Wheel of Fortune (2)/Merchandise

These are the many products/merchandise/goods that were brought to us due to the success of Wheel of Fortune.

Board and Card Games[]

Milton Bradley (1975)[]

Milton Bradley issued two editions as part of their "Key to Fun and Learning" line (strangely, both classified as #4532) each containing as instruction/puzzle book with 168 puzzles, Milton Bradley Bucks (play money in denominations of $5-$10-$20-$50-$100-$500), a 30-space puzzle board, a large supply of cardboard letters, and a spinner representing the Wheel.

Pressman G1 era (1985-88, 1991)[]

Pressman originally released five Regular editions, the second and third in 1986 and 1987 respectively. Each contain a 33-space board (referred to as "Conceal-N-Reveal") a wheel spinner card, a used letter board with dry-eraser crayon, and play money in denominations of $50-$100-$200-$500. Free Spin is now represented by a group of tokens which resembles their TV counterparts, and players may keep any accumulated tokens until the game ends.

Original "Proposal" Box Artwork[]

Deluxe Editions (1986-1987)[]

Released in 1986 and 1987 respectively; these have more puzzles, a money tray, a replica of the wheel with a single flipper which spins much like on the show, and play money denominations of $50-$100-$500-$1,000. As the game progresses, the host adds new wedges ($500, $900, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and Bankrupt) to the wheel; while the instructions give suggestions as to their placement, the host can place them in any manner he/she wishes or not use them at all. This allows for many possible layouts, including one with three adjacent four-digit values and a double-width Bankrupt.

Junior Edition (1987)[]

Released in 1987, the child-friendly tweak uses a unique rainbow-colored puzzle board and play money denominations of $100, $200, and $500. the wheel itself has a blue dollar sign spinner and values in $100 increments, with a top value of $700; as a result, vowels and the house minimum are both $200.

Travel Editions (1988-1989)[]

At Least three were released: two regular editions in 1988, then a junior edition in 1989. along with a wipe-off puzzle board, the dollar sign spinner is extremely large for the wheel size. Also, in the Junior Edition, the values are the same as its regular counterparts.

Tyco (1992-1993)[]

Tyco released two editions in 1992 with Vanna White on the box, along with 2 Travel Editions from 1993. Each contains the same contents and rules as the regular Pressman versions, (including a version of the 1986 daytime Round 1 layout), albeit with just 50 puzzle cards. The Wheel resembles the Pressman Deluxe Editions, and the front and side box art features Vanna and the Wheel with Round 4 template (though on the front, the wheel is blurred to look as if spinning). The puzzle board cover is now two separate pieces instead of one large piece, and the board itself includes a Used Letter Board that is used in the same manner.

Mattel (1998, 2016)[]

Prior to this, Mattel did a reproduction of the game in 1998...

…Although it was made in 2016, a "Bingo" edition was released in the Summer of 2017. The object of the game is to fill in the puzzle by cards letter by letter via a 28-wedge Wheel filled with letters as opposed to dollar values. The three-lined puzzle cards can be filled in via small green cubes included with the game. Generally, the more the letters a card has, the more money it's worth once it's completed.

The Wheel has two sides, one side containing four letters on each wedge and the one containing five letters on each wedge. There are also special spaces as Bankrupt (which takes away all the cubes from the line on the puzzle card which has the most on the wedge covered) Free Play (which allows special blue cubes to be earned and count towards a player's score. The jackpot starts at three blue cubes and increases by one every time a white wedge with a blue cube at the top is spun up: once claimed, the jackpot resets to three blue cubes) and a green wedge with a hand (which allows a player to take away cubes covering a letter on a card belonging to an opponent). The game ends when a player finishes three puzzle cards and a final spin is taken by each of the rest of the players.

Parker Brothers (1999)[]

Their rendition also resembles the Pressman games, with 96 puzzles. The box shows the 1997 puzzle board with title and the 1996 bare Round 1 template with the yellow $1,000; however, two purple spaces have different colors than the show: $500 is blue, while $600 is peach. The Wheel itself resembles to that of Milton Bradley's The Game of Life, and for the first time ever, features Prize wedges.

Endless Games/Goliath (2008, 2019, 2022)[]

Released as a Wheel card game as part of the Quick Picks line. The game contains 30 Wheel cards, 100 puzzle cards (each containing three puzzles and a Bonus Round puzzle), five Bonus Round prize cards, a wipe-off puzzle board, a wipe-off scoreboard, a dry-erase marker, and a ten-second sand timer.

In 2019, the folks at Endless Games released a new card game version of Wheel of Fortune for adults and one for Juniors. Unlike the 2008 card game, the new adult card game version does not include a scorecard or blank puzzle board but you are required to provide pencil and paper to keep score and keep track of the puzzle being played in that round. It was re-released by Goliath in 2022 after they bought out Endless Games.

Pressman G2 era (2003-)[]

Since Pressman re-acquired the board game rights to Wheel in late 2002, there have been five regular editions which uses very similar parts to their very first era.

These versions use a 30-space puzzle board (as opposed to the 33-space boards from the G1 games); second edition was released in 2005, third edition in 2009 and re-released in 2015, fourth edition in 2016, fifth edition in 2020 and sixth edition in 2022.

Anniversary Editions (2003, 2007)[]

20th Anniversary edition (2003) and Silver-Anniversary edition (2007), celebrating the syndicated run's 20th and 25th years respectively. The latter was re-released as a deluxe edition styled after the 1980s ones, then in a tin with 96 puzzles (half of which are "kids puzzle" and a wipe-off puzzle board.

Simpsons Editions (2004-05)[]

The Simpsons Edition (2004), followed by a Deluxe edition tin containing another 24 puzzles. Interestingly, the box art (done in the traditional Simpsons style) appears to be a parody of the box art used on the first three regular editions and both the deluxe editions of Pressman's first era; further the Deluxe editions box art seems to be a combined parody of the aforementioned 1980s box art and the cover photo used for the 1992 Tyco games.

Travel Editions (2007)[]

Travel (Tin) Editions (2007), released as a 25th Silver Anniversary and a 2 games-in-1 editions for kids, featuring over 96 puzzles with over 48 additional puzzles (25th silver) for kids to solve, featuring a wipe-off gameboard with puzzle board and used letter charts and wipe-off marker.

Disney Edition[]

Disney Edition (2008), based off the 1987 Junior edition and styled after the 1980s Deluxe Editions; it was subsequently re-released with a different cover and more puzzles, followed by another updated version in 2011.

Deluxe Editions (2005, 2009)[]

Two Deluxe Editions, which were released in 2005 and 2009 respectively, are similar to the first set but without the extra wedges.

Quick Play Edition (2020)[]

A Quick Play version of the popular hit television game show was released in the Summer of 2020 and was a reworked version of the previous WOF travel games by Pressman with the double sided puzzle cards and Puzzle Board pad replacing the wipe-off puzzle boards.

Imagination Gaming (2021-22)[]

Imagination Gaming released a new home version of "America's Game" in the Spring of 2021 (although the game has a 2020 copyright date) in which you can use the Gamestar app on your device to get quality sound effects from one of the longest running tv game shows or play the game without the app and use the Wheel spinner provided in the game.

Later on in the fall of 2021 and the first quarter of 2022, Imagination Gaming also released Wheel of Fortune in a "Game Box" and Deluxe Jumbo Card Game versions which both can use the Gamestar+ App & Play app on your device or be played without it just like a regular board game. The Wheel spinner is included in the "Game Box" version.

Igloobooks (2022)[]

In the Fall of 2022, Igloobooks released a Game Tin edition of Wheel.

Redemption Games[]

GameTek (1989)[]

At the time, GameTek was the first company to develop a ticket redemption game in July of 1989. Playable by one to three players, the gameplay was much like the show except with a few expectations: a bonus round (as gameplay ends with this round), selectable difficulty of puzzles (normal or expert) a single Wheel arrangement for all rounds (top dollar value $900; with all cash values in $100 increments and no Free Spin spaces) and prizes or bonuses when a puzzle was solved, a $10,000 bonus was added to a player's score and that player gets an extra turn. In addition, there's no Speed-Up/Final Spin Round. Players were given a set of "misses" (wrong guesses or hits on Bankrupt or Lose A Turn, adjustable by the arcade owner between 1 and 5) before game play ended and the player was prompted to buy-in and continue. Hitting certain score amounts could replenish these misses (similar to earning extra "lives" in other games). Players’ controls were limited to an encoder wheel (which was used to spin the Wheel or select letters and game options) and one button for each player to confirm said selections. In addition (instead of Vanna) a various blonde model switches between a red dress and shoes in odd-numbered rounds to a blue dress and shoes for even-numbered rounds.

Lazer-Tron (Spin To Win/1992)[]

In 1992, Lazer-Tron, released an arcade game loosely based on the show (although it wasn't "officially" licensed) called Spin To Win. The main feature of the game was a 15-wedge wheel (each with three pegs) that's very closely resembled the show's wheel. A light featured in the back of the game allowed players to easily see which space they landed on when the wheel came to a stop. The player rolled three balls one at a time down a chute that would go into one of seven slots and whatever tickets he/she accumulated via the wheel at the end of three rolls is how many tickets he/she won. The slots were: Bankrupt, 1 Slot Right, 3 Slots Left, No Spin, 3 Slots Right, 1 Slot Left, and Full Spin. If Bankrupt was hit, the wheel would spin until it stopped at the nearest Bankrupt. The spaces are two Bankrupts, Lose A Ball, Double Ticket Bank, and Bonus Jackpot. To win the Bonus Jackpot, it must hit said space on the final spin. It also says "YOU WON" very loudly and a bell rings when tickets are dispensed.

Funhouse (1996)[]

In 1996, Funhouse released the first non-video Wheel redemption game. Out of seven large boxes spelling out "J_C_P_T". The A, K, and O, had to be lit up via a 12-wedge Wheel. A light traveled around the wheel itself; once a coin traveled down a chute into the machine, the light would stop spinning on a value. Ten wedges had values normally ranging from 2-12 tickets, while the Bankrupt gave the player zero tickets (but the player would not only lose any tickets already earned). The twelfth wedge at the top of the wheel netted the player a lit letter plus the biggest value on the wheel, normally 50 tickets. If the player successfully lit up the last letter, in normal circumstances, 100 tickets would be won. (NOTE: The game's backdrop was similar to Tyco's 1992 Wheel board game, except that the photo was morphed to stretch across the machine. There was a letter turner/toucher at the left side of the machine as well, but it wasn't Vanna.) Each side of the machine features the traditional logo written out horizontally on a replica of the "rug" template.

ICE (2000, 2004, 200?/Wheel A Win/Whirl Win)[]

In 2000, ICE (Innovative Concepts in Entertainment) released a Wheel redemption game that was similar to their popular cyclone games. In order to spin a large, 20-wedge wheel offering bonus values, players needed to stop a light traveling around the game on a blue bulb marked "Spin Zone". Otherwise, a smaller number of tickets were dispensed. (NOTE: This version uses the 1997 rendition of Changing Keys.)

In 2004, ICE also released a "Coin Pusher" version. In order to spin the wheel at the top of the game, players need to skillfully light up all 14 letters on a puzzle board spelling out "WHEEL OF FORTUNE". In order to do this, players needed to drop their coins onto a lighted section while the light would move back and forth along seven sections. (NOTE: This version uses the original 1983 rendition of Changing Keys.)

Sometime after the 2000 Cyclone game and the 2004 coin pusher game were released, a ripoff/knockoff cyclone game was made by ICE called "Wheel A Win". It was the same concept as the 2000 game where players have to stop the light on the bonus Spin Zone to get the wheel to spin; otherwise a small amount of tickets would be dispensed. In fact, the design looked somewhat similar to the 2000 game, except with a new paint scheme and there was no puzzle board at the top. Just a sign that says "Wheel a Win". Also, the ticket wedge colors were slightly different and the music and sound effects were completely different.

After Wheel A Win was released, ICE also released another knockoff redemption game called Whirl Win, primarily aimed at younger children. It is the same concept; stop the light on the spin zone to get the bonus wheel to spin, or else smaller tickets are dispensed. The color scheme of the game is slightly different, but the wheel amount colors are pretty much the same as Wheel A Win. This version also has different sound effects as well.

Raw Thrills/Konami (2010)[]

In 2010, Raw Thrills and Konami announced plans to release their redemption game based on the slot machine version. It was developed by Play Mechanix. In it, players can choose between a regular or Double play modes which costs twice as much as the regular mode yet gives out the player twice the ticket potential. A large wheel is spun using a smaller wheel which controls the power of the spin, Whatever the large wheel lands on is the amount the player plays per letter occurrence. The rest of the gameplay works similar to the bonus round on the actual show yet not the same. Random letters are reveled in the puzzle, and the player has to choose three different letters out of various highlighted letters, which can be either consonants and/or vowels all the highlighted letters are in the puzzles. The player has to then solve the puzzle by typing in the missing letters in order to win a bonus ticket value. If the player fails to solve the puzzle correctly, they still win the tickets earned during the puzzle. Again, just like the Funhouse version of the game, Vanna was not in this game. The game featured the 2007-2016 music package.

ICE (2018)[]

In 2018, ICE released a new WOF redemption game. Like the 2010 redemption game, it was also developed by Play Mechanix. Unlike the Raw Thrills/Konami 2010 version, this version is much different. The player spins the wheel and try to fill in the letters that spell, "WHEEL OF FORTUNE JACKPOT" (or "WHEEL OF FORTUNE MEGA WIN" on other models.) If all the letters are filled correctly, the player wins the jackpot. The wheel has spaces with a ticket number and a letter on the top. There are also two sided lose a turn and bankrupt spaces in between the ticket/letter spaces. Instead of using a spinner to spin the wheel, the player must pull a handle in order for the wheel to be spun. Once again, Vanna White does not make an appearance in the game, but a random female model does. (NOTE: This version uses the opening sequence graphic from Season 32-33.)

Videos[]

Wheel Of Fortune - ICE-2

Wheel Of Fortune - Sega Amusements-2

Arcade1Up (2023)[]

In August 2023, the folks at Arcade1Up released a Wheel of Fortune Casinocade Deluxe arcade game which consists of four original Premium Wheel of Fortune games and 20 other puzzle, card and table games that you can unlock (available to purchase at Best Buy stores or on bestbuy.com in the US or via The Brick Canada in Canada).

Arcade1Up Wheel of Fortune Casinocade Deluxe

Slot Machine Games[]

A series of slot machines (all based on the current version) were manufactured in North American casinos by IGT. The most common machines use a version of the wheel built into the game, with a bonus spin in which the player can win coins and can also win a progressive jackpot by lining up three Wheel of Fortune symbols to win the progressive jackpot. The jackpot can be linked with other Wheel machines throughout one or more states and reaches into the millions of dollars.^[1]^[2]^[3] (Note: The early mid 1990's versions used the 1994-1997 Changing Keys theme., the 2000s version used the Happy Wheels 2000-2006 theme)., and the 2016 version uses the 2007-2016 theme. Charlie O'Donnell can be heard in some of these slot machines. Other versions have Vanna White and Jim Thornton speaking.

Spin N Sail Slot Tournament (2016)[]

In 2016, Carnival Cruise Line teamed up with IGT (International Gaming Technology) to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Wheel of Fortune slot machine, that was feature aboard all Carnival cruise ships and in casinos worldwide.

The world most popular Cruise Line along with the world's leading end-to-end gaming company will reward players with free cruises and a variety of exciting giveaways throughout 2016. The brands are also partnering with the most successful and long-running syndicated game show in television history (Wheel of Fortune) on a first-ever Carnival Cruise Line-themed week (called Spin N Sail Sweepstakes) featuring viewer sweepstakes.

NOTE: the Spin N' Sail Sweepstakes started on March 21, 2016 and ended on March 25, 2016.

The Ultimate Collection (2016)[]

On September 12, 2016, GSN Games released Wheel of Fortune Slots: The Ultimate Collection^[4]for Android devices (and soon for IOS and Amazon App Store) featuring longtime hostess Vanna White. In the game, players are led through the game by Vanna as their host as users will began with access to a few slot machines as they will unlock various additional slot machines as they progress. In addition, GSN Games said it plans to add new machines to the games each month.

The game's machines are themed around the show itself or the prizes that users may win while competing on the show (ex. Tropical Vacation). There's also a machine called "Vanna Glamour Edition" (which was created in partnership with Vanna herself).

Outside of the game's slot machines, each user can spin their own "Wheel of Fortune" for a chance to win in-game prizes. As players progress, they can upgrade the wedges on their wedges on their wheels to be worth more virtual money. Users can also add Boost Tags to their wheels' wedges which have different effects. For instance, one Boost Tag may multiply a player's winnings by two times.

Elsewhere, the game gives users a chance to win real gift cards worth $5 or $100 or a real cash prizes of $5,000 or $100,000 through an "Ultimate Scratcher" daily sweepstakes. Users will receive a free scratch card each day they play the game as they will win a prize if they match three symbols on their card.

Handheld Games[]

Mattel (1988)[]

An electronic handheld game allowing players to play puzzles from the unit, or receive invisible signs from the TV show and play along with those puzzles (a March 1988 Variety article states that the interactive element would debut that fall). The back of the box, a sticker on the back of the unit, and several plugs for the game all stated it only worked with the syndicated nighttime show, and lasted until 1990.

Video Clips[]

Wheel of Fortune TV Play-Along Electronic game VHS Volume 2

Tiger Electronics/Hasbro (1995-2003)[]

Tiger & Hasbro released eight electronic handheld games since 1995^[5], including Slots (1998)^[6], Deluxe (1999)^[7]^[8]^[9], Junior (2002), Classic (2001), 20th Anniversary (2002) Crossword (2002) and Pocket (2003) respectively. All four games had several expansion cartridges (all with different puzzles for more variety), and use a three-round format. If there are only two players and the computer player is player 2, then Player 1 starts round 3. However, if the computer player has the most money after Round 3, no Bonus Round is played and the game ends. In the 1999 version, the jackpot space was always offered even though there really wasn't a jackpot round in the gameplay. If the player happens to land on the jackpot space and calls a correct letter, it's $10,000/per letter. Also, there is a yellow "cash bonus" space that gives out a random cash amount bonus for correctly called letters, even though it was never really featured on the real show. Other spaces that were always available were the $10,000, $5,000, $3,500, $2,500, $1,000 cash spaces.

The Bonus Round on the 1995 and 1999 games uses the W-H-E-E-L format, but the pointer randomly chooses one of the spaces on the wheel, and the prize is 10 times the amount the pointer is on. If the "E" is chosen, the unit will randomly chose one of the two. In addition, when choosing the three consonants and one vowel, consonants must be typed in first before the vowel, as typing the vowel automatically enables the solve mode and the player can no longer refer back to the category. In both cases, the player has 40 seconds to solve the puzzle. If the puzzle is solved correctly, the prize is a cash bonus based on how much time was remaining.

Commercials[]

Wheel of Fortune Tiger 1995 (700th Video Upload)

Parker Brothers/Hasbro (2005)[]

A similar looking handheld game based on Tiger Electronics' & Hasbro's classic (2001) and 20th anniversary editions (2002) was released by Parker Brothers/Hasbro in 2005. It is a repackaged 20th Anniversary edition from Tiger & Hasbro. Unlike the repackage handheld Jeopardy Classic Handheld released that same year by Parker Brothers/Hasbro, this game was repackaged with a different sticker front instead of its one from the classic and 20th anniversary editions (Though some early units used the same sticker front from its previous versions). The sticker front is similar to the original 1995 Tiger handheld.

Tootsietoy (2001)[]

The odd Toosietoy released is a small battery-operated handheld wheel device, with a separate plastic holder for the 50 puzzle cards containing 200 puzzles. Blank cards allow you to create your own puzzles.

Jakks Pacific (2005, 2007)[]

Released as a controller which plugs into your TV and plays the game without the use of a console. the controller has a directional pad, A and B buttons (styled like puzzle board monitors displaying said letters), and a spinning Wheel with the 1996-2006 layout. The second edition has the same design though with a new color scheme and a few other minor differences, such as the removal of the directional pad. Instead, the player scrolls through the options using the Wheel, which now spins clockwise and counterclockwise. In the directional pad's place is a picture of the Free Spin disc and (despite not being able to play it in the game) Wild Card. (NOTE: the 1st edition from 2005 was released three times before the 2nd edition in 2007 with sticker labels on the left side of the console with the words "Game Key Ready", although Jakks has never released a "Game key" for an expansion of 100 or more puzzles for the console) and one with its own branded "TV Games" logo in the black background, while the remake eliminating the "Game key" feature with a gold background with the words "Edition 1" printed was released in the same year.)

Irwin Toys (2007, 2009)[]

Released two "talking" electronic tabletop games: Deluxe (2007) and Platinum Editions (2009). Both feature a Wheel with the current color template, but with dollar signs only. When the wheel is spun, the season 24-26 template scrolls upwards on the screen (and with gradual movements of the wheel, can stop anywhere the player wishes). Also both games have a QWERTY keyboard that can only be used with the stylus pen. (NOTE: Both the deluxe and platinum tabletop editions features the voice of the late Charlie O'Donnell.)

Online Games[]

In 1998, they had their own multiplayer online game on their website to become one of the most popular casual games on the web. ls another version where you had five turns to survive before the game ends, but if you've survived you get a chance to go into the bonus round. (NOTE: the game is available online at their website or at GSN.com)

In 1999, a live "WebTV" version of Wheel where you can play along with the show while watching it on TV was available until February 24, 2001; when the service discontinued.

In 2007, a WarioWare-like online game called Lightspeed 2 produced by Pacdude Games featured a WOF minigame where you solved the puzzle in the quickest amount of time.

In 2008, WorldWinner had their online cash game at GSN.com where you can compete for cash and prizes.

On March 7, 2013 GSN Digital launched Wheel of Fortune: Bingo on its own website at GSN.com for free and will launch as an app on Facebook in the coming weeks.

Facebook Games[]

In 2010, Sony Entertainment teamed up with GSN digital to release a free games based on the show for Facebook users as it combines most aspects of the show and allows players to become competing for virtual currency, called "Wheel Bucks" by playing the main round puzzle on their own and a bonus round that will allow them to collaborate with their Facebook friends to increase their winnings.

The Facebook game was overhauled in August 2012, when it merged into Games by GSN collection. In this version, puzzles are now always two-lines long and trophies can be unlocked for various activities (such as passing a certain number of games without hitting Bankrupt). The "collections" element is reinstated and made more relevant to the game, as unlocking certain collections now offers the ability to add $3,500, $5,000, Mystery, Jackpot and Million-Dollar wedges to the Wheel.

Also, the bonus round is now significantly easier, with R, S, T, L, N & E always revealing more than half of the puzzle.

(NOTE: While the "old" Facebook game can still be played, you can no longer send bonus puzzles and gifts to friends along with the leaderboard being no longer updated daily.)

In 2012, they also released Wheel of Fortune Slots for Facebook and iOS devices.

Mobile Games[]

GameLion released various versions for cell phones and mobile devices.

In 2005, Sony Pictures Mobile and Atlas Mobile developed Wheel of Fortune: For Prizes where you have the chance to win real prizes.

In 2009, Wheel of Fortune: Road Trip was released, featuring the new Roadside Rounds, thematic artwork, new wedges and fun city facts along the way.

In 2012, L4Mobile along with Sony Pictures Television released a new version for iOS devices based on the show's 30th Anniversary in syndication. Featuring an avatar-styled Pat Sajak as your host (for which he speaks in thought bubbles instead of using his own voice), you start with the modern set from 2012 but as you progress throughout the game you will be able to unlock the other four classic stages and puzzle boards from: 1997 (millennium), 1995, 1988 and 1983 (premiere). (NOTE: Vanna White does not appear in the game at all since the puzzle boards in this game "automatically" turn/touch the letters itself. Also, after you unlock all five stages in the game, you'll be able to unlock a virtual-looking, ceramic Dalmatian [referencing the "Shopping Era" of Wheel's early days from the 80's] who sits on the right side of the small stairsteps behind each of the five puzzle boards.)

On July 11, 2013, Sony Pictures Television released Wheel of Fortune: Cubed for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Unlike other previous versions, the iconic game board has now been transformed into a 5x5 word cube that you complete by decoding clever clues, with thousands of randomized puzzle combinations and two addicting game play modes: Single-player and Cube Rush. The game is available for $0.99, with additional content available in game purchase.

In 2015, as part of their annual "Sears Secret Santa Sweepstakes"^[10]from November 20 until December 11, 2015, Sears is giving away $1,000 in Sears gift cards every day just for playing the Wheel of Fortune Holiday Puzzler, which is an exclusive downloadable game in the Sears app.

On June 23, 2016, Sony Pictures Television released a new mobile game for IOS and Android devices called Wheel of Fortune: Puzzle Pop^[11](or Wheel of Fortune Pop) where you can join Wheel's long-running "animated" co-host Vanna White along with her cute "animated" dog Thunder as they whisk players away to exotic, tropical getaways as you spin, pop and solve word puzzles as players must beat each level by popping as few bubbles as possible to solve each puzzle. At every level, players spin the iconic wheel to gain boosters that will power up their play. Each level rewards players' progression with regularly updated locations and puzzles. Multiple tropical locations hosts a variety of unique and exciting graphics animation. Exclusive theme puzzles are available for a limited time through virtual cruise events and weekly challenges. Also players can connect the app to Facebook and compare their progress with friends and challenge for the highest score.

On September 21, 2016, Sony Pictures Television and Scopely released Wheel of Fortune: Free Play^[12]for IOS and Android devices. Much like being a contestant on the word-solving show, there are several different rounds to test the skills of even the most savvy WOF players. Head-to-Head battles with friends and family allow players to create personalized games, including the ability to form custom puzzles for them to solve. The game also features a world tour mode in which it takes players on a travel destination of sorts to collect various iconic items from across the globe.

While this version doesn't offer the coveted cash prize of the long-running syndicated television series, daily and weekly tournaments will allow players to collect exclusive in-game prizes. In addition, while this version does feature both appearances of Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Unfortunately, it mainly featured the voice of Sajak only and never Mrs. White at all nor it does not feature the voice of the current announcer Jim Thornton.

NOTE: This was named after a wedge from the show which is featured in the game which is played just like the show if being landed on and a "Lose a Turn" wedge if landed on makes the same SFX as the Bankrupt wedge.

On October 6, 2016, GSN Games released Sparcade which allows you to compete for real money on your IOS app, featuring competitive versions of TriPeaks, Scrabble, Tetris Burst, Pac-Man and Wheel of Fortune^[13]Where you can spin, solve and score big as you can play for free tokens in practice matches and compete for money.

In this version, players spin the big wheel and compete to solve the same puzzles faster than their opponents for real money.

Pinball Game[]

Stern (2007)[]

A pinball game based on the show, developed by Stern Pinball, was released in the fall of 2007. It was designed by Kevin O'Connor and Margaret Hudson and features the voices of Pat Sajak and the late Charlie O'Donnell. Sadly, no voice-overs from Vanna White (despite her appearance on the glass cover of the machine).

Video Games[]

Share Data (1987-89)[]

Share Data released three editions of the game from 1987 to 1989 for the IBM-PC, Commodore 64/128 and Apple II computer systems. In addition, the 1987 first edition game was also released as a "Double Pack" in 1988 along with Jeopardy!.

In Popular Culture[]

On an 2018 episode called "A Computer, a Plastic Pony, and a Case of Beer" of the CBS sitcom and spinoff of The Big Bang Theory called Young Sheldon. Sheldon Cooper's sister Missy (played by Raegan Revord) can be briefly seen playing the Share Data version of Wheel of Fortune on a Tandy computer, when in fact, she should be going to bed.

Young Sheldon Wheel of Fortune PC Game scene A Computer A Plastic Pony and A Case of Beer

GameTek (1990-1993)[]

PC (1990-1993)[]

In 1990, GameTek bought the licensing rights to the game from Share Data and re-released the first three editions and then released a Golden Edition for the IBM-PC computer system, Commodore 64/128 and Apple II systems. In 1991, a new edition of the game was released for the PC featuring Vanna White with a Deluxe second edition coming out in 1993.

NES (1987-1991)[]

Game Boy (1990)[]

Super NES (1992-1993)[]

Sega Genesis (1992)[]

Game Gear (1992)[]

Sony Imagesoft (1994-95)[]

Sony Imagesoft publishes the game from 1994 on the Sega CD and in 1995 for the PC. The games each sample a different rendition of the Changing Keys theme: the Sega CD version samples the 1989 theme, while the PC version samples the 1992 theme. However, both retain the intro from the era. In addition, while both use the 1992 set, the PC version is the only one (and the only game period) to use the 1994-95 "spiky" puzzle board during its final season at CBS Television City before the move to its permanent home at Sony Pictures Studios the following season.

Tiger (Game.com) (1997-1998)[]

Tiger released two versions for its own short-lived handheld video game console from 1997-1998, featuring 750 puzzles. (NOTE: Console's touch screen is used to select letters.) The 1997 version featured the 1992-1994 theme.

GameTek (Take 2) (1997)[]

GameTek released the game for the N64 in 1997. Vanna White made an appearance both in human and animated form. This version samples the 1994-1997 Big Band Changing Keys theme and is the only game to feature such. However, the only bonus prize featured in the bonus round on this game was the $25,000. Not only was this the last Wheel game to be released by GameTek, but it was also the last to use the K-A for "Kids to Adults" rating; all subsequent games use "E" for Everyone.

Hasbro Interactive (1998, 2000)[]

Hasbro Interactive released the game on the PlayStation and PC from 1998 and 2000. As always, Vanna White made her appearance. Both versions sampled the 1997-2000 theme of Changing Keys. The prizes both in the game and in the bonus round mainly consisted of trips.

Prior to these, ports for the first edition were later re-released as one of the "Greatest Hits" collection for the PS1, "1st Edition" for the PC and a "Mac" edition.

Ports of the 2nd edition for the PC were re-released by Atari and Infogrames, including a version for the Mac later on in its lifespan.

Also including a combo pack along with the Atari Anniversary Edition game in 2006.

Infogrames/Atari (2002-2003)[]

For a short period, Infogrames and Atari published the game for the PC and PlayStation 2 from 2002-2003 after acquiring Hasbro Interactive. This version continued to sample the 1997-2000 theme and the same episode theme selections from the previous 2000 version. However, Vanna's short clips were re-filmed. The 2002-2003 version also offered the trips as prizes in both the regular game and bonus round.

Encore (2005, 2007)[]

Encore released Wheel of Fortune Deluxe for the PC on December 30, 2005 followed by Wheel of Fortune 2 (an update of their 2003 online game on June 1, 2007 and Wheel of Fortune Super Deluxe (a feature-identical update of Deluxe) on May 23, 2008. Although the dollar amount wedges are not in the same style as in the show, the Bankrupt, Lose a Turn wedges as well as the Free Spin token are.

Prior to this, there was even a port of the "Deluxe" edition released only for the Mac later on.

There was also a Super Deluxe Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy! re-release for the PC exclusively available at Target stores.

Sony Online Entertainment (2009)[]

A version was released for PS3 via PSN on March 19, 2009; while being the first to use the Million-Dollar wedge and Season 26 rules, it has two major detriments: not only does it lack the Gift Tags, Prize Wedges, Prize Puzzle and Speed-Up rounds (most likely because they weren't considered as necessary here as they were on the show) but a bug renders the Wild Card unusable unless the player buys a vowel that is in the puzzle.

THQ (2010, 2012)[]

THQ published a new version of Wheel for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS in 2010 while an updated version was later ported for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U in 2012, shortly before THQ went defunct.

2010 (Wii & DS versions)[]

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

For the Wii and DS versions only, this was the first WOF video game adaptation to ever feature Pat Sajak as other versions before it usually features either Vanna White and/or Charlie O'Donnell.
In addition, this was the last WOF video game adaptation to feature the late Charlie O'Donnell as the announcer after he passed away a few months later in the same year.
In the "Mystery Round" (usually in Round 3) when a player decides to gamble for the 10 grand and gets the "Bankrupt" wedge instead, both wedges disappear and are out of play during the round. (On the actual show, when a contestant gambles and gets the "Bankrupt" wedge, then the other wedge becomes a normal $1,000 space during the round).
Each time you win the bonus round, you get to unlock five more special stages along with the original set (usually labeled as "Classic Stage") which includes: Hawaii, Las Vegas, Hollywood, Washington D.C. and New York.
The $1,000 "Gift Tag" (usually labeled as "Gift") in the game are set props for those special unlocked stages each time you win a round. (i.e. Feather Stand, Fountain etc.)

2012 (PS3, Xbox 360 & Wii U versions)[]

ADDITIONAL NOTE:

For PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U versions, this was the first WOF video game adaptation to feature the voice of current Wheel announcer Jim Thornton after Charlie's death.

Artwork from the game

Ubisoft (2017-2018)[]

Ubisoft^[14]developed a version for PS4 (PlayStation 4) and Xbox One respectively under the title America's Greatest Game Shows: Wheel of Fortune & Jeopardy!.

On October 30, 2018 a version was also released for the Nintendo Switch as well.

In Wheel, you are able to solve up to 4,000 puzzles as you compete against your friends, family and online players around the world in order to climb the global leaderboard. Top players can also win incredible virtual prizes, including exotic vacations around the world. This version offers a fast paced experience that you and your friends and family will love, online or offline.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
This version does not feature Pat Sajak and Vanna White as host and hostess respectively. However, it does feature Jim Thornton as the announcer for the game just like in the 2012 THQ/Nordic Games version for PS3 (PlayStation 3), Xbox 360 and Wii U respectively.
The wedges are not animated like Free Play and Express.
Unnecessary lounge music is played during turns and weird sound effects when cash gets added to the player's bank.
There's a quick game and a family version with easier puzzles.
Just like the THQ version, winning the game nets you unlockable new sets and decorations for your studio.
The buzzer is absent when you pick a letter/vowel incorrectly as the generic host will tell you "no".
You can even do mix and match of boards, wheels and props to create a Vegas Island Hollywood Week.

In the Switch version:

Most of the sound effects are absent (i.e. puzzle wins, speed-up cue and letter ding).
The online play is more chill than the Xbox One version.

Game Manuals[]

Promo Ads[]

Twitter Toss-Up (2015?)[]

The show's official Twitter regularly holds Twitter Toss-Up. After given a category, the puzzle is tweeted with an increasing number of letters revealed, similar to a Toss-Up puzzle, until the entire toss-up is filled in. Twitter users may then tweet with what they think is the right answer, and the account with @metion the first person to solve after the answer is filled in.

Amazon Alexa[]

In 2021, Sony Pictures Entertainment released a skill game version of Wheel for Amazon Alexa by Volley Inc.^[15]in which you get to spin the wheel, solve puzzles and win either by using your voice or touching the screen of your Echo Show. You can play against two other family members or friends in Party Games and play just like a real contestant on the very popular television show.

Unreleased Home Games[]

The Great Game Company (1983)[]

In 1983, The Great Game Company had planned to release video game versions of Wheel, for the Atari 2600, ColecoVision and Mattel's Intellivision. However, these plans were cancelled due to the North American video game crash of 1983. Since many felt that the system was not powerful enough to faithfully reproduce these games, it is believed that if these games had been developed and released, they would have been released as a hybrid video/board game such as Quest for Rings on the Odyssey.

Coleco (1984)[]

A Wheel computer game was going to be released by Coleco in 1984 for the Coleco ADAM, but it ended up getting shelved.

GameTek (1990, 1994-1997)[]

Prior to the DOS port of the Golden Edition in 1990, a port for it was also going to be released for the NES as well, but it may somehow turned into the Family Edition later on.

In addition to its release for the SNES and DOS in 1993, a Deluxe Edition of Wheel of Fortune featuring Vanna White was also planned for the Sega Genesis as well for release in the first quarter of 1994, but it did not make it onto store shelves at all.

Later on, Wheel was planned for the Panasonic 3DO for a Spring 1995 release, along with Jeopardy!, but the two games were cancelled due to the poor sales of the Panasonic 3DO Interactive Multiplayer.

In addition, a Wheel adaption was planned for the Sega Saturn for an October 1, 1996 release, alongside Jeopardy!; but this version was never made nor released due to the poor sales and the difficulty of making games for the Saturn; although, the Sega Saturn version was even announced to be coming soon by the late Charlie O'Donnell at the end of some Fall 1996 episodes.

Prior to the actual N64 version being released on December 2, 1997, there were pictures of an N64 prototype version that were released on IGN's N64 and Gametek's old websites on June 9, 1997 (seen below here). The puzzle solution, of course, is the classic song "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" by The Beatles from 1967.

Not long after the game was released, we get these photos that would also be shown on the box.

Phillips Interactive Media (1993)[]

Wheel was planned for the CD-I along with Jeopardy!, Pyramid, The Price is Right, Name That Tune, The Joker's Wild and The Joker's Wild Jr., all were released except for Wheel, Pyramid and TPIR.

Majesco Entertainment (1999)[]

Majesco Entertainment had planned to do a Wheel game for the Nintendo Game Boy Color in 1999 (along with Jeopardy! and Hollywood Squares); however, according to one source, the plans were scrapped before development could begin due to the poor sales of Majesco's early titles and licensing issues with Hasbro.^[16]

Tiger Electronics (2004)[]

In 2004, Tiger Electronics and VEIL Wireless Technologies planned to make a new "TV Play Along" game that was reminiscent to the Mattel version from 1988 which allowed home viewers the opportunity to play along with the actual TV show, entitled as Wheel of Fortune Live Play but was cancelled days before its intended released date due to technical issues or a possible financial situation. (NOTE: Despite its apparent cancellation, an unopened unit was sold on eBay in December of 2006. Also, in November 2017, another unopened copy was shown on display at the Paley Center in New York City when it hosted the show's 35th Anniversary celebration. In late December 2019, another unit, this time opened, was sold on eBay. All three of these copies were under Hasbro's Parker Brothers label.)

MGA Entertainment (2008)[]

On September 19, 2006; it has been reported the company^[17]^[18] has acquired the rights to make DVD games based on Wheel and Jeopardy! at the time. J! (hosted by Alex Trebek) was released in Spring 2007, with Wheel^[19]planned as a follow-up for early 2008; Wheel was shelved after the CGI set was completed, but before programming began, due to "numerous converging factors". (NOTE: Standalone discs with additional content were also planned for both games, even though the Jeopardy! ones were never released.)

Irwin Toys (2009)[]

A "Pass 'n Play" version of Wheel was going to be released by Irwin Toys in 2009, but it never got released onto store shelves.

Encore/Sony Online Entertainment (2010)[]

A Platinum Edition was slated to be released for the PC in January and was available for pre-order at various online retailer (preferably at Amazon.com). In the end, however, neither the game nor any screenshots were released, leaving the box art (seen at the bottom of the screen) as the only evidence of its existence.

Books[]

Warner/St. Martin's (1987)[]

An autobiography based on Wheel's most famous co-host entitled Vanna Speaks was released by Warner in 1987; despite the autobiography as being the subject of many jokes when it was first released, it was a modest hit. Prior to this, a paperback book was written by Marianne Robin-Tani and was released by St. Martin's in the same year.

St. Martin's (1987)[]

A paperback book based on the show was written by David R. Sams and Robert L. Hook, featuring its stars including the rules and behind the scenes information.

Bantam (1987)[]

The Official Wheel of Fortune Puzzle Book was introduced by the late Merv Griffin and texted by (then-producer) Nancy Jones features mostly puzzles to solve.

Ryan (1988)[]

A paperback book called How to Beat the Wheel of Fortune was written by William J. Ryan, and it is full of hints and strategies, with full details known.

BK Enterprises (1995)[]

A large spiral book originally sold online, offered "tips, tricks and strategies" for the show, as well as over 500 puzzles.

Cogin, Inc. (2015)[]

On November 2, 2015; a paperback cookbook called Mr. Food Test Kitchen Wheel of Fortune Collectible Cookbook: More Than 160 Quick & Easy Recipes, Behind-the-Scenes Photos, Fun Facts, and So Much More was released. The book features many family-favorite and original recipes that were submitted by fans of the show along with some backstage photos from the stars and crew of the show as well. Art Ginsburg, better known as "Mr. Food", for whom the test kitchen is named, passed away in 2012 and was best known for his signature catchphrase "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!!"

Editors of Publication International Ltd. (2016)[]

On August 17, 2016, a book called Wheel of Fortune Word Puzzles was released, where it's a collection of challenging brainteasers. Featuring real Wheel categories and themes as well as dozens of crossword and word search puzzles. Including over 100 puzzles plus answers. Over 160 pages in total.

Novelty Items[]

Various Dolls based on Vanna White were released in the early 90's.

A tote bag was released but not publicly.

A Christmas ornament was released by Hallmark in 1995.

Various Calendar have been released by Andrews McMeel.

A collectible watch was released in 1987, and featured the Round 1 template from the daytime show.

Another collectible watch was released in 1996. (NOTE: The box looks very similar to that of the Tyco era board games without the appearance of Vanna White on the cover.)

After this, yet another collectible watch was released in 1999.

In 1996, a Crossword Companion Roll-A-Puzzle system was released along with a few refill packs and luminators by Herbko.

A Word Seek puzzle book was released by PennyPress in 2008.

In 2008, to commemorate the show's 25th season at the time, a collection of necklaces were made by Pat's wife Lesly Sajak and were available at their website (wheeloffortunejewelry.com) at one time.(Go to "References" for the site)^[20]

In 2014, a toy slot machine bank was developed by Forum Novelties incorporated (Forum Novelties, Inc.) although it likely was not released until June 2015. In addition to having three reels that come to stop one at a time (although on some units, this feature was defective) a free-spinning Wheel was added to the top similar in style to IGT's slot machines. Instead of using any of the IGT's layouts, however, the Wheel was the same as the Round 4 layout used in season 31, albeit a dark green Free Play wedge and a red classic-style logo on a black center.

Since 2010, Pat Sajak games brands included Lucky Letters and Trivia Gems.

For over 15 years, Vanna has been the spokesperson for her own brand of yarn called "Vanna's Choice" that is sold by Lion Brand Yarns.

In 2011, Wendy's kids meal toys were released based on the show.

Bobblehead dolls styled like Pat and Vanna have been made, mostly to use as giveaways for Wheel Watchers' Club members who attend WHEELMOBILE appearances. Each contains a voice chip that says 4 or 5 different phrases.