In 1966, the father of videogames, Ralph Baer, began developing the Brown Box prototype, the forerunner to the first home console ever released, the Magnavox Odyssey.
Originally called the ‘TV Game Unit #7’, Baer’s prototype became better known as the Brown Box because of its faux wood-grain vinyl. It ran multiple programs and games – including ping-pong, checkers and four different sports games – which were controlled by flipping the switches on the front of the unit.
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Collection
In ACMI's collection
Previously on display
10 February 2022
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
E000257
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Games Lab → GL-04. Collector's Case → GL-04-C01
Measurements
installation dimensions variable, see parts notes ATTN: Console and two controllers connected by grey cords (10mm diameter x approx 50 cm length)
Object Types
3D Object
Computer game equipment/Game
Materials
aluminum (overall material), vinyl (overall material)