This will be a forum series where I'll talk about the history and my experience with the gaming consoles I own and I figured why not start with the first gaming console that was ever released.
The Magnavox Odyssey
This will be my 8-bits (instead of my 2-cents)
History:In the late 60's a man named Ralph Baer created something that was like nothing on the market, a box that you can hook up to a TV and play as a game. He called it “The Brown Box”. He tried to sell his prototype to many electronic companies and everyone turned him away til Magnavox saw it and took his idea and made what we know as the Odyssey in 1972.
Not only was this the First console but the first to use a Light Gun and changeable games (sort off).
How did it do?Not well, people where mislead by their ads that the system could only be used on Mangavox TVs because in every ad it was used on a Magnavox television. Guess people of the 70s where not to bright. (lol) The system was discontinued by 1975 due to horrible sales and the Pong revolution. Only 300,000+ where sold.
Graphics: Well it's pretty much a light square on the screen and you place a light plastic overlay over the TV screen to get graphics. There's no score, no boundaries and players pretty much could move where ever they want. The games are simple cards that tell the console how the lights should react. Most all the games require a second player, the only one you can solo on is the Light Gun games. (soft off)
Is this system still fun to play?Not really, other then good laugh on how simple and primitive the games are the System is more of a novelty then anything else. Mostly you're showing someone how simple the first gaming console was.
The system has the weirdest controllers, its basically a box with three knobs and a reset button.
What games are worth playing? Um... The Light Gun games and messing around with a friend is fun, but nothing stands out as a must play on the Odyssey.
How many versions are there?Two main ones, Run 1 and Run 2. There is other models made over seas and even fake versions made out of the US. But we'll stick with the main two. The Run 1 and Run 2 models do have different versions mainly from the parts inside. (this is why some collectors look for certain serial numbers) But for Most collector's they mainly want a Run 1 model. How can you tell the difference?
Run 1 has a sticker on the bottom that says “run 1” and they don't have the Magnavox logo on the front of the console. Run 1's are the most sought after by collector's and usually fetch a higher price.
Run 2 has a “Run 2” sticker on the bottom and most (not all of them) have the Magnavox logo on the front of the console.
What do I need to know if I start collecting this system? Well first that there's two main versions of this console, known as Run 1 and Run 2, and again Run 1's carry a higher price then Run 2 models. Many of these systems yellow with age and most have issues working. Make sure to check the battery compartment, one to see if there's any corrosion. This system was mainly powered by batteries and people leave them in the console. Also I find many of the buttons that hold the cover shut break off easy. But the biggest problem is finding a complete system. There's a ton of extra's that come with this console. The Overlays, 6 game cards, several decks of cards, a pair of dice, a cardboard football/roulette board, a score board, stickers, poker chips to name a few. The system didn't come with an AC Adapter instead it came with Batteries. Good luck finding the original batteries sill intact. (lol) You can buy an Adapter to use on it. Also the system requires a RF Box that was only used with older Odyssey consoles. If this is missing you wont be able to hook the system up to a TV. A complete System can run well over $200 if not more. Games for this system can be really hard to find complete especially the Light Gun. While you might get lucky and find one in the wild, the best bet is unfortunately Ebay.
My Experience with the ConsoleI didn't get an original Odyssey til about five years ago. My first was a Run 2 model and it was near complete. Then I got a Run 1 model a year later and it was missing the overlays and a few other pieces but between the two I have a complete set. I have hooked up the Odyssey to my HDTV with no problems (other this a slightly fuzzy screen and the overlays wont stay up) It's Weird, this is the only console I know off that when you put a game in the system it automaticly turns on. There is no power switch of any kind on the console. I honestly had fun messing around with it with other people who love classic video games, you can cheat by messing with one of the knobs on the controller and this gets some laughs. I tried playing with a casual gamer and they didn't get the charm and thought it was stupid. (lol) It's definitely a collector's piece and only collector's get any fun from it.
Then I got a Light Gun, I was surprised to see that the first light gun will work on an HDTV. But it will also react to any light source. (lol) Its also kinda cool that you have to cock the gun like a real shotgun between shots. It's fun to show people the first game console and I love owning it but it's not something I play often.
Final ThoughtsThis is a console for the collector who loves gaming history, someone who wants to experience what the first primitive games where like. This isn't for everyone just those who want to own a piece of gaming history.
Let me know what you think, should I continue with more reviews and what console would you like me to do next? I may pick one you guys pick or I might just do it in a somewhat order of how they came out. I don't know yet how often I'll have the time to write one of these but I'll have one up as often as I can.
Also do/did you own an Odyssey? If so reply with your experience with it. If not would you like to own one?
by the numbers: 11 people own a Run 1 model and only 3 own a Run 2 on VGcollect.
