Bally Professional Arcade
Here is a brief FAQ about the system
   In 1978 Bally/Midway introduced a home video game system called the "Bally Professional Arcade". Due to "stiff competition" they withdrew the system some time later. A group of users who had enjoyed the system's games & learned its potential through the Basic Programming
Cartridge got together & bought the system from Bally. They re-introduced it in about 1981(?) as the "Bally Computer System". When you purchased this system they gave you a Basic Programming Cart FREE.
   The New company's name was Astrovision. In about 1982 it changed its name to Astrocade & now labeled its system as the Astrocade. The system continued till about 1985(?).
   All versions of the system were physically the same except for the name plate. The Astrocade version had small changes in the internal BIOS to display the longer name on the built in menu screen.
   Usually seen in Black with wood grain sides & gold trim there apparently was a beige/white version advertised. The case measured 15" wide, 10 3/4" deep and 4 3/4" high. Under a smoke coloured lid that covered the back half of the unit, when viewed from above, was the built in cart & overlay storage bin with slots for 15 carts & 14 overlays. The front half sported a 24 key calculator pad, (where overlays went when used) a reset button and a spring loaded cartridge port, labeled "Insert Cassette", with Eject button.
   Unlike MOST other video game systems, the Bally's cartridges do not protrude from the port. Instead they lay flat. The cartridges were designed like audio cassettes. Being the same width, height, and thickness as a cassettes opening. Where the write protect tabs for an audio cassette would be are two openings for the Eject button to hold on to. Where the tape in an audio cassette is exposed, there is an opening where the pins in the Bally's "Cassette" port press against the single sided board in the Cartridge.
   Unlike MOST other video game systems, the Bally's cartridges do not protrude from the port. Instead they lay flat. The cartridges were designed like audio cassettes. Being the same width, height, and thickness as a cassettes opening. Where the write protect tabs for an audio cassette would be are two openings for the Eject button to hold on to. Where the tape in an audio cassette is exposed, there is an opening where the pins in the Bally's "Cassette" port press against the single sided board in the Cartridge.
   All Bally/Astrocades came with an on screen menu system that displayed the 4 built in programs (2 games 1 calculator 1 doodle) + any games on the inserted Cassette.
   The Bally's Controllers were also unique. They consisted of a large pistol grip, appropriately contoured and knurled, a TRIGGER (NOT a button),a badge on both sides with the BALLY label, (See BALLY fitness ;-) SAME BALLY). Plus a brown knob on top that functioned as both a paddle & an extremely short throw joystick. On the top of the knob is a gold plate with controller number 1-4. On the Astrocade the Bally logo was removed but the badge spots are still there.
   All Bally/Astrocades came with an on screen menu system that displayed the 4 built in programs (2 games 1 calculator 1 doodle) + any games on the inserted Cassette.

Here is a list of the games and stuff for it.

**The box says "Bally Arcade" but system cover says "Bally Computer System"**

Original box(slightly tattered) with styrophome insert
Owners manual (FORM NO. 0620-00303-0000)
Warranty Card(FORM-00048-1077)
System with cover-Model #ABA-1000-2 Serial #009972
2 controllers 1 & 2
AC cord
"Bally Arcade" switch box
Doodle overlay

Games

2011 Galactic Invasion (C)1981
280 Zzzap and Dodgem (C)1977
3005 Bally Pin (C)1977
Astro Battle (C) 1977
Seawolf and Missile (C)1977
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