Simon Electronic Game Value Guide

Period
1978
Origin
United States
Materials
Plastic, electronic components

The 1978 Simon Electronic Game is a cornerstone of pop culture, representing the dawn of the handheld electronic gaming era. Invented by Ralph H. Baer and Howard Morrison, its iconic circular design and four-color interface transformed the traditional 'Simon Says' concept into a global memory-testing phenomenon.

What affects the value of Simon Electronic Game?

  • Operational status of the internal electronic components and the clarity of the synthesized musical tones.
  • Physical condition of the plastic housing, specifically the absence of battery acid corrosion or heavy scuffing on the light panels.
  • Presence of the original 1978 retail box and the instruction manual, which significantly increases collector interest.
  • The responsiveness of the pressure-sensitive pads and the functionality of the difficulty level toggles.

How to Identify Simon Electronic Game?

  • Look for the original Milton Bradley logo and the 1978 copyright date embossed on the plastic casing.
  • Verify the presence of the four distinct translucent panels in red, blue, yellow, and green that illuminate during play.
  • Check the underside for the original battery compartment configuration and the model information plate typical of United States production.
  • Confirm the presence of the three-position game selector switch and the start button on the central control panel.

History of Simon Electronic Game

Simon was first released in 1978 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It was invented by Ralph H. Baer and Howard Morrison. The game's iconic design and simple, yet challenging, gameplay made it an instant hit, selling millions of units and inspiring numerous imitators. It is named after the children's game 'Simon Says'.

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