This year marks the 45th anniversary of one of the most influential cultural icons of the last four decades. It may sound like big words, but for those who grew up with it, the sound of this game still sends a shiver of nostalgia down the spine. Close your eyes and, with a little imagination, you can almost hear it: just as unmistakable as the jingle of an ice cream truck on a summer afternoon.
If you haven’t guessed already, it’s PAC-MAN.
To celebrate this milestone, brands across industries—including Montegrappa—are paying tribute to the legendary arcade game. Even Atari is joining the festivities, with a Pac‑Man–themed Atari 2600+ console set to launch this July.
About PAC-MAN
Created in 1980 by Japanese game designer Toru Iwatani, Pac-Man was born from a simple, almost whimsical idea: to make a game that appealed not just to boys but to everyone, including women.
Inspired by a pizza with a slice missing, Iwatani sketched the iconic yellow character whose mission was to gobble pellets while dodging colorful ghosts. At a time when most arcade games were about shooting or racing, Pac-Man stood out for its charm and simplicity
The name itself comes from the Japanese phrase “paku-paku taberu”—the sound of a mouth opening and closing while eating. Little did Iwatani know he was creating a cultural phenomenon that would shape generations and become one of the most recognizable video games in history.
The Edition
Known for its visionary approach to design, Montegrappa opted for a blackened brass structure, carefully chiseling the game’s iconic maze and adding textured details to create a truly tactile experience. Set against the black shadow-relief maze, Pac-Man’s colorful characters steal the spotlight, recreating the thrill of the chase. I must say, this edition unlocked some childhood memories, and I doubt I’m the only one feeling nostalgic. A subtle tribute to the original game’s blue maze outline appears as four delicate blue rings encircling the pen—two on the cap and two on the barrel.
Offered in two variations: fountain pen and rollerball, the special edition weighs 68 grams, due to the use of anodized aluminum combined with brass, and is equipped with a cartridge/converter filling system and a 14k gold nib in PVD coating to match the whole aesthetic of the edition.
The packaging has been specially designed for the occasion, with the original PAC-MAN logo set against a vibrant yellow cover. Along the sides, iconic Pac-Man imagery comes to life, featuring the classic yellow Pac-Man, ghosts, and colorful fruits, arranged on a sleek black background that nods to the game’s retro charm.
The edition is already available to order at montegrappa.com and through authorized retailers, priced at €1,850 for the fountain pen and €1,295 for the rollerball.
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