What Electric Football was up against in 1976.
America’s Bicentennial Year
The American Bicentennial year started with Coleco launching its Telstar home video game console at Toy Fair.
Coleco Telstar Console
In addition, 1976 started with Munro Games on the way to bankruptcy (July).
1976 Sears Christmas Catalog
So neither company was overly concerned about Electric Football anymore. That left Tudor as Electric Football’s standard bearer. And the one company who actually cared about the game.
While most of the toy industry headed toward computer-chip electronic games, Tudor kept the buzz alive. Even if Ward was once again going to sell an aging Coleco Electric Football game.
Electric Football was completely shut out the Christmas advertising done by Sears, Ward, and JC Penney. Only Toys R Us and Western Auto remained true to Electric Football. The Tudor variety, that is.
This Western Auto ad gives a good idea of what Electric Football was up against. Brunswick Air Hockey, Coleco Telstar – and a $20 price tag.
Earl & Roddy
To learn more about Electric Football, please check out The Unforgettable Buzz, Electric Football Wishbook, and Full Color Electric Football!
