Review: 10306 Atari 2600
Posted by CapnRex101,
10306 Atari 2600 celebrates five decades since Atari was founded and the fortieth anniversary of the developer's most renowned product, the Video Computer System, receiving the modern Atari 2600 designation. This accurate rendition appears worthy of the occasion!
The impressive 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System demonstrated the potential of this video game console series, achieving remarkable accuracy and including clever functions. The Atari 2600 appears equally authentic, although lacks the television which accompanied the Nintendo, instead including smaller accessories.
Summary
10306 Atari 2600, 2,532 pieces.
£209.99 / $239.99 / €239.99 | 8.3p/9.5c/9.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
10306 Atari 2600 achieves amazing accuracy, but is inescapably expensive
- Exceptional realism
- Appealing functions
- Relatively expensive
- Arguably superfluous accessories
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
18+ packaging is often poorly suited to darker models and that is certainly the case here, as the Atari 2600 nearly vanishes against the background. Also, the text in the corner does not match the font on the console's original box, which feels like a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, the contents are more important and include twenty bags, numbered between one and sixteen, with the instruction manual.
The manual confirms that Chris McVeigh is the designer, which certainly bodes well given his extraordinarily lifelike models of other classic technology. In fact, Chris even created a smaller version of the Atari 2600 before joining LEGO! Three sticker sheets are also supplied, featuring nineteen stickers between them. Most are applied on the video game cartridges.
Minifigure
Surprisingly, this set contains a minifigure, which introduces several interesting elements. The exclusive Atari-branded shirt looks perfect, while, the dark brown medium legs have appeared only once before, in 75810 The Upside Down. Moreover, the matching hair component returns from last year's 60272 Elite Police Boat Transport.
The gamer also includes a unique double-sided head, displaying excited and wondrous facial expressions. They suit the character and the combination of new and uncommon parts is very welcome, especially given the relative unimportance of a minifigure with this large-scale model.
Construction
The order of construction is perhaps surprising, as the game cartridges are spread throughout the process, which certainly makes them more enjoyable to build. Despite appearing outwardly simple, these actually require a neat combination of brackets and bricks with studs on the side to create a completely smooth exterior, including across the underside.
Each cartridge slots into a rack and assembly of this container is as simple as it appears! The whole rack is constructed with the studs facing forward and Technic pins cleverly secure the shelves inside, so those feel strong. Unfortunately, some bigger panels suffered substantial scratches while in their bags.
Attention next shifts to the Atari console. The structure is inevitably similar to 71734 Nintendo Entertainment System, beginning with large plates and some colourful supporting elements inside. At this stage, the building techniques are fairly basic, although brackets are used to clever effect along the angled sides.
The back panel is connected using clips, nestling perfectly against teal 1x2 slopes. This whole section is assembled upside down and is completed with 1x4x3 inverted slopes at either end, also fixed upside down! The nearly seamless integration between slopes and angled panels is very reminiscent of the NES, although this example is more elaborate.
Large panels cover either side too, although these are assembled using plates and tiles, rather than bricks. Each panel is fixed to 2x2 rocker plates, before slopes and tiles cover any gaps to complete the edges of the Atari 2600. Once again, everything fits together neatly and the entire process feels very satisfying.
After constructing the Asteroids game cartridge and vignette, we return to the console and the Technic mechanism inside. This structure merely transfers the rotation of one axle to another, but does integrate the 2x2 Technic block introduced last year, which has only appeared twice before. Building the hidden minifigure-scale room immediately afterwards provides a welcome change.
The front and top of the casing are constructed as one panel, which slides into position along Technic runners. Continuing a trend from 71734 Nintendo Entertainment System, the exterior appears simple, but requires surprising complexity to recreate the wood grain section, where 1x2x3 inverted slopes are mounted using the anti-studs on their back, rather than supported from underneath.
Assembling and fitting the switch panel finishes the console. Orange 1x2 plates with slide and 1x8 plates with slide comprise the border around these switches, with offset tiles filling gaps in the border. Technic connectors form the switches and cleverly pass through 1x2 arched window frames, before the panel is attached to the Atari 2600 using clips.
While the console presents some interesting building techniques, the model is relatively large and rarely requires particular intricacy. The accompanying controller lacks this size advantage, but provides enough space for rubber dampers beneath the joystick, while brackets secure the housing. Another game cartridge and vignette complete construction of this set.
The Completed Model
Several versions of the Atari Video Computer System, retroactively named the Atari 2600, were produced between 1977 and 1982. The four-switch example is certainly the most recognisable and this model looks excellent, measuring 33cm across and therefore reaching almost exactly life-size! The black and orange colours are appealing and the proportions of the console seem accurate as well.
10306 Atari 2600 invites natural comparison with 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System and I think they look marvellous together. Their designs are similarly authentic, although the Atari is constructed at a slightly larger scale than its Nintendo counterpart. Nevertheless, the consoles form an impressive pair on display, showing how design preferences changed between the late-1970s and mid-1980s, when the NES was launched.
The distinctive wood grain panel is particularly associated with the 1970s, reflecting the 'living room aesthetic' targeted by developers of the Atari 2600. The combination of dark orange and reddish brown plates, arranged in layers, appears effective and the printed Atari logo is superb too. Four studs are exposed on top, seemingly to ensure that the model's LEGO construction remains obvious!
I can understand that need because the console is otherwise almost completely smooth, only including eight more exposed studs behind the switches. However, the ridges across the large panel in front of those switches provide brilliant texture and correspond with the source material, although the ridges are inherently susceptible to trapping dust between them, unfortunately.
Sliding this panel forward reveals a detailed vignette inside! The casing of the Atari 2600 was notoriously hollow and this model is equally empty, lacking the internal cartridge tray of 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System. The designer therefore had an opportunity to offer something unique inside, so I am pleased that opportunity was taken.
The vignette rises automatically when sliding the panel forward and looks fantastic. The olive green carpet and wood panelling on the wall definitely evoke the 1970s, when the Atari 2600 was introduced. Also, these colours stand out against the console's exterior and accessories provide additional splashes of colour, including three stickered posters.
One displays Johnny Thunder from Adventurers, while the next features 10497 Galaxy Explorer and the third promotes New Wave music. This genre became popular during the late 1970s and the poster fittingly includes the Keytarist Collectable Minifigure. Another sticker shows the gamer playing Asteroids and a minifigure-scale Atari 2600 is placed on the floor, alongside some game cartridges and the joystick controller.
Taking inspiration from the 1980 design, four switches are present along the switch panel, with an orange border surrounding them. The pronounced border looks great, although its shape is not perfectly accurate as the sides should be angled. However, I doubt that could be recreated without gaps appearing, in which the case this design represents the best solution.
Seven printed elements decorate the switch panel, including accurate colours and wording to identify the switches. These are adjustable, although those on the right are attached to rubber bands, so will always return to their higher position. The cartridge slot in the middle looks good too, featuring some texture inside.
Each game cartridge fits securely inside this slot, matching the original console exactly. While less elaborate than the ingenious cartridge tray within 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System, the continued realism is satisfying. Furthermore, several more buttons, switches and sockets are found on the back, such as the channel selector and difficulty toggles.
Dark bluish grey brackets form the controller sockets and I think the console looks even better with its joystick controller connected! The cable is substantially longer than its counterpart from the NES, although shorter than the real controller cable, which represents a reasonable balance for display because the cable can be presented tidily.
When launched, the Atari 2600 was packaged with a CX10 controller, although this was soon replaced with the renowned CX40 design. This model appears closer to the latter version and looks marvellous. The shape and proportions are incredibly realistic, while the size is accurate too, relative to the console. I particularly appreciate the orange decoration around the joystick.
The joystick moves correctly, while the neighbouring button is static. Nevertheless, the button looks good and the controller appears as smooth as the console, including eight studs around the casing. Two additional studs secure the plug to the socket. That connection is adequate for display, although the plug can become detached quite easily. Even so, the controller is among my favourite features of this set.
Three game cartridges are included and can be stored in a rack. The boxy design and reddish brown colour maintain the late 1970s theming, also matching the television in 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System. I like the textured bricks on either side, but the visible Technic pins are very noticeable, surrounded by uniformly reddish brown pieces.
Additionally, I am not convinced this storage rack was actually necessary. While keeping the cartridges together is welcome and Atari did produce storage libraries when the console was available, simply stacking the games suffices. Also, the cartridge artwork is more visible when they are displayed outside the rack.
The stickered designs certainly warrant display, reimagining the original artwork with influence from LEGO! The cartridge for Adventure, for example, features a dragon in the style of those from the Castle theme, while Asteroids shows 10497 Galaxy Explorer navigating among the rocks. The differing colours between the cartridges are effective and I expect the absence of Space Invaders relates to licensing.
Vignettes representing these games accompany the cartridges. Like the aforementioned rack, these are perhaps superfluous to the broader set, but they are brilliantly colourful. Adventure presents a yellow castle, likely in reference to 375 Castle, with a marauding dragon outside, while Asteroids recreates the focal spacecraft destroying an asteroid.
The vignettes are constructed on matching bases, albeit with yellow, dark azure and lime green accents differentiating them. The Adventure vignette appears relatively simple, but contains an egg concealed behind the castle, acknowledging Adventure's status as the first video game to include an Easter egg! Nevertheless, I prefer the Asteroids vignette, with its exploding asteroid.
Naturally, the Centipede model includes a centipede, comprising six articulated segments and towering above several mushrooms. The ball joints connecting these segments provide some articulation, although these are more important for posing the creature. The mandibles on the centipede's head are particularly scary, while its tiny legs look impressive as well.
Overall
Accuracy is paramount when recreating a real object and 10306 Atari 2600 certainly satisfies that requirement. This model features incredible detail and could perhaps be mistaken for the actual console, especially given its accurate size. Other than the aforementioned shape of the switch panel, there are no avoidable inaccuracies to note!
Comparisons with 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System are similarly unavoidable and reveal the most significant issue with this set, unfortunately. The price of £209.99, £239.99 or €239.99 feels expensive to me, despite the addition of several accessories. Most are nice, but their inclusion was arguably unnecessary and I think a less expensive version of this set, containing fewer auxiliary items, would be more enticing.
156 likes
79 comments on this article
Love the Easter Egg Easter Egg!
I feel like those "accessories" are an obvious attempt to justify the price.
Good review! The scale difference between this and the NES helps to explain why its price is similar despite the lack of a TV—while the NES was a reduced scale compared to the real thing, this model is closer to life size. The latter might be preferable but it does mean that the two don't complement each other on display quite as well as they would if they were scaled similarly to one another.
I'm really impressed by the way the joystick is constructed—I was wondering whether it would feature accurate movement and the way it achieves that looks satisfying! I also love the way many of the stickers have blended authentic '70s nostalgia with retro Lego iconography, like the use of the Galaxy Explorer and classic dragon on the cartridges and the Indiana Jones-styled "Johnny Thunder" poster in the room vignette.
I'm not sure whether I'll end up getting this one... the Atari was before my time and I'd thought about getting it to go with the NES set but the difference in scale makes them less suited to display together. But it definitely is a nice and well thought out build. I'd expect nothing less from designer Chris McVeigh, whose MOCs displayed a passion for retro gaming and computing even before he was hired by Lego!
Damn those collector gene’s of mine :-)
I like those consoles, they’re alternative
Does anyone know why LEGO torsos with licensed logos used to be stickered? Not certain if they’ve done that in recent years, but Speed Champions car brands (and now Atari, among many others) have allowed their logos printed. I believe the old Ferrari sets had stickers, I’d love to know why this was the case back then.
Great review, Capn!
Loved the review!
"the consoles form an impressive pair on display, showing how design preferences changed between the late-1970s and mid-1980s, when the NES was launched."
It should be noted that the NES was designed to look as un-Atari-like as possible. Nintendo had a hard time convincing anyone to sell their product in the wake of the '83 video game crash, so they redesigned it to look more like a toy, with the front-loading cartridges intending to evoke the feel of a VCR.
The original Japanese Famicom looks quite different by comparison, a lot more similar to the '70s style of consoles.
This looks like a very boring and uninspiring lego build. I never liked atari 2600 so maybe I am biased but still, what a bore.
The only thing I really like is the minifig torso.
If this would be in a scale of Chris computers from lego from the time when he was still not a part of the company it would be much more interesting. As it is- big chunk of plastic dust collector for a lot of money, meh.
Very important question. Does it work? Can I throw away my original?
love it, but not at that price, ugh
Wow what a great set! I might need the minifigure for a future MOC I am planning to make
I'm happy for people that like this set... but I share the sentiment I've heard many times that I would rather get a real console that plays the games for a much lower price than this. I felt the same way about the NES, despite having a large collection of various (non-lego) Nintendo memorabilia. Can't justify spending more than I could get a modular building for.
The set is out of my budget but if they make a keychain of the Atari minifigure, I'm sure to buy a couple!
I like it but not sure I can justify the price. I do like the vignettes, but agree that they seem more like a superfluous add-on than anything required for the model.
I think sets like this are getting more hate than they deserve, as most of the time the builds end up being quite interesting - especially for any movement that the model requires.
I do think they could have included two more 2x2 tiles with stickers for the TV in the hidden room though, one for Adventure and one for Centipede. Seems odd they'd include just one of the three games for the TV.
I really wanted this to be perfect. As it is, it's just extremely good! The inaccurate switch panel border could maybe have been done better with printed tiles (although the Mustang showed that Lego is not that great at lining up stripes, so maybe not).
The rest is brilliant. Love the vignettes. Much more detailed than the games themselves, but then so was the artwork on the boxes and instruction leaflets... can't expect much detail in a 2kb cartridge!
Also the pop-up room is superb. All in all, despite it's one fault, the huge personal nostalgia hit makes it a very easy day 1 purchase for me.
(Now, if Lego could just make a Major Matt Mason space station.....)
I never played an Atari, and it's way out of my budget. But I think it looks great!
An extra controller could have been better than the vignettes. Maybe even a CX30.
Should have had Pac-Man or Pong in the game selection. I like it but I won't get it...Would love to get the minifig though.
I have an Atari 2600(in a box somewhere at my parents house), got it sometime in the 80s from my stepdad, was my first and only console system until I got an SNES in the 90s.
Are these transparent *white* 4L bars aka light sabers? Is this a new piece? And I see the bright green action pose piece (stud with angled handle) and yellow horn pieces. Good stuff, but pricey, would agree on the rack, it's not needed.
Still not sure if I'll end up buying this or not, but what it absolutely does make me want to do is go on my own little Adventure into the attic, and find my old VCS. Now, where did I put those rose tinted glasses...
Personally I wouldn't consider the appearance of game consoles to be all that interesting. Sure, they're designed just like any other object. But I wouldn't go and buy a Playstation 1 or 2 model either despite both being much closer to my heart. Nostalgia must be crazy powerful for people to want to buy a brick-built one, let alone for that price.
And yes, this Atari is a piece of gaming history. But still...
Not knocking on those who like it or anything. It's just another display piece thing I have a hard time understanding. Again.
Lego seems to think putting a pop-up diorama in would help sell big props better. I suppose it would, considering they also did it with the Mario question block and Thor's hammer.
Putting in a vote to include some of the Atari games that have LEGO minifigures already: Superman, E.T. and Indiana Jones.
Different company, but it also would be cool to have the Activision games included as well.
I hadn't realized the ship in the Asteroids poster was the 10497. Ugh, so many great sets this year and can't get them all...
@Spidermanager said:
"Does anyone know why LEGO torsos with licensed logos used to be stickered? Not certain if they’ve done that in recent years, but Speed Champions car brands (and now Atari, among many others) have allowed their logos printed. I believe the old Ferrari sets had stickers, I’d love to know why this was the case back then.
Great review, Capn!"
Many large companies are required to be very specific about their logo colors. I wouldn't be surprised if, in the past, LEGO wasn't able to accurately match some brand colors. It could also have been the amount of detail and crispness possible in a torso print was unacceptable at the time. This is just speculation on my part, however.
I would rather have a second controller than the vignettes or storage box.
OK, I appreciate the build. looks very accurate. But why would you not just buy the real thing for half the price and actuality be able to play the games for real?
@Koend1999 said:
"Just a simple question to all of those who say this is just another display piece: what do you do with all these Creator Expert cars or modulars that you all seem to love and build? "
They presumably spend hours crawling around on the floor perfecting their vroom, vrooms and beep, beeps!
@sjr60 said:
" @Koend1999 said:
"Just a simple question to all of those who say this is just another display piece: what do you do with all these Creator Expert cars or modulars that you all seem to love and build? "
They presumably spend hours crawling around on the floor perfecting their vroom, vrooms and beep, beeps!
"
Excuse me, I've got a table for that.
@Koend1999 my personal opinion on the subject (someone's who doesn't hate sets like this, but doesn't have any interest in them at all either) is that I can't afford and fit multiple cars and buildings on my shelves. I can, on the other hand, get the real console or some other thing for less/around the same price as the LEGO model. Which, more often than not, looks better no matter how ingenious the model is.
I know an argument can be made about diecast model cars and building models that look more realistic and are probably cheaper than LEGO, but nevertheless that's how I feel, and I assume that's the feeling behind many of the... more heated comments.
@sipuss said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Koend1999 said:
"Just a simple question to all of those who say this is just another display piece: what do you do with all these Creator Expert cars or modulars that you all seem to love and build? "
They presumably spend hours crawling around on the floor perfecting their vroom, vrooms and beep, beeps!
"
Excuse me, I've got a table for that.
@Koend1999 my personal opinion on the subject (someone's who doesn't hate sets like this, but doesn't have any interest in them at all either) is that I can't afford and fit multiple cars and buildings on my shelves. I can, on the other hand, get the real console or some other thing for less/around the same price as the LEGO model. Which, more often than not, looks better no matter how ingenious the model is.
I know an argument can be made about diecast model cars and building models that look more realistic and are probably cheaper than LEGO, but nevertheless that's how I feel, and I assume that's the feeling behind many of the... more heated comments."
That's how I feel about it. Also, the Creator Expert cars usually have many alt builds on Rebrickable that look just as good as the A model.
@LEGOldHead80s said:
"Should have had Pac-Man"
The Atari version of Pac-Man is infamously bad, and largely considered a major contributor of loss of consumer trust towards Atari (along with the awful E.T. tie-in game). I highly doubt they'd want to remind people about that, except maybe self-mockingly, lol.
Good review of a good set! It has a few minor flaws and it does feel overpriced, but there is a lot to love. It's just that I don't have too many memories of playing with the real thing, PC gamer from before I could even really read...
But that keytar guy on the poster......that just has to be that dude from Modern Talking, right? I just can't unsee that.....
@johleth said:
"I feel like those "accessories" are an obvious attempt to justify the price."
Probably. Either way, they were NEEDED tot add any colour/color to the set ;-)
While I like the idea of this as we didn't have an NES, we must have had a pre 1980 version even though it was bought in 1982 as ours was all black with either white or silver around the switch area, no weird wood panel look! Could have been that different version was sold in Australia or more likely old stock was dumped here for sale when the new version came out!! Either way Space Invaders was a much loved game :)
Thanks for the great review!
@Binnekamp said:
"Personally I wouldn't consider the appearance of game consoles to be all that interesting. Sure, they're designed just like any other object. But I wouldn't go and buy a Playstation 1 or 2 model either despite both being much closer to my heart. Nostalgia must be crazy powerful for people to want to buy a brick-built one, let alone for that price.
And yes, this Atari is a piece of gaming history. But still...
Not knocking on those who like it or anything. It's just another display piece thing I have a hard time understanding. Again.
Lego seems to think putting a pop-up diorama in would help sell big props better. I suppose it would, considering they also did it with the Mario question block and Thor's hammer."
Let's be honest, ALL Lego products are pop-up dioramas or display pieces. This set is just as valid and fun as any other Lego product.
@Robot99 said:
" @LEGOldHead80s said:
"Should have had Pac-Man"
The Atari version of Pac-Man is infamously bad, and largely considered a major contributor of loss of consumer trust towards Atari (along with the awful E.T. tie-in game). I highly doubt they'd want to remind people about that, except maybe self-mockingly, lol."
I can’t imagine anyone here would really equate Pac-Man with bad feelings for Atari. I really don’t figure anyone even has the same feelings or remembers such a thing, if it’s true.
@Koend1999 said:
" @sipuss said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Koend1999 said:
"Just a simple question to all of those who say this is just another display piece: what do you do with all these Creator Expert cars or modulars that you all seem to love and build? "
They presumably spend hours crawling around on the floor perfecting their vroom, vrooms and beep, beeps!
"
Excuse me, I've got a table for that.
@Koend1999 my personal opinion on the subject (someone's who doesn't hate sets like this, but doesn't have any interest in them at all either) is that I can't afford and fit multiple cars and buildings on my shelves. I can, on the other hand, get the real console or some other thing for less/around the same price as the LEGO model. Which, more often than not, looks better no matter how ingenious the model is.
I know an argument can be made about diecast model cars and building models that look more realistic and are probably cheaper than LEGO, but nevertheless that's how I feel, and I assume that's the feeling behind many of the... more heated comments."
Seems like you are making a fair number of assumptions here. To me it seems like many people just do not like this set because they have no affinity with the subject matter or think that it is ugly. These are purely subjective points, and I do not seen why these people feel the need to come on this page and just post childish comments about how ugly they think the set is.
But, fair enough, you at least have some arguments, even though you forget that many people may find this a better display piece than an old original. In any case, then why do you actually not bring these arguments directly to the table? Because now it just seems like you are a bit frustrated that LEGO is releasing such sets instead of the umpteenth car or building.
My opinion is always: each to his own. And if you do not like a set, bring proper arguments to the table. I mean, I have no affinity with the Galaxy Explorer, which is just as much a nostalgia-fueled display piece as this Atari. But I do not feel the need to go on that review page and diss on that set. "
I have simply shared my opinion on the subject that I believe isn't just my own, and thus tried to provide an answer to a question you asked. I don't see how that makes it seem like I'm frustrated or dissing the set.
I like it - but I think the original version with 6 switches would have made a better model, rather than replicating a mid-life refresh. But I guess there wasn't the space to do a 6-switch model and maintain the aspect ratio - and the 2 other switches were just "Difficulty a or b" for each player.
Looks great - but I think it's a tad boring for a display piece. Love the joystick!
@Squidy74H said:
"While I like the idea of this as we didn't have an NES, we must have had a pre 1980 version even though it was bought in 1982 as ours was all black with either white or silver around the switch area, no weird wood panel look! Could have been that different version was sold in Australia or more likely old stock was dumped here for sale when the new version came out!! Either way Space Invaders was a much loved game :)"
The woodgrain ones were the earliest. The all black ones came later after the VCS was rebranded to 2600. Space Invaders was released on the Atari in 1980.
This one maybe....
https://youtu.be/WOhfUCPg0Fc
What next, a SNES? If so, hope it’s the European and Japanese one rather than the ugly US version.
Still, I wonder sometimes if Lego is stretching itself too far with too many niche sets aimed at older collectors. I really wonder how well this will sell, given it likely only appeals to a very small market, and the price is high. Still, I maybe wrong.
I tend to think videogames do not translate well to other media. Films based on games are generally awful, and I’ve not been impressed with any of Legos Mario offerings, although Bowser is quite good.
@monkyby87 said:
"I can’t imagine anyone here would really equate Pac-Man with bad feelings for Atari. I really don’t figure anyone even has the same feelings or remembers such a thing"
That's fair, but I meant specifically when Pac-Man and Atari are mentioned together. The Atari "port" (if you can even call it that) of Pac-Man is known for being a big part of the domino effect that led to Atari's downfall.
"if it’s true"
Haha, your scepticism is warranted, Pac-Man is ultimately much more well-known for being a hit arcade title than it is for nearly killing the home video game console industry. But here's a source for my statements:
https://bit.ly/3b0AYzu
(Had to delete and repost because the original link I posted broke and redirected you to the Wikipedia article for the arcade version. Oh the irony lol)
I bought the NES set mainly for the TV build (with the scrolling function). If I mainly wanted a NES console for display, I’d get my old one out of the basement. I’d rather get a real Atari than this set.
I only want the vignette.
Maybe they should do a Playstation 5.....and just have it sold out from the get-go....
@NotProfessorWhymzi said:
"this might not be the right place for this, but...
OG Xbox when?"
In a closet somewhere I have one that's barely more functional than a LEGO one would be (optical drive scratches discs).
The vignette would've been the perfect place for that floppy disc print they showed in that lego world builder pitch video if anyone remembers that.
Yellow horns on the centipede are not new, first came in the Mario ? Block last year.
Same with the trans-clear lightsaber blades.
Green minifig posing stick piece came out in the cacti set earlier this year.
The Yellow Castle is actually NOT a reference to 375 if you can believe it! The objective of Adventure was to retrieve the magic chalice and return it to the golden (yellow) castle.
As for the set itself, I think is incredible! But I’m a little too young to have been around for the heyday of Atari, so I don’t think I can justify getting this one.
I actually think that the vignettes are my favourite part of the set! Might have to have a crack at recreating them myself.
The mini dioramas are fine, but what I would have preferred is a lego-art style tiled representation of each game on a 16×16 base, that can then slot in to the NES tv in front of the Mario level - easy to do, since I'm 99% sure these games all featured a static screen with no scrolling. The lego-art would still look cool as a standalone for people who don't have the tv, and probably room to store the unused art inside the console.
Great review, however I have to say that it is the TV that made the NES set great. I certainly didn’t buy it for the TV, and at the time of purchase wished that they had left it out to lower the price. However, after (and while) building it, I realized that without the TV the set would be nothing.
Perhaps Lego expects you to already own the TV, but I would say this is a really missed opportunity.
There are many ways to 'evaluate' whether a purchase is necessary: cost, need, design, likeness, etc. From all these aspects unfortunately:
the cost: is too high
the need: is not there because it's just a display, dust collection piece
the design: is fine but there are not much of creativity, since it is a replica of an actual object
the likeness: depending really on whether one would have played with atari in the younger age, and feeling nostalgic, and wanting something to assemble.. display.. and not able to actually play atari with it..?
For me not.
@audiobean said:
the need: is not there...
"Need"?
Uhhhh...it's a...LEGO SET.
@starflyer59 said:
"I never played an Atari, and it's way out of my budget. But I think it looks great!"
You can buy em on eBay for about £50. ;)
@Robot99 said:
" @monkyby87 said:
"I can’t imagine anyone here would really equate Pac-Man with bad feelings for Atari. I really don’t figure anyone even has the same feelings or remembers such a thing"
That's fair, but I meant specifically when Pac-Man and Atari are mentioned together. The Atari "port" (if you can even call it that) of Pac-Man is known for being a big part of the domino effect that led to Atari's downfall.
"if it’s true"
Haha, your scepticism is warranted, Pac-Man is ultimately much more well-known for being a hit arcade title than it is for nearly killing the home video game console industry. But here's a source for my statements:
https://bit.ly/3b0AYzu
(Had to delete and repost because the original link I posted broke and redirected you to the Wikipedia article for the arcade version. Oh the irony lol)"
Yep. It's correct. Pac-man and ET received humongous hype and were spectacularly awful! For gentlemen of a certain age who used to keep time on a Pac-man watch, we know that the Atari game was far worse than even the watch version. No one ever believed the Atari hype after Pac-man. It was time to move on to computers.
I will buy this set as it is important for me to revisit my important childhood issues. ;)
The designer did a great job! I like the additions as they bring life to the console. It's akin to putting the Mario characters (and soon- Bowser) on the NES TV.
It's a first class review. The price needs reduction. I need a great tie-in GWP or sale.
@CapnRex101 said: "although the plug can become detached quite easily."
Ha! More true realism. Those who played this system enough know it to be true. In fact, it was always a fun trick to surreptitiously loosen the connection a bit ahead of time to gain a competitive advantage. It was sure to stop working just when things got crazy! ;)
@Koend1999 said:
" @Fandabidozi said:
" @starflyer59 said:
"I never played an Atari, and it's way out of my budget. But I think it looks great!"
You can buy em on eBay for about £50. ;)"
Not if you want a tested one that should work. Then you are looking at at least 150 USD incl shipping. Also, most seem to be in the US, so if you are in Europe you need to get a voltage transformer to make it work.
Of course, if you just want it to display, then you can get it cheaper. As a LEGO fan however, I think this looks awesome and is maybe 30-40 USD too expensive. Therefore I will wait to see if it becomes available in other stores at a discount.
"
You should just go for one of the remakes (Flashback 3). I grabbed one at a thrift store for $15. They have 60 of the old games pre-loaded in the console that is a small reproduction of the 2600 and comes with 2 wireless controllers. It's great for those ol' timey feels!
@sjr60 said:
" @Squidy74H said:
"While I like the idea of this as we didn't have an NES, we must have had a pre 1980 version even though it was bought in 1982 as ours was all black with either white or silver around the switch area, no weird wood panel look! Could have been that different version was sold in Australia or more likely old stock was dumped here for sale when the new version came out!! Either way Space Invaders was a much loved game :)"
The woodgrain ones were the earliest. The all black ones came later after the VCS was rebranded to 2600. Space Invaders was released on the Atari in 1980.
This one maybe....
https://youtu.be/WOhfUCPg0Fc "
The Darth Vader 2600.
There's also a silver and black ancestor to the VCS called Atari Tele-Games Pong Sports IV. My uncle had that one. I can't remember all the games other than Pong which were pre-loaded onto the console (no cartridges)... and Breakout!
@StyleCounselor said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Squidy74H said:
"While I like the idea of this as we didn't have an NES, we must have had a pre 1980 version even though it was bought in 1982 as ours was all black with either white or silver around the switch area, no weird wood panel look! Could have been that different version was sold in Australia or more likely old stock was dumped here for sale when the new version came out!! Either way Space Invaders was a much loved game :)"
The woodgrain ones were the earliest. The all black ones came later after the VCS was rebranded to 2600. Space Invaders was released on the Atari in 1980.
This one maybe....
https://youtu.be/WOhfUCPg0Fc "
The Darth Vader 2600."
Only to feeble minded Star Wars fans. Could just as accurately have been nicknamed the 2600 Coal Scuttle!
These display pieces aren't for me but I'd love that minifigure! Alas, the Bricklink prices are sure to be far too high to justify.
The Easter Egg vignette is adorable!
@monkyby87 said:
" @Robot99 said:
" @LEGOldHead80s said:
"Should have had Pac-Man"
The Atari version of Pac-Man is infamously bad, and largely considered a major contributor of loss of consumer trust towards Atari (along with the awful E.T. tie-in game). I highly doubt they'd want to remind people about that, except maybe self-mockingly, lol."
I can’t imagine anyone here would really equate Pac-Man with bad feelings for Atari. I really don’t figure anyone even has the same feelings or remembers such a thing, if it’s true. "
born in 1969, yup i remember it, 'twas true
This set should have had 68 pieces more.
Honestly, I really like it. I have the NES set still in its box, because tbh I really only liked the TV. This set and console has way more character. I may end up cracking open the NES set and building the TV for this set, modifying the image on the TV to suit.
My parents purchased a second hand one and we couldn't find any games (it had passed its popularity, but hadn't hit "retro"yet) except those that came with the console. I played the hell out of Tennis, Asteroids and my favourite Laser Blasts.
Nice review on an expensive set. Lego needs to find a middle ground with exceptional sets like the NASA rocket at around the same price or it will end up pricing too many out of the hobby.
I don't think the yellow castle is a reference to 375, but rather a representation of the castle in the game box, which is a drawing of the first castle one sees when turning on the game and that castle is completely yellow.
@Koend1999 said:
" @sipuss said:
Seems like you are making a fair number of assumptions here. To me it seems like many people just do not like this set because they have no affinity with the subject matter or think that it is ugly. These are purely subjective points, and I do not seen why these people feel the need to come on this page and just post childish comments about how ugly they think the set is.
But, fair enough, you at least have some arguments, even though you forget that many people may find this a better display piece than an old original. In any case, then why do you actually not bring these arguments directly to the table? Because now it just seems like you are a bit frustrated that LEGO is releasing such sets instead of the umpteenth car or building.
My opinion is always: each to his own. And if you do not like a set, bring proper arguments to the table. I mean, I have no affinity with the Galaxy Explorer, which is just as much a nostalgia-fueled display piece as this Atari. But I do not feel the need to go on that review page and diss on that set.
"
This is slightly sidetracking the conversation, but I felt the same way about the Optimus Prime set that many are stating here about this Atari set - why would you spend that much money on a Lego replica, when you can get an equally good, if not better, real Optimus Prime Transformer? Getting back to your point above, in my case, I really enjoy the subject matter: I love Lego and love love love Transformers, but I just don't see the appeal of the Lego Optimus Prime.
I'm sure there are others like that here - they enjoyed Atari as a kid but can't justify buying an expensive replica.
@StyleCounselor @denn Thank you for the vindication :-D
Ngl, as someone born 20 years past Atari's heyday, I was beginning to doubt the confidence of my knowledge lol
I love it. I especially love the three mini-builds for the included games, and I’d be gobsmacked about all the grumbling of them “to increase the price” if I didn’t already know certain portions of LEGO fandom (or any fandom, really) will gripe about anything. For me, they increase the set’s *appeal*, and I actually see them forming the basis for a big part of this set’s “life” after people build it, as many fans will surely MOC additional micro builds in the format to represent other classic (and perhaps not-so-classic) VCS / 2600 games. And I am delighted to see they included a hidden egg with the Adventure build!
I don’t know whether I can afford it, but I do think it’s beautifully designed and fairly priced, and the “extras” that others are complaining about make it just that much more special to me. There’s not a thing I’d remove.
@johleth said:
"I feel like those "accessories" are an obvious attempt to justify the price."
Yeah, nothing ruins a LEGO building set like LEGO builds.
@Spidermanager said:
"Does anyone know why LEGO torsos with licensed logos used to be stickered? Not certain if they’ve done that in recent years, but Speed Champions car brands (and now Atari, among many others) have allowed their logos printed. I believe the old Ferrari sets had stickers, I’d love to know why this was the case back then.
Great review, Capn!"
They’ve actually done stickered torsos a number of times for various reasons, not all of which are connected to licenses. The fan-designed LEGO Factory set 10192 uses them, I *think* because they didn’t want to do printed torsos for the low quantities that set was offered in. The LEGO Sports football / soccer set 3416 has stickered torsos to allow for team customization - it has lots of stickers with multiple designs, to let one’s team play for Canada, USA, Mexico, or Brazil, and also have a range of jersey numbers from which to choose. A lot of the earliest minifigure sets, like 600 / 6600 (the first minifigure set ever), have stickered torsos I think because they just hadn’t gotten set up to print on the new torso yet (or in the quantities that sets with lots of minifigures would require). And at the same time, there are sets from various eras with printed torsos that use licensed logos and whatnot, like the Shell logo in 1251.
I do know at various times they’ve been hesitant to print other companies’ trademarks on their own bricks (including but not limited to minifigures) for branding reasons, but they haven’t really been perfectly consistent over their whole history; sometimes they’ve printed such things directly, and sometimes they’ve used stickers.
Since the subject of potentially doing other consoles came up, I think a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive could be fun since it's known for its add-ons--give it the ability to dock with a Sega CD and a 32X, maybe even have one of the cartridges be Sonic & Knuckles.
@Andrusi said:
"Since the subject of potentially doing other consoles came up, I think a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive could be fun since it's known for its add-ons--give it the ability to dock with a Sega CD and a 32X, maybe even have one of the cartridges be Sonic & Knuckles."
Dang, that's a really fun idea!
People could even complain about the add-ons bloating up the price and making it too impractical to buy. Just like the real thing, how authentic! X-D
Good to see that the graphic design team fixed the error on the keytar from https://brickset.com/sets/71027-14 80s Musician collectable minifigure , which had the keyboard printed upside down.
I meant but forgot to note earlier that from the images included with this review and the earlier reveal, it appears the actual set name given on the set’s packaging is Atari Video Computer System (the actual name of the system when it first launched in 1977 and when it received the “four-switch” redesign in 1980, the version portrayed in the set), but this review and the site’s listing - and not only that, but LEGO’s own listing for it on LEGO Shop at Home - both call it Atari 2600 (the new name it was given in 1982). Obviously either name would be fine for the actual console (though Video Computer System or VCS would be more apt for the particular iteration represented here), but *as a LEGO set*, which is the official name? LEGO itself seems not to know, using one name on the packaging and another on the site. Which is it?
(Are they adding authentic period detail by having two different names even just in English for the same set, the way they might refer in the late ‘70s / early ‘80s to a set as, say, either “Space Cruiser and Moonbase” or “Galaxy Explorer”, depending on region? :p )
Too bad the switches aren't drum lacquered silver or even pearl or flat silver. Those brushed metal switches were so iconic!
@thor96 said:
"...As it is- big chunk of plastic dust collector for a lot of money, meh."
So was my original console to be fair. That thing collected more dust than any of my LEGO sets ever did. If I *really* wanted to be authentic, I'd allow this set to collect a nice thick fuzzy layer. Viola! Realism! ;)
@Blondie_Wan said:
"I meant but forgot to note earlier that from the images included with this review and the earlier reveal, it appears the actual set name given on the set’s packaging is Atari Video Computer System (the actual name of the system when it first launched in 1977 and when it received the “four-switch” redesign in 1980, the version portrayed in the set), but this review and the site’s listing - and not only that, but LEGO’s own listing for it on LEGO Shop at Home - both call it Atari 2600 (the new name it was given in 1982). Obviously either name would be fine for the actual console (though Video Computer System or VCS would be more apt for the particular iteration represented here), but *as a LEGO set*, which is the official name? LEGO itself seems not to know, using one name on the packaging and another on the site. Which is it?"
I'd say it's name is the 'Atari CX-2600 Video Computer System'. It always had both names on the box and casing, just with different degrees of prominence as the marketing changed. 2600 found it's way from the label underneath to the front, and Video Computer System survived until the end. (Lost in the 2600 Jnr). If I had to choose one it would be the Atari Video Computer System as that covered it's most iconic and influential years. It was later getting a bit of a stretch to still call it a computer with the sudden rapid explosion of the home computer market (including it's own).
But I can understand Lego listing it as the Atari 2600, as that leaves no doubt. People either know what it is, or have to look it up... There are no cries of, 'How's that a computer!'
@lowlead said:
" @thor96 said:
"...As it is- big chunk of plastic dust collector for a lot of money, meh."
So was my original console to be fair. That thing collected more dust than any of my LEGO sets ever did. If I *really* wanted to be authentic, I'd allow this set to collect a nice thick fuzzy layer. Viola! Realism! ;)"
And the added bonus is that the Lego version is less likely than the real one to burst into flames if it gets clogged up with dust! A health and safety winner!
@sjr60 said:
" @Blondie_Wan said:
"I meant but forgot to note earlier that from the images included with this review and the earlier reveal, it appears the actual set name given on the set’s packaging is Atari Video Computer System (the actual name of the system when it first launched in 1977 and when it received the “four-switch” redesign in 1980, the version portrayed in the set), but this review and the site’s listing - and not only that, but LEGO’s own listing for it on LEGO Shop at Home - both call it Atari 2600 (the new name it was given in 1982). Obviously either name would be fine for the actual console (though Video Computer System or VCS would be more apt for the particular iteration represented here), but *as a LEGO set*, which is the official name? LEGO itself seems not to know, using one name on the packaging and another on the site. Which is it?"
I'd say it's name is the 'Atari CX-2600 Video Computer System'. It always had both names on the box and casing, just with different degrees of prominence as the marketing changed. 2600 found it's way from the label underneath to the front, and Video Computer System survived until the end. (Lost in the 2600 Jnr). If I had to choose one it would be the Atari Video Computer System as that covered it's most iconic and influential years. It was later getting a bit of a stretch to still call it a computer with the sudden rapid explosion of the home computer market (including it's own).
But I can understand Lego listing it as the Atari 2600, as that leaves no doubt. People either know what it is, or have to look it up... There are no cries of, 'How's that a computer!'"
Nice points! It still doesn’t explain why TLG is apparently using the two different names for the *set*, though.
@Blondie_Wan said:
"Nice points! It still doesn’t explain why TLG is apparently using the two different names for the *set*, though."
Hmm... Maybe someone just thought a short snappy title looked better on the cramped page, but they had a bit of extra space to fill on the box :-) Who knows! (and I'd say more 2 parts of the same name than 2 different names)
Personally I've never understood the "why not buy a real ______ instead" sentiment with sets like these—and on a Lego site, no less. While, yes, I agree that the price is a bit steep, isn't one of the main draws of sets like these... to have the experience of building it out of Lego? I think that alone justifies its existence, and those that want a real console can still buy one.
I'm also going to be honest: I have no desire to own a real Atari 2600. I didn't grow up with the games and thus have no nostalgia for them (I'm more of an N64 kid, although we did own a NES growing up), so I don't see them holding my interest. I'd rather have the real thing be in the hands of someone who can properly appreciate it.
That said, I always did appreciate the console and games from an aesthetic standpoint as well as their contribution to video game history. This set allows me to do that, while also giving me a great Lego-building experience. It's a win-win for me, and that's why I'm excited for it.
@jungarsixtyfour said:
"Personally I've never understood the "why not buy a real ______ instead" sentiment"
I think that every single Lego model can be had more accurately, more cheaply, or more real by other means. But that really misses the point that people just like Lego, simple as that.
I think that the vast majority of the "You could get a real one" brigade are just a subset of the "I don't like it, so how dare Lego make it" brigade!
@sjr60 said:
" @jungarsixtyfour said:
"Personally I've never understood the "why not buy a real ______ instead" sentiment"
I think that every single Lego model can be had more accurately, more cheaply, or more real by other means. But that really misses the point that people just like Lego, simple as that.
I think that the vast majority of the "You could get a real one" brigade are just a subset of the "I don't like it, so how dare Lego make it" brigade!"
If I could add anything to your comment, I would. Well and concisely said.
Which is more likely to be next: a SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive, or the Apple II? Both are iconic systems from around the same era as the other two, but which do they think is more recognizable? Alternatively, they could do a Pac-Man cabinet next instead.
The joystick is very well done. Is the wire the longest piece of Lego plastic tubing? Unsure who this appeals to when you can buy so many other more interesting sets at this price.
Dating myself here, but its one of my earliest memories of a gaming system in my household. (The pong system my dad had really does not count). Now just need LEGO to make a Colecovision and my childhood consoles will be complete.