# Playmaster

> TV and Pong console

**Wikidata**: [Q24192113](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24192113)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/playmaster

## Summary
The Playmaster is a hybrid television and Pong console released in 1977 by Finnish electronics manufacturer Salora. It combined a color TV with built-in video games, serving as both an entertainment system and an early home gaming device. Part of the first generation of video game consoles, it reflects the experimental integration of gaming technology into household appliances during the 1970s.

## Key Facts
- Released in **1977** in Finland as a TV and Pong console.
- Manufactured and published by **Salora**, a Finnish electronics company.
- Part of the **first generation of video game consoles** (1972–1980).
- Featured **5 built-in games**, including Pong variants.
- Combined a **color television** with home video game functionality.
- Exhibited permanently at the **Finnish Museum of Games** since January 6, 2017.
- Classified as both a **television set** and **home video game console**.
- Documented in Wikimedia Commons under the category **Salora Playmaster**.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Playmaster released?
A: The Playmaster was released in **1977** in Finland, combining a television with Pong-style gaming capabilities.

### Q: Who manufactured the Playmaster?
A: It was designed and manufactured by **Salora**, a Finnish electronics company known for consumer appliances.

### Q: What made the Playmaster unique?
A: Unlike standalone consoles, the Playmaster integrated a **color TV** with **5 built-in games**, eliminating the need for separate devices.

## Why It Matters
The Playmaster represents an early attempt to merge home entertainment systems with interactive gaming, a concept that foreshadowed later innovations like smart TVs and streaming devices. As part of the first generation of consoles, it contributed to the normalization of video games as a living-room activity. Its dual functionality addressed the limited household space and budgets of the 1970s, offering families an all-in-one solution for passive and interactive entertainment. Preserved by the Finnish Museum of Games, it serves as a tangible artifact of Finland’s role in early consumer electronics and gaming history.

## Notable For
- **All-in-one design**: Integrated television and gaming hardware, rare for its time.
- **Finnish innovation**: One of the few 1970s consoles developed outside the U.S. or Japan.
- **Museum preservation**: Featured in a permanent exhibit since 2017, highlighting its cultural significance.
- **First-generation hybrid**: Blended emerging gaming technology with established TV technology.

## Body
### Development and Release
The Playmaster was launched in **1977** by Salora, a Finnish company primarily known for televisions and radios. It was marketed as a versatile home entertainment system, capitalizing on the popularity of Pong clones while leveraging Salora’s expertise in television manufacturing. The console was released exclusively in Finland, reflecting Salora’s domestic focus.

### Technical Specifications
- **Form factor**: A standard color television with integrated circuitry for video games.
- **Games**: **5 built-in titles**, including simple Pong variants (e.g., tennis, squash, and shooting games).
- **Controls**: Utilized dedicated wired controllers for gameplay, distinct from standard TV operations.
- **Classification**: Technically a **television set** and **home video game console**, bridging two consumer electronics categories.

### Legacy
The Playmaster never achieved widespread international recognition but remains a notable artifact of 1970s gaming experimentation. Its design philosophy—integrating gaming into everyday appliances—contrasted with standalone consoles like the Atari 2600. Today, it is preserved and displayed by the **Finnish Museum of Games** in Tampere, Finland, where it has been part of the permanent collection since **January 6, 2017**. This recognition underscores its role in Finland’s technological heritage and the broader history of hybrid entertainment systems.

## References

1. [Source](http://vapriikki.fi/pelimuseo/pelit/)