Odyssey (Platform)

Logo for Odyssey (US)


The Magnavox Odyssey was the very first home video game system. Created by Ralph Baer ("The Father of home video games"). The system was released in May 1972 and reportedly sold over 100,000 units that year.

The Odyssey is made of transistors, resistors, and capacitors. There are no real hardware "specs". Odyssey used cards that contained pin outs to change game settings. Plastic overlays that could be placed over the TV screen created graphics and color, but the actual display consisted of white squares (Paddle and ball) on an all black background.

This version was sold only in Magnavox stores.



Release dates:
1972-5 (NA)
Manufacturer:
Developers:
Generation:
First generation
PLATFORM TYPE:
Console
Introduction price:
99
ALTERNATIVE NAME:
Magnavox Odyssey; Odysee; Odisea; Odissea
Operating SystemCPU
MemoryStorage
GraphicsSound
Online serviceOutput
Supported ResolutionsConnectivity

Other versions

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Odisea (Mexico Export)

Mexican Export version of the Magnavox Odyssey. For the Mexican market all accessories were changed from English to Spanish.

Odyssey (Export)

Export version of the Magnavox Odyssey. Shipped with manual in English, German and Spanish. The games Cat & Mouse, Haunted House, Roulette, and States were replaced with Wipeout and Volleyball. The...

ITT Odyssee

One of two versions of the Magnavox Odyssey that was officialy licensed from Magnavox. The ITT Odyssee was the first home video game console released in Europe. Released only in Germany all of the...
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Odissea (Italian Export)

Italian Export version of the Magnavox Odyssey.

Odyssey (German Export)

German Export version of the Magnavox Odyssey. Shipped with the same games as the standard Export Version. Shipped with two German manuals. It is unknown why Magnavox exported this system to...

Games released on Odyssey