LEGO ICONS 10306 Atari 2600 officially revealed
The LEGO Group has officially revealed 10306 Atari 2600, a replica of the classic console designed to celebrate Atari’s 50th anniversary.
If that makes you feel old, you’re probably slap bang in the target demographic for 10306 Atari 2600, which follows 2020’s 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System in tapping into the bottomless well of video game nostalgia. But where that set devotes the bulk of its 2,646 pieces to a retro TV, complete with side-scrolling Mario platformer, 10306 Atari 2600 pours almost the entirety of its 2,532 elements into the console’s hardware and software.
We say almost, because alongside an Atari 2600, joystick and three cartridges – one each for Asteroids, Adventure and Centipede – the set also includes elements to build three tiny buildable dioramas of its games, and squirrelled away inside the console itself is a minifigure-scale diorama of an ‘80s living room (just don’t ask when Johnny Thunder debuted).
It all adds up to what looks like a more focused experience than that of 71374 Nintendo Entertainment System, but one that’s still jammed with details and functions.
Just as with the NES, 10306 Atari 2600’s cartridges can be inserted directly into the console, while there’s also a cable to connect the controller – which features a joystick that can be moved and manipulated, just like the real thing. You’ll also find four switches on the front – including one to choose between a black-and-white or colour TV – reflecting the 1980 model of the console, which moved earlier versions’ two difficulty switches to the rear of the system.
“The Atari 2600 was one of the most memorable gifts I got as a kid,” said LEGO designer Chris McVeigh. “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.”
10306 Atari 2600 will be available to purchase from LEGO.com and in LEGO Stores on August 1 for £209.99 / $239.99 / €239.99.
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That is hands down the most awesome thing Lego has ever released. As a kid of the 70’s this is such an exciting set.
Wonder if they may release additional cartridges? We may even get the ET game – LOL
I’d pay extra for an expansion pack to make it into a sixer too 🙂