A video game console is a dedicated computing device that connects to a television or other display and outputs a video signal to play interactive games, usually operated with a handheld controller. Engineer Ralph Baer began developing the concept at Sanders Associates starting in 1966, building a series of prototypes including the one known as the Brown Box, which the company Magnavox licensed and released commercially in 1972 as the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console. Later generations of consoles added cartridge-based and optical-disc software, online connectivity and increasingly powerful graphics hardware, turning the console into a general home entertainment computer.
Facts
SignificanceThe Magnavox Odyssey, built on Ralph Baer's television game concept, was the first commercial home video game console. 2 FAQs
Which games did Ralph Baer's Brown Box prototype include?
The Brown Box held ping-pong, handball, soccer, volleyball, target shooting, checkers and golf.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame describes the Brown Box as a multi-game console. Ralph Baer developed a number of games for it, including ping-pong, handball, soccer, volleyball, target shooting, checkers and golf. The Hall of Fame credits Baer with inventing what became known as the Magnavox Odyssey home video game system, so the Brown Box is the prototype behind the first home console.
Connections
Associated With
Source Joseph Weisbecker (Wikipedia)
Source Ralph H. Baer (Wikipedia)
In Field
Source Video game console, Wikipedia
Sources
1. Video game console, Wikipedia
Early development, Ralph H. Baer
Ralph H. Baer devised the concept of playing simple, spot-based games on a television screen in 1966, which later became the basis of the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972.
- In Group: Personal and Portable Computing Devices, lead states a video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal to display a video game
In Field: Computer Engineering, Introduction
A video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can typically be played with a game controller.
View the Source2. Magnavox Odyssey, Wikipedia
Lead, first sentenceQuote, Lead, first sentence
The Magnavox Odyssey is the first commercial home video game console.
Joseph Weisbecker (Wikipedia)
Associated With: Joseph Weisbecker, Small systemsQuote, Associated With: Joseph Weisbecker, Small systems
He also designed the production form of the home video game system, which became the RCA Studio II.
Ralph H. Baer (Wikipedia)
Associated With: Ralph H. Baer, Lead, Magnavox OdysseyQuote, Associated With: Ralph H. Baer, Lead, Magnavox Odyssey
blueprint for the first home video game console, licensed by Magnavox as the Magnavox Odyssey
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