So I have a 2600, tons of controllers and games etc. But I hardly ever use it since I have a 7800 that can use the same games and controllers. I feel like id regret selling, but I have so many systems.
Worth holding onto? They dont seem to sell for much. I have the space for it but I also would like to see someone else enjoy it…
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Heavy sixers are the most sought-after models of VCS iirc, but that’s not saying much - as you discovered, 2600s usually aren’t worth anything. I think it’s a combination of wide availability and limited appeal to modern collectors compared to later systems.
Personally I’d hold onto it as a display piece, but if you don’t have the space then I wouldn’t feel bad for selling it on or even giving it away.
I’d hold onto it as well, even if just for a display piece as you say. Nothing screams “retro games” more than a wood grain Atari VCS. I have one and mine doesn’t even work (although my Atari 2600 Jr. does) and even so it makes a great keystone for the top of your vintage games shelf.
Unless you’re being buried under an avalanche of the things with multiple duplicates of literally the same system, never get rid of any video game stuff. I’ve never met anyone who sold off some part of their collection who didn’t regret it eventually, and usually more so once they get the itch to own whatever-it-was again and inevitably discover that in the meantime it’s gone up tenfold in price.
I dont have duplicates (except a nes toaster and vcr style) but ive been wanting a dreamcast real bad again after not having one for 25 years and them getting older and older now, I figure the 2600 could fund some of that. But I also have a lot of other game systems haha
I focus on what I want my collection to look like on display. If I can go a year or two without missing having it on display, then I get rid of it.
I just feel bad because it sits in a box with a bunch of accessories, and I can already play all of the games on my 7800. Plus, I much prefer the 7800 anyway…the 2600 is just a little too unrefined and boring in a lot of the games for me. There are some gems but not as many as the 7800 imo
If I could make sure it goes to a kid who wants to get into old school gaming then that’d be better than it being in a box I think.
I hear that.
So, from my own collection experiences:
- When I have given in to “why do I have this in a box”, too early, I have regretted it terribly later. For me, “too early” is before I’m happy with my display setup. I’ve had several moments when I realized I wanted to put something on display that I already gave away.
But, 2:
I’ve never regretted gifting something to a young upcoming fan. Even when situation 1 above happens.
True! Ive really never been a person for visuals for the sake of visuals though. The thing has to do something or its just a dust collector for me.
And I do already have the (SO’s) Lego 2600… :)
A tiny number of original releases don’t run properly or at all on some 2600 Juniors or 7800s, due to a reliance on quirks that were changed in later versions of the graphics chip. Probably not a major issue for classic collecting, but if you’re interested in modern homebrew, it could be worth considering.
