In the vibrant decade of the 1970s, a wave of innovative gadgets emerged, capturing the imaginations of children and adults alike. These groundbreaking inventions not only defined a generation but also laid the groundwork for the technology we enjoy today. From digital watches to home gaming consoles, the 1970s were truly a time of technological marvels.
20. Pocket Fisherman
Not all gadgets from the 1970s were electronic. Enter the Pocket Fisherman by Ronco, a gadget that made fishing as spontaneous as a walk in the park. This foldable fishing rod was compact enough to fit in your glove compartment and came complete with its own tackle box and pre-wound reel. It was like a Swiss Army knife for anglers, allowing anyone to drop everything and go fishing at a moment’s notice.
Thanks to catchy “As Seen On TV” commercials, the Pocket Fisherman became a cultural phenomenon. It transformed weekend fishing into a convenient, on-the-go activity, reminding us of a time when life was filled with inventions that made everyday activities more fun and adventurous.
19. Magnavox Odyssey
In 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey hit the market as the world’s first home video game console. Before this, video games were confined to arcades, but the Odyssey brought the fun straight into living rooms. While it could only display three dots and a vertical line, it managed to create over 20 different games, from tennis to haunted houses. Imagine playing chess with simple pieces but endless possibilities.
The Odyssey was revolutionary, offering plastic overlays for TV screens and cards for different game scenarios. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a groundbreaking innovation that laid the foundation for the gaming industry we know today, paving the way for future consoles like the Atari 2600.
18. Pong
Fast forward to 1975, and home entertainment was about to change forever with the release of Pong by Atari. This simple game brought the arcade experience home, eliminating the need for quarters and long lines. With just two sticks and a square ball, families gathered around their TVs, competing in a digital version of table tennis.
Pong became an instant sensation, especially during the holiday season. It created a new culture of gaming at home, setting the stage for the explosion of the video game industry that would define the 1980s and beyond. The thrill of competition and the joy of playing together made Pong a beloved classic.
17. Kodak Pocket Instamatic
In 1972, Kodak changed the photography game with the Pocket Instamatic 20. This compact, easy-to-use camera made photography accessible to everyone, allowing even amateurs to capture life’s moments effortlessly. It was the original point-and-shoot camera, small enough to fit in your pocket and featuring easy-to-load film cartridges.
The Pocket Instamatic became a favorite for families and young photographers alike, enabling them to create snapshots of everyday life. It wasn’t just a camera; it was a tool for preserving memories, making photography a cherished activity for many.
16. Speak and Math
Following the success of the Speak and Spell, Texas Instruments introduced the Speak and Math in 1978. This educational toy helped kids improve their math skills in a fun and interactive way, turning what could have been boring drills into an exciting game.
With engaging voice prompts and challenging questions, Speak and Math created a connection between education and technology, making learning feel like play. It was a significant step in blending education with entertainment, a trend that continues today.
15. Commodore PET
When we think about the first personal computers, names like Apple often come to mind. However, in 1977, the Commodore PET was at the forefront of the digital revolution. This all-in-one computer featured a built-in monitor, keyboard, and data storage via cassette tape, making it user-friendly and accessible to the general public.
At a price of $795, the PET brought computing into homes, schools, and small businesses, demystifying technology for many. It hinted at a future where computers would become an integral part of everyday life, paving the way for the digital age.
14. Pulsar Digital Watch
Imagine strapping a piece of the future right onto your wrist. The Pulsar digital watch, launched in 1972, was inspired by the excitement of space exploration, particularly the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Unlike traditional watches with ticking hands, the Pulsar featured bright red LED numbers that lit up, displaying time in a way never seen before. It was sleek, futuristic, and came with a hefty price tag of $275—equivalent to over $1,800 today. Owning a Pulsar was not just about telling time; it was about making a statement.
The popularity of the Pulsar soon led to a surge in affordable digital watches, igniting a wrist-worn digital revolution. This gadget was a symbol of the era, representing the intersection of technology and style, and it paved the way for the digital devices we rely on today.
13. Remote Control
Imagine a time when changing the TV channel required getting up from the couch. The introduction of the remote control in the 1970s changed that forever. The Zenith Space Command, known as the “clicker,” allowed users to flip through channels from the comfort of their seats.
These remotes transformed how people watched TV, making it more relaxed and user-friendly. As the decade progressed, remotes became more advanced, leading to the sophisticated devices we use today to control everything from TVs to smart homes.
12. Mattel Electronic Football
Before smartphones filled with complex games, there was Mattel Electronic Football, a simple handheld game that took the world by storm in 1977. Players controlled a blinking light on a small screen, navigating past obstacles to score touchdowns.
Despite its basic gameplay, it captured the hearts of young sports fans, paving the way for portable gaming devices. This game wasn’t just about entertainment; it empowered kids to play anywhere, anytime, shaping the future of gaming culture.
11. HP65 Calculator
In 1974, Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP65, the world’s first magnetic card programmable handheld calculator. This device was a game-changer for engineers and scientists, allowing them to perform complex calculations on the go.
At nearly $800, it was a serious investment, but its capabilities made it essential for professionals. The HP65 set a new standard for portable technology, paving the way for the sophisticated handheld devices we carry today.
10. Atari 2600
By 1977, video gaming had evolved significantly with the introduction of the Atari 2600. This console was a game-changer, offering interchangeable game cartridges that brought a library of entertainment into homes. Imagine switching from blackjack to a space adventure with just a cartridge swap.
The Atari 2600 marked the beginning of the joystick era and introduced iconic games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. It revolutionized home entertainment, making the arcade experience accessible to everyone and laying the groundwork for the gaming industry as we know it today.
9. Merlin
Released in 1978 by Parker Brothers, Merlin was an early handheld electronic game that could play six different games. Its bright red color and button layout made it a favorite among kids, offering challenges like tic-tac-toe and memory games.
Merlin provided hours of screen-free fun, sparking imaginations and encouraging interactive gameplay. Its versatility made it a groundbreaking toy for its time, paving the way for future handheld devices.
8. Star Wars Action Figures
After the release of Star Wars in 1977, Kenner’s line of Star Wars action figures became a must-have for kids. These small, detailed figures allowed children to bring the epic space battles into their homes, creating new adventures and immersing themselves in the Star Wars universe.
These action figures weren’t just toys; they were gateways to imagination, allowing kids to recreate their favorite scenes and engage in countless backyard battles. The thrill of collecting and trading figures became a cherished part of childhood for many.
7. View-Master
Originally introduced in the 1930s, the View-Master gained immense popularity in the 1970s. This stereoscopic viewer allowed users to view three images on circular reels, bringing scenes to life with depth and clarity.
Whether exploring nature, enjoying cartoons, or taking virtual trips, the View-Master captivated imaginations and provided hours of entertainment. The excitement of getting a new reel and discovering new visual adventures was a highlight of childhood for many.
6. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Released by Mark’s Toys, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots was a two-player action game featuring plastic robots controlled by players. The goal was to knock each other’s heads off, creating fierce competition and countless hours of fun.
This classic game became a staple in many households, offering a test of skill and timing. The thrill of landing that perfect punch and seeing your opponent’s robot’s head pop up was unmatched, making it a cherished memory for those who grew up in the 70s.
5. Polaroid SX70
In 1972, the Polaroid SX70 revolutionized photography as the first instant SLR camera. The thrill of snapping a photo and watching it develop right before your eyes fascinated both kids and adults alike.
This camera made instant photography a thrilling novelty, allowing people to capture moments and share them on the spot. The SX70 created instant memories, making every occasion feel special and unique.
4. Lite Brite
Introduced by Hasbro in 1967 but hugely popular in the 1970s, Lite Brite was a toy that doubled as an art tool. Kids could create glowing pictures by inserting colored pegs into a backlit grid, exploring colors and shapes in a fun, hands-on way.
The joy of designing patterns or following templates to create illuminated art made Lite Brite a beloved gadget. Each click of a peg brought creations to life, offering endless possibilities and hours of entertainment.
3. Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle
Based on the famous daredevil, the Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle allowed kids to launch a miniature version of Knievel over ramps and obstacles. Released in the early 1970s, it captured the imaginations of young fans fascinated by Knievel’s real-life feats.
This toy invited kids to recreate epic stunts, pushing the limits of playtime in a daring and fun way. It was more than just a toy; it was an invitation to adventure and excitement.
2. Big Wheel
The Big Wheel was a low-riding tricycle with a large front wheel that became a symbol of childhood freedom in the 1970s. Kids loved hopping on, pedaling as fast as they could, and feeling the wind rush past during friendly neighborhood races.
The Big Wheel offered a sense of independence, allowing kids to explore their world with adventure. Its unmistakable clatter echoed down the streets, making it a beloved memory for many.
1. Speak And Spell
To wrap up our journey through the gadgets of the 1970s, we arrive at the Speak and Spell, introduced by Texas Instruments in 1978. This educational toy was a breakthrough in technology, using a speech synthesizer to help kids learn to spell and pronounce words.
The Speak and Spell became a classroom staple and a beloved gadget for kids learning at home. It turned tedious practice into an interactive game, making learning fun and engaging, and its impact is still felt in educational toys today.
