Nolan Kay Bushnell is born in Clearfield, Utah. His father worked as a cement contractor, instilling in him an early understanding of hard work and problem-solving.

Young Nolan showed a keen interest in electronics, reportedly taking apart and reassembling radios and other devices. This early tinkering fostered a lifelong passion for technology.

Bushnell attends the University of Utah, initially studying engineering. During this time, he becomes fascinated with the game Spacewar!, played on a mainframe computer. This experience sparks his idea for creating a coin-operated version of the game.

Bushnell graduates from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. This formal education provides him with the technical skills needed to bring his arcade game ideas to life.

Bushnell graduates from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. This formal education provides him with the business acumen and financial skills needed to bring his arcade game ideas to life.