Starting Atari 2600 collection from scratch, follow my progress :)

[Crazy Climber]

Hello

 

Well, a LONG time ago now I had what I considered a "complete" Atari 2600 collection. Basically I had every game R9 and below (loose).

Long story short I don't have it anymore and I miss it. My current system, harmony cart and homebrews are great but I want a pile of old carts again. I've been meaning to dive back in for awhile but starting from scratch is tough when you used to have "everything"  Not to mention prices aren't what they used to be haha.

 

I finally decided to jump back in when this nice "starter lot" fell into my lap recently for $75. It's got just the right amount of uncommons to get me hooked again. It also had a few dupes and a crusty old system/game holder so naturally I'll start a trade/sell pile too.

 

I'll post everything I find and even track the cost all in this topic for fun. I'll even post prices of any atari 2600 games I resell to fund it so we can see an exact cost of "the hunt" in the end. R9 and below might be a little ambitious right now financially so I'll start with everything R8 and below (loose) I'm not playing with you CIB animals

 

That being said, anyone with large lots of common/mid range stuff that wants to do a "bulk discount" price feel free to contact me. I'm not trying to rip anyone off of course, but if I buy a lot of common stuff from you I'm not matching price charting/etc (that seems to be the thing these days) My current trade pile isn't much but I'm sure it's going to grow FAST so keep an eye on it if you're a trader

 

So, thats that! If you're bored watch my progress in this topic. I'm going to try not to "speed collect" but the common stuff will probably multiply quickly, I'm a motivated collector with a little bit of cash to play with so things should stay steady. I used to have a knack for finding things so maybe I'll do good? We'll see....

 

Thanks!

 

Current collection -  $75 invested to date

 

 

[Crazy Climber]

Oh, almost forgot...speaking of hunting I found this bad boy in the wild Sunday. I was at a "swap meet" for toy collecting and a small box of 50 or so atari games were on a vendors table at $2 each. Somebody had just beat me to the Activision Ghostbusters... I'm sure there was more I needed but I couldn't remember what I already have. It prompted me to start making this old school "wallet list" I can carry around.

 

Current collection - $77 invested to date

 

Edited November 2, 2021 by Crazy Climber
added photo

[+McCallister]

Cool idea! Looking forward to following this thread.

[+discotronic]

Have fun and good luck. It will be great to see what you find. Looks like you have already picked up some great games. How about hardware? Are you seeing much out in the wild on the Atari side? It has been a while since I've actually looked for anything. Seems like most thrift stores and etc. have their own action sites or sell on eBay. 

 

It wasn't that long ago that I would go to a flea market and find a nice lot with a full system and 10-20 games for $10. Now the WATA tax has, among other factors, made this hobby out of reach for a large portion of people. When a sealed copy of Pac-Man goes for $127 then something is not right with the world of retro gaming. It isn't inflation either. So $1.00 in 2001 in today's 2021 money (US dollar) is $1.55. Nobody in their right mind would have paid $83 for a sealed Pac-Man in 2001. Hell, it was near impossible to give one away then. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124976318496?epid=6545&hash=item1d192b4820%3Ag%3ALx8AAOSwZ-lhBvAm&nma=true&si=ZAZ6yvVM%2BmCqDiGK%2FNtPjynofCk%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

Sorry for the long link. I don't remember any HTML these days. 

 

Today it feels like the early 90s and comic books. I wanted a copy of The Uncanny X-Men #282 when it came out. It was a $1.00 comic but it was already sold for more than that before it even hit the shelf because of speculators. The comic shops had their regular big spenders that they looked out for. I never did get that comic and I didn't buy many more comics after that. The comic book industry deserved to crash because they helped build that bubble. 

 

Hopefully for us collectors the market will right itself soon.  

 

[Crazy Climber]

1 hour ago, discotronic said:

Have fun and good luck. It will be great to see what you find. Looks like you have already picked up some great games. How about hardware? Are you seeing much out in the wild on the Atari side? It has been a while since I've actually looked for anything. Seems like most thrift stores and etc. have their own action sites or sell on eBay. 

 

It wasn't that long ago that I would go to a flea market and find a nice lot with a full system and 10-20 games for $10. Now the WATA tax has, among other factors, made this hobby out of reach for a large portion of people. When a sealed copy of Pac-Man goes for $127 then something is not right with the world of retro gaming. It isn't inflation either. So $1.00 in 2001 in today's 2021 money (US dollar) is $1.55. Nobody in their right mind would have paid $83 for a sealed Pac-Man in 2001. Hell, it was near impossible to give one away then. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124976318496?epid=6545&hash=item1d192b4820%3Ag%3ALx8AAOSwZ-lhBvAm&nma=true&si=ZAZ6yvVM%2BmCqDiGK%2FNtPjynofCk%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

Sorry for the long link. I don't remember any HTML these days. 

 

Today it feels like the early 90s and comic books. I wanted a copy of The Uncanny X-Men #282 when it came out. It was a $1.00 comic but it was already sold for more than that before it even hit the shelf because of speculators. The comic shops had their regular big spenders that they looked out for. I never did get that comic and I didn't buy many more comics after that. The comic book industry deserved to crash because they helped build that bubble. 

 

Hopefully for us collectors the market will right itself soon.  

 

Hey there!

 

Yeah, I never got rid of my 2600 system and harmony cart and I have always collected homebrews so on the hardware side I'm ready to go. I've attached a pic of my "daily driver" lol

 

Oh I totally get it. Luckily the loose atari stuff seems to still be somewhat reasonable. I never did very good with atari "in the wild" around here in MN, even 20 years ago but the craigslist/garage sale scene was definitely better than it is now. I doubt I'll find much, but who knows??

 

Yeah, sealed stuff is just nuts. I'm sitting on a sealed Dragon Warrior NES my cousin asked me to sell for him and I almost don't even feel right doing it (it's like $300-$400++ for a freakin dragon warrior!!) speaking of NES games, I do feel really bad for those guys. Even the loose stuff that's not that rare is becoming "neo geo" prices haha. Not a good time to jump in that scene.

 

[Yurkie]

I LOVE the old school hand written list! And is that a Buck Rogers on the bottom shelf?

[TheGameCollector]

Good idea posting how much you spend vs how much you sell. If you're in the USA you can use the spending record to offset the taxes they want you to pay for making money reselling games. You'll be able to prove that you spent more on games than you made selling them so you won't owe for it if audited.

[+discotronic]

That missing end label game has got to be Combat. How can you show a newly started collection without a Combat cart? 

[roadrunner]

Good luck, it helps to print out the AA rarity list too.
And alot of label variations to collect.
 

 

[high voltage]

Here's a little help, just in case

 

 

THE COMPLETE ATARI 2600 NTSC/USA CARTRIDGE COLLECTION LIST

 

This comprehensive list breaks down the complete collection of USA/NTSC Atari 2600video game cartridges from 001 to 404. It also explains WHY the actual total is 404.Games marked with an (*) are surrounded by controversy & as such are given detaileddescriptions & explanations with REASONS for their addition and/or disqualification.

 

With careful consideration, serious stipulation, and relentless research, we findthat a complete Atari 2600 NTSC/USA cartridge collection consists of 404 games.

 

ATARI 2600 NTSC/USA CARTRIDGE QUALIFICATIONS AND VERIFICATIONS

 

Every cartridge on this list must meet or exceed the following requirements:

 

1) 100% plug & play compatible with an unmodified original NTSC / USA Atari 2600.

AND

2) Available for purchase at a retail store in the United States from 1977-1990.

OR

3) Available through a mail order offer; advertised in a magazine or television ad.

                                   

And every cartridge presented for admission to this list is subjected to these questions:

 

(1) Was the cartridge NTSC compatible? Meaning, did it function properly when insertedinto a factory stock USA 2600 console connected to a 70s/80s era USA television set?

 

(2) Was the game a repeat or a copy or a clone or a rom hack of an already existingand released game that was already on the list?

 

(3) Was there another one available? Meaning, at the time, had another person beenright next to you, or had they called the same phone number right after you,could they have also purchased it at that time?

 

(4) Did you need to have a passport to get it? In other words, did you leave thecountry and buy it elsewhere and/or did you have it brought in from outside the USA?

 

(5) Was the cartridge available during the natural lifespan of the system? Which is commonly defined as theperiod of time during which the parent company (in this case Atari) still supported it.

 

THE DETAILED CARTRIDGE DISQUALIFICATION AND EXPLANATION SECTION

 

1) Any rebranded, repackaged, or renamed game that retained its original rom data.

2) Any promotional game limited to a private event & not available for public purchase.

3) Any game released outside the USA in the PAL or SECAM television formats.

4) Any game that went unreleased, regardless if a proto or a sample has been found.

 

001. Adventure

002. Air Sea Battle / Target Fun

003. Alpha Beam with Ernie

004. Asterix

005. Asteroids

006. Atari Video Cube / Rubik's Cube

007. Basic Programming

008. Basketball

009. Backgammon

010. Basic Math / Fun with Numbers

011. Battle Zone

012. Big Bird's Egg Catch

013. Black Jack

014. Canyon Bomber

015. Brain Games

016. Berzerk

017. Bowling

018. Breakout / Breakaway IV

019. Circus Atari / Circus

020. Centipede

021. Casino

022. Championship Soccer / Pele's Soccer

023. Cookie Monster Munch

024. Crossbow

025. Codebreaker

026. Combat / Tank Plus

027. Dark Chambers

028. Defender

029. Crazy Climber

030. Crystal Castles

031. Dig Dug

032. Double Dunk

033. Desert Falcon

034. Demons to Diamonds / Hot Rox

035. Flag Capture / Capture

036. Football

037. E.T.

038. Dodge 'Em / Dodger Cars

039. Golf

040. Gravitar

041. Galaxian

042. Concentration / Hunt & Score

043. Haunted House / Nightmare Manor

044. Joust

045. Gremlins

046. Hangman / Spelling

047. Human Cannonball / Cannon Man

048. Jr. Pac-Man

049. Kangaroo

050. Home Run / Baseball

051. Ikari Warriors

052. Jungle Hunt

053. Krull

054. Indy 500 / Race

055. Math Gran Prix

056. Millipede

057. Mario Bros.

058. Maze Craze / Maze Mania

059. Missile Command

060. Moon Patrol

061. Midnight Magic

062. Miniature Golf / Arcade Golf

063. Night Driver

064. Obelix

065. Moto Rodeo

066. Ms. Pac-Man

067. Outlaw / Gunslinger

068. Othello / Reversi

069. Off the Wall

070. Oscar's Trash Race

071. Pigs in Space

072. Phoenix

073. Pac-Man

074. Pengo

075. Radar Lock

076. Quadrun

077. Pole Position

078. Raiders of the Lost Arc

079. Real Sports Baseball

080. Real Sports Boxing

081. Real Sports Football

082. Real Sports Soccer

083. Real Sports Tennis

084. Real Sports Volleyball

085. Road Runner

086. Sentinel

087. Slot Machine / Slots

088. Solaris / Star Raiders 2

089. Secret Quest

090. Sky Diver / Dare Diver

091. Slot Racers / Maze

092. Space War / Space Combat

093. Star Raiders

094. Snoopy & the Red Baron

095. Space Invaders

096. Sprint Master

097. Street Racer

098. Sorcerer's Apprentice

099. Stargate / Defender 2

100. Surround / Chase

101. Superman

102. Star Ship / Space Mission

103. Super Breakout

104. Taz

105. Super Baseball

106. Super Football

107. Sword Quest Earth World

108. Sword Quest Fire World

109. Sword Quest Water World

110. 3-D Tic Tac Toe

111. Track & Field

112. Vanguard

113. Video Checkers / Checkers

114. Video Chess / Chess

115. Video Olympics / Pong Sports

116. Video Pinball / Arcade Pinball

117. Warlords

118. Xenophobe

119. Yar's Revenge 

120. Barnstorming

121. Beam Rider

122. Boxing

123. Bridge

124. Checkers

125. Chopper Command

126. Commando

127. Cosmic Commuter

128. Crackpots

129. Decathlon

130. Dolphin

131. Double Dragon

132. Dragster

133. Enduro

134. Fishing Derby

135. Freeway

136. Frostbite

137. Ghostbusters

138. Grand Prix

139. H.E.R.O.

140. Ice Hockey

141. Kaboom!

142. Keystone Kapers

143. Kung Fu Master

144. Laser Blast

145. Mega Mania

146. Oink!

147. Pitfall!

148. Pitfall II

149. Plaque Attack

150. Pressure Cooker

151. Private Eye

152. Rampage

153. River Raid

154. River Raid II

155. Robot Tank

156. Sea Quest

157. Skiing

158. Sky Jinx

159. Space Shuttle

160. Spider Fighter

161. Stampede

162. Star Master

163. Tennis

164. Atlantis

165. Cosmic Ark

166. Demon Attack

167. Dragon Fire

168. Fathom

169. Fire Fighter

170. Laser Gates

171. Moon Sweeper

172. No Escape!

173. Quick Step!

174. Riddle of the Sphinx

175. Shooting Gallery

176. Solar Storm

177. Star Voyager

178. Subterranea

179. Trick Shot

180. Amidar

181. Frogger

182. Frogger II

183. G.I. Joe / Action Force

184. Gyruss

185. James Bond 007

186. Montezuma's Revenge

187. Mr. Do’s Castle

188. Popeye

189. Q*Bert

190. Q*Bert’s Qubes

191. Reactor

192. Sky Skipper

193. Spider-Man

194. Star Wars - Jedi Arena

195. Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back

196. Star Wars - Return of the Jedi

197. Star Wars - The Arcade Game

198. Strawberry Shortcake

199. Super Cobra

200. Tutankham

201. Carnival

202. Donkey Kong

203. Mouse Trap

204. Smurf Rescue

205. Venture

206. Zaxxon

207. Donkey Kong Jr.

208. Time Pilot

209. Mr. Do!

210. Roc 'n Rope

211. Front Line

212. Smurf's Save the Day

213. Berenstain Bears

214. King Kong

215. Jawbreaker

216. Threshold

217. Miner 2049er

218. Polaris

219. Marauder

220. Springer

221. Espial

222. Miner 2049er II

223. River Patrol

224. Planet Patrol

225. Gangster Alley

226. Cross Force

227. China Syndrome

228. Tapeworm

229. Nexar

230. Bumper Bash

231. Master Builder

232. Gas Hog

233. Chase the Chuckwagon

234. Mangia'

235. Adventures of Tron / GX-12

236. Air Raiders / Bogey Blaster

237. Armor Ambush

238. Astroblast

239. Bump 'n Jump

240. Burger Time

241. Dark Cavern

242. Frogs & Flies

243. International Soccer

244. Kool Aid Man

245. Lock 'n Chase

246. He-Man

247. Space Attack

248. Star Strike

249. Super Challenge Baseball

250. Super Challenge Football

251. Tron: Deadly Discs

252. Alien

253. Bank Heist

254. Beany Bopper

255. Crash Dive

256. Crypts of Chaos

257. Deadly Duck

258. Earth Dies Screaming

259. Fantastic Voyage

260. Fast Eddie

261. Flash Gordan

262. M*A*S*H*

263. Mega Force

264. Porky's

265. Revenge of the Beefsteak Tomatoes

266. Space Master X-7

267. Turmoil

268. Worm War I

269. Buck Rogers

270. Congo Bongo

271. Spy Hunter

272. Star Trek

273. Sub Scan

274. Tac Scan

275. Tapper

276. Thunder Ground

277. Up n Down

278. Final Approach

279. Guardian

280. Infiltrate

281. Lost Luggage

282. Racket Ball

283. Shark Attack / Lock Jaw

284. Skeet Shoot

285. Space Cavern / Space Canyon by Panda

286. Space Chase

287. Wabbit

288. Commando Raid

289. Eggomania

290. Entombed

291. Gopher

292. M.A.D.

293. Name this Game / Octopus

294. Picnic

295. Piece 'o Cake

296. Raft Rider

297. Sneak 'n Peak

298. Space Jockey

299. Squeeze Box

300. Towering Inferno

301. Word Zapper

302. Air Lock

303. Bermuda Triangle

304. Bugs

305. Encounter at L-5

306. Frankenstein's Monster

307. Journey Escape

308. SSSnake

309. Warp Lock

310. Artillery Duel

311. Chuck Norris

312. Ghost Manor

313. Spike's Peak

314. Robin Hood

315. Sir Lancelot

316. Motocross Racer

317. Tomarc the Barbarian

318. Fast Food

319. Coconuts

320. Cosmic Creeps

321. Ram It

322. Star Gunner

323. Demolition Herby

324. Blue Print

325. Gorf

326. Mountain King

327. Omega Race

328. Solar Fox

329. Tunnel Runner

330. Wizard of Wor

331. Cosmic Swarm

332. Room of Doom

333. Mines of Minos

334. Stronghold

335. Cakewalk

336. Magicard

337. Video Life

338. London Blitz

339. Wall Ball

340. Shuttle Orbiter

341. Death Trap

342. Out of Control

343. Pete Rose Baseball

344. Skate Boardin'

345. Title Match Pro Wrestling / The Contenders

346. Tomcat: F-14 / Fighter Pilot

347. Cosmic Corridor / Space Tunnel by Bit Corp

348. Dishaster / Dancing Plate by Bit Corp

349. I Want My Mommy / Open Sesame by Bit Corp

350. Tanks But No Tanks / Tank Brigade by Panda / Phantom Tank by Bit Corp

351. Assault

352. Great Escape

353. Wall Defender

354. Z-Tack

355. Cruise Missile / Exocet by Panda

356. Karate

357. Sea Hawk / Sea Hawk by Panda

358. Sea Hunt

359. Steeplechase

360. Stellar Track

361. Submarine Commander

362. Poo Yan

363. Strategy-X

364. Marine Wars

365. Fire Fly

366. Sorcerer

367. Star Fox

368. Custer's Revenge

369. Bachelor Party

370. Beat 'em& Eat 'em

371. Gigolo

372. Burning Desire

373. Knight on the Town

374. California Games

375. Summer Games

376. Winter Games

377. Dice Puzzle by Panda

378. Stunt Man by Panda (also NTSC Nightmare by Sancho)

379. Gauntlet by Answer Software

380. Malagai by Answer Software

381. Video Jogger by Exus

382. Video Reflex by Exus

383. Survival Run by Milton Bradley

384. Spitfire Attack by Milton Bradley

385. Halloween by Wizard

386. Texas Chainsaw by Wizard

387. Glacier Patrol by Telegames

388. Universal Chaos by Telegames

389. Vulture Attack by K-TEL Vision OR Condor Attack by Ultra Vision

390. BMX Airmaster by TNT Games

391. Boing! by First Star Software

392. Quest for Quintana Roo by Sunrise Software (also from Tele Games)

393. Tax Avoiders by American Video Games

394. Mogul Maniac by Amiga

395. Rescue Terra I by Venture Vision

396. Glib by Selchow& Richter

397. X-Man by Universal Gamex

398. Tooth Protectors by DSD Camelot

399. Music Machine by Sparrow

400. Eli's Ladder by Simage

401. Air Raid by Men A Vision

402. Gamma Attack

403. Red Sea Crossing

404. Birthday Mania

 

END: If a collector has these 404 games then they have a complete set.

 

(*) THE 404 IS A COMPLETE AND OFFICIAL USA/NTSC ATARI 2600 SET!

(*) the 404 is NOT a complete NTSC cartridge set!

(*) the 404 is NOT a complete PAL cartridge set!

(*) the 404 is NOT a complete 2600 game set!

 

 

 

DISQUALIFIED ENTRIES ALONG WITH DETAILED EXPLANATIONS:

(these cartridges ENHANCE a collection. they do not COMPLETE it)

 

(*) Polo (promotional game)

A cartridge put together by Atari programmer Carol Shaw for a Ralph Laurenpromotional event and was never sold nor officially available

--

(*) Pepsi Invaders / Coke Wins (promotional game)

Although it was made by Atari, and it was an actual mask rom game, it was limited toa release of about 125 copies and given away to employees of Coca-Cola. In addition,it is a graphical "rom hack" of Space Invaders, and thus is disqualified anyhow.

--

(*) Atlantis 2 (promotional game)

Although it was made by Imagic, and it was an actual mask rom game, it was onlyintended to be used as part of a contest and not an official release. In addition,it is a rom hack of Atlantis, and thus is disqualified for that as well.

--

(*) Cubicolor (unreleased proto)

Although it was made by Imagic, and it was an actual mask rom game, whenRob Fulop sold copies of this game to us, it was not done officially, northrough the proper channels, nor during the natural lifespan of the system.

--

(*) Off Your Rocker (unreleased proto)

Although it has a mask rom, it's an unofficial & unauthorized aftermarketcartridge soldwith a handmade label and makeshift instruction sheet by asecondhand distributor.

--

(*) Confrontation (unreleased proto)

Although a few people purchased sample carts from Answer Software, and it evenhappened during the natural lifespan of the system,the opportunity was not an open public and fair one, and the carts were notofficial releases, but rather early production samples.

--

(*) Cat Trax (production sample)

Although a professional retail-ready NTSC cartridge was found for this game,it is still as of yet unclear and unconfirmed as to whether or not it's originscan be traced back to having been a released game or a dressed production sample.  

--

(*) Monogrammed Space Chase (rom hack)

Although this was technically available, and it results in an extremely rarecartridge, it amounts to nothing more than a customized rom hack of the original game.

--

(*) Lockjaw (rom hack)

Although the title was changed for legal reasons and the ROM was slightlymodified at the same time, it is not a different game. It is still Shark Attack.Atari themselves did similar things. Such as to Asteroids, when they implementeda copyright/title screen and when they altered Atari Video Cube to Rubik's Cube.

ROM HACKS VERSUS ROM REBUILDS –A DETAILED EXPLANATION

 

Many companies released the same games. Sometimes with permission, sometimeswithout.Sometimesthey altered the rom data, sometimes they didn't. So,what makesagame a hack versus a rebuild?A detailed analysis based on the following criteria:

 

(Game Name, Box Art, Product Number, Title Screen, Game Play)

 

-- REAL SPORTS BASEBALL versus SUPER BASEBALL

(1) game name: CHANGED. As much as an ambiguous sport title can be.

(2) the box art: CHANGED. It was completely redone and updated.

(3) product number: CHANGED. This defines it as a different game program.

(4) title screen: CHANGED. A totally bran new title screen was made.

(5) game rom: CHANGED. It was altered. Both audio and video have been modified.

--TAZ versus ASTERIX

(1) game name: CHANGED.From Tazto Asterix. No relation whatsoever.

(2) the box art: CHANGED. Completely redone. No relation whatsoever.

(3) product number: CHANGED. This defines it as a different game program.

(4) title screen: CHANGED. Totally redone screen. No relation whatsoever.

(5) game rom: CHANGED. Sprites were changed to reflect the new game.

-- ATARI VIDEO CUBE versus RUBIK’S CUBE

(1) game name: CHANGED. Merely altered and clarified. (Example: Pele’s Soccer)

(2) box art: SAME. It was not changed. It remained the same.

(3) product number: CHANGED. (Atari made a mistake) (Example: Track & Field)

(4) title screen: CHANGED. Merely to reflect the altered name.

(5) gamerom: SAME. It was altered, but only to implement the name change.

-- STARGATE versus DEFENDER II

(1) game name: CHANGED. Merely altered and clarified. (Example: Pele’s Soccer)

(2) box art: SAME. It remained the same. It was merely inverted.

(3) product number: SAME. Defines it as the same game program.

(4) title screen: CHANGED. Merely to reflect the new name.

(5) game rom: SAME. It was altered, but only to implement the name change.

 

Granted, this is not an exact science. Some of the criteria can weigh differently depending on the game being analyzed. But rebuilding and recycling rom data to assemble a new game was done. Some examples include Atari's Blackjack & Casino, Atari’s Solaris & Radar Lock, Atari's Boxing & Absolute's Wrestling, and arguably all three of Mythicon's games were rebuilds of one another.

 

ADDITIONAL EXTREME CASES OF DISQUALIFICATIONS

 

(*) Color Bar Generator - (this is a service & repair utility device)

This is neither a game nor a game program and was never intended to bemarketed or sold in that capacity; neither to repair centers nor consumers.

--

(*) Arcadia/Starpath Super Charger - (this is a system modification / accessory)

This cannot function without a tethered connection to an interface cartridge,which by itself serves no purpose or function when inserted alone.

--

(*) Compumate Computer - (this is a system modification / accessory)

An expansion interface auxiliary console whose coincidental utilization of the system'scartridge port, via a tethered cartridge, although functional, is inconsequential.

--

(*) Video Game Brain with Cat Trax - (this is an enhanced system accessory)

Although the Cat Trax game is technically present and becomes playable as aresult of its implementation, the tethered cartridge only functions as an interface.

--

(*) Gameline Network with Save the Whales - (this is a system modification / accessory)

Although technically you could download and play this game on your systemvia a phone line connected to the gameline network device, because there was noOFFICIAL and LEGAL way, at the time, to copy and retain its data on a normalstandalone cartridge, it will never be given legitimate status.

 

FINAL ANALYSIS & EXPLANATION 4 EXTRA TERRESTRIALS DISQUALIFICATION

 

(*) Extra Terrestrials - (unreleased proto / production sample)

-- was not sold at any retail stores

-- was not advertised in any magazine or newspaper or television ad

-- was designed, programmed, & assembled but never officially released

-- was sold door to door, randomly and exclusively, to some Canadian residents

 

The recent discovery of Extra Terrestrials was a fascinating and interesting story. And because of that, it was givenspecial treatment and positioned itself on many lists. But the harsh truth is that itFAILS in EVERY area of qualification for ANY released list. It merely falls into the same category as Cubicolor&Off Your Rocker. Even if he hadknocked on some doors in northern USA bordering cities,and thus some USA residents also had the opportunity to purchase the game,it STILL would not qualify. Because any cartridge that was exclusively made availableto a select people in a select area orsituation rather than fairly made availableto the open public, is instantly disqualified.Even if the original intention was to mass produce the game, advertise itpublicly, and sell it through mail order and/or retail stores in BOTHCanadian and USA markets, it didn't happen.As such, the ONLY way to purchase this game from 1977-1990 was IF you lived in Canadaand IF you happened to live in his area, and IF he happened toknock on your door, and IF you happened to be home.

 

POSSIBLE FUTURE DISCOVERY THAT COULD RESULT IN A 406 SET

 

(*) Atari's Fatal Run &Klax could turn up in NTSC and in LARGE quantities.

-- they were released in PAL format.

-- their NTSC protos were found.

-- their NTSC packaging would have been identical

-- 7800 Fatal Run was released in NTSC format

-- 2600 Sentinel saw release while 7800 Sentinel was also PALexclusive

-- 7800 Ikari Warriors was released in NTSC

-- 2600 Ikari Warriors &Motorodeo (were also once presumed PAL exclusive)

 

EXPANSION NUMBER ONE: NON-US NTSC ATARI 2600 CARTRIDGE LIST

- NTSC compatible game cartridges. (must work on a factory stock USA console)

- Cartridges must be unique to the other games listed. (not repeats or rom hacks)

- Cartridges that were released outside the United States. (not intended for USA)

 

405. (CAN) Challenge by Zellers / (a Fun Vision game)

406. (CAN) Time Warp by Zellers / (a Fun Vision game)

407. (CAN) Inca Gold by Zellers / (a Fun Vision game) / Spider Maze by K-TEL

408. (BRA) Spectracube by Sun Tek / Immies& Aggies (a Zimag game)

409. (BRA) Pizza Chef by CCE / (a Zimag game)

410. (BRA) Criminal Pursuit by Sun Tek / A Mysterious Thief by Zimag

411. (BRA) Mr. Postman by CCE / (a Bit Corp game)

412. (BRA) Bobby is Going Home by CCE (a Bit Corp game)

413. (CAN) Sea Monster by Puzzy (a Bit Corp game)

414. (BRA) Mission 3000 A.D. by CCE / (a Bit Corp game)

415. (BRA) Squirrel by CCE / (a Bit Corp game)

 

EXPANSION NUMBER TWO: NON-US PAL ATARI 2600 CARTRIDGE LIST

- PAL compatible game cartridges. (will NOT work on a factory stock USA console)

- Cartridges must be unique to the other games listed. (not repeats or rom hacks)

- Cartridges that were released outside the United States. (not intended for USA)

- Cartridges have either been found in NTSC format or they have been converted.

 

416. Fatal Run by Atari

417. Klax by Atari

418. Wing War by Imagic

419. Ghostbusters II by Salu (an Activision game)

420. My Golf by Salu (an HES game)

421. Acid Drop by Salu

422. Pick & Pile by Salu

423. Forest by Sancho

424. Dragon Defender by Suntek (Dragon Defender by Home Vision)

425. Farmyard Fun by Suntek (Play Farm by Home Vision)

426. Firebug by Suntek (Spinning Fireball by Zimag) (*ntsc)

427. IQ Memory Teaser by Sun Tek (IQ 180 by Home Vision)

428. Mole Hunter by Suntek (Topy by Home Vision) (*ntsc)

429. Motocross by Suntek (a Home Vision game) (*ntsc)

430. Ski Run by Suntek (a Home Vision game)

431. Sky Diver by Suntek (Parachute by Home Vision)

432. Treasure Island by Suntek (Treasure Discovery by Home Vision)

433. UFO Patrol by Suntek (X'Mission by Home Vision)

434. Walker by Suntek (Robin by Home Vision)

435. Zoo Fun by Suntek (an ITT Family game) (Panda Chase rebuild)

436. Frisco by Home Vision (RJPG)

437. Lilly Adventure by Home Vision (*ntsc)

438. Panda Chase by Home Vision

439. Racing Car by Home Vision (a Fun Vision game) (RJPG)

440. Ski Hunt by Home Vision (a Fun Vision game) (*ntsc) (RJPG)

441. Astrowar by Dimax/Sinmax

442. Go Go Home by Dimax/Sinmax (*ntsc)

443. The End of the World by Dimax/Sinmax (*ntsc)

444. Nuts by Techno Vision

445. Pharaoh's Curse by Techno Vision

446. Save Our Ship by Techno Vision (*ntsc)

447. Stone Age by CCE (a Techno Vision game)

448. Missile Control by Video Gems

449. Mission Survive by Video Gems

450. Steeplechase by Video Gems

451. Surfer's Paradise But Danger Below! by Video Gems

452. Treasure Below by Video Gems

453. Seal to Whales by Datatech (undumped)

454. Unknown by Datatech (MEXICO) (*ntsc) (Mazy Match by Pet Boat)

455. Megaboy by Dynacom (BRAZIL) (*ntsc)

[Crazy Climber]

11 hours ago, Yurkie said:

I LOVE the old school hand written list! And is that a Buck Rogers on the bottom shelf?

haha sure is! Yeah, I suppose I could print one out but this is smaller

11 hours ago, TheGameCollector said:

Good idea posting how much you spend vs how much you sell. If you're in the USA you can use the spending record to offset the taxes they want you to pay for making money reselling games. You'll be able to prove that you spent more on games than you made selling them so you won't owe for it if audited.

Yeah, this is a nice side effect of the hunt. They did just start imposing some pretty crazy tax stuff!

11 hours ago, discotronic said:

That missing end label game has got to be Combat. How can you show a newly started collection without a Combat cart? 

lol, dude...I actually DO NOT own combat!!! (it's video pinball if you were wondering)

8 hours ago, roadrunner said:

Good luck, it helps to print out the AA rarity list too.
And alot of label variations to collect.
 

 

I'll see if I can find my old list I wrote back when I first discovered atariage. I wrote the entire rarity list, ALL of it, on one sheet of folded notebook paper lol. This was like 20 years ago, the print is so small I doubt I can even read it now with my aging eyes haha

[Crazy Climber]

5 hours ago, high voltage said:

 

THE COMPLETE ATARI 2600 NTSC/USA CARTRIDGE COLLECTION LIST

 

402. Gamma Attack

404. Birthday Mania

 

 

Woah!! This is awesome. Did you make this list? Way cool

Quick question though, I've been out of the scene for awhile but haven't only 1 of the above games been found? Or did a stash get discovered?

[glazball]

Starting a 2600 collection from scratch in 2021??  Wow, that sounds like a crazy idea.  I love it!  Good luck on your quest!

[TeddyBear89]

A suggestion - inform co-workers that you are an old school video game collector and if they have anything boxed up and stored away that you'd be interested.

 

This worked very well for me (after the strange "you still play Atari?!?!?" looks and comments) and netted me a few nice items for free or on the very cheap.  While we are all big fans of these golden oldies most other folk view them as clutter that they just can't seem to throw out.

 

Results may vary but best of luck on your very cool quest!

[Crazy Climber]

43 minutes ago, glazball said:

Starting a 2600 collection from scratch in 2021??  Wow, that sounds like a crazy idea.  I love it!  Good luck on your quest!

I know right? I have a good feeling though...I think I can do this!

16 minutes ago, TeddyBear89 said:

A suggestion - inform co-workers that you are an old school video game collector and if they have anything boxed up and stored away that you'd be interested.

 

This worked very well for me (after the strange "you still play Atari?!?!?" looks and comments) and netted me a few nice items for free or on the very cheap.  While we are all big fans of these golden oldies most other folk view them as clutter that they just can't seem to throw out.

 

Results may vary but best of luck on your very cool quest!

Yeah, I totally exhausted all those options long ago but it DID work and is sound advice!

[Mockduck]

I have a bit over 350 uniques from the 404 list, but have hit a real wall in recent years. That last bit is a nightmare both in pricing and availability! Good luck. 

[Crazy Climber]

37 minutes ago, Mockduck said:

I have a bit over 350 uniques from the 404 list, but have hit a real wall in recent years. That last bit is a nightmare both in pricing and availability! Good luck. 

Been there before, part of the reason I lost interest in them honestly. I made the mistake of cashing out and going for CIB stuff (to keep the hunt alive lol) but that got too rich for my blood (even in the old days)

 

This time around I'm just going R8 and below which I think is feasible What the cost will end up being though....? Hoping I can keep it realistic for my wallet haha

[Crazy Climber]

Okay, finished the "wallet list" so I'm ready to rock. I left the one shots off and some of the super rare stuff, I mean I doubt I'll get to a point where I have to worry about buying Boing or Glib twice, you tend to remember the big ones, at least my bank account will haha

[jeremiahjt]

Have you ever detailed your original collection hunt or the later liquidation of the collection anywhere? Curious how it went back then.

[TheGameCollector]

One thing is certain. It can be overwhelming to organize a large collection when over half of it is in a storage unit and you have to re-inventory everything because things were stolen, you moved because of it, but only brought home what you wanted to play at the time.

 

I feel like in order to get back into it I have to clear off at least 1 shelf, start over and just list my collection a game at a time, perhaps making a case and maybe even manual when possible for each game as I go. I really ought to play each one for at least a little while too.

 

I want to re-buy parts of my old collection that I sold. I just re-bought Robot Tank last week because I saw it at a local store for $5. I didn't even realize I was missing it until I looked at a checklist on my old computer from a few years ago.

 

I should keep my 3 year old want list, make sure I'm still missing what it said I'm missing and just add to it as I go. Also delete anything I bought since I last updated the list.

 

I brought home a stack of favorite Atari 2600 cartridges last time I went to my storage, so I can start with those. I just need to buy some blank cases, a color laser printer and some quality paper.

 

Ooh I think I figured something out. The Universal Game Case I got with my Genesis Everdrive in 2011 seems a little too thin. The Atari 2600 game causes it to bow a little. Unless that is not a real UGC and the real UGCs are thicker like those old rental cases. I think I might decide to just buy a bunch of blank NES custom game cases and use those with the Atari games laying sideways. Even Atari 5200 carts fit in there facing that way, and they have manual holders. Since I will be reprinting manuals, I could shrink them to fit the case. Then I could just glue foam into the unused space like StoneAgeGamer does with some of their products to make them fit better in a case.

 

Since I am already using a lot of custom game cases products for other systems, it probably just makes more sense for me to use them.

Edited November 4, 2021 by TheGameCollector

[Crazy Climber]

12 hours ago, jeremiahjt said:

Have you ever detailed your original collection hunt or the later liquidation of the collection anywhere? Curious how it went back then.

Unfortunately no real topics about it, etc.. Some of it was pretty interesting stories though, I should write it up "short story" style one of these days haha

 

Since smart phones weren't really a thing yet I didn't take many pictures either, the ones I did are probably sitting on some rotting digital camera SD card that I've long forgotten in a drawer somewhere lol. I do have these 2 pics of when I switched to boxed stuff (This was around the peak of how far I got CIB) 

[Crazy Climber]

Okay, got my first LOT of games in the mail (thank you forum member cobra kai!) This box of 50 games ended up running me $131 shipped. Not a bad deal at all, especially since mario and xeno aren't $5 games anymore. Also included quite a few instruction manuals! 

 

This lot was really more about the quantity though, needed a good "jump start" on the pile...at 105 games now I'd say I'm moving along nicely ? 

 

 

 

Current collection - 105 games

$208 invested to date

 

Edited November 4, 2021 by Crazy Climber

[Crazy Climber]

Do'h, looks like I bought Haunted house and Empire stikes back TWICE...I was being so careful not to do that too haha

 

Trade pile (yeah, pretty weak now but just wait) 

Edited November 4, 2021 by Crazy Climber
picture

[roadrunner]

350. Tanks But No Tanks / Tank Brigade by Panda / Phantom Tank by Bit Corp

355. Cruise Missile / Exocet by Panda

357. Sea Hawk / Sea Hawk by Panda

090. Sky Diver / Dare Diver

092. Space War / Space Combat

002. Air Sea Battle / Target Fun

006. Atari Video Cube / Rubik's Cube

010. Basic Math / Fun with Numbers

046. Hangman / Spelling

047. Human Cannonball / Cannon Man

050. Home Run / Baseball

054. Indy 500 / Race

058. Maze Craze / Maze Mania

062. Miniature Golf / Arcade Golf

I count these as different carts  

[Atari_Bill]

6 hours ago, Crazy Climber said:

Unfortunately no real topics about it, etc.. Some of it was pretty interesting stories though, I should write it up "short story" style one of these days haha

 

Since smart phones weren't really a thing yet I didn't take many pictures either, the ones I did are probably sitting on some rotting digital camera SD card that I've long forgotten in a drawer somewhere lol. I do have these 2 pics of when I switched to boxed stuff (This was around the peak of how far I got CIB) 

Wow, were those Commavid boxes real?  Those are some heavyweights!
 

As an aside, I’m in the middle of selling off my extra stock compiled over 25+ years.  I haven’t got to post the 2600 stuff yet, but I will have some pretty decent pieces in there. No 9 rarities, but there could be some 7-8.