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Before hyper-realistic graphics and online multiplayer, there was Pong. Released in the early 1970s, the simple table tennis simulation became one of the first true arcade sensations. With its minimalist black-and-white screen, two paddles, and a bouncing square ball, Pong proved that video games were a medium of the future, with their only trajectory being up. Bars, bowling alleys, and arcades quickly filled with curious players lining up to try this strange new electronic game. Here are photos from those who really played it.
Family Pong Night
A competitive Sunday Pong session circa 1977, where board games gave way to electronic rivalry at home.
Gaming at Home
A family gathered around a home Pong setup in 1975, showing how the nascent game culture first spread from arcades into living rooms
Mom and Dad Playing Pong
All generations enjoyed Pong together in 1977, a reminder that the game’s appeal cut across age groups early in gaming history.
Dad and His Friend
A casual snapshot from the ’70s of friends hanging out and playing Pong, capturing the social energy of early gaming gatherings.
Nolan Bushnell with Pong
Atari founder Nolan Bushnell pictured with the original Pong hardware in 1972, the moment that helped launch the video game era.
Playing Together
A group gathered around a game (often Combat, another Atari favorite), showing social gameplay culture in the late 1970s.
“Santa Gave Me a Pong Console”
A childhood Christmas moment from the late ’70s, highlighting how Pong became a must-have holiday gift
“My Grampy” Playing Pong
A nostalgic throwback from 1995 with a grandfather playing Pong, showing the game’s lasting presence across decades.
Playing Together
Two brothers playing together, showing social gameplay culture in the late 1970s.
Pong Machine
A Pong machine from the era, the kind that filled bars and arcades as video gaming took off
The post 10 Photos of ‘Pong,’ from the Era Where it Was Really Played appeared first on Den of Geek.
