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The Brown Box, 1967–68

National Museum of American History
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Object Details

patent holder
Baer, Ralph H.
inventor
Baer, Ralph H.
Baer, Ralph H.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Ralph H. Baer
1967-1968
ID Number
2006.0102.04
catalog number
2006.0102.04
accession 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 cm
right controller overall: 3 1/8 in x 7 1/4 in x 4 in; 7.9375 cm x 18.415 cm x 10.16 cm
left controller overall: 3 1/8 in x 7 in x 4 in; 7.9375 cm x 17.78 cm x 10.16 cm
Related Publication
Baer, Ralph H.. Videogames: In The Beginning
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Popular Entertainment
Baer
Family & Social Life
Computers & Business Machines
National Museum of American History
Record ID
nmah_1301997
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-e00d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Related Content

  • The Father of the Video Game: The Ralph Baer Prototypes and Electronic Games

    American History Museum
  • The Father of the Video Game: The Ralph Baer Prototypes and Electronic Games:Video Game History

    American History Museum
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