Pac-Man

When was Pac-Man originally released?

One of gaming’s original icons, Pac-Man became the best-selling arcade game of all time, before later jumping onto consoles, having a series of games and featuring in other series too. Initially trialled in Tokyo’s Shibuya district under the name “Puck-Man” in May 1980, there was subsequently a nationwide release across Japan two months later.

After the success in his homeland, Pac-Man made it to the US by October 1980 and from there, the rest of the world. Ports to the Atari 2600 (a now iconic retro console) saw Pac Man make it out of pubs and arcades and into homes by 1982.

What platforms can you play Pac-Man?

While technology may have moved on since the introduction of Pac-Man, the simple and addictive pleasure of chomping on pellets and chasing, or being chased by, ghosts has meant a version of Pac-Man has been playable on almost every major home videogame console since the 1980s.

With versions available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and more, even modern gamers can enjoy the classic fun of the first game as well as other entries in the Pac-Man series. You can even carry the icon with you wherever you go with gaming keyrings to keep him nearby in case you want to crack out a few levels on the go.

What age can enjoy Pac Man?

Although there’s nothing violent or scary to worry about in Pac-Man, the need for fast-paced hand eye coordination and decent motor skills means that most people need to be 5 years and up to get the most out of Pac-Man games, although younger children may well still get some enjoyment out of it.

Pac-Man’s popularity spans generations and there’s merchandise across children’s games and toys for grown-ups, as well as homeware to style your house with a touch of this yellow hero.