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In the late 1970s, Mattel and other companies made use of the same bright red LED technology then prevalent in calculators to create simple handheld games. While they would be supplanted in the early 1980s by LCD technology, which allowed for simple images to be illuminated, these LED units are remarkably fun. The controls are simple digital buttons, often in the four cardinal directions which predate the Nintendo Dpad. The red lights are bright, and the games can be played in both daylight to full darkness. This is in great contrast to many LCD handhelds, where the images need proper lighting to be seen. The screens also seem to be far more resistant or affected by scratches that often mar LCD gaming experiences. Sound is very minimal, although a bit more than beeps and boops. For instance, football has a memorable trill sound. The football and baseball designs seen here are remakes of the classic Mattel ones. This football is a running game only, where you (the brighter red dot) wait or lure the defense (dimmer red dots) into creating a hole to run through from side to side. The defenders loop over, so once you exit one side you reappear on the other, but the defenders are still there. Its not really football, but it works. You always play offense, just changing the direction of play. The baseball game is also simple, with probably a random number generator deciding on where hits go. Gameplay can be remarkably quick in Baseball. Many youths spent a lot of time annoying parents playing these travelling handheld games. They were both supplanted by other products, from Mattel and others, that had more advanced gameplay. Yet by focusing on very simple gameplay, they succeeded in much the same way Space Invaders did. These handheld electronic games established good enough memories for recreations of these initial units, and seldom the later ones or ones by other companies, to continue being sold. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
My grandaughter loves it. It is alittle tricky for old hand to use. I like the larger on for me.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I USE TO PLAY BASEBALL GAMES WITH A FRIEND FOR HOURS IN THE 80'S.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I had one in the 1970s. As a kid this really took me back to a simpler enjoyable time!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Ausome game would recommen it anyone
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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