The term TV game can be used to refer to any number of self-contained, highly-portable game systems operating on either batteries or a DC adapter which plug directly into a TV or VCR. The game software is built directly into the unit, which is typically designed to look like a toy or classic game controller with the addition of two AV ports. These systems usually contain either highly-specialized games or activities, or a collection of classic games.
As the game software is integrated into the game unit and not designed to be changed by the user, these game systems are typically sold by retailers as electronic toys or collectibles rather than game consoles. Most units sell for under USD50 with an average price of USD20.
Manufacturers
Jakks Pacific: Uses the name "TV Games", and sells and distributes classic systems with original games from ATARI, Namco, Midway, Capcom, and Activision. They also have contracts to distribute game systems based on Disney, Nickelodeon (Sponge Bob and Blues Clues), Spiderman, Batman, Dragon Ball Z, EA Sports, and Star Wars franchises. The company sometimes distributes these toys through Toymax.
Radica Games: Uses the name "Play TV(TM)", and sells and distributes classic games based on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, and the Tetris, and Space Invaders video games. The company also sells specialized sport and racing games.
Majesco: Uses the name "TV Arcade", and sells and distributes classic Konami games and several video poker games.
Tiger: Uses the name "Plug 'n Play", and sells specialized sports games such as paintball and The Lord of the Rings sword games.
Mammoth Toys: Produces the C64 Direct TV game system.
Video Extreme: Uses the names "vsMaxx" and "Video Maxx" and sells controllers with between fifteen and ninety-five classic games. The company also sells poker and electronic card TV games.
Atari/Infrogames: Makes the Atari(TM)Flashback game console.
Ohio Art Makes the Etch & Sketch ETO, an electronic version of the Etch & Sketch that allows the user to draw images electronically.
Manley: Makes the Power Rangers Dino Thunder Plug 'N Play Game.
Pelican: Makes a 15-in-1 TV game called the Game Station, which is distributed with a collection of generic games.
Techno Source: Makes the Intellivision 25 Video Game System.
NrTrade Makes the Power Games series, a collection of TV game systems with built-in games and expansion ports for extra controllers and add-on games.
Although several manufacturers produced these devices prior to 2002, the systems were popularized by Jakks Pacific's Atari Classic 10-in-1 TV Game. Most manufacturers have their own trademarked names for these systems, such as Radica's "Play TV(TM)" or Majesco's "TV Arcade(TM)". However, most retailers refer to all of them as TV games or Plug & Play games.
See also
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