Bandai Supervision 8000
Bandai had continued their successful TV Jack console line since 1977. The final evolution of the TV Jack series came about in 1979 with the release of TV Jack 8000. This version was named Supervision 8000 or Bandai TV Jack Micro Computer System. This release not only marked the series first programmable cartridge capable console (Actually one of the first Japan cartridge based-systems), but also marked Bandai's attempt to also delve into the computer markets. It was developed with the help of Logic Systems International (L.S.I).The Supervision 8000 was an impressive console for it's time. It was driven by an 8-bit NEC D780C (Z80 clone) processor capable of max 3.58mHz speeds. It also used a General Instruments AY-3-8910 co-processor, which supported 3 sound channels, and two general purpose parallel IO ports that are used for joysticks. Similar processors could later be found in the Amstrad GX400, and the popular Japanese MSX computer line released in the 1980's. This makes the Supervision 8000 well ahead of it's time. The console chassis contained a housing for the controllers, and had a small divot at the bottom for possible keyboard support. Unfortunately being ahead of it's time came at a price. The Supervision 8000 retailed for a high price of 59,800 Yen, and came with a pack in game called "Missile Vader". The high price must have kept the console out of the hands of many gamers (Particularly since it's TV Jack predecessors retailed for much less). Only six other games were released. Bandai later dropped support for Supervision 8000 in favor of becoming a distributor for Mattel's Intellivision in 1982. This marked the end of the TV Jack console line.
FACT: The Supervision 8000 console layout, particularly it's controllers, may cause one to believe it is a clone of Mattel's Intellivision. Both consoles use the AY-3-8910 co-processor, but the main processors are quite different. The Supervision 8000 used an 8-bit Zilog clone (3.58mHz) that was oddly faster then the Intellivision's 16-bit GI 1600 (500kHz), which displayed better graphics. The console's time of release can also lead you to believe it's a clone. Bandai announced the Supervision 8000 at the Tokyo Trade Show in September of 1979. It was later released in December of that same year. The Intellivision was test marketed in late 1979, and was sold in 1980. The Supervision 8000 is clearly not a clone. However it is our theory that Mattel duplicated the design of Bandai's controllers. To keep things cool, Mattel approached Bandai with an offer to distribute the Intellivision in Japan. Bandai later continues to remain a distributor well throughout the 1980's. Hmmm.