History of video games/Platforms/APF-MP1000
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An APF-MP1000 with controller removed from console.
History[edit | edit source]
Launch[edit | edit source]
The APF-MP1000 was released in 1978 to replace the older APF TV Fun line of consoles.[1][2] Uniquely for the time, the APF-MP1000 could be expanded into the Imagination Machine home computer via use of an add on module called the MPA-10.[3][4] The full Imagination Machine cost $599 and was released by 1979.[3][5] This price was considered low compared to competitors.[6] The Imagination Machine was developed by Ed Smith, one of the first African American engineers in the video game industry.[3]
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Between 20,000[7], and 50,000[3] APF-MP1000 consoles were sold.
APF saw its revenue drop 97% between 1981 and the video game crash of 1983.[3] Figures like this show the huge impact of the video game crash on company bottom lines. An Imagination Machine II was said to be planned but was never released.[5]
Technology[edit | edit source]
The APF-MP1000 uses an 8-bit Motorola 6800 CPU clocked at 3.579 megahertz.[5][1] This processor is not to be confused with the Motorola 68000, a more advanced processor commonly used on consoles several years following the launch of the MP1000.
The system has just 1 kilobyte of RAM.[1][8][9] The Imagination Machine computer upgrade gave the system 9 kilobytes of total RAM.[3]
Notable games[edit | edit source]
12 games were released for the APF-MP1000.[10]
The system has the game Rocket Patrol built-in to the system.[11]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Console[edit | edit source]
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The detachable controllers fit snugly on the console top. -
Cartridge slot, reset button, and power button are built into the console center. -
The wood grain accent wraps around the unit. -
Controller cables are attached on the back of the console. -
The console with controllers removed from the holders. -
A power jack is on the back of the console. -
The bottom of the console contains small bumpers to give some clearance to the console.
Detachable controllers[edit | edit source]
Internals[edit | edit source]
Technology[edit | edit source]
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The APF-MP1000 Power Supply. -
The die of a Motorola 6800 CPU, similar to the one used in the APF-MP1000.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ a b c "OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum". www.old-computers.com. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ↑ "ARCHIVE.ORG Console Library: APF-MP1000 : Free Software : Free Download, Borrow and Streaming : Internet Archive". archive.org. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- ↑ a b c d e f "The Imagination Machine - Georgia State University News -". Georgia State News Hub. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ↑ "Home Page". Video Game Console Library. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ↑ a b c "DP FAQ". www.digitpress.com. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ↑ Corporation, Bonnier. Popular Science. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ↑ Ltd, Earl G. Graves (December 1982). "Black Enterprise" (in en). Earl G. Graves, Ltd.. https://books.google.com/books?id=N6pacvfrf0wC&pg=PA44&dq=APF-MP1000&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjEg5yw-LHtAhUKjVkKHdC0ApMQ6AEwCHoECAcQAg#v=onepage&q=APF-MP1000&f=false.
- ↑ "APF-MP1000 Pre-83". pre83.com. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ↑ "Motorola 6800 microprocessor family". www.cpu-world.com. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ↑ "History of Consoles: APF MP1000 (1978) Gamester 81". Retrieved 28 October 2020.
- ↑ "APF M1000 Video Game System Review". THE NORTHEAST OHIO VIDEO HUNTER. 1 August 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2020.