The highly sought-after LEGO Atari 2600 set, officially retired last December, has surprisingly reappeared in stock on Amazon after being sold out for most of the year. This 2,532-piece set is available at its original manufacturer`s suggested retail price of $240, a welcome change for collectors and enthusiasts.
Earlier this year, Amazon also restocked the retired LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System, though it was priced $60 above MSRP. With the impending release of the LEGO Game Boy, the NES set quickly vanished, suggesting the Atari 2600 set might not remain available for long. This unexpected return offers a limited-time opportunity to acquire a piece of gaming history.
Designed as part of the LEGO Icons series for adult builders, the Atari 2600 model meticulously recreates the console`s most iconic edition, complete with its distinctive faux wood paneling. The finished console measures 13 x 8.5 inches and stands 3 inches tall. It features four functional switches (Power, TV Type, Game Select, Game Reset) that mirror the original console. The set also includes a charming miniature gamer room diorama, complete with a minifigure playing Asteroids on a CRT TV, a landline phone, a boom box, and vintage posters. This detailed vignette can be revealed by pushing the console`s front panel, adding an interactive element to the display piece.
Beyond the console, the set allows you to construct a replica CX40 Joystick, complete with a connecting cable. It also includes buildable versions of three classic Atari 2600 game cartridges: Adventure, Centipede, and Asteroids, each accompanied by its own themed miniature diorama, adding layers of nostalgic detail to the overall experience.
For those seeking an Atari that plays actual games, the forthcoming Pac-Man-themed Atari 2600+ console offers a modern twist on the classic, bundled with four Namco games and Ghost Gang CX40+ Wireless Joysticks, providing a playable alternative to the display model.
Other Notable LEGO Video Game Hardware Building Models
LEGO`s next gaming hardware replica is the original Game Boy, scheduled for release on October 1st for $60. This 421-piece set features two cartridges and an authentic design. While major retailers are currently sold out, it may still be available directly from the LEGO Store. Another notable set is the LEGO Arcade Machine, a 468-piece buildable cabinet that opens to reveal an `80s-themed game room, which launched on August 1st.
Additionally, the LEGO Icons: Pac-Man Arcade, a substantial 2,651-piece set, remains available on Amazon for $270, offering another impressive build for arcade game enthusiasts.
A quick overview of other LEGO gaming hardware sets:
- LEGO Arcade Machine (468 pieces) – $40
- LEGO Game Boy (421 pieces) – $60 (Releases October 1)
- LEGO Icons: Pac-Man Arcade (2,651 pieces) – $270
- LEGO Icons: Atari 2600 (2,532 pieces) – $240 (Retired)
- LEGO NES (2,646 pieces) – Sold out (Retired, original MSRP $270)
For fans of gaming hardware building sets beyond LEGO, the officially licensed Mega Bloks Xbox 360 Collector Building Set is available exclusively at Target, currently on sale for $100 (originally $150), offering a different brand`s take on iconic console replicas.
While not strictly gaming hardware, the LEGO Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi set, a 1,215-piece pixel art model based on the SNES classic, is currently discounted to $104 (originally $130) on Amazon and Walmart for a limited period, presenting a great deal for Mario fans.