They Create Worlds

The First 10 Years of European Consoles

4 snips
Sep 1, 2025
Dive into the fascinating evolution of European consoles, beginning with the Magnavox Odyssey and local innovations like Spain's Overkal. Learn how early dedicated systems from UK and German companies paved the way for more advanced programmable consoles. Discover the pivotal moment when technology like the 'Pong on a Chip' transformed production, and explore how the influx of American companies changed the landscape, coinciding with the North American video game crash that reshaped gaming in Europe.
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INSIGHT

Odyssey Laid Europe's Foundation

  • The European console era begins with Magnavox Odyssey exports and localized clones like Spain's Overkal.
  • Europe adapted the Odyssey content for local tastes and limited releases rather than mirroring the US rollout.
ANECDOTE

Spain's Overkal Mystery

  • Felipe Mor Perez of Interelectronica reportedly registered an Odyssey trademark and built the Overkal clone in Spain in 1973–74.
  • Researchers found receipts proving sales but limited advertising and murky links to Magnavox remain unresolved.
INSIGHT

VideoMaster's Rapid Rise

  • VideoMaster grew from arcade operators to dominate the UK dedicated-console market in the mid‑1970s.
  • Their early discrete‑component home TV game sold modestly but established a local industry presence.
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