Did you know that Apple had developed a Tetris clone game for the iPod that never made it to retail models? A recent discovery by YouTuber Apple Demo revealed a prototype third-generation iPod containing a game called Stacker, along with other unreleased titles like Block0 and Klondike.
The prototype iPod, labeled as ‘DVT’ (Design Validation Testing), was found to be in the middle stage of development. The device, which still contained two songs and a playlist for battery testing, showcased the game Stacker, which utilized the iPod’s click wheel for gameplay.
Despite efforts to uncover the reason behind the game’s cancellation, including reaching out to ex-SVP of Apple’s iPod division Tony Fadell, the mystery remains. Fadell’s response from 2022 simply mentioned the addition of games in later software releases as the reason for not releasing Stacker.
Although the game showed some bugs, like bricks getting stuck when rotated, it was functional and followed the classic Tetris gameplay style of clearing lines to score points. Apple later released a licensed Tetris game for the ‘Classic’ iPod models, supporting new game titles from the iTunes Store.
This fascinating discovery sheds light on Apple’s unreleased projects and the evolution of gaming on their iconic devices. Who knows what other hidden gems might still be waiting to be uncovered!
