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DW FACTS by Dark Watcher
The Bally Professional Arcade (a.k.a. Bally Computer System, a.k.a. Bally Astrocade) was initially made available through mail order catalogue in December, 1977 in order to compete with the Atari 2600. The console was designed by their Midway Games division (funny to know that the makers of Mortal Kombat once made a videogame console ). With a small keypad built into the console, the unit was capable of writing very simple basic programs, as well as playing it's cassette shaped games. The Astrocade also came with 4 built in games (Gunfight, Checkmate, Calculator, Scribbler). The Bally Astrocade had other unique innovations that set it apart from other consoles of its time. Rather then using different controllers for different games like it's competitor Atari, the Bally Astrocade decided to create a single controller with a variety of game play options. This controller was truly ahead of its time. It resembled the pistol grip of a gun, and even featured a trigger-like action button. A small joystick rested on the top of the pistol grip for normal game play. The joystick also featured a twistable knob that could be used for paddle games such as Pong or Breakout. Essentially the Bally Astrocade controller was both an analog and digital controller. The Astrocade was also one of the first consoles to have 4 controller ports.
Even though the Astrocade seemed to have more to offer then the Atari 2600, it was another victim of Atari hogging all arcade licensing rights. Although they lacked the licenses, many of the Astrocade games are actually clones based on some Atari titles, and many are considered to be of better quality. Unfortunately, the "Great Videogame Crash of 1983" killed off the Astrocade as well as many other videogame consoles. FACT: An interesting note about this system was its appearance in the movie National Lampoons Family Vacation. While Clark mapped out the family's route on the family computer, Russ was somehow able to chase the family car Pac Man style.... "Russ, don't eat the family Truckster." Alien appears and shoots the Pac Man-esque figure that is chasing the Truckster "Thank you Audrey".

MODELS Officially licensed releases
Originally marketed as the Bally Home Library Computer, the system was also named The Bally Professional Arcade, the Bally Computer System and finally the Astrocade. Technically, all models are identical though the console does have many variations involving the packaging, button colors and the front graphic used on the plastic top cover.
Bally Home Library Computer	Bally Professional Arcade	Astrocade Professional Arcade

Bally Professional Arcade - Detailed Images



Courtesy of DigiBarn Computer Museum

CLONES Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.

CONSOLE RATINGS
by Marriott_Guy

Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release. A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.

CRITERIA	RATING	NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design	04	The Astrocade is a pretty girthy console, sporting the wood trim that was so prevalent in the 1970s. The tiny buttons of the built-in keypad are crowded and difficult to navigate. The plastic top that covers game storage is cheaply constructed and prone to cracking. Like some other systems of that era, the controller ports are located at the back of the unit, necessitating gamers to be extra careful during heated gaming sessions.
Console Durability	03	These systems are notorious for over-heating, even when placed in a well ventilated environment. The cartridge slot can be finicky at times, requiring the gamer to reinsert the game a couple of times for the system to recognize the cart.
Controllers	08	I am not usually not a big fan of this type of controller, but I have to admit that Bally hit it out of the park with the design and functionality of their pistol-grip controller. Though odd looking at first glance, this multifunction device fits comfortably in your hand, with an easy to access trigger button and 8-way directional mini joystick at the tip of the controller.
Graphics	07	Compared to the competition, graphics are well presented providing a flicker-free gaming experience. Animation is smooth and minimal slowdown even during heavy graphical on-screen activity.
Audio	08	The Astrocade blows away the competition in this department. Sound effects are crisp and varied, a nice contrast to the monotonous 'chirps' by most of the competition.
Media	05	Coined the Videocade, the cartridge is the same size as a tape cassette. Though this compact design is welcomed, organizing them is truly a pain since the game title is only listed on the front of the cart.
Game Library	04	Since Atari had the exclusive rights to many of the popular arcade titles of the day, the game offerings for the Astrocade primarily consist of clones of existing titles. Though these knock-offs are done quite well (many better than the original), the rest of the small library is rather weak.
Gamer Value	04	Games for the most part are relatively affordable, but the system itself is pricey. Though the game play is excellent for the top titles, the same basic experience can be had on one its competitors (Atari 2600, Intellivision) for a considerably less investment. The system does have some games/apps embedded within the hardware (which is a nice touch).
Collector Value	07	Though the system was produced for nearly 5 years, their were not a great deal of systems produced during its lifespan. A solid, functioning system is somewhat difficult to obtain and will run you more that you would expect.

FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the Bally Professional Arcade \ Astrocade was distributed on ROM cartridges, termed Videocades, which strongly resemble a cassette tape. Two basic packaging were utilized. Bally first distributed games in a plastic shell that was glued to the front of a cheap cardboard rack-style display. The front of the multi-fold directions served as the cover art. Once Astrovision became involved, titles were published in cardboard game boxes, roughly the same size as those utilized by Mattel with their Intellivision. The front of the box had a large open cavity to display the instruction manual, which once again doubled as the cover art. There are many variations within this design, with some featuring the Bally name while later releases display Astrocade.
	applemctom's Games that Defined Compiliation

Bally Professional Arcade Game Boxes


SCREENSHOTS Captured in-game images
280 Zzzap	Amazin' Maze	Artillery Duel
Astro Battle	Bally Pin	Bingo Math
Blast Droids	Brickyard	Checkmate
Clowns	Cosmic Raiders	Demolition Derby
Dodgem	Dogpatch	Football
Galactic Invasion	Grand Prix	Gunfight
Hockey	Incredible Wizard	Letter Match
Missile	Muncher	Panzer Attack
Pirate's Chase	Poker	Red Baron
Seawolf	Sea Devil	Sneaky Snake
Solar Conqueror	Space Fortress	Star Battle
Tennis	Tornado Baseball	Treasure Cove

EMULATION
First and third party system emulators

MESS

MESS (Multi-Emulator Super System) is a DOS based emulator capable of running many
systems including this one. It has a Windows based GUI and is extremely user friendly.

SPECS & MANUALS
For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.

Processor Type	Processor Speed	Other Processor Information	RAM \ Video RAM
Zilog Z80	1.789 MHz	None	4K (expandable to 64K)
Screen Resolution	Color Palette	Polygons \ Sprites	Audio
160 x 102 up to 320 x 204	8 colors	N\A	3 Voice + Noise & Vibrato
Media Format	Media Capacity	Games Released	Other Supported Formats
Cartridge	8 KB	49 (retail)	Data Cassette (with optional tape drive)
Internal Storage	External \ Removable Storage	Game Controllers	Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
8K	None	Pistol-style with Trigger button and 8-way directional joystick mounted on the top	Keyboard (ZGRASS), Memory Modules
Controller Ports	Network Ports	Other Ports	Audio \ Video
Four (4)	None	Light Pen port, Expansion Port	RF
Power Supply - Hardwired Adapter	Other Outputs	Other Details \ Notes
Input: AC 120V, 60 Hz, 12W Output: DC 13.5, 700mA	None	None
Manuals
Bally Home Library Computer Owners Manual (PDF) - 2.65 MB Bally Professional Arcade Owners Manual (PDF) - 3.63 MB Bally Professional Arcade (Astrovision) Owners Manual (PDF) - 0.68 MB