Scouring the Web for Used Games So You Don't Have To

Atari Game Center

Ah, Atari!

"We sell home computers!" No wait.  "We sell video computer systems!" OK.  OK.  "We sell video game systems!" Yeah, sure, the early Atari systems could do some home computing but what really made home users fall in love with Atari were the games that came on those so-called Atari computers.  (see Atari 400, Atari 800)

When Atari finally started selling video game systems without stuffing them with all those silly "practical applications" it showed that they had finally figured out what the rest of the world already knew.  Atari = Games = Fun.  I guess with a reputation like that you just can't keep shipping products that conveniently include the ability to help you with your personal finances.  Funny how Atari used video games to make their computers more desirable and ended up knocking themselves out of the home computing market.

Atari LogoEarly identity crisis aside, Atari moved on to sell so many systems and games that your hunt for used Atari merchandise should be a breeze.  Used Atari consoles are typically quite cheap and often come bundled with every game and accessory known to man.  Moms all over the world are deciding that it's finally time to sell little Johnny's "junk in the attic".

That's right, she's given up hope that her little boy is ever coming home and she's selling off all his old stuff.  Moms just like Johnny's have lead to hundreds of Atari consoles being sold for five bucks at garage sales, pawn shops and flea markets everywhere.  Sucks to be Johnny but his loss is your gain.  Of course, that's only if you're in the market for a used Atari system.

You have to wonder, since Atari - the company - still exists, if there will ever be a massive re-introduction into the video game world.  If so, I wonder if there would be anyway for them to not only be on the cutting edge with new technology but also be backward compatible with all of the cartridges from the vintage Atari systems.  That would be sweet.  I have no clue if that is even possible but I, personally, would find it HILARIOUS!  Hey, maybe even the value of used Atari game cartridges would go up!

Is it possible for Atari to rise from among the defunct and kick some Sony and Nintendo ass?  I'm not sure but it wouldn't surprise me if they ever tried.  Even the quickest read through of the history of Atari will tell you that this is company refuses to die and, in my viewpoint, Atari is a comeback waiting to happen.  Then again, maybe not.

Atari Video

Atari Commercial

Neat Atari commercial promoting Atari as a whole rather than just a particular system or game.

Alan Alda Atari Commercial

Alan Alda promoting the Atari as an educational home computer system.

Atari Resources