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First TV Video Game — 1958, 1972, or 1972? Depends on Definition

Three milestones claim "first TV game" depending on criteria:

YearGameSignificance
1958Tennis for TwoFirst electronic game with graphical display (oscilloscope, not TV)
1972Computer SpaceFirst commercial coin-op video game (TV monitor)
1972Magnavox OdysseyFirst home console connecting to TV

Nuance

  • Tennis for Two — Brookhaven Lab, analog computer, oscilloscope vector display. Not a "TV" but a screen.
  • Computer Space — Nolan Bushnell, Nutting Associates, fiberglass cabinet, GE TV. Commercial failure but proved market.
  • Odyssey — Ralph Baer, "Brown Box" prototype 1968. Cartridge = jumper cards. No CPU—discrete logic. 350K sold.

Consensus

Odyssey (1972) = First home TV game system.
Computer Space (1972) = First arcade TV game.
Tennis for Two (1958) = First electronic graphical game.

Define "TV game" and the answer follows.


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