Explore the wonderful world of old game patents

by Justin McElroy { Jan 5th 2009 at 9:00PM }

Technologizer has put together a really beautiful gallery of old electronic gaming patents, the oldest example of which you can see just above. You won't want to miss the early designs of R.O.B., wireless Atari controllers and paleolithic game cabinets.

No, not all of the images in the gallery are directly related to video games. But seriously, if you can't get on board with seeing a prototype drawing of the Speak & Spell, we're not sure there's much we can do for you.

Tags: patents

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Superstar90 @ Jan 5th 2009 9:16PM

Some of these are so lolwut.

Like the plastic thing you stick onto your TV screen.

zuburi @ Jan 6th 2009 4:30AM

The Wii sensor bar?!

BxGT @ Jan 5th 2009 9:28PM

That looks like a microwave concept

jmarto @ Jan 5th 2009 9:53PM

Wow, this is so cool, and they mention the Natick mall, which is where I often shop, including where I did virtually all of my Christmas shopping :-P

Shmil @ Jan 5th 2009 10:05PM

Just think what games would be like today if we had started with reel to reel data tapes

Shmil @ Jan 6th 2009 4:28AM

I retract my statement now after researching the Commodore 64

Wiinterfang @ Jan 5th 2009 10:47PM

I loved the voice controlled one xD.

RUN!!!

Steven @ Jan 5th 2009 11:57PM

I think the thing I like the best about this is that the article was written by a Harry McCracken.

sajitmo @ Jan 6th 2009 1:54AM

cool!

sajitmo @ Jan 6th 2009 1:55AM

nice article

sajitmo @ Jan 6th 2009 2:28AM

good article!

Duke @ Jan 6th 2009 10:13AM

I was pretty excited to get the NES with a R.O.B. It seemed so futuristic to have a robot to play games with. Too bad in practice it didn't go so well. :(