The TV Scoreboard (sometimes called RadioShack TV Scoreboard) is a Pong-like dedicated home video game console manufactured in Hong Kong from 1976 through the early '80s and made by Tandy.[1][2] Distribution was handled exclusively by RadioShack.

TV Scoreboard
Controller of the TV Scoreboard
Also known asRadioShack TV Scoreboard
DeveloperTandy
ManufacturerRadioShack
TypeDedicated home video game console
GenerationFirst generation
Release date1976 (1976)
CPUGeneral Instruments AY-3-8500
PowerAC adapter or 6 x 1.5v AA battery

The TV Scoreboard consisted of a left and right player, with dials or paddles on the hand held piece, and had multiple Pong era games. A variant also included a revolver-type light gun, which was used for a clay pigeon shooting game. Using additional cosmetic attachments to the light gun, the user could change its appearance to be that of a rifle. The games included but were not restricted to tennis, squash, hockey and practice. Games and game modes, including difficulty settings and serving settings, could be adjusted with switches. It ran on either an AC adapter, or six 1.5 V AA batteries.[2]

The console belongs to the first generation of video game console and is based on one single chip, the General Instrument AY-3-8500.[citation needed]

Versions

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The system was also released in Germany under the name Universum Multispiel[3] in 1977. Another very similar console is the 677 released in 1978 by Hanimex.[4]

Games

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The following ten games are playable with the system:[2]

  • Tennis
  • Football
  • Squash
  • Practice (Pelota)
  • Target
  • Motorcycle
  • Enduro
  • Motocross
  • Stunt Cycle
  • Drag Race
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References

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  1. ^ Radio Shack TV Scoreboard (handheld), OLD-COMPUTERS.COM Museum
  2. ^ a b c "Tandy TV Scoreboard - Computer - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2019-11-16.
  3. ^ "pongmuseum.com - and the ball was square... Universum Multispiel". www.pongmuseum.de. Retrieved 2020-07-07.
  4. ^ "OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum". www.old-computers.com. Retrieved 2020-08-02.