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Matrox Mystique G200

Matrox Graphics, Inc. · 1999 · AGP Graphics Card
The one-card 2D/3D accelerator that gives Voodoo2 a run for its money, and throws in the games to prove it.
4.5
Excellent
POCG VERDICT
A one-card 2D/3D package that finally challenges Voodoo2 and sweetens the deal with three full games.
Motorhead, Incoming, and Tonic Trouble sweeten an already solid deal: fast 3D with no second card, all for $149.
About This Hardware

The Matrox Mystique G200 is a 2D/3D graphics accelerator from Matrox Graphics, Inc., built around the MGA-G200 chip. It competes directly with the Voodoo2, ATI Rage series, and NVIDIA RIVA cards, aiming to deliver competitive 3D performance alongside strong 2D and video output in a single-slot AGP solution. The base model ships with 8 MB of SDRAM, upgradeable to 16 MB via an expansion module. Key features include a 128-bit DualBus architecture, 32-bit true color rendering at all resolutions, trilinear filtering, full-scene anti-aliasing, triple buffering, alpha blending, and a 230 MHz RAMDAC. TV output is handled by Matrox's own MGA-TVO processor through both S-Video and composite connections, supporting simultaneous display at up to 1024x768. The card launched in 1999 at a suggested retail price of $149, bundling full copies of Motorhead, Incoming, and Tonic Trouble, along with a suite of game demos that varied by region. Installation is straightforward, with clear multi-language documentation and a driver suite that Matrox updates frequently. While Direct3D support is solid, OpenGL performance relies on a wrapper and remains less polished, though driver refinements are ongoing. The G200 forms the foundation for a family of optional upgrades, including a DVD decoder module, additional memory, and the Rainbow Runner G-Series video editing package.

Specifications
InterfaceAGP 2x
GPUMGA-G200
VRAM8 MB SDRAM (16 MB available)
RAMDAC230 MHz
APIsDirect3D, OpenGL (via wrapper)
OutputVGA, TV-Out (S-Video / Composite)
EraWindows 95 / 98
Bundled GamesMotorhead, Incoming, Tonic Trouble (full) + demos
Hardware Info
ManufacturerMatrox Graphics
CategoryAGP Graphics Card
Released1999
MSRP$149.00
ReviewedJune 14, 2026
How to Get One Today
Price
MSRP: $149.00
Notes & Warnings
Available new from major retailers. Bundled demo software may vary from box to box; check the included list. The printed manual incorrectly references S-Video and composite cables being in the box, but Matrox has acknowledged the error and corrected future printings.
Editor's Note
Restored from the POCG archive and rewritten in the Maniac voice. Original overall score: 9.3/10, here converted to 4.5/5.