One console I’ve always had a mild fascination with is the Magnavox Odyssey. Released all the way back in 1972, it was the very first home video game console, and was actually released two months before Pong hit arcades.
I’m not entirely sure why I’m so taken by this? I think it might be because it doesn’t use a single integrated circuit. The schematic from the service manual shows that the entire console uses diode-transistor logic, and every component is entirely discrete.
Because of this, for a while now, I’ve wanted to experience it for myself. However, they are… very expensive on eBay. Unsurprising, given that this hardware is over 50 years old and sold fewer units than the Virtual Boy, but that has been annoying.
There are simulators and emulators available, but I’ve found they can have issues. Initially, I thought about writing my own emulator, but I realised that I can’t really do that if I don’t have a hands-on experience with the console. I do still plan on writing that emulator, but first, I needed to get a physical machine somehow.
So I’ve decided to make one myself.
As of 2026-02-27, all I have are some KiCad files I’ve made, which have never been made and which are completely untested. When this project is completely finished, I will release the files under a free licence so anyone can make their own.
Updates will be periodically made to this page as the project goes on.