Basic Fun 09507 Handheld Electronic Game

Entertaining Gameplay with simple electronics

In the late 1970s, Mattel and other companies made use of the same bright red LED technology then prevalent in calculators to create simple handheld games. While they would be supplanted in the early 1980s by LCD technology, which allowed for simple images to be illuminated, these LED units are remarkably fun. The controls are simple digital buttons, often in the four cardinal directions which predate the Nintendo Dpad. The red lights are bright, and the games can be played in both daylight to full darkness. This is in great contrast to many LCD handhelds, where the images need proper lighting to be seen. The screens also seem to be far more resistant or affected by scratches that often mar LCD gaming experiences. Sound is very minimal, although a bit more than beeps and boops. For instance, football has a memorable trill sound.

The football and baseball designs seen here are remakes of the classic Mattel ones. This football is a running game only, where you (the brighter red dot) wait or lure the defense (dimmer red dots) into creating a hole to run through from side to side. The defenders loop over, so once you exit one side you reappear on the other, but the defenders are still there. Its not really football, but it works. You always play offense, just changing the direction of play. The baseball game is also simple, with probably a random number generator deciding on where hits go. Gameplay can be remarkably quick in Baseball.

Many youths spent a lot of time annoying parents playing these travelling handheld games. They were both supplanted by other products, from Mattel and others, that had more advanced gameplay. Yet by focusing on very simple gameplay, they succeeded in much the same way Space Invaders did. These handheld electronic games established good enough memories for recreations of these initial units, and seldom the later ones or ones by other companies, to continue being sold. Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: brisket_king

baseball game

My grandaughter loves it. It is alittle tricky for old hand to use. I like the larger on for me.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: saderday

BATTERY DOOR DON'T SLIDE OUT & NO ELECTRICAL PLUG TO RUN OFF ELECTRICITY.

I USE TO PLAY BASEBALL GAMES WITH A FRIEND FOR HOURS IN THE 80'S.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: keep_it_retro_82

Was in good shape. Fum machine. Alot of...

Was in good shape. Fum machine. Alot of good memories.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: narpole

Love it works great

I had one in the 1970s. As a kid this really took me back to a simpler enjoyable time!

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: cincymusic

great game

Ausome game would recommen it anyone

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: jder317

Love it

Brings me back to my childhood because I had this game as a kid

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: justanotherkat

My dad Loved it!

My dad loved it! Thank you so much?

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: bathman-cooper

I am glad I again have one.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: oakbrookclothie...

Much better than the original!

EXCELLENT!

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: bathman-cooper