The **Magnavox Odyssey² system** (known as the **Philips Odyssey²** outside the U.S.) was released in **1978** and represents one of the more distinctive consoles of the **second generation of home video game systems**. Designed as both a gaming console and an educational device, the Odyssey² stood out with its **built-in alphanumeric keyboard**, a feature that set it apart from competitors like the Atari 2600 and Intellivision.