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The 1978 release of Space Invaders, followed by the first use of vector technology for games like Asteroid a year later, ushered in the golden age of arcade games. It was during the late 70s running up until the mid 80s that arcade games experienced their greatest popularity and technological innovation. Prior to this time, pinball machines were more popular than video games.
Capitalizing on the popularity of coin-operated video arcades, manufacturers like Atari brought the arcade experience home with affordable consoles that plugged directly into the TV. Originally dubbed the Atari VCS, the Atari 2600, would dominate the console industry of its time.
Atari wasn't the only game around at the time. By 1979, the Atari 2600 faced increasing competition from rivals Mattel Intellivision and the Magnavox Odyssey2. By 1980, Atari was looking for a mega-hit to set it apart and remain dominant. They found one with the home release of a game from Japan called Space Invaders. This became the first videogame killer-app and led many people to purchase the Atari 2600 just to play it.
The Atari 2600 is often called the godfather of modern videogame systems and is credited with helping spawn a multi-billion dollar industry. It would become the best-selling American made console by selling 30 million units. A record that would not be displaced until the Xbox 360 sold 84 million units.
| {gallery} Ben Heck's Portable Atari 2600 |
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Giveaway: Ben Heck's Portable Atari 2600 |
Giveaway: Ben Heck's Portable Atari 2600 |
Giveaway: Ben Heck's Portable Atari 2600 |
Giveaway: Ben Heck's Portable Atari 2600 |
Giveaway: Ben Heck's Portable Atari 2600 |
Watch the Ben Heck Team Build a Portable Atari 2600:
Do you prefer retro games to modern games? Let us know why for a chance to win Ben Heck's portable Atari 2600.
Share your retro gaming experience in the comments below. Feel free to talk about anything related to retro gaming and share your memories with the rest of the community. You can talk about a high score, a level or game that was difficult to beat, or games you enjoy playing to this day. We want to know what retro gaming means to you.
Bonus points if your retro gaming experience includes an Atari 2600.
Directions:
Step 1: Log in or register on element14, it's easy and free.
Step 2: Post in the comments section below and tells us why you prefer retro gaming to modern gaming. Videos, pictures and text are all welcomed forms of submission.
Step 3: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! We will accept entries until 3:00pm CDT July 8, 2016 and announce our winner July 13, 2016. If you need something to do between now and then make sure to check out what is happening This week on element14 Community, or watch more Ben at element14.com/TBHS.