Amstrad GX4000

Released in Europe in September 1990, the Amstrad GX4000 was Amstrad’s first and only dedicated games console. Based on the enhanced hardware developed for the 464 Plus and 6128 Plus computers, it used a 4 MHz Zilog Z80A processor, 64KB of RAM, cartridge software and a custom ASIC capable of hardware sprites, smooth scrolling and a 4,096-colour palette.

The £99.99 package included two controllers and the racing game Burnin’ Rubber. Although technically compatible with the CPC Plus cartridge format, the GX4000 entered a market dominated by established console makers and received a small software library before production ended.

Notable Features

• Cartridge-based console derived from the CPC Plus architecture
• Custom ASIC supported 16 hardware sprites, smooth scrolling, raster interrupts and split-screen effects
• 4,096-colour palette with up to 32 colours available in enhanced cartridge software
• Supplied with two controllers and the Burnin’ Rubber cartridge
• RGB, composite video and RF outputs allowed connection to televisions or Amstrad monitors
• Software cartridges were physically compatible with the 464 Plus and 6128 Plus

Historical Significance

• Amstrad’s only dedicated home video game console
• Launched alongside the CPC Plus computers as part of a shared games platform
• Entered the market against established Nintendo and Sega systems and soon faced newer 16-bit consoles
• A limited catalogue and brief sales life made it a notable commercial failure
• Its enhanced CPC hardware later attracted renewed interest from homebrew developers

Collectors Notes

• Complete packages should include two original controllers, power supply and Burnin’ Rubber cartridge
• Controller membranes and cartridge contacts may need cleaning
• The pale plastic can yellow, and the large front power button is prone to cosmetic wear
• The console can use RGB output and does not require an Amstrad monitor
• Its small production run and distinctive design make boxed examples highly collectible

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad GX4000
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Saturday, September 1, 1990
Discontinued	1991
Launch Price	£99.99 including two controllers and Burnin’ Rubber
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Units Sold	Approximately 15,000 (widely reported)
Power	External mains adapter; can also connect to compatible Amstrad Plus monitors
Video Output	RGB, composite video and RF television output
Storage	ROM cartridge
Controllers	Two supplied digital gamepads; two digital controller ports and one analogue port
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8912, 3 voices; ASIC-assisted DMA sound playback
ROM	No built-in BASIC; software supplied on cartridge
RAM	64KB main RAM plus 16KB video memory
Graphics	Custom ASIC with 16 hardware sprites, smooth scrolling, raster interrupts and a 4,096-colour palette
Display	160 × 200 in 16 colours, 320 × 200 in 4 colours, or 640 × 200 in 2 colours; enhanced software can use up to 32 colours
CPU Speed	4 MHz