The Bally Astrocade is a second-generation home console released by Midway, announced in October 1977 and reaching retail stores in April 1978.
Spec Table
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Maker | Midway |
| Type | Home console |
| Generation | 2nd generation |
| Release Date | Announced October 1977; mail order December 1977; retail April 1978; discontinued 1983 |
| Launch Price | \ USD |
| Units Sold | Not documented |
| Media | ROM cartridges (Videocades) |
| CPU | Zilog Z80 at 1.789 MHz |
| Predecessor / Successor | None documented |
History
Midway announced the system in October 1977 under the name Bally Home Library Computer, with limited mail order quantities that December before a wider retail launch in April 1978 under the renamed Bally Professional Arcade. Development by Dave Nutting Associates, the studio behind early Midway arcade hits, resulted in a console later rebranded again in the early 1980s before settling on the Astrocade name collectors use today.
What set the system apart was its graphics hardware: a custom video chip supporting up to 8 colors and 320×204 resolution, well beyond rival consoles of the time. Reviewers praised its combined graphics and sound package. An unusual software feature paired this with an Astro BASIC interpreter cartridge, written by programmer Jamie Fenton, that let owners write and run programs directly on the hardware. Fenton’s ingenious interpreter interleaved BASIC program bits with display bits in the system’s base 4 KB of RAM, squeezing genuine programmability out of a machine never designed with much spare memory.
None of that technical ambition translated to strong retail performance. At , the console cost considerably more than rivals and sold mainly through computer stores rather than mass-market channels. A small official cartridge library and lack of major third-party support made the case harder, though the system was expandable from 4 KB to 64 KB RAM. Midway was counted among the seven major video game suppliers of its era, earning industry respect even as the Astrocade struggled commercially. Discontinued in 1983, it holds a reputation among collectors as a technically ambitious also-ran whose distinctive library and built-in BASIC still draw interest from enthusiasts.
Library Highlights
The Astrocade’s official library was small compared to rival systems, but it leaned into the console’s graphics strengths with vehicle combat, dogfighting, and artillery titles alongside a home take on a contemporary arcade hit.
- Gunfight
- Demolition Derby
- Red Baron
- Space Invaders (as Astro Battle)
- Artillery Duel
Variants
The console itself went through several name changes over its life rather than distinct hardware revisions: it launched as the Bally Home Library Computer for mail order, was sold at retail as the Bally Professional Arcade, and was later marketed as the Bally Computer System and finally the Astrocade. RAM was expandable from a 4 KB base up to 64 KB through external modules, which broadened what the system’s software could do without changing the console itself. No other major hardware variants are documented. See the full Midway manufacturer hub for other systems the company released.
Collector Value
Bally Astrocade units turn up less often than mainstream second-generation consoles, and pricing reflects that relative scarcity along with strong niche demand from collectors drawn to its BASIC programmability and library of Videocade cartridges. Loose, tested consoles are the most commonly available condition tier, while complete-in-box examples with the original manuals and packaging command a real premium; sealed units are rare enough that most collectors never encounter one for sale. Because the system relied on a proprietary controller and power supply, verifying that both original accessories are present matters more here than with more common consoles of its era.
Buying Guide
Before buying a used Astrocade, confirm the listing includes the original power supply and the system’s distinctive detachable controllers, since both use proprietary connectors that are difficult to replace with generic parts. Ask whether the cartridge slot has been tested with a Videocade rather than just powered on, as a worn or corroded slot is a common source of no-display issues on this hardware. Because the official library is small, check which cartridges are included before assuming a \”complete\” bundle covers the games you actually want.
FAQs
When did the Bally Astrocade come out?
The console was announced in October 1977, shipped in limited quantities by mail order in December 1977, and reached retail stores in April 1978.
How many units did the Bally Astrocade sell?
Total lifetime unit sales are not documented.
How much did the Bally Astrocade cost at launch?
The console launched at \ USD.
What CPU does the Bally Astrocade use?
It uses a Zilog Z80 processor running at 1.789 MHz.
Did the Bally Astrocade have a successor?
No documented predecessor or successor console exists in Midway’s lineup; the Astrocade was discontinued in 1983 without a direct follow-up system.
Sources
Facts on this page last verified 2026-07-15.