Home Video Game Console History

In 1972 the Magnavox Odyssey became the first home video game console in history. It was designed by Ralph Baer and was an analogue system that ran off batteries. Although it was a breakthrough in home gaming the console had no sound at all.

The Magnavox Odyssey 100 was released in 1975. It had two games to play, Tennis and Hockey. This updated system could be powered by both batteries or by using an AC adapter. Later in the same year they released an Odyssey 200 system with an extra game called Smash, this version also had on-screen scoring.

Also in 1975 Atari brought out their home version of the arcade classic Pong. A simple but addictive game involving two paddles and a ball. This home video console sold really well and they released an upgraded version called super Pong a year later. This console had four different versions of the original Pong game.

Coleco brought out their Telstar home console system in 1976. It played 3 games and could be adjusted to 3 different levels of difficulty. It was very successful selling over 1 million units. They followed up with a series of other games including ones which could be played in colour.

Check out the History Of All Video Game Consoles page for more details about home video game console history.