Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at Young V&A
Play Gallery, the Arcade, Case 1

This object consists of 4 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Sub Chase

Electronic Game
1978-1980 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Electronic game based on submarine warfare. The plastic casing is in two shades of blue plastic, the control pad and power switch are orange. The central screen is circular and its design is based on a submarine periscope. The screen indicates ships using LED lights, with the submarine's movements operated using the control pad.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.

  • Packaging
  • Packaging
  • Video Game
  • Cover
TitleSub Chase (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Polystyrene, other plastics, electronic components
Brief description
Electronic game, Sub Chase, made in Japan for Mattel Inc., 1978-1980
Physical description
Electronic game based on submarine warfare. The plastic casing is in two shades of blue plastic, the control pad and power switch are orange. The central screen is circular and its design is based on a submarine periscope. The screen indicates ships using LED lights, with the submarine's movements operated using the control pad.
Dimensions
  • Height: 160mm
  • Width: 97mm
  • Depth: 38mm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'SUB / CHASE' (Printed at the top of the front of the object)
  • 'MATTEL / ELECTRONICS' (Printed at the bottom of the front of the object.)
Credit line
Given by Glenn Benson
Historical context
Rules: SUB CHASE™ INSTRUCTIONS
Computer controls submarine attack.
Turn Power on. (Single dot appears - your ship!). Press Action keys to steer ship within range of invisible sub. Sonar beeps means sub is near
Press side button, Fire depth charge! You have 30 on board to sink as many subs as you can. Sink one and computer programs another sub.
Watch out for torpedoes (moving line of dots!). If sub sinks ship, game is over!
2-digit display shows hits scored. Scores over 100 will be displayed by code I E: 140-149 hits by E0-E9. (instruction booklet has diagram).
If game malfunctions, it could mean battery wear and replacement is necessary.
Subjects depicted
Collection
Accession number
B.153:1 to 4-1997

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Record createdMarch 5, 2000
Record URL
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