/Sea Battle
Cassette - Memory/Flag Capture
Cassette - Intelligence I
Cassette - Winter Sports
Cassette - Hippodrome
Cassette - Hunting
Cassette - Chess
Cassette - Motocross
Cassette - Intelligence II
Cassette - Intelligence III
Cassette - Circus
Cassette - Boxing Match
Cassette - Outer Space Combat
Cassette - Melody/Simon
Cassette - Intelligence IV/Reversi
Cassette - Chess II
Cassette - Pinball
Cassette - Soccer
Cassette - Bowling/Ninepins
Cassette - Draughts
Cassette - Golf
Cassette - Cockpit
Cassette - Metropolis/Hangman
Cassette - Solitaire
Cassette - Casino
Cassette - Invaders
Cassette - Super Invaders
Cassette - Space Laser (Unreleased)
Cassette - Rodeo (Unreleased)
Cassette - Backgammon
Cassette - Monster Man
Cassette - Hyperspace
Cassette - Basketball (Unreleased)
Cassette - Super-Space
See also
1292 Advanced Programmable Video System, contains the software compatibility table of consoles
External links
SHAMELESSLIFE wordpress blog entry for details for 1292 APVS & Interton VC 4000
Video Game Console Library entry for the 1292 APVS / VC 4000 family
Arcade Italia entry for MAME compatibility
References
Discontinued video game consoles
Home video game consoles
Second-generation video game consoles
Products introduced in 1978