Rare Collectibles
Collector’s Corner highlights unique and rare collectibles that can be found on display at Phoenix Games. They are from the owner’s personal collection and are not for sale as they provide atmosphere and depth to the store and offer customers an opportunity to learn about and view these obscure pieces in person.
We invite you to take a moment to explore the unique world of video game collectibles.
Featured Item
Pong is easily one of the most recognizable home video game consoles in history and one of the most popular. Atari originally released Pong as an arcade cabinet in 1972 and placed the first one in Andy Capp’s Tavern in Sunnyvale, California.
Pong was so successful at the local tavern that customers would line up prior to opening to play the game. At one point, the owner called Atari to inform them that Pong had broken. However, they discovered that it wasn’t broken, just crammed so full of quarters that it literally stopped the game from working.
Atari released a home version of Pong in 1974-75 and, like its arcade predecessor, was a huge commercial success.
While Pong can tout that it was the first commercially successful video game, it also has the unique distinction of being subject to the first video game lawsuit. Atari was sued by Magnavox who claimed that Pong had been stolen from them. The end result was Atari paying royalty fees to Magnavox.
Atari originally wanted to call the game “Ping Pong” but the name had been taken. They settled on the name “Pong” because of the noise the ball made when it hit the paddle and because it was close to the original name they wanted.
Because of its popularity, Pong is often mistaken as the first home video game system but in fact, is not. That honor goes to the Magnavox’s Odyessy.
From Back In The Day
These are pictures from the owners personal arcade collection some of which are available to play on location.
Enjoy and reminiscence and maybe even see an old favorite.
