 BSS 01 | |
| Also known as |
|
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | VEB Halbleiterwerk Frankfurt (Oder) |
| Type | Dedicated home video game console |
| Generation | First generation |
| Release date | 1979 |
| Introductory price | 550 East German Mark |
| Discontinued | 1981 |
| Units sold | c. 1,000 |
| Units shipped | c. 1,000 |
| Sound | Played via an internal mono speaker |
| Controller input | 2 hardwired joystick-based game controllers |
| Power | 220 V, 2 W |
| Dimensions | 32.5 x 5.5 x 17.5 cm (w x h x d) |
The Bildschirmspiel 01 (BSS 01) is the only game console that was developed and manufactured in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It is based on the integrated circuit AY-3-8500 by General Instrument. The gameplay, controls and audiovisual presentation of the four individually selectable games are similar to Pong. The BSS 01 was designed and produced by VEB Halbleiterwerk Frankfurt an der Oder (HFO). Its sales were started in 1979 under the RFT brand at a price of 550 East German marks. Due to a lack of profitability, production was discontinued after just two years. A successor device with more game options and additional colored image output did not pass the prototype stage.