Homebrewed Universal Atari Game Cartridge

Written by Link on 6th September, 2007

First off, let me say that I know absolutely nothing about 2600 collecting, and very little about home brewing or dev items in general. I’m the master of Crackpots, and have memorized (poorly) a list of all games worth more than $40, but that’s it.

If you are a fan however, you need to check out this auction.

From the seller:

This is simply one of the coolest pieces of gaming gear I have ever come across. I found this at a garage sale a few years back mixed in with some old Atari 2600 games. I had no idea what I had until sometime later. This is an amazing little gadget that someone has made on their own at home. I can only describe this as a universal game cartridge for the Atari 2600. It has been cobbled together by someone using some Radio Shack parts and some serious know how.

Now if you consider this was done back in the 80’s when this level of tech was pretty cutting edge it becomes much more amazing. Sure today the level of computing is pretty lame, but when whoever made this dealie it was pretty awesome. All you have to do is put in the chip with the game you want, lock it in, stick it in the Atari, and BAMM you have your game. This includes two cartridges and 64 game chips.

These chips are basically pirated copies of Atari game titles. Most of them are classics and popular titles from Atari, however there are a few of these that are completely unique. I have not gone thru them all and checked in a long time, but several of these chips are one of kind games. For example there is a text based Star Trek game.

Certainly looks old, but as to weather it’s a hack job or actual dev gear, I have no idea. It’s dirt cheap at the moment, but I’m sure someone who knows more about it has their eye on it.

If you know more, please feel free to comment.

Atari 2600 Development Cart

Add Your Comments

4 Responses to “Homebrewed Universal Atari Game Cartridge”

Jason C. on September 6th, 2007 7:45 am

any chance you might be able to post that list of any game worth $40 or more. I’ve been trying to do that myself and - much like high school french - I cant seem to memorize it
Nicola on September 6th, 2007 10:50 am

Hey! But I’ve already posted it! You, auction thief!

A big pile of pirated games indeed
Link on September 6th, 2007 12:50 pm

Indeed you did!

Missed that somehow. I actually went a checked to make sure you didn’t have it posted and everything.
matt on September 8th, 2007 1:33 am

A friend of mine’s dad had these hack in the 80;s Funstuff!!