Why is Auto Race dated 1977 on Wikipedia?

blanka

I was puzzled by the fact that Auto Race by Mattel is on Wikipedia as being from 1977. If I look on my game, on its manual and on the box, it says 1976. The source of information cited in Wikipedia is not looking very trustworthy. I can imagine the toy being sold in 1977 first, but that does not have to mean it is made since 1977.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handheld_game_console
In this article they even mention both years.
On this site, the only real reference I can find is the Sears catalog from 1977. But back in 1977, a Christmas catalago was probably made in the summer already, so to me it seems entirely legit when Autorace was available in 1976, but non in Sears Christmas catalog of that year.
So, does anybody have a bill from 1976?

elepla · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 4:47 am Post subject:

As far as I know it was shown at a toy fair in 1976 and also sold later that year. Must check from where I read that...

You might want to aks the programmer himself: Mark Lesser
http://www.digitpress.com/library/interviews/interview_mark_lesser.html

elepla · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 4:51 am Post subject:

Here's another source for 1976:
http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Mattel/Trivia.htm