Atari’s Pong is Released

Pong, one of the earliest arcade video games, is released by Atari. The first prototype has been installed at Andy Capp’s Tavern, consistently earning four times more revenue than other coin-operated machines, around US$35–40 per day. Patrons come to the bar, lining up around the corner before opening, just to play Pong. Atari uses this prototype’s success to attract investment and begins to manufacture the game consoles, releasing the game on November 29, 1972. During the 1975 Christmas season, Atari releases a home version of Pong exclusively through Sears retail stores. The commercial success of Pong will revolutionize the arcade industry and launch the modern video game era.