atari 2600

The Atari 2600, launched in 1977, is the granddaddy of home video game consoles, boasting a 1.19 MHz processor and 128 bytes of RAM—yes, bytes, not megabytes.

It popularised cartridge-based games, with classics like Pitfall! and Space Invaders. New units are extinct fossils, but used ones usually sell around $50 to $150 AUD on sites like Tradingpost or eBay.

Expect a nostalgic dive into pixelated glory, but don't expect HD or online multiplayer. Consult official retro gaming sites for more detailed specs and emulation options.