| Interton Video Computer 4000 | |
| Aka: | Interton VC 4000 (abbreviation) |
| Manufacturer: | Interton |
| Type: | Home video game console |
| Generation: | Second generation |
| Discontinued: | 1983 |
| Unitssold: | Unknown |
| Unitsshipped: | Unknown |
| Cpu: | Signetics 2650A |
| Graphics: | Signetics 2636 video controller[1] |
| Memory Card: | Cartridges |
| Input: | 2 controllers with 12 buttons, 2 fire buttons and an analog joystick |
| Service: | None |
| Weight: | Unknown |
| Topgame: | Unknown |
| Predecessor: | Interton Video 3001 |
| Successor: | None |
| Related: | 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System |
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[2] Interton.[3] [4] 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.[5]
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.[6] 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).
The games for the Interton VC 4000 were released on ROM cartridges known as cassettes[7] [8] that were sold for 40 to 50 Deutsche Mark each.