The Brown Box, 1967–68
- Description
- This machine paved the way for the video games of today.
- In 1967, Ralph Baer and his colleagues at Sanders Associates, Inc. developed a prototype for the first multiplayer, multiprogram video game system. Since Sanders hoped to license the technology for a commercial venture, Baer understood that the games had to be fun or investors and consumers would not be interested. In an oral history interview (copies available in the Archives Center[hyperlink] at the National Museum of American History), Ralph Baer recalled, “The minute we played ping-pong, we knew we had a product. Before that we weren’t too sure.”
- Originally called TV Game Unit #7, much like the "Pump Unit"[hyperlink] before it, it became far better known by its nickname, “The Brown Box.” The name comes from the brown wood-grain, self-adhesive vinyl used to make the prototype look more attractive to potential investors. The "Brown Box," though only a prototype, had basic features that most video games consoles still have today: two controls and a multigame program system.
- The "Brown Box" could be programmed to play a variety of games by flipping the switches along the front of the unit, as can be seen in the picture. Program cards[hyperlink] were used to show which switches needed to be set for specific games. "Brown Box" games included ping-pong, checkers, four different sports games, target shooting with the use of a lightgun[hyperlink] and a golf putting game, which required the use of a special attachment[hyperlink]. Sanders licensed the "Brown Box" to Magnavox, which released the system as the Magnavox Odyssey[hyperlink] in 1972.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- video game system
- Date made
- 1967-1968
- patent holder
- Baer, Ralph H.
- inventor
- Baer, Ralph H.
- maker
- Baer, Ralph H.
- Physical Description
- aluminum (overall material)
- vinyl (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 4 1/4 in x 16 in x 12 1/2 in; 10.795 cm x 40.64 cm x 31.75 cm
- ID Number
- 2006.0102.04
- catalog number
- 2006.0102.04
- accession number
- 2006.0102
- subject
- Computers & Business Machines
- Family & Social Life
- Popular Entertainment
- Baer
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Baer
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
- Credit Line
- Ralph H. Baer
- Related Publication
- Baer, Ralph H.. Videogames: In The Beginning
- Additional Media
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