RCA Studio II

RCA Studio II
RCA Studio II
ManufacturerRCA
TypeHome video game console
GenerationSecond generation
Release dateJanuary 1977; 47 years ago (1977-01)
Introductory priceUS$149 (equivalent to $749.17 in 2023)
Discontinued1978 (1978)
Units sold53,000-64,000[1]
CPURCA 1802 microprocessor, 1.78 MHz
Memory512 bytes (normally used as 256 bytes display RAM + 256 bytes program RAM)
Removable storageROM cartridge
Display64x32, monochrome graphics
GraphicsRCA CDP1861 "Pixie"
Controller inputTen-button keypads

The RCA Studio II is a home video game console made by RCA that debuted in January 1977. The graphics of Studio II games were black and white[2] and resembled those of earlier Pong consoles and their clones. The Studio II also did not have joysticks or similar game controllers but instead used two ten-button keypads that were built into the console itself.[3] The console was capable of making simple beep sounds with slight variations in tone and length. The Studio II included five built-in games.[4]

The Studio II was not a successful product; the previously released Fairchild Channel F made it obsolete at launch and the Atari 2600, superior to both, was released ten months later. After poor Christmas sales in 1977, RCA discontinued the Studio II.

  1. ^ "RCA Studio II GOLD MINE! An interview with the Studio 2 Production Manager!". Atariage.com. March 2013.
  2. ^ Kent, Steven L. (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games. Three Rivers Press. ISBN 0-7615-3643-4.
  3. ^ "Popular Mechanics - Google Books". Hearst Magazines. December 1977. Retrieved 2019-07-18.
  4. ^ Dillon, Roberto (2011). The Golden Age of Video Games. A K Peter/CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-4398-7323-6.