First Nintendo System & Game: Color TV-Game 6 (1977)

The oldest Nintendo video game system is the Color TV-Game 6, released June 1, 1977 in Japan by Nintendo Playing Card Co. (Nintendo's pre-video game name).

Key Details

• Type: Dedicated console (not cartridge-based)
• Built-in Game: "Light Tennis" — a Pong clone with six variations selectable via switches
• Hardware: Hardwired controllers, RF output, ran on batteries or AC adapter
• Price: ¥9,800 (approx. $40 USD in 1977)

Historical Significance

This predates the NES (Famicom) by six years and marks Nintendo's entry into the video game industry. The Color TV-Game series (6, 15, Racing 112, Block Kuzushi) sold over 3 million units combined, funding Nintendo's arcade and later console development.

Designed in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric, the Color TV-Game 6 represents the humble beginning of the company that would define gaming for decades.