Mattel Classic Football

Gaming and real life are often intertwined nowadays, and the graphics from any number of games from the future-world consoles of today almost appear more lifelike than the guy playing them. But in 1977, a handheld revolution of blips and bleeps first turned our country into a nation of LED entranced zombies.

Mattel Classic Football.

A dive into simplicity now. Heck, they probably teach the programming on Day 1 at most Tech schools. But it sure made Mattel a household name in the Me Decade that was the 70’s. Not only did this must-have serve as a forefather to the Game Boy’s of the world, it made video games accessible to everyone, an accessibility that was taken full advantage of by consumers. Mattel Classic Football got its juice from a 9-volt battery, and the illuminated dots on the petite monitor were whoever the player imagined them to be-Namath, Bradshaw, Himself.

Users presumably grew out of the phase, as that was what their mothers told them what should happen. In modern times, no longer is this age/gaming false dichotomy relevant. With that green light, we can just imagine the leaders of industry and nations, pulling a Mattel Classic Football console from their power desks during private moments, stiff arming digital tackles and crossing the goal line.

Game on.