So I know the background of the 2800 in Japan, but I'm looking for some pricing information. There's only one I can find on Yahoo auctions, and they wasn't ¥100,000 yen for it, unboxed. I'm no expert on this, but I can't help but feel that's a little high. What is a fair price for a 2800? Are they really that valuable?
This model was available elsewhere, though, was it not? The only main difference between the 2800 sold in Japan and the 2800s available down here (In Sears too, I think) was the packaging. Or did the 2800 have Japanese markings on it that differentiate it? It is definitely not worth ¥100,000, even if it does have Japanese markings - unless the packaging is minty fresh.
This is from los internetos: "In 1983 Atari created the 2800; a sleek wedge-shaped version of the 2600 for the Japanese market.* The unit has soft touch face controls, lots of red LED's, and unusually shaped controllers that serve as both joystick and paddle.* The unit didn't sell very well in Japan, this being at the dawn of Nintendo's Famicom juggernaut. Back in the US, the 2800 was marketed by Sears as their "Video Arcade II".* Atari re-used the 2800's design for their more advanced 7800 game system in 1984 (which didn't hit store shelves until '86).* Atari then introduced a low-cost VHS sized 2600 "junior" console as an alternative to the increasing number of game systems in the late 80's.* While the cool look and the comfortable controllers of the 2800/Arcade II do make it a worthwhile addition for the serious video gamer, it also shows an Atari desperate to stay alive in the mid 80's.* For Atari to remain relevant when faced with the specter of new kid Nintendo, they probably should have concentrated on creating better games instead of just putting a new coat of paint on their old warhorse."
That is indeed the information I recall. I think a member here, Japan-Games, probably owns one of these. He owns many obscure machines from the early 80s and late 70s. This is what he has on his site now: http://www.japan-games.com/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Consoles.Atari But I sort of recall there being more information on his site.
I think you can check www.atariage.com for more info on this and more knowledgeable people to help you.
I'm just looking for price knowledge. What's a reasonable price to pay for one. To be honeyst the only things I'd be interested in playing on a 26/2800 are Pitfall!, Adventure, ET, and Raiders.
I'll rephrase the question. I found a 2800 in great condition, but without a box. It has both controllers, AC, RF, et al. The price is ¥20,000. Is that a good price?
Lol, why that? I think the potato has one boxed. But don't ask me for its price, I never took enough attention. And it will be overpriced anyway, but I don't think like 100'000yens. That's just hillarious.
I have fond memories from my youth of ET on the 2600. I was too young to hate anything yet. I was just happy I could play a game.
I remember those days too. As bad as the 2600 version of PacMan was, I was just thrilled to pieces to have something like that to play at home.
Why not just get an Atari 2600, a composite mod board and some games from the US, even with postage you would still have change. As a collectors item the Atari 2800 is nice but if you are going to use it then you be better off with an Atari 2600Jr. The Atari 2600 was released in Japan but it was an US import with a modified RF box, a Japanese manual and a sticker on the box. the games were the same, US games with stickers on them and a Japanese manual.
And for the records, Atari 2600's like the one Jamtex described (box w/sticker, JPN manual, modified RF box) go for roughly about 60'000-80'000 Yen on Yahoo. At least they did when I was watching exotic pre-8bitters in a about 2008-2010...
