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The Brown Box Lightgun, 1967–68

National Museum of American History

Object Details

patent holder
Baer, Ralph H.
inventor
Baer, Ralph H.
Description
This toy gun proves that target-shooting games were part of video game history from the very beginning.
This lightgun was used to play the Target Practice game on the “Brown Box,” a prototype for the first multiplayer, multiprogram video game system. Magnavox licensed the Brown Box and released the system as the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972. The lightgun and four target games were later sold as a separate expansion package.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Ralph H. Baer
1967-1968
ID Number
2006.0102.06
catalog number
2006.0102.06
accession number
2006.0102
Object Name
lightgun
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2 1/2 in x 26 in x 6 in; 6.35 cm x 66.04 cm x 15.24 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_1302000
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-e670-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

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Brown Box With Lightgun
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IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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