1. What Was the Videopac G7400?

The Videopac G7400, also known as the Philips Videopac+ G7400, was a home video game console released in Europe in 1983 as the successor to the Videopac G7000 (known as the Odyssey² in the U.S.). While visually similar, the G7400 introduced more advanced graphics capabilities, including high-resolution backgrounds and enhanced colors — features designed to keep pace with rapidly evolving game consoles of the early 1980s.

Though it remained largely compatible with earlier Videopac/Odyssey² games, it supported a small library of upgraded “+” titles with improved visuals when run on the G7400 hardware.

2. Key Features of the Videopac G7400

• Enhanced graphics: allowed higher resolution background overlays with colorful, static images combined with standard sprite objects.
• Backward compatible: played nearly all Videopac (Odyssey²) cartridges, preserving the existing game library.
• Videopac+ support: special games labeled “+” featured updated visuals on G7400, but ran as normal on older systems.
• Built-in power supply: unlike the G7000, it had an internal power supply and RF modulator.
• Memorable keyboard interface: retained the chiclet-style keyboard for simple programming and educational titles.

3. Games and Compatibility

• Dozens of standard Videopac games: including K.C. Munchkin!, Pick Axe Pete, and UFO!
• Videopac+ titles: games like Norseman+ and Flash Point+ included detailed backgrounds when played on G7400.
• Limited exclusive library: very few titles were G7400-only due to its short market presence.

4. Legacy and Rarity

The G7400 was released only in Europe and saw limited distribution, making it a rare collector’s item today. Despite its technical improvements, it arrived too late to compete with the more powerful Atari 5200, Commodore 64, and upcoming NES.

• Unreleased U.S. version: marketed as the Odyssey³ Command Center but never released due to the 1983 video game crash.
• Highly collectible: due to limited availability and unique “+” titles.
• Preserved by enthusiasts: emulators and homebrew communities keep the Videopac+ legacy alive.