The YouTube channel Apple Demo has stumbled upon a hidden gem in the world of Apple history: a prototype third-generation iPod containing an unreleased Tetris-like game called Stacker. This intriguing discovery sheds light on Apple’s early experimentation with gaming on its iconic music player.
This rare engineering sample not only housed Stacker but also included other unreleased titles like Block0 and Klondike.The prototype, marked “DVT” for Design Validation Testing, suggests it was in the mid-development stages, providing a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the iPod.
While initially non-functional, Apple Demo managed to revive the device, transforming its internal hard drive into that of a functional second-generation iPod. Of the hidden games, only Stacker was demonstrated, revealing its striking resemblance to Tetris.
Curious about the game’s absence from the final product, Apple Demo reached out to Tony Fadell, the former Senior Vice President of Apple’s iPod division. However, Fadell’s response offered little clarity, simply stating, “we added games with later software release,” leaving Stacker’s exclusion shrouded in mystery.
Years later, Apple did introduce a licensed Tetris game for the “Classic” iPod models, which could be purchased through the iTunes Store. Stacker, on the other hand, remained buried in the prototype, utilizing the iPod’s click wheel for gameplay. Players moved falling blocks left and right, dropping them instantly with the center button.
The objective, as in Tetris, was to score points by completing and clearing lines of bricks, preventing them from stacking up to the top of the screen. While not entirely polished, as evidenced by a bug involving overlapping bricks, the game functioned as intended, showcasing a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been a popular addition to the iPod’s repertoire.
