How much did an Atari 2600 cost?

How Much Did an Atari 2600 Cost?

The Atari 2600, one of the most iconic gaming consoles of all time, was released in 1977 and revolutionized the gaming industry. With its impressive library of games and innovative design, the 2600 became a staple in many homes during the 1970s and 1980s. But how much did this legendary console cost when it was first released?

Initial Release Price (1977)

The Atari 2600 was initially released in 1977 for $189.95, which is equivalent to approximately $750 in today’s money. This price point was relatively affordable for a home console, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Price Drop (1981)

By 1981, the Atari 2600 had become a huge success, and the company was looking to increase sales. To make the console more appealing to consumers, Atari dropped the price to $129.95, which is equivalent to around $400 today.

Price Variations (1982-1983)

As the gaming market became increasingly saturated with new consoles and games, Atari faced stiff competition. To stay competitive, the company introduced various price points for the 2600, including:

  • $99.95 for a basic bundle with two joysticks and a single game
  • $129.95 for a mid-range bundle with two joysticks, two games, and a paddle controller
  • $149.95 for a premium bundle with two joysticks, three games, and a paddle controller

The Crash (1983)

The Atari 2600’s popularity began to decline in 1983 due to a combination of factors, including oversaturation of the market, poor game quality, and increased competition from other consoles. This led to a significant price drop, with the console selling for as low as $49.95.

Inflation-Adjusted Prices

To give you a better idea of the 2600’s price in today’s money, here are some inflation-adjusted prices:

  • $189.95 (1977): approximately $750 today
  • $129.95 (1981): approximately $400 today
  • $99.95 (1982): approximately $280 today
  • $49.95 (1983): approximately $130 today

Conclusion

The Atari 2600 was a groundbreaking console that revolutionized the gaming industry. Its initial release price of $189.95 in 1977 was relatively affordable for a home console, and the price dropped significantly over the years to stay competitive. Today, the 2600 remains a beloved console, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of gamers.

Table: Atari 2600 Price Variations

Year Price Inflation-Adjusted Price (Today)
1977 $189.95 $750
1981 $129.95 $400
1982 $99.95 $280
1983 $49.95 $130

Bullets: Atari 2600 Price Points

$189.95 (1977): initial release price
$129.95 (1981): price drop
$99.95 (1982): basic bundle
$129.95 (1982): mid-range bundle
$149.95 (1982): premium bundle
$49.95 (1983): price drop due to market saturation and competition

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