As any fans of the Atari 5200 are acutely aware, the standard controllers Atari shipped with the 5200 are lacking in several areas. The largest problem is that they are prone to failure, and it's difficult to find 5200 controllers that are 100% functioning. The second problem is that even when you find yourself in the company of working 5200 controllers they are not the greatest controllers to actually use whe you want to enjoy games. The analog joystick is non-centering, making it difficult to maintain accurate control in many games, and the fire buttons are uncomfortable and awkward to use.

To help remedy these problems, AtariAge and Pixels Past have created a new product called Redemption 5200 that will allow you to use 2600, 7800, Sega SMS/Genesis, and PC controllers on the Atari 5200. An Atari 2600 or 7800 controller will work with the vast majority of 5200 games, allowing you to enjoy the many great games on this system without fighting the poorly designed Atari controllers. However, before we start selling Redemption 5200, we need some labels!

This is where you come in--AtariAge and Pixels Past are sponsoring a contest to design three labels for Redemption 5200. Why three? There are three versions of Redemption 5200, supporting three types of controllers:

• Atari 2600 / Sega (SMS and Genesis)
• Atari 7800
• PC Controller

Each of the three labels will be similar, but will sport some differences so each version of Redemption 5200 can be easily distinguished.

What will you win if your designs are chosen?

• $50 Cash
• $50 AtariAge Store Credit
• Redemption 5200 (your choice of model, adorned with your winning label of course!)

Think you have what it takes? Then please read the following requirements and guidelines before getting started. The contest ends at Midnight (CST), Sunday, October 19th, 2003! Redemptoin 5200 can be pre-ordered through the AtariAge Store for a 10% discount if you place your order before the contest is over!

How To Enter

Since the Redemption 5200 uses a standard Atari 5200 cartridge shell as a housing, the submitted labels need to be the same size as a standard Atari 5200 label. For your labels to be considered, please understand these guidelines and conditions. Any questions may be directed to [email protected]:

	You are Submitting THREE Designs! - Please keep in mind that you are designing three unique labels for this contest. The labels should be similar in nature, but need to be distinguished from each other in a few different areas (detailed below). There are three different models of the Redemption 5200. One that allows use of 2600 and Sega SMS/Genesis controllers, another that allows use of 7800 controllers, and another that allows use of PC controllers.
	General Considerations - What we are looking for are relatively clean label designs that clearly identify these "cartridges" as Redemption 5200 controller adapters. Given two label designs that are relatively equal in all areas, except one is cluttered and another is clean, we will choose the cleaner design. It's also important that someone looking at the label can quickly discern which version of the Redemption 5200 they are spying.
	Redemption 5200 - This text must be featured prominently on the labels.
	Version - Each of the three label designs needs to feature text highlighting each version of the Redemption 5200. Each of the three versions needs to include the appropriate text below: Atari 2600 / Sega Atari 7800 PC Controller
	Controller Port Identification - At the bottom of the label you must include text that identifies the two controller ports for each Redemption 5200 model. The 5200 controller port is always on the left, while the right controller port varies depending on the Redemption 5200 model: Atari 2600/Sega, Atari 7800, PC Controller.
	Copyright © 2003 Pixels Past - This text must appear on the main label.
	AtariAge and Pixels Past Logos - AtariAge and Pixels Past logos must be featured on the label design. These may be downloaded here: AtariAge Logos Pixels Past Logos
	Artwork - This is one area where you can most differentiate your label designs from that of other entries. Given the label designs are for a hardware product, the artwork should be relevant to the subject matter, and be relatively serious in nature. We encourage you to use the artwork to help distinguish each Redemption 5200 product. For instance, you might use an image of a CX-40 Atari 2600 Joystick for the 2600 model, a 7800 controller for the 7800 model, and so forth. Or you might use a different background color. Or use several visual cues. Use your imagination!
	Clearly Legible Text - All text on your labels must be clearly legible at the size the labels will be printed (see below for actual dimensions). Please keep this important consideration in mind while you are designing your labels.
	Multiple Submissions - While we will gladly accept multiple submissions, we ask that each set of labels be unique from your any previous submissions in some significant fashion. We reserve the right to reject labels that differ only in color or some other minor attribute from previous entries. We will gladly replace previous submissions with new entries if you so request.
	Use of Copyrighted Images - If you use any copyrighted images, you must seek permission from the copyright holder before using that image as part of your label. Likewise, any labels that use artwork from a previously submitted label will be rejected.
	Permission to Reprint - By submitting an entry (or entries) to this contest, you agree to allow AtariAge and/or Pixels Past to reproduce your submission(s) without your having to grant permission or receiving compensation for the right to do so.

Labels should be saved in a non-lossy image format such as PNG, TIFF, PCX, or BMP. If you need to save your image using JPEG for some reason, please use a minimal amount of compression. In order for the label to look good when printed, it should be saved at at 200dpi or better. Vector artwork is even better if you're using a program such as Adobe Illustrator, as these files will print at the printer's highest resolution. If you are concerned about large file sizes you can drop us a line before mailing the file, but generally anything under 10MB will not be a problem.

Please take care to make sure your labels are proportioned correctly. You may download these graphics to assist in this effort:

• Atari 5200 Label Template (600 pixels wide)
• Atari 5200 Label Template (200dpi)
• Atari 5200 Label Template (300dpi)

Please do not send your labels already attached to these templates, they are provided only to help you properly frame your labels. We will shrink and crop your labels to the correct size and place it on the templates for inclusion on this page where others may view them.

Actual label sizes when printed are 3 3/8" x 2 3/4".If you have artwork that goes to the edge of the label, you will also need a 1/4" bleed around the edges. This bleed isn't necessary for the contest, but if your label designs are chosen as the winner it will be necessary in order to print the labels.

Label submissions and questions about the contest must be sent to [email protected]. We will post submissions publicly on this page as we receive them. The contest may also be discussed in our Contests Forum.

Remember, the contest ends at Midnight (CST), Sunday, October 19th, 2003!