Vintage video game consoles: Retro tech still great fun today

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Vintage video game consoles
Retro tech still great fun today

FIND VINTAGE CONSOLES AND GAMES FOR SALE

Get ready to journey back in time – to the 1970s and 1980s! This was the era of classic video games and computer systems. A time when video games were just starting to become popular. People were amazed by the graphics and gameplay. These vintage video game consoles were simple, but were so much fun. And still are.

A few classic vintage video game consoles

There were a surprising number of different systems available back in the day. Collectors now focus on one special system, and try to get everything they can for it. Other buyers just want a little of everything, so there are different approaches. Here are just some of the most notable vintage video game consoles:

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Fairchild Channel F: 1976

The Fairchild Channel F, released in 1976, was one of the first home video game systems. It used cartridges, which allowed gamers to switch between games easily. The Channel F was known for its unique design and was the first video game system to have a microprocessor. Its library of games was limited, but the Channel F paved the way for future video game systems. It’s admired as a classic piece of gaming history.

Atari 2600: 1977

The Atari 2600, released in 1977, was one of the first home video game systems. It had a library of games like “Pac-Man,” “Space Invaders,” and “Asteroids.” The 2600 used cartridges, which allowed gamers to switch between games easily. This system was a game-changer, and so is a must-have for any classic gamer.

Best Nintendo NES games: And collectible vintage hardware

Intellivision: 1979

The Intellivision was a direct competitor to the Atari 2600. Its fans say it had better graphics and sound than the 2600 (though it was more expensive). The Intellivision also had a unique controller with a small keypad and buttons. It had popular games like “Major League Baseball,” “Las Vegas Poker & Blackjack,” and “Space Armada.”

ColecoVision: 1982

The ColecoVision was a home video game console that (arguably) was an upgrade from the 2600 and Intellivision. It had better graphics and sound. Interestingly, with an adaptor, it was even compatible with Atari 2600 games. The ColecoVision had a library of games, including “Donkey Kong” (which it came with), “Zaxxon,” and “Burgertime.”

Commodore 64: 1982

The Commodore 64, released in 1982, was a home computer that was popular for its low price and advanced capabilities. It was one of the first computers to have color graphics and sound capabilities. The Commodore 64 could be used for gaming, programming, and office work. It competed with computers like the Atari 8-bit line and the TRS-80 CoCo, and was superseded by the Commodore 128.

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Vectrex: 1982

The remarkable Vectrex was a home video game console far ahead of its time. It was one of the first systems to use vector graphics, which gave its games a unique, arcade-style look. The Vectrex came with a built-in monitor, which made it a standalone system. It used unique overlays to make up for the simple one-color graphics.

Nintendo Entertainment System: 1985

The Nintendo Entertainment System, also known as the NES, was released in 1985 in North America. It revolutionized the video game industry and became the best-selling video game console of its time. The NES had a huge library of games, including classics such as “Super Mario Bros.,” “The Legend of Zelda,” and “Metroid.” The NES set the standard for home video game consoles and remains an unironic fan favorite to this day.

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Sega Master System: 1986

The Sega Master System was Sega’s answer to the NES. It had a similar design to the NES and was, some say, more powerful. The Master System had a library of games, including “Alex Kidd in Miracle World” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.” The SMS was not as successful as the NES, but it still had a dedicated following.

Getting vintage video game consoles today

The late 1970s to early 1980s was an exciting time for video games and computers. These systems were simple yet so much fun. They paved the way for the video game systems of today. The classic era will always be remembered as the start of the video game revolution. Online sellers are always at the ready, with thousands of consoles, games, accessories, booklets, and other stuff for the discerning collector. It’s always a great time to be in the world of retro tech gaming! 

Vintage consoles and games for sale

Currently showing our favorite 3,796 offers from eBay sellers. Click for shipping details and money-back guarantee info. Vintage consoles and games listings are chosen using MegaMinistore's original custom technology. We show you only the latest and best sales from safe, trusted sellers. Offers are updated and refreshed every day.

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MS. PAC MAN PLUG & PLAY CLASSIC ARCADE GAME BY MSI Tested

Seller: ricosticky12012 ★★★★★★★★★★ 99.8% (8,012 ratings)
Location: United States

72% OFF
$100.00
$28.50

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Super Nintendo SNES Video Game Console SNS-002 w/1 Controller

Seller: esourceplus ★★★★★★★★★★ 97.4% (183,246 ratings)
Location: United States

60% OFF
$169.99
$68.00 or best offer

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Super Nintendo SNES Video Game Console SNS-001 *Console only*

Seller: esourceplus ★★★★★★★★★★ 97.4% (183,246 ratings)
Location: United States

60% OFF
$159.99
$64.00 or best offer

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SPIDERS Emerson Arcadia 2001/Leisure-Vision 1982 Canadian RARE Original Game

Seller: mintytoysandcollectables ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (212 ratings)
Location: Canada

50% OFF
$184.75
$92.37 or best offer

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Bally Astrocade - BASIC 6004 Videocade Cartridge & Manual Tested

Seller: oldmanfrench ★★★★★★★★★★ 99.9% (8,368 ratings)
Location: United States

50% OFF
$49.99
$24.99 or best offer

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BALLY ASTROCADE / VIDEOCADE SEA WOLF and BOMBARDIER Game Tested

Seller: oldmanfrench ★★★★★★★★★★ 99.9% (8,368 ratings)
Location: United States

50% OFF
$39.99
$19.99 or best offer

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Vintage 1982 Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer w/ Box Manual & Accessories

Seller: waywaybackstore ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (774 ratings)
Location: United States

30% OFF
$140.00
$98.00

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Nintendo NES Set With Zapper Controllers Advantage Controller And Inserts.

Seller: mangogamesusa ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (45 ratings)
Location: United States

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$278.75
$200.00 or best offer

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Microvision Programmable Electr Game System & 6 Carts Milton Bradley Not Tested

Seller: ra-trading-company ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.7% (987 ratings)
Location: United States

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$138.56
$103.92 or best offer

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Robocop Tandy TRS-80 Coco Color Computer 3 Game Cartridge NEW (HDN47)

Seller: solanotraders2 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (6,960 ratings)
Location: United States

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$75.00
$56.25 or best offer

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