Built-In Game (Concept)

Built-In Game

CONCEPT

Some non-dedicated platforms have games built into them so it can be enjoyed despite owning any games. Prior to any form of OS for platforms, the built-in games were accessed only when no game was inserted or required previous knowledge of a 'hidden' button presses. Later platforms the built-in games could be accessed through an onscreen menu.

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Platforms with built-in Games

RCA Studio II (Platform)

Shipped with a total of 5 games. They could be selected by pressing one of the number buttons on the player 1 controller. There was no onscreen menu to select the game otherwise.

Fairchild Channel F

Two games were included with the platform, hockey and soccer, they were basic pong type clone games which was common practice during this time period.

Bally Astrocade

The built-in games can be accessed much the same was as RCA Studio II. the astrocade platform contained a number pad on the system, when no cartridge was inserted a player can press a number and start one of the games. The term 'game' is used very loosely for 2 of the 4 games were not really games. Scribbling is a basic line drawing program and calculator is actually as it sounds.

Vectrex (Platform)

The single game, Mine Storm (Game) was built-into all Vectrex. It is notable for having a game crashing bug which forced the owners to submit proof of purchase and in return receives an updated game on a cartridge.

Sega Master System (Platform)

Based on the model number of the platform a different game was built into the system. The games can be found when powering on the system with no cartridge, except for a 'hidden' game Snail Maze which required the player to press button 1 & 2 at the same time as holding 'up' on the d-pad

Game.com

A single game, Solitaire was included on the platform's ROM and can be accessed via the onscreen menu.

Nintendo 3DS

One of the few modern platforms with built-in games. Games could be access via the platform's OS menu. Games such as Face-Raiders and AR Games are more or less tech demos of the technology built into the system.