Although gaming is still considered a new form of media, companies like Atari helped paved the way for its success. Developer one of the earliest and most popular gaming consoles, Atari is soon approaching its 50th anniversary, and Lego has taken notice. To add to the celebration, the building-block company will be releasing its own version of the original console. Though Atari may have fallen out of the spotlight in modern day gaming, it’s still an important piece of video game history with a lot of retro charm and nostalgic appeal that will be addressed with the Lego Atari 2600.
The LEGO Atari 2600
It was in 1972 that a bunch of young folks got together to found a video game company called Atari. Based in Sunnyvale, California, their earliest works make for an interesting case study. Game development back then was clearly much less regulated. Despite this, the company went on to be hugely successful, with a legacy that has now lasted over 50 years. And although the classic 2600 didn’t come out until 1977, Lego is lending their support to such an achievement by releasing the Lego Atari 2600. The console is scheduled to go on the market on August 1, 2022 for around $250.
Back when arcades were still a relevant hangout, Atari wanted to to bring the action straight into your home. With the Atari 2600 console, pixelated games could be played right from your own living room. Though there were many titles that failed in one way or another, the 2600 hosted some major classics. Titles included Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, Frogger, and even the original Mario Bros. game. However, Lego will be releasing its console with Asteroids, Adventure, and Centipede cartridges ready to play.
Atari created an iconic console that helped get the gaming world to where it is today. To own it in any form is to see a piece of this past, so be sure to save up for the Lego Atari 2600 release in August and make sure you clear some time to go through its library.
