AtariAge is Buying

Used CartsHave you ever wondered where all the cartridges come from for the homebrew and reproduction games we sell in our store? The answer is that we recycle common Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 cartridges and turn them into the new games you can purchase. At present we do not have a source for new cartridge shells, so until new cartridge shells are available (and this is something we are working on), recycling old games is the only means available to us to produce new games.

In recycling old cartridge shells, we first remove the existing labels and then clean the cartridge. We avoid cartridges that are physically damaged or have markings that cannot be removed. After the cartridge has been cleaned, it is then disassembled and we swap the old circuit board for the new one we have built. The cartridge is then reassembled, tested, and we apply new labels. The game is then ready to be sold!

In order to maintain a healthy supply of cartridges for use in homebrew production, we offer store credit for common Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 cartridges that are traded into us. Now you can turn those stacks of Combat and Pac-Man carts into new games that you can enjoy! We offer the following store credit for 2600, 5200, and 7800 cartridges:

Atari 2600 Carts: 50 cents each
Atari 5200 Carts: $1.00 each
Atari 7800 Carts: $2.00 each

We will also apply the cost of shipping cartridges to us against the shipping charges for your next AtariAge order. To save on shipping charges, please use UPS Ground, DHL Ground or FedEx Ground. This is especially true for heavier packages, as the USPS rates can be fairly expensive for Parcel Post and Priority Mail. The USPS has been cracking down on sending video game cartridges via Media Mail, so please avoid using that method.

Here are a few guidelines before you rush off to gather your common carts:

  • We only need cartridges produced by Atari. No third-party cartridges, please.Juno First
  • For the 2600, we are only interested in any style cartridges from Atari, as well as games from Sears since they use the same Atari shells. We're also looking for common 2600 games from Coleco in the off-white cartridge shells, as long as they are clean. For the 5200 and 7800 we only need cartridges produced by Atari.
  • Please only send us common carts! Pretty much anything with a rarity value of 1 or 2 is fair game. You can search our 2600, 5200, and 7800 Rarity Guides if you are unsure.
  • Cartridges should be free of physical damage and permanent markings. Cartridges should also be clean, particularly on the back of the cartridge. It's difficult to remove stains from the textured areas of the cartridge, so we appreciate your looking games over to make sure they are suitable for our use. The condition of the label is unimportant, since it will be removed.

If you'd like to send us some cartridges, please first contact us to see if we are in need of them. If so, we'll give you our shipping address and you can then send the cartridges. Once we have received your package, we will inspect the carts and send you an email notifying you of your AtariAge Store credit!