The Atari 2600 is being transformed into a Lego model. The newest model from the Danish toy maker, which has a whopping 2,532 parts, is based on the legendary console’s 1980 redesign rather than its 1977 introduction (which appears like a neglected chance to offer 2,600 pieces). It will be on sale for $239.99 on August 1st, which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the Atari.
A little more than two years ago, Lego released a similarly meticulous reproduction of Nintendo’s vintage NES system. The Atari model, however, is more self-contained; there is the system itself as well as a controller with a moveable joystick. In contrast, the Lego Nintendo console includes both a buildable system itself as well as an accompanying CRT TV.
Atari 2600 Launched The Game Company
Amazingly, the console does open up to expose a diorama of a living room from the 1980s. Asteroids, Adventure, and Centipede-themed game cartridges are also included in the package and can be inserted into the Lego console itself. Three outside dioramas display blocky recreations of the games, which is the last step.
German Lego fan site Promobricks first revealed the set’s availability. According to a press release from Lego designer Chris McVeigh, “The Atari 2600 was one of the most unique gifts I received as a kid.” This is why creating this wonderful set that combines two icons—Atari and Lego—was such an amazing experience. We hoped that creating this vintage console will transport you back to the glorious era when a few pixels could open up a whole universe of adventure.
