Hardware

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Hardware

 

Step into the world of gaming innovation with our collection of iconic hardware that has shaped the gaming industry. From vintage home consoles and handheld devices to classic arcade machines and cutting-edge accessories like VR headsets and gaming peripherals, this category celebrates the physical systems that have defined the evolution of gaming and left an indelible mark on its history.

Click on the objects below for more detailed information. Objects are listed alphabetically.

Attack in Space Pocket Arcade

Although based on the iconic arcade game Space Invaders (Taito, 1978), Tomy’s Attack in Space is not a videogame.

Donkey Kong Game & Watch

The portable Game & Watch devices function as a clock and, from 1981, an alarm as well as a game.

Famicom

The Famicom practically set the blueprint for home games consoles to come. How much do we really know about it?

Game Boy

First released in 1989, the Game Boy was a revolutionary device that actually drew its design from well-developed, pre-existing technologies.

Grandstand Video Entertainment Computer

The Fairchild Channel F, later known as the Grandstand Video Entertainment Computer in the UK, was a pioneering home video game console.

Liferower Rowing Machine

What does exercise equipment have to do with videogames? This rowing machine from the mid-1980s lets a person play videogames as they exercise.

Magnavox Odyssey

Why the first home videogame console is still more innovative than things on the market.

Munchman Tabletop Game

The Munchman Tabletop Game is an electronic game based on Tomy’s Pac-Man arcade game.

Narita Boy Arcade Machine

As a promotional project, Team 17 donated this Arcade Cabinet to the NVM. It was designed to play the game Narita Boy in March 2021.

Nintendo Color TV Game Block Kuzushi

Released in 1979, The Block Kuzushi, or ‘Block Breaker’, was one of the first consoles made by Nintendo.

Nintendo Entertainment System

The Famicom was re-branded as the Nintendo Entertainement System internationally. But why was this? How did Nintendo market this machine?

Pax Power Glove

The Pax Power Glove, released in 1989, was an important stepping stone in the development of virtual reality, video games, and motion control.

PlayStation 2 (Slimline)

This is a limited edition PlayStation 2 ‘slim’ console, in pink. This particular model, the V15, was first released in Europe in late 2006.

Sailor Moon Arcade Machine

Originally released in 1995, discover the story behind the restoration of this stunning arcade machine.

The SID Chip

The SID chip was a crucial component of the Commodore 64. The Commodore was a personal home computer introduced in 1982.

Space Invaders Arcade Machine

Space Invaders, released in 1978, took arcades by storm with its simplistic graphics, fun gameplay, and striking cabinet artwork.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a 16-bit home video game console released by Nintendo in 1990 that became iconic for its ground breaking graphics, memorable sound, and legendary game library.

Tamagotchi

The Tamagotchi was developed by Aki Maita and Akihiro Yokoi, marketed especially to high school girls in Japan.

Worms 2 Amiga 4000 and Development Diary

Cris Blyth, an animator and artist, used this Amiga 4000 computer while working on Worms 2 with Team17.

ZX Spectrum

The ZX Spectrum, released in the UK in 1982, was made to be the most affordable home computer ever.

Collection Catalogue

Our online catalogue offers access to a wide range of entries, each detailing whether the item is currently on display in the Museum.

Browse our Collection