2600 Extreme rarity hunting versus 8-bit computer disk / tape software?

[Technosis]

I've always found it interesting to see the lengths that people will go to obtain 2600 protos, half finished demos, hacks and the like. Yet there were thousands of Atari / Commodore computer games produced in low numbers, some even just a handful made by amateurs, and don't forget the international scene as well.

 

Many of the playability of these would far exceed some of the 2600 stuff. Has anyone wondered why this facet of the hobby seems to get much less attention. Is it only chips and circuit boards we want

 

That said, is there some sort of master databank out there for every 8-bit game, commercial or PD released. I'd love to know the link.

 

I know this post has both elements of the 8-bit computer forum and this one , but I thought I'd post it here since it asks a basic gaming premise.......

 

Thanks for your comments.

[deathtrappomegranate]

That said, is there some sort of master databank out there for every 8-bit game, commercial or PD released. I'd love to know the link.

I'm guessing that you haven't yet visited Atarimania.

 

The Atarimania database is the nearest existing site to what you suggest. The site has sections for other machines, notably the 2600, but the 400/800/XL/XE section is the most complete of its kind. It remains obviously incomplete, though, and submissions of rarities are gratefully welcomed. Of course, I am part of the Atarimania team, so please feel free to disregard everything I say in relation to our website.

 

The A8 library is vast, and the pool of collectors is small in comparison to the 2600. As a result, it is often possible to acquire very rare titles for trivial amounts of money, especially when cassettes (and, to a lesser extent, disks) are included. There is much undiscovered country in the A8 continent.