Pong is one of the first video games.
Two paddles hit a tiny square “ball” across the screen.
Turn the knob to move your paddle and try not to miss.
Pong came out in 1972. It looks simple: two paddles, a square ball, and beep-boop sounds.
People first played it in arcades and cafés, using a knob to move the paddle. It was easy to learn, so lots of people joined in.
Soon a home version arrived so families could play on the TV.
Pong showed that clear, simple games could be exciting.
In a California test spot, so many people played that the machine stopped — its coin box was jammed full.
The easy dial control and on-screen score made friendly contests quick to start, and soon people were playing Pong both out in public and at home.
Pong Fun Facts
- The cabinet’s whole “how to play” was just: “Avoid missing ball for high score.”
- The “ball” is actually a little square — but everyone still calls it a ball.
- Pong speeds up after a few rallies so long rallies don’t go on forever.
