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 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" 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 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 and a golf putting game, which required the use of a special attachment. Sanders licensed the "Brown Box" to Magnavox, which released the system as the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972.

Date Made: 1967-1968

Patent Holder: Baer, Ralph H.Inventor: Baer, Ralph H.Maker: Baer, Ralph H.

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers, Popular Entertainment, Baer, Family & Social Life, Computers & Business Machines

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: Baer, Ralph H.. Videogames: In The Beginning

Credit Line: Ralph H. Baer

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2006.0102.04Catalog Number: 2006.0102.04Accession Number: 2006.0102

Object Name: video game system

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 cmright controller overall: 3 1/8 in x 7 1/4 in x 4 in; 7.9375 cm x 18.415 cm x 10.16 cmleft controller overall: 3 1/8 in x 7 in x 4 in; 7.9375 cm x 17.78 cm x 10.16 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-e00d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1301997

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