Wipeout

About

Wipeout is a two-player racing game from 1972 that uses physical overlays and a transparent screen to simulate a track. Players guide a dot around a circuit using directional controls while the game board tracks laps and time via a moving ball. The second player’s progress is displayed separately on the board, creating a split-screen effect. The goal is to complete the course faster than your opponent using simple but competitive inputs. It’s a stripped-down, hardware-limited take on speed and timing that reflects early video game experimentation. This Magnavox Odyssey launch title was sold separately from the console, making it one of the first third-party games ever released. Built around Game Card 5, it relies on the system’s basic components and a plastic overlay to create its racing visuals. With no digital storage or complex programming to fall back on, Wipeout leans entirely on physical design and real-time interaction. Its simplicity is both a limitation and a charm, offering a tangible reminder of how early arcade-style games laid the groundwork for modern competition.