Advise on my first 2600

[DemonoidTentacle]

I'm about to buy my first 2600, but are there any problems with the system that I should watch out for before I buy?

[esplonky]

i would keep it dusted off and the case clean and when you put the games in make sure they are in there good and dont be rough. plug the AC cord into the system before you plug it into an outlet, and if you use an adapter on your RF switch, then watch out for the two contacts that go into your tv because they will shock you like they did to me.

[BigErn]

I'm about to buy my first 2600, but are there any problems with the system that I should watch out for before I buy?

 

 

Awesome! I just bought an Atari 2600 myself, and when I was shopping around I noticed so many overpriced systems. Many people believe they have something special or rare, when in fact, they do not. So be patient and try not to overpay, especially when dealing with ebay.

 

If you are not dead set on getting the traditional wood grained Atari, you can opt for the much newer and cheaper Atari 2600 Jr.

 

 

Good luck!

[DemonoidTentacle]

Yeah, I've noticed heaps of prices on Ebay which are stupidly high. I'm not in a rush so I can hold out for the right one at the right price.

[toiletunes]

Check the atariage marketplace, consoles turn up at reasonable prices, and it's also a good place to find games.

[SlowCoder]

I'm about to buy my first 2600, but are there any problems with the system that I should watch out for before I buy?

What do you want to accomplish? Are you just looking for something to play games on, or are you looking to begin collecting consoles?

If you're just looking to play, I'd say the 4 switch and Jr. models. If you're looking to start collecting, go with a heavy or light sixer.

 

A 2600 Jr. has a more updated design that matches the 7800 and 5200 consoles. The sixers epitomize the 70's. and the fours say 80's.

[fiddlepaddle]

It's a great time to buy a system that comes with a bunch of games, since you probably don't have any (or many) yet; you can get a much better deal that way. Try to find a system that comes with at least two joysticks, a pair of paddles, and the driving controller. Make sure it comes with the power adapter (people tend to forget to include the power adapter when they get rid of game systems... I guess they leave them plugged into the wall).

[chupathingy]

DEFINITELY get a Harmony cart. Best $60 I ever spent and it hasn't even arrived yet. The benefit to a Harmony is that it lets you still play all those games you have while keeping the original carts safe. Plus you can play homebrews.

 

Strongly recommended.

 

www.harmony.atariage.com

Edited August 12, 2011 by chupathingy

[Vaughan]

I just bought my first Atari 2600 in several decades. I bought it to play - not to collect. As such, I went for something cheap. I say grab a cheap one, see how you get on with it. Grab as many games as you want. If you change your mind later and decide you want to collect consoles, well, that's always an option.

[dark-aleph]

Hi there Mr Tentacle,

 

Can I call you Demonoid?

 

Did you see my post on the Marketplace board? I came across a big pile of thrown-out retro gaming stuff on the side of the road last week. There was a bunch of 2600 games in there that I decided to give away free as an offering to Bira Bira, god of unlikely videogame finds.

 

I've already given away the boxed games and the 32-in-1 cart, but if you want the rest just send me your address in a PM and I'll send them to you.

 

The loose carts I have are listed in the Marketplace post:

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/186014-free-as-in-beer-starter-pack/

 

I have extra copies of HERO and Kung-Fu Master that I'd throw in, and may find another double or two lying around the house.

 

My console advice would be to look for an Atari 2600 Jr. Rev. A, like this (look for the rainbow striping):

 

http://www.atariage.com/2600/systems/sys_Atari2600JrB.jpg

 

The reason being that they kept making these in Australia up to about 1994, so they tend to be in really good nick and also attract the lowest price.

 

Oh, and do exactly what the post above says. And the one above that!

Edited August 12, 2011 by dark-aleph

[Vaughan]

Wow, I'd like some of those! I'm just starting out. I'll post in your thread.

[Vaughan]

In the spirit of Delph - DT, I have spare copies of Pac Man, Missile Command, Asteroids, and Combat (loose cartridges). Let me know if you want me to mail them to you - no charge, of course.

[nofrills100]

DEFINITELY get a Harmony cart. Best $60 I ever spent and it hasn't even arrived yet. The benefit to a Harmony is that it lets you still play all those games you have while keeping the original carts safe. Plus you can play homebrews.

 

Strongly recommended.

 

www.harmony.atariage.com

 

Or since the OP is in Australia, you could get an Australian release junior with 128 games built in.

Edited August 12, 2011 by nofrills100

[Vaughan]

DEFINITELY get a Harmony cart. Best $60 I ever spent and it hasn't even arrived yet. The benefit to a Harmony is that it lets you still play all those games you have while keeping the original carts safe. Plus you can play homebrews.

 

Strongly recommended.

 

www.harmony.atariage.com

 

Or since the OP is in Australia, you could get an Australian release junior with 128 games built in.

 

 

I also have a PAL Qbert going - loose cartridge.

[chupathingy]

DEFINITELY get a Harmony cart. Best $60 I ever spent and it hasn't even arrived yet. The benefit to a Harmony is that it lets you still play all those games you have while keeping the original carts safe. Plus you can play homebrews.

 

Strongly recommended.

 

www.harmony.atariage.com

 

Or since the OP is in Australia, you could get an Australian release junior with 128 games built in.

 

 

 

I still say get the Harmony.

Edited August 12, 2011 by chupathingy

[esplonky]

I put an ad in the marketplace to buy an atri vcs with 10games, 2 controllers and all the cords and payed $35 for an atari 4-switch in perfect condition.