Vintage Mattel Aquarius Home Computer - Boxed - collectors item
TESTED WORKING 27TH MARCH 2024
A very rare find for most retro computer collectors, and one from 1983, especially with poly insert packaging, an outer box . This Mattel Aquarius is like most of this age, where the casing yellows due to the materials used at the time, and comes with the full instruction manuals, power supply, video cable, and keyboard overlay. Does not come with any games. This unit hasbeen tested BUT it is sold as seen and described. Many collectors seek these out just to have in their collection. And with all Aquarius units, with ageing, the shell of the computer has discoloured. Outer box lid is ripped.

This model was produced for the UK market so output would be PAL.
The Mattel Aquarius had a short life in the history of computing. It was released in 1983, but its technical capabilities really didn't allow it to compete with other machines that were already established in the market place, despite it's relative cheap price.
The machine was based around the Zilog Z80 processor but had limited RAM, just 4K (although it was expandable to 20K via cartridges), the sound and graphics were very limited, just at a time when other machines were doing arcade quality software.
Programs could be loaded via tapes, or by the cartridge slot on the right hand side, but with little interest from software companies, and not having a dedicated in house software company, the machine had a very small software library.
It used Microsoft Basic, which was of good quality, but programming on the tiny chiclet keyes was not easy. Mattel realised quickly the machine was not going to succeed, and the Aquarius was discontinued just four months after release achieving very poor sales.
In the UK, the Aquarius may have been sold in catalogues like the Gratten one and not so much in the high street, which was already awash with far more capable machines, such as the Sinclair and Commodore computers.
The machine was actually made by a company called Radofin in Hong Kong, who were more well known for their games console machines of the time.
Manufacturer: Mattel
Date: 1st June 1983
This is becoming a very collectable item for Retro Vintage computer buffs.
Due to the age of this item, even though stored within indoor and dry condition since purchase, no refunds will be offered, Buyer accepts this as sold as seen.
As with any retro electronics and computer kit, although this may work once tested, that is no guarantee that anytime in the future, it may suddenly fail. Computers of this age and quality will have been stored and cared for to keep them in this working condition.
All our retro products are shipped worldwide based on contents weight and with a 'sign for' service for delivery guarantee, and each product is smart security marked before despatch. Why do we smart mark it? we have had buyers in the past return products only to find out it was a faulty one they already had and 'swapped' it for our great condition product, and then wanted a refund. Smart marking ensures that should we accept any returns, it will guarantee it is the actual product we shipped,
We do not accept any returns on retro products of this age, so you must accept it 'as is' when purchasing.
A great addition to anyones collection