Merlin (console)

Merlin
Merlin playing Magic Square
Also known asMerlin The Electronic Wizard
DeveloperParker Brothers
ManufacturerParker Brothers
TypeHandheld electronic game
GenerationFirst generation
Release date1978
Units sold>5 million
CPUTexas Instruments TMS1000[1][2]
Memory48 bytes of RAM[3]
DisplayMatrix with 11 LED buttons
SoundPlayed through internal speaker
Input11 LED buttons + 4 buttons + on/off switch
PowerBatteries:
6 AA batteries
Power supply:
AC adaptor (nominal: 9 Volt DC at 75 milliamps / maximum: 10.5 Volt DC at 5 milliamps / minimum: 7.5 Volt DC at 150 milliamps)
Mass250 gram (no batteries)/391 gram (with batteries)
Websitetheelectronicwizard.com

Merlin (also known as Merlin The Electronic Wizard, stylized as MERLIN) is a handheld electronic game first made by Parker Brothers in 1978.

The game was invented by former NASA employee Bob Doyle, his wife Holly, and brother-in-law Wendl Thomis.[4] Merlin is notable as one of the earliest and most popular handheld games, selling over 5 million units during its initial run, as well as one of the most long-lived, remaining popular throughout the 1980s. A version of the game was re-released in 2004 by the Milton Bradley Company.

  1. ^ "Dave From EEVBlog Takes A Look At The Merlin Game From 1978!". Xadara. 7 August 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  2. ^ Drew, McBee (18 June 2008). "Cracking Open the legendary Merlin - Page 25". TechRepublic. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  3. ^ Zito, Tom (19 December 1978). "Wired-Up Wizards". Washington Post. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  4. ^ Bob Doyle Bio - Skybuilders.com