Nutting Associates Computer Space Ball

Computer Space Ball is an arcade game by Nutting Associates. It is one of the earliest examples of a coin-operated arcade machine, released in 1972. It is one of the very few examples of a 3rd generation pure-logic arcade machines. There is no CPU, ALU or memory. Only an Analogue to Digital converter for the user input controls and a UHF output driver.

This machine has a valve-based black and white TV with the back removed for the display. The very simply logic board wires into the UHF input of the TV. It uses 64 logic IC’s. You can very faintly see “Series C” printed on the logic board.

The game is an obvious copy of Pong, which was released by Atari also in 1972. In 1969 Nolan Bushnell formed the company Syzygy. He produced a game called Computer Space (not Computer Space Ball – completely different game) and approached Nutting Associates to manufacturer the game. It was considered a failure after 1,500 units were built, when Nolan Bushnell wanted part ownership of Nutting Assoc. In 1971 Nolan Bushnell teamed up with Ted Dabney to form Atari, inc. He created an arcade version of Magnavox Odyssey’s Tennis game, named Pong by November 1972. At the same time, Nutting Associates had also created an arcade version of Pong, called Computer Space Ball.

Year	1973
Make & Model	Nutting Associates Computer Space Ball 727C
Generation	3rd
CPU	No CPU
Speed	Unknown
RAM & ROM	No RAM or ROM
Power	110V 2A (with 240V transformer)
Exhibit No.	1354

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