After selling out earlier this year and being retired last December, the Lego Atari 2600 set has unexpectedly reappeared on Amazon. This return is surprising, considering most retailers have long since sold out their stock. Notably, Amazon is offering it at its original suggested retail price of $240 for this 2,532-piece set. This is welcome news for collectors, as such sets rarely return at MSRP.
Earlier this year, Amazon also restocked the retired Lego Nintendo Entertainment System, though it was priced $60 above MSRP. Yet, in today`s resale market, even that $330 might have seemed like a good deal. Given the recent frenzy around the Lego Game Boy launch, which quickly led to the NES disappearing from shelves, it wouldn`t be a surprise if the Atari 2600 set sells out quickly again.
The Lego Atari 2600 is part of the Lego Icons series, designed for display by adults and experienced builders. The model accurately recreates the original and most popular version of the classic console, including its characteristic faux wood paneling on the front.
The assembled console measures approximately 13 x 8.5 inches (33 x 21.6 cm) and stands about 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall. The four functional switches, two on each side, replicate the original functions: Power, TV Type, Game Select, and Game Reset. The set also includes a miniature gamer room with a minifigure playing Asteroids on a CRT TV. The diorama features other era-appropriate details such as a landline phone, a boom box, and vintage posters. The vignette, shown on top of the console, lifts up when you press the front panel.
In addition to the console itself, you will build an accurate replica of the CX40 Joystick with a cable that connects to the back of the system. The set also includes three Atari 2600 game cartridges: Adventure, Centipede, and Asteroids, each accompanied by miniature dioramas themed around the respective game.
For those looking for an Atari that actually plays real games, keep an eye out for the upcoming Pac-Man-themed Atari 2600+ console. This retro console will be released alongside four classic Namco games and a series of Ghost Gang CX40+ Wireless Joysticks.
Other Collectible Lego Gaming Sets
Among other Lego gaming consoles, the next anticipated model is the original Game Boy. The Lego Game Boy set, consisting of 421 pieces with two cartridges and an authentic design, is slated for release on October 1. Although pre-orders are sold out at most major retailers, it may still be available at the official Lego Store. Also worth noting is the Lego Arcade Machine—a 468-piece buildable arcade cabinet that opens to reveal an `80s-themed game room, released on August 1.
Another large-scale licensed set still available is the Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade. This 2,651-piece set.
- Lego Arcade Machine (468 pieces)
- Lego Game Boy (421 pieces)
- Lego Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces)
- Lego Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces)
- Lego NES (2,646 pieces)
If you`re looking for other gaming hardware building sets, consider the officially licensed Mega Bloks Xbox 360 Collector Building Set. This 1,342-piece kit is exclusive to Target.
While not strictly gaming hardware, the Lego Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi set is noteworthy. This 1,215-piece build creates a large pixel art model of Mario and Yoshi, inspired by the classic 16-bit SNES game.