History's Best Selling Video Games of 1979

Step back in time to explore the definitive collection of iconic games releases from 1979. Discover the standout creations that defined pop culture, captured consumer imagination, and shaped history during this unforgettable era.

1. Intellivision

   Released in 1979 by Mattel

   On December 3, 1979, the battle for the living room officially began as Mattel Electronics released its Intellivision console in a calculated test market run in Fresno, California. This date marks a pivotal moment in gaming history, representing the first serious challenge to Atari's dominance. The name, a portmanteau of "intelligent television," broadcasted Mattel's strategy: to offer a more sophisticated and graphically superior experience. The Fresno launch was a strategic move to gauge consumer interest before a nationwide rollout, effectively firing the first shot in what would become the industry's first true console war, setting the stage for a new era of competition and technological advancement.