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{{short description|Hybrid computer and home video game console}}
{{Unreferenced|date=August 2015}}
{{More sources needed|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox information appliance
{{Infobox information appliance
| name = VTech CreatiVision
| name = VTech CreatiVision
| title =
| title =
| aka =
| aka =
| logo = [[File:VTech CreatiVision Logo.png|250px]]
| logo = VTech CreatiVision Logo.png
| logo_size = 250px
| image = CreatiVision-Console-Set.jpg
| image = CreatiVision-Console-Set.jpg
| caption = VTech CreatiVision
| caption = VTech CreatiVision
| developer =
| developer =
| manufacturer = [[VTech]]
| manufacturer = [[VTech]]
| family =
| family =
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]/[[Home computer]]
| generation = [[Second generation of video game consoles|Second generation]]
| generation = [[Second generation of video game consoles|Second generation]]
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1982}} (Hong Kong)
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1982}} (Hong Kong)
| lifespan =
| lifespan =
| price =
| price =
| discontinued = Early 1986
| discontinued = Early 1986
| unitssold =
| unitssold =
| unitsshipped =
| unitsshipped =
| media =
| media =
| os =
| os =
| power =
| power =
| soc =
| soc =
| cpu = [[MOS Technology 6502|Rockwell 6502]] @ 2 [[Megahertz|MHz]]
| cpu = [[MOS Technology 6502|Rockwell 6502]] @ 2 [[Megahertz|MHz]]
| gpu = [[Texas Instruments TMS9918|Texas Instruments TMS 9918/9929]]
| graphics = [[TMS9918|Texas Instruments TMS 9918/9929]]
| memory =
| memory = 1 Kb RAM, 16 Kb VRAM
| storage = [[Compact Cassette|cassette tape]]
| storage = [[Compact Cassette|Cassette tape]]s
| memory card = [[ROM cartridge|cartridge]]
| memory card = [[ROM cartridge]]s
| display =
| display =
| graphics =
| sound = [[TI SN76489]]
| sound =
| input =
⚫
| controllers = [[Joystick]]/membrane [[keypad]] controllers
| input =
| camera =
⚫
| controllers = [[joystick]]/membrane [[keypad]] controllers
| camera =
| touchpad =
| touchpad =
| connectivity =
| connectivity =
| platform =
| platform =
| service =
| service =
| dimensions =
| dimensions =
| weight =
| weight =
| topgame =
| topgame =
| compatibility =
⚫
| predecessor =
| compatibility =
⚫
| predecessor =
| successor = [[VTech Socrates]]
| successor = [[VTech Socrates]]
| related =
| related =
| website = <!--{{URL|example.org}}-->
| website = <!--{{URL|example.org}}-->
}}
}}


The '''Video Technology CreatiVision''' is a hybrid [[computer]] and [[home video game console]] introduced by [[VTech]] in 1981 and released in 1982. The hybrid unit was similar in concept to computers such as the [[APF Imagination Machine]], the older [[VideoBrain Family Computer]], and to a lesser extent the [[Intellivision]] game console and [[Coleco Adam]] computer, all of which anticipated the trend of video game consoles becoming more like low-end computers.
The '''VTech CreatiVision''' is a hybrid [[computer]] and [[home video game console]] introduced by [[VTech]] in 1981 and released in 1982 during the [[second generation of video game consoles]]. It cost $295 [[Australian dollar|Australian Dollars]] in Australia.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=CreatiVision by VTech – The Video Game Kraken |url=http://videogamekraken.com/creativision-by-vtech |access-date=2022-12-13 |language=en-US}}</ref> The hybrid unit was similar in concept to computers such as the [[APF Imagination Machine]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=VTech CreatiVision - Player's Choice Video Games |url=https://www.playerschoicevideogames.com/cat-vtech-creativision.cfm |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=www.playerschoicevideogames.com}}</ref> the older [[VideoBrain Family Computer]], and to a lesser extent the [[Intellivision]] game console and [[Coleco Adam]] computer, all of which anticipated the trend of video game consoles becoming more like low-end computers. It was discontinued in 1986.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2010-11-21 |title=OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum |url=http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1118# |access-date=2022-12-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121051426/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=1118# |archive-date=2010-11-21 }}</ref><ref name=":1" />


==History==
==History==
The CreatiVision was distributed in many [[Europe]]an countries, including most German-speaking countries like [[West Germany]], [[Austria]] and [[Switzerland]] and also [[Italy]] and [[Sweden]], [[South Africa]], in [[Israel]] under the '''Educat 2002''' name, as well as in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] under the '''Dick Smith Wizzard''' name. Other names for the system (all officially produced by VTech themselves) include the '''FunVision Computer Video Games System''', '''Hanimex Rameses''' (both released in Australia and New Zealand) and '''VZ 2000''' (planned for release in [[France]], likely unreleased). All CreatiVision and similar clones were designed for use with [[PAL]] standard television sets, except the Japanese CreatiVision (distributed by Cheryco) which was NTSC and is nowadays much sought after by collectors. However, the [[United States|US]] release was planned but never sold efficiently.
The CreatiVision was distributed in many [[Europe]]an countries, including most German-speaking countries like [[West Germany]], [[Austria]] and [[Switzerland]] and also [[Italy]], [[South Africa]], in [[Israel]] under the '''Educat 2002''' name, as well as in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] under '''The Dick Smith Wizzard''' name. Other names for the system (all officially produced by VTech themselves) include the '''FunVision Computer Video Games System''', '''Hanimex Rameses''' (both released in Australia and New Zealand) and '''VZ 2000''' (planned for release in [[France]], likely unreleased). All CreatiVision and similar clones were designed for use with [[PAL]] standard television sets, except the Japanese CreatiVision (distributed by Cheryco) which was NTSC and is nowadays much sought after by collectors. However, the [[United States|US]] release was planned but never sold efficiently.


[[File:VTech-CreatiVision-Console-02.jpg|thumb|VTech CreatiVision rebranded as a Dick Smith Wizzard]]
[[File:VTech-CreatiVision-Console-02.jpg|thumb|VTech CreatiVision rebranded as The Dick Smith Wizzard]]
The CreatiVision console sported an [[8-bit]] Rockwell [[MOS Technology 6502|6502]] CPU at a speed of 2&nbsp;MHz, 1[[Kilobyte|KB]] of [[Random access memory|RAM]] and 16[[kilobyte|KB]] of [[Video RAM]], and had a graphics resolution of 256 × 192 with 16 colors and 32 sprites. The console had two integrated [[joystick]]/membrane [[keypad]] controllers (much like the [[ColecoVision]] and [[Atari 5200]]) which, when set in a special compartment on top of the console, could be used as a [[computer keyboard]]. The CreatiVision had interfaces for a [[Compact Cassette|cassette]] player, an extra rubber keyboard, parallel I/O interface, [[floppy disk]] drive and [[modem]] (likely unreleased) and one memory expansion module for use with the [[BASIC programming language|Basic]] language cartridge. Any [[Centronics]]-compatible printer could be connected to the I/O module if present.
The CreatiVision console sports an [[8-bit]] Rockwell [[MOS Technology 6502|6502]] CPU at a speed of 2&nbsp;MHz, 1[[Kilobyte|KB]] of [[Random-access memory|RAM]] and 16[[kilobyte|KB]] of [[Video RAM]], and has a graphics resolution of 256 × 192 with 16 colors and 32 sprites.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The console has two integrated [[joystick]]/membrane [[keypad]] controllers (much like the [[ColecoVision]] and [[Atari 5200]]) which, when set in a special compartment on top of the console, can be used as a [[computer keyboard]]. The CreatiVision has interfaces for a [[Compact Cassette|cassette]] player, an extra rubber keyboard, parallel I/O interface, [[floppy disk]] drive and [[modem]] (likely unreleased) and one memory expansion module for use with the [[BASIC|Basic]] language cartridge. Any [[Centronics]]-compatible printer can be connected to the I/O module if present.


The CreatiVision was discontinued in late 1985/early 1986.
The CreatiVision was discontinued in late 1985/early 1986.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


A computer was produced by VTech in 1984-1986, based on CreatiVision hardware and was compatible with most of its games: '''Laser 2001''', which is also sold in West Germany and was brought to [[France]].
A computer was produced by VTech in 1984-1986, based on CreatiVision hardware and compatible with most of its games: '''Laser 2001''', which is also sold in West Germany and was brought to [[France]].
It was also available in [[Finland]] through '''[[Salora (Finnish company)|Salora]]''', with the name of '''Manager'''. The Manager had a Finnish keyboard layout and [[character set]].
It was also available in [[Finland]] through '''[[Salora Oy|Salora]]''', with the name of '''Manager'''.<ref name=":0" /> The Manager had a Finnish keyboard layout and [[character set]].


A module allowing to play [[ColecoVision]] games were designed for use with the CreatiVision '''Mark-2''' model (a later revision of the 1st model, incorporating hardware changes specifically designed to make the Coleco-module work). Before being produced, the module was modified internally and released for use on the '''Laser 2001''' and '''[[Salora (Finnish company)|Salora]]''' computers only. A special adaptor (homebrew) would be needed to make the Coleco-module work on the CreatiVision Mark-2.
A module to allow [[ColecoVision]] games to be played was designed for use with the CreatiVision '''Mark-2''' model (a later revision of the 1st model, incorporating hardware changes specifically designed to make the Coleco-module work). Before being produced, the module was modified internally and released for use on the '''Laser 2001''' and '''Manager''' computers only. A special adaptor (homebrew) would be needed to make the Coleco-module work on the CreatiVision Mark-2.


==List of games==
==List of games==
Line 83: Line 84:
| 2 || ''Astro Pinball'' || || [[Pinball]] || None || 1982
| 2 || ''Astro Pinball'' || || [[Pinball]] || None || 1982
|-
|-
| 3 || ''Auto Chase'' || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Car Chase''''' || [[List of maze video games|Maze]], [[Racing video game|Driving]] || '''[[Rally-X]]''' || 1981
| 3 || ''Auto Chase'' || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Car Chase''''' || [[List of maze video games|Maze]], [[Racing video game|Driving]] || '''''[[Rally-X]]''''' || 1981
|-
|-
| 4 || ''BASIC Interpreter 1.0'' || || None || None || 1982
| 4 || ''BASIC Interpreter 1.0'' || || None || None || 1982
Line 89: Line 90:
| 5 || ''Chopper Rescue'' || || [[Shoot'em up|Scrolling shooter]] || || 1983
| 5 || ''Chopper Rescue'' || || [[Shoot'em up|Scrolling shooter]] || || 1983
|-
|-
| 6 || {{maybe|''Crazy Chicky''}} || || [[List of maze video games|Maze]] || '''Pac-Man''' <small>(with modified gameplay)</small> || 1982
| 6 || {{maybe|''Crazy Chicky''}} || {{flagicon|JP}}'''''Crazy Paku''''' || [[List of maze video games|Maze]] || '''''Pac-Man''''' <small>(with modified gameplay)</small> || 1982
|-
|-
| 7 || {{maybe|''Crazy Pucker''{{Efn|''Crazy Pucker'' was reissued with two different titles; ''Crazy Chewy'' and ''Crazy Moonie''.|name=Reissue|group=note}}}} || || [[List of maze video games|Maze]] || '''[[Pac-Man]]''' || 1981
| 7 || ''Crazy Pucker''{{Efn|''Crazy Pucker'' was reissued with two different titles; ''Crazy Chewy'' and ''Crazy Moonie''.|name=Reissue|group=note}} || || [[List of maze video games|Maze]] || '''''[[Pac-Man]]''''' || 1981
|-
|-
| 8 || ''Deep Sea Adventure'' || || [[Shoot'em up|Scrolling shooter]] || '''Defender''' || 1982
| 8 || ''Deep Sea Adventure'' || || [[Shoot'em up|Scrolling shooter]] || '''''Defender''''' || 1982
|-
|-
| 9 || ''Locomotive'' || || [[Platform game|Platformer]] || '''[[BurgerTime]]''' || 1983
| 9 || ''Locomotive'' || || [[Platform game|Platformer]] || '''''[[BurgerTime]]''''' || 1983
|-
|-
| 10 || {{maybe|''Mouse Puzzle''}} || || [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]] || '''[[Loco-Motion (video game)|Loco-Motion]]''' || 1982
| 10 || {{maybe|''Mouse Puzzle''}} || || [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]] || '''''[[Loco-Motion (video game)|Loco-Motion]]''''' || 1982
|-
|-
| 11 || ''Music Maker'' || || [[Music video game|Music]] || None || 1983
| 11 || ''Music Maker'' || || [[Music video game|Music]] || None || 1983
|-
|-
| 12 || ''Planet Defender'' || {{flagicon|JP}}'''''Earth Defense Force (Chikyū Bōeigun)'''''<br />{{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Galaxy Defender''''' || [[Shoot 'em up|Scrolling shooter]] || '''[[Defender (1981 video game)|Defender]]''' || 1981
| 12 || ''Planet Defender'' || {{flagicon|JP}}'''''Earth Defense Force (Chikyū Bōeigun)'''''<br />{{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Galaxy Defender''''' || [[Shoot 'em up|Scrolling shooter]] || '''''[[Defender (1981 video game)|Defender]]''''' || 1981
|-
|-
| 13 || {{maybe|''Police Jump''}} || || [[Platform game|Platformer]] || '''[[Donkey Kong (video game)|Donkey Kong]]''' || 1982
| 13 || {{maybe|''Police Jump''}} || || [[Platform game|Platformer]] || '''''[[Donkey Kong (arcade game)|Donkey Kong]]''''' || 1982
|-
|-
| 14 || ''Soccer'' || || [[Sport game|Sports]] || None || 1983
| 14 || ''Soccer'' || || [[Sport game|Sports]] || None || 1983
|-
|-
| 15 || {{maybe|''Sonic Invader''}} || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Invaders''''' || [[Shoot'em up|Fixed shooter]] || '''[[Space Invaders]]''' || 1981
| 15 || {{maybe|''Sonic Invader''}} || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Invaders''''' || [[Shoot'em up|Fixed shooter]] || '''''[[Space Invaders]]''''' || 1981
|-
|-
| 16 || ''Stone Age'' || || [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]] || '''[[Pengo (video game)|Pengo]]''' || 1984
| 16 || ''Stone Age'' || || [[Puzzle video game|Puzzle]] || '''''[[Pengo (video game)|Pengo]]''''' || 1984
|-
|-
| 17 || {{maybe|''Tank Attack''}} || {{flagicon|JP}}'''''Tank Battle''''' || [[Shoot'em up|Multi-directional shooter]] || '''[[Combat (Atari 2600)]]''' || 1981
| 17 || {{maybe|''Tank Attack''}} || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Tank Battle''''' || [[Shoot'em up|Multi-directional shooter]] || [[Combat (video game)|'''''Combat'' (video game)''']] || 1981
|-
|-
| 18 || {{maybe|''Tennis''}} || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Who's for Tennis?''''' || [[Sport game|Sports]] || None || 1981
| 18 || {{maybe|''Tennis''}} || {{flagicon|AUS}}'''''Who's for Tennis?''''' || [[Sport game|Sports]] || None || 1981
|}
|}

⚫
==Notes==
⚫
{{notelist|group=note}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat}}
* [http://www.madrigaldesign.it/creativemu/ CreatiVEmu: CreatiVision Emulation Central]
* [http://www.madrigaldesign.it/creativemu/ CreatiVEmu: CreatiVision Emulation Central]
* [http://www.8bit-homecomputermuseum.at/repair/creativision_datasette_interface/Creativision_datasette_interface.html Creativision Datasette Interface]
* [http://www.8bit-homecomputermuseum.at/repair/creativision_datasette_interface/Creativision_datasette_interface.html Creativision Datasette Interface]
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926181459/http://darkwatcher.home.att.net/console/vtech.htm |date=September 26, 2009 |title=VTech Creativision - Dark Watcher's Console History }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926181459/http://darkwatcher.home.att.net/console/vtech.htm |date=September 26, 2009 |title=VTech Creativision - Dark Watcher's Console History }}
* [http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg80-creativision.htm Video Game Console Library] database entry
* [http://20thcenturyvideogames.com/index.php?action=vermodelos&pass=&submenu=&tipo=4&sistema=VTech-Creativision&verletra=A#VTech-Creativision 20th Century Retro Games entry] (Gallery page for many VTech CreatiVision models and regional variants.)
* [http://www.ausretrogamer.com/retrospective-a-tale-of-dick-smiths-wizzard/ Retrospective: A Tale Of Dick Smith’s Wizzard] (AUSRETROGAMER E-Zine. May 9, 2016 By Aaron Clement.)
* [http://www.ausretrogamer.com/retrospective-a-tale-of-dick-smiths-wizzard/ Retrospective: A Tale Of Dick Smith’s Wizzard] (AUSRETROGAMER E-Zine. May 9, 2016 By Aaron Clement.)

⚫
==Notes==
⚫
{{notelist|group=note}}


{{VTech products}}
{{VTech products}}
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[[Category:Home video game consoles]]
[[Category:Home video game consoles]]
[[Category:Discontinued video game consoles]]
[[Category:Second-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Second-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1981]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1981]]
[[Category:VTech]]
[[Category:VTech]]
[[Category:65xx-based video game consoles]]

Latest revision as of 05:06, 30 May 2024

VTech CreatiVision
VTech CreatiVision
ManufacturerVTech
TypeHome video game console/Home computer
GenerationSecond generation
Release date1982; 43 years ago (1982) (Hong Kong)
DiscontinuedEarly 1986
CPURockwell 6502 @ 2 MHz
Memory1 Kb RAM, 16 Kb VRAM
StorageCassette tapes
Removable storageROM cartridges
GraphicsTexas Instruments TMS 9918/9929
SoundTI SN76489
Controller inputJoystick/membrane keypad controllers
SuccessorVTech Socrates

The VTech CreatiVision is a hybrid computer and home video game console introduced by VTech in 1981 and released in 1982 during the second generation of video game consoles. It cost $295 Australian Dollars in Australia.[1] The hybrid unit was similar in concept to computers such as the APF Imagination Machine,[2] the older VideoBrain Family Computer, and to a lesser extent the Intellivision game console and Coleco Adam computer, all of which anticipated the trend of video game consoles becoming more like low-end computers. It was discontinued in 1986.[3][1]

History

[edit]

The CreatiVision was distributed in many European countries, including most German-speaking countries like West Germany, Austria and Switzerland and also Italy, South Africa, in Israel under the Educat 2002 name, as well as in Australia and New Zealand under The Dick Smith Wizzard name. Other names for the system (all officially produced by VTech themselves) include the FunVision Computer Video Games System, Hanimex Rameses (both released in Australia and New Zealand) and VZ 2000 (planned for release in France, likely unreleased). All CreatiVision and similar clones were designed for use with PAL standard television sets, except the Japanese CreatiVision (distributed by Cheryco) which was NTSC and is nowadays much sought after by collectors. However, the US release was planned but never sold efficiently.

VTech CreatiVision rebranded as The Dick Smith Wizzard

The CreatiVision console sports an 8-bit Rockwell 6502 CPU at a speed of 2 MHz, 1KB of RAM and 16KB of Video RAM, and has a graphics resolution of 256 × 192 with 16 colors and 32 sprites.[3][1] The console has two integrated joystick/membrane keypad controllers (much like the ColecoVision and Atari 5200) which, when set in a special compartment on top of the console, can be used as a computer keyboard. The CreatiVision has interfaces for a cassette player, an extra rubber keyboard, parallel I/O interface, floppy disk drive and modem (likely unreleased) and one memory expansion module for use with the Basic language cartridge. Any Centronics-compatible printer can be connected to the I/O module if present.

The CreatiVision was discontinued in late 1985/early 1986.[3][1]

A computer was produced by VTech in 1984-1986, based on CreatiVision hardware and compatible with most of its games: Laser 2001, which is also sold in West Germany and was brought to France. It was also available in Finland through Salora, with the name of Manager.[3] The Manager had a Finnish keyboard layout and character set.

A module to allow ColecoVision games to be played was designed for use with the CreatiVision Mark-2 model (a later revision of the 1st model, incorporating hardware changes specifically designed to make the Coleco-module work). Before being produced, the module was modified internally and released for use on the Laser 2001 and Manager computers only. A special adaptor (homebrew) would be needed to make the Coleco-module work on the CreatiVision Mark-2.

List of games

[edit]

In some regions, the console and its games were distributed by different companies, such as Cheryco in Japan, and Hanimex in Australia. VTech reissued several previous existing games in 1985.

There were 18 titles known to have been released.

   Background shading indicates games that were reissued in 1985.
# Title AKA title(s) Genre(s) Clone of Release year
1 Air/Sea Attack JapanSubmarine
AustraliaAir/Sea Battle		 Fixed shooter 1981
2 Astro Pinball Pinball None 1982
3 Auto Chase AustraliaCar Chase Maze, Driving Rally-X 1981
4 BASIC Interpreter 1.0 None None 1982
5 Chopper Rescue Scrolling shooter 1983
6 Crazy Chicky JapanCrazy Paku Maze Pac-Man (with modified gameplay) 1982
7 Crazy Pucker[note 1] Maze Pac-Man 1981
8 Deep Sea Adventure Scrolling shooter Defender 1982
9 Locomotive Platformer BurgerTime 1983
10 Mouse Puzzle Puzzle Loco-Motion 1982
11 Music Maker Music None 1983
12 Planet Defender JapanEarth Defense Force (Chikyū Bōeigun)
AustraliaGalaxy Defender		 Scrolling shooter Defender 1981
13 Police Jump Platformer Donkey Kong 1982
14 Soccer Sports None 1983
15 Sonic Invader AustraliaInvaders Fixed shooter Space Invaders 1981
16 Stone Age Puzzle Pengo 1984
17 Tank Attack AustraliaTank Battle Multi-directional shooter Combat (video game) 1981
18 Tennis AustraliaWho's for Tennis? Sports None 1981

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Crazy Pucker was reissued with two different titles; Crazy Chewy and Crazy Moonie.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "CreatiVision by VTech – The Video Game Kraken". Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  2. ^ "VTech CreatiVision - Player's Choice Video Games". www.playerschoicevideogames.com. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
  3. ^ a b c d "OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum". 2010-11-21. Archived from the original on 2010-11-21. Retrieved 2022-12-13.
[edit]
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