Odyssey  Magnavox Odyssey 4000
Previous System
odyssey_4000
Next System

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.

Technical Details
Released 1977 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 Best Graphics not applicable Sprites none Original Price $99.99
Related Systems
 
Odyssey TV Games
» 
Magnavox Odyssey  4000 (1977)
 
Odyssey VideoPac / Odyssey 2
Related Media
World Wide Web Links