The very first pong game system did not use software, which blows my mind. OP’s does not appear to be the same version but it’s possible this it also does not use software.
Start with googling “pong chip”. There is a Wikipedia article about it, and then look for the chips “name” AY-3-8500, under which you will find lots of information about this chip.
I can’t really give a great answer to that, pretty sure it was all just electrical hardware. I’m curious now, I’ll look around and let you know if I find something.
Edit: yep, no code, just circuits. Here is the original circuit diagram from Atari
Many 80s games have an amusing hybrid design. Galaga has its game code and sprites in ROM, but has an entire custom chip that is a dedicated circuit for generating the ship explosion sound, another custom chip that only makes the scrolling starfield, etc.
The very first pong game system did not use software, which blows my mind. OP’s does not appear to be the same version but it’s possible this it also does not use software.
Am I too stupid…how did it work?
Start with googling “pong chip”. There is a Wikipedia article about it, and then look for the chips “name” AY-3-8500, under which you will find lots of information about this chip.
I can’t really give a great answer to that, pretty sure it was all just electrical hardware. I’m curious now, I’ll look around and let you know if I find something.
Edit: yep, no code, just circuits. Here is the original circuit diagram from Atari
Many 80s games have an amusing hybrid design. Galaga has its game code and sprites in ROM, but has an entire custom chip that is a dedicated circuit for generating the ship explosion sound, another custom chip that only makes the scrolling starfield, etc.