Atari 2600+

[hertamaniac]

That's another reason why I opted for the cheaper system. It won't feel like as much of a waste if it collects dust after the novelty wears off.

We had a similar experience when we donated our original Playstation. While it's horribly outdated, I really enjoyed a number of the games. Part of me wishes I kept it.

I think for staying power and repeat usage, a pinball machine could be a good option. I looked into those 1Up arcade boxes, but I don't see much repeatability regardless of the game selection(s). But the price of a decent, modernish pinball machine is pretty expensive.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I think for staying power and repeat usage, a pinball machine could be a good option. I looked into those 1Up arcade boxes, but I don't see much repeatability regardless of the game selection(s). But the price of a decent, modernish pinball machine is pretty expensive.

I priced them. It was around the time we were looking at those multi-game full sized arcade units. Pinball is not cheap! I still seriously considered it because I really love pinball and it’s something my mother would love to play when they visit. We actually ended up going with something non-video or mechanized. I wound up getting a full sized shuffle board table.

 

[Sheryl2059]

As we all remember, one of the most common draws of Atari and beyond is that you play with your friends. Your buddies would come over and you would play all day on saturday. Or family gatherings when your cousins come by and the parents go yada-yada-yada. Also, the old arcades were a group social experience. For adults I suppose it would be like having a big pool table and your favorite adult beverage of choice while you yak away with talk not suitable for kids ears. A game is a game.

Its always been on my bucket list to build an arcade cabinet as a project. Maybe adding a cup holder for a bottle of beer or place for margaritas is something I will look into. Or a matching 'arcade' table for chips, dips, and alcohol.

 

[hertamaniac]

I priced them. It was around the time we were looking at those multi-game full sized arcade units. Pinball is not cheap! I still seriously considered it because I really love pinball and it’s something my mother would love to play when they visit. We actually ended up going with something non-video or mechanized. I wound up getting a full sized shuffle board table.

I remember watching some YT videos of the newer pinball machines; they are just incredible with the latest technology.

In Orlando, there is a pinball place at Dezerland, on I-Drive, that I always say I'm going to go and never did yet. I think I would spend all day there between taking food/drink breaks and playing. It would be a trip down nostalgia lane for sure.

https://pinballatdezerland.com/pinball-games/

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Original 2600? NES/SNES?

DH has the original 2600 with the "station wagon looking woodgrain" and several of the cartridges.

From 3 Christmases ago, side by side comparison of the cool kid stuff vs today... I will admit old school stuff is cooler

 

[Sheryl2059]

Havent done it myself but some info here.

https://www.retrotechlab.com/how-to-connect-and-play-your-atari-2600-on-modern-tvs/

 

[hertamaniac]

I think part of the demise of the 2600 console (original) was the Colecovision's emulator. That had to seriously impact sales. IIRC it was Activision who actually kept Atari's sales afloat. Intellivision had their Imagic cartridges do the same since Mattel wasn't churning out higher quality games/cartridges.

 

[Sheryl2059]

Its the 'Video game crash of 1983'. I remember it well. In addition to console competition add PC's. Apple was already pretty far along and IBM not far behind them. Sure, consoles were fun... with the good games... but actual computers were far more interesting for a lot of people. Especially since Apple placed itself pretty deep in the education system and Apple II's were everywhere. Then of course Mac's in 1984. And that was all she wrote until Nintendo came along. Still funny how in the early 80's us computer nerds on a PC were made fun of but now everyone is addicted to their screens.