Computer game
Atari
Category
Toys
Date
1981
Materials
Plastic, electrical wire and metal
Measurements
82 mm (width); 20 mm (depth); 98 mm (length)
Place of origin
California
Collection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 671199.6.6
Summary
An 'Asteroids' game, one of eleven game 'cartridges' made to be compatible with the 'ATARI' Video Computer System console. Released in 1981, the game was originally made for arcade cabinets, and it's popularity led to it being 'ported' to various systems including the Atari 2600. The aim of the gaim was to score as many points as possible by shooting at and destroying asteroids and flying saucers. It was the first game to use 'wrap around screen' technology; where if an object drifted off the top of the screen, it would then re-appear at the bottom. The game is a black cartridge with a stuck on label with words and pictures.
Provenance
Bought by the donor in c.1980 for £100 and donated to the Museum of Childhood by Trevor Tarbox March 2012.
Marks and inscriptions
Label on the front of the cartridge: 'game program™ / ASTEROIDS™ / Use with Joystick Controllers / Atari® / CX2649 / PROGRAM CONTENTS/ ©1981 ATARI, INC.'
Makers and roles
Atari , brand name