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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe first commercial home video game console released in 1972 was the Magnavox Odyssey. It was the retail system built from Ralph Baer and his colleagues’ Brown Box prototype—not the prototype itself, and not Atari’s arcade game Pong.
Why the Magnavox Odyssey was first
Magnavox released the Odyssey in 1972, making it the first commercial home video game console. The Computer History Museum lists its introduction year as 1972, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History identifies it as a home video game system that began the console industry.
![MAGNAVOX ODYSSEY [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/315PEXEeHhL._SL160_.jpg)
The Odyssey grew out of work Ralph Baer began at Sanders Associates in 1966 on games played through a television. Baer and colleagues developed several test units between 1967 and 1969, culminating in the Brown Box. Sanders licensed that design to Magnavox, which turned it into the Odyssey for sale. The National Museum of American History describes the Brown Box as a prototype for the first multiplayer, multiprogram video game system; it was not the retail console. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Brown Box Computer History Museum: Magnavox Odyssey
How the Odyssey played
The Odyssey’s television display was extremely simple: a few small white blocks and a vertical line. Players placed translucent plastic overlays on the TV screen to add color and scenery. The games also relied on physical items such as dice, playing cards, play money, and poker chips. Additional games and accessories, including a light gun, were sold separately. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Magnavox Odyssey
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- Magnavox Odyssey 2 video game system
Although it was electronic, the Odyssey did not use a microprocessor or software in the modern console sense. Its significance was not sophisticated graphics or a software library as we know them today; it brought a multip game system into the home and established a commercial console category.
Was Pong the first home console?
No. Pong was an arcade game released by Atari in 1972, while the Odyssey was a home console. The Smithsonian says the Odyssey appeared months before Atari’s Pong arcade release. Pong’s popularity can blur the distinction, but it was a game played in arcades, not the first home system. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Magnavox Odyssey
Rank #2
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How many Magnavox Odyssey consoles were sold?
The Smithsonian’s figures conflict. Its National Museum of American History object record estimates approximately 350,000 Odyssey units sold, while a separate Smithsonian history page says fewer than 200,000. Neither page explains the difference in scope or method, so neither figure should be treated as a definitive total. Both describe sales as modest. Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Magnavox Odyssey object record Smithsonian history of the Odyssey
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- MULTIPLE OPTIONS: Play your music the way that suits you! Choose between the CD-R / CD-W compatible CD player, FM radio, 3.5mm aux port, or the Bluetooth wireless technology.
- LCD DISPLAY: Large LCD screen that makes reading what's on display easy and enjoyable.
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- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: This CD shelf system comes with a remote control (uses 2 x AAA sizes batteries, not included)
Rank #3
- KEY FEATURES: Enjoy your music with this top loading Magnavox CD boombox with AM/FM stereo radio. The aux input allows connection to any device. The boombox is CD-R/CD-RW compatible and has an AC/DC adapter. It’s powered by 6 C batteries (not included)
- QUALITY: We are committed to making products to meet the needs of our customers. For all of our high-tech devices, we strive to make quality products at the lowest prices. All of our products are built using high-quality materials for long-lasting use
- PERFORMANCE: The Magnavox brand is ubiquitous on popular products found in households around the world. Even in today’s rapidly changing markets consumers continue to choose our products to enjoy the values it stands for; high performance at smart price.
- Top loading CD player|CD-R/CD-RW Compatible|Total 2 x 0.8W RMS output|Programmable CD player|AM/FM stereo radio|LED display|Connect to any audio device via 3.5mm aux in port|AC operation (AC adapter included)|DC operation (uses 6 x C size batteries not included)
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