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Mattel - Intellivision (FreeIntv)

Background

FreeIntv is a libretro emulation core for the Mattel Intellivision designed to be compatible with joypads from the SNES era forward even if they originally required a number pad.

Attention

FreeIntv does not currently emulate Entertainment Computer System (ECS) functionality. Contributions to the source are welcome!

Author/License

The FreeIntv core has been authored by

  • David Richardson

The FreeIntv core is licensed under

A summary of the licenses behind RetroArch and its cores can be found here.

Extensions

Content that can be loaded by the FreeIntv core have the following file extensions:

  • .int
  • .rom
  • .bin

Databases

RetroArch database(s) that are associated with the FreeIntv core:

BIOS

Required or optional firmware files go in the frontend's system directory.

Filename Description md5sum
exec.bin Executive ROM - Required 62e761035cb657903761800f4437b8af
grom.bin Graphics ROM - Required 0cd5946c6473e42e8e4c2137785e427f

Features

Frontend-level settings or features that the FreeIntv core respects.

Feature Supported
Restart
Screenshots
Saves
States
Rewind
Netplay (State based)
Core Options
RetroAchievements
Cheats (Cheats menu)
Native Cheats
Controls
Remapping
Multi-Mouse
Rumble
Sensors
Camera
Location
Subsystem
Softpatching
Disk Control
Username
Language
Crop Overscan
LEDs

Directories

The FreeIntv core's directory name is 'FreeIntv'

Geometry and timing

  • The FreeIntv core's core provided FPS is 60
  • The FreeIntv core's core provided sample rate is 44100 Hz
  • The FreeIntv core's core provided aspect ratio is 11/7

Controller overlays

Mattel Intellivision games were often meant to be played with game-specific cards overlaid on the numeric keypad. These overlays convey information which can be very useful in gameplay. Images of a limited selection of Intellivision titles are available at: http://www.intellivisionlives.com/bluesky/games/instructions.shtml

Controls

Definitions:

  • Mini-Keypad - Allows the user to view and select keys from a small Intellivision pad in the lower corner of the display.
  • Controller Swap - Some Intellivision games expect the left controller to be player one, others expect the right controller. This isn't a problem if you have two controllers (and don't mind juggling them) but users with only one controller or using a portable setup would be effectively locked out of some games. Controller Swap swaps the two controller interfaces so that the player does not have to physically swap controllers.
RetroPad FreeIntv Function
D-Pad 8-way movement
Left Analog Stick 16-way disc
Right Analog Stick Keypad 1-9
A Right Action Button
B Left Action Button
Y Top Action Button
X Use the Last Selected Intellivision Keypad Button. In Astrosmash, for example, you can leave "3" selected to enable instant access to hyperspace.
L/R Activate the Mini-Keypad
LT Keypad Clear
RT Keypad Enter
Left Thumb Keypad 0
Right Thumb Keypad 5
Start Pause Game
Select Controller Swap

Compatibility

Awaiting description.


Last update: 2024-04-19