Technabob » syzygy http://technabob.com/blog Cool Gadgets, Gizmos, Games and Weird Science Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Rare Computer Space Arcade Machines Turn Up on Ebay http://technabob.com/blog/2009/09/10/rare-computer-space-arcade-machines/ http://technabob.com/blog/2009/09/10/rare-computer-space-arcade-machines/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:58:48 +0000 Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/?p=19722 Computer Space machines that are currently up for auction. The seller “mywantlist”, is offering both an original super-rare yellow Computer Space… machine (only 1800]]> Wanna own a bit of video game history? Then get your ass on over to eBay and put in your bid on one of these original Computer Space machines that are currently up for auction.

computer space yellow

computer space detail

The seller “mywantlist”, is offering both an original super-rare yellow Computer Space machine (only 1800 made), and one of the slightly less rare green models that came out after the initial popularity of the 1st gen. Both were made by Nutting Associates all the way back in 1971. I especially love the original manual, complete with mention of “Nolan K. Bushnell,Chief Engineer.”

computer space manual

The yellow machine is still functional, although it has a blurry picture. Unfortunately the green monster is only outputting some sounds and a “rolling picture”, so you’ll have to know something about game repair if you really want to get it working again. On the plus side, it’s the two player version, so if you ever get it working, you can take on an opponent.

computer space green

The yellow one currently has a bid of $2499, but will probably climb over the next couple of days. The green one is only at $1499, so you might want to bid on that one if you’re more of a cheapskate when it comes to your classic arcade systems. While you’re over there, be sure to check out mywantlist’s other auctions, because he’s clearing house on some other rare retro arcade games too.

[via gamovr]

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2009/09/10/rare-computer-space-arcade-machines/feed/ 1 Pong Arcade Machine Up for Bid http://technabob.com/blog/2007/09/06/pong-arcade-machine-up-for-bid/ http://technabob.com/blog/2007/09/06/pong-arcade-machine-up-for-bid/#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:53:37 +0000 Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2007/09/06/pong-arcade-machine-up-for-bid/ Here’s a rare find over on eBay. It’s an early PONG machine, circa 1973. The game was made by SYZYGY for Atari. The machine is in surprisingly good condition for an arcade game made nearly 35 years ago.

orig pong ebay

Sure, there are some nicks and dings on the cabinet, but that’s what’s gives it some charm. According to the machine’s internal mechanical counter, it’s had just over 12,000 plays (which works out to about one play a day over the course of its life). I had no idea how cheezy the innards of these systems were, but I guess that’s how they built ‘em.

The seller opened up bidding for the auction at just $1.20 (based on the original .25 cents per game adjusted for inflation). Now we all know it won’t sell for anywhere near that price (bidding is already up to $355, and the auction doesn’t end until September 18th.)

If you want to own a real piece of video game history, this is definitely worth a bid. The machine is located at the Microsoft offices in Redmond, WA, so if you happen to live in the Pacific Northwest, you’re in luck. Otherwise, shipping this thing is possible, but definitely a challenge.

[Auction Listing via GameSniped]

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