LEGO recently unveiled the Atari 2600 LEGO set in celebration of Atari’s 50th anniversary.
When pieced together as a whole tabletop set, this faithful recreation of the original Atari 2600 console fuels one’s nostalgia with its picture-perfect finish.
As indicated by the color scheme and design, the Atari 2600 version chosen for the LEGO set is based on the updated VCS/2600 model. Debuting in 1980, roughly three years after the original model was released, this revision featured a new four-switch hardware interface.
The entire set itself features 2532 pieces in total, most of which are dedicated to the main Atari 2600 replica, built to size specification, as near to the dimensions of the actual console as possible. While the knobs and buttons are only decorative, the connectors and cartridge slots are designed to feel like the real thing. Even the classic Atari joystick is part of this impressive LEGO set.
In place of electronic circuits, when gamers and LEGO builders slide open the front of the LEGO Atari 2600, it will reveal a diorama of a classic ’80s gaming room.
Even the Asteroids, Adventure, and Centipede video game cartridges have their respective LEGO replicas (in a brick format) which can all be assembled into miniature versions of the games as well.
Lifelong Atari fan Chris McVeigh was chosen as the designer for this iconic LEGO set. The company agrees that McVeigh was a fitting choice not only because of his passion for the arcade game but also because of his expertise with the hardware.
The Atari 2600 was one of the most memorable gifts I got as a kid. I recall spending hours and hours in front of the TV, absolutely amazed that I could play arcade games in my own home. There were so many legendary titles, too, including Asteroids, Adventure, and Centipede. This is why it has been such an incredible experience to bring two icons together, Atari and LEGO, in this awesome set. We hope that building this classic console takes you back to those halcyon days when a handful of pixels meant a world of adventure,” said Chris McVeigh.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $239.99, the LEGO Atari 2600 set is available starting August 1, 2022, at LEGO stores and on LEGO.com. This particular model is intended for users aged 18 and above.