WXXI Local Stories
Video Game System Makes National Toy Hall of Fame
The other two winners are 20th century creations. Raggedy Andy won a spot next to his sister, Anne. And a controversial choise -- the Atari 2600 Game system won, too.
In 1977, Atari introduced a device that turned TVs into toys. It wasn't the first home video game system, but curator John Paul Dyson says its popularity spawned a whole generation of systems such as Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii.
Dyson says Atari mesmerized a generation with games such as Space Invader, Pac Man, and Frogger.
The Atari system beat out Hot Wheels, Yahtzee, and the Game of Life for recognition by the National Toy Hall of Fame located in Rochester, New York. It joins toy icons such as the teddy bear, roller skates, and Mr. Potato Head.
© Copyright 2010, WXXI
(2007-11-08)
ROCHESTER, NY
(WXXI) -
Of twelve toys nominated for the National Toy Hall of Fame, 3 were inducted this morning at the Strong National Museum of Play. One toy --the kite -- is ancient, dating back about 3,000 years. The other two winners are 20th century creations. Raggedy Andy won a spot next to his sister, Anne. And a controversial choise -- the Atari 2600 Game system won, too.
In 1977, Atari introduced a device that turned TVs into toys. It wasn't the first home video game system, but curator John Paul Dyson says its popularity spawned a whole generation of systems such as Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii.
Dyson says Atari mesmerized a generation with games such as Space Invader, Pac Man, and Frogger.
The Atari system beat out Hot Wheels, Yahtzee, and the Game of Life for recognition by the National Toy Hall of Fame located in Rochester, New York. It joins toy icons such as the teddy bear, roller skates, and Mr. Potato Head.
© Copyright 2010, WXXI


