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Clock chimes for Pong's finest hour

Dutch design studio Buro Vormkrijgers will begin shipping a Pong clock next month. No, we're not talking a timepiece you have to sniff the hours, minutes and seconds, but a chronometer that lovingly re-creates the 1970s' arcade favourite.

Yes, while two virtual players beep the square 'ball' back and forth across the clock's retro screen, their score ticks away the time. "At midnight, it's game over," says the company, "and time for a new game of Pong."

And you can play yourself, too. There are two buttons on the back of the clock for setting the time. Hold them both down for two seconds, though, and the device switches to "game mode", allowing you to control the right-hand bat with the self-same buttons.

The whole thing measures 18 x 12 x 3cm and weighs 500g. The price is bulkier: a cool €199 (£137/$241). Shipping is extra, and Buro Vormkrijgers is now taking orders for delivery in February. ®

Pong clock ®