Atari prototype question

jehuie

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I met a guy who has an Atari prototype machine and he's interested in selling it. He also has some cartridges for it and some that he says are prototypes. I don't know anything about this kind of thing but I told him I'd try to get an idea of the level of interest on something like this.

He actually has other old Atari stuff as well that I'll try to get more info on. Here's his own words from his e-mail to me:

"Seriously thinking about selling it .... Let me know if you know anyone is intersted. It powers up. I have attached a video showing that it did power. Sorry no image, I don't have a TV to support it ...

It is an early prototype. The date on the tag says it was was #9. It was built 5 days after our wedding by one of my team mates while I was on my honeymoon. It was mine ever since we got back and I returned to work. I tested a few of the games with it.

Two of the carts are prototype ... Missile Command and Pinball. That's my hand writing on the cart. I remember burning those from the source control system and putting them together myself....

Great memories of that place!"

Here's a few pics:

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Wow, that looks very unique! I like the wireless controllers too, I've never seen anything like that. I'd get it if you can get a decent price.
 
I believe that's the Atari 2700. I have no idea of value, but I believe they're pretty rare (it was never released, though I've seen them at VG conventions... so there's a few out there). If you're trying to set up a buyer, you'd probably have better luck on a console forum like AtariAge or Digital Press.

DogP
 
If you were involved in the development of it why would you possibly want to sell it? Working or not..

I've got a number of the prototype and early versions of products I've developed that I'd never want to part with.
 
I believe greg here bought the one for $5k. Usually rare stuff like that goes overseas. Hard to say what its worth but I would guess $3k+. The only way he is going to get a fair price for it is on ebay. I would drop by atariage and maybe digital press a post about it there to maximze exposure.

Verfiy the wireless controllers are still working as well as the touch buttons on the unit. Screen shots of it working will go a long way. also pics to see if the hinge is broken.

All the carts in the pics are pretty worthless. If they were lab label protos, then maybe $100+ a pop. If there are proto boards in those carts, maybe $50. If not, pretty worthless.

I thought my 2700 rc stella was #9. Maybe mine its #6. I think I read somewhere only 20 were made. I think I heard most were destroyed in the lab. I want to say maybe 6 are known to exist. Maybe you should ask him if he also has a system x(proto 5200). I have no I dea what one of those is worth, but probably quite a bit less that the 2700 as I think the main difference is a chrome plate. When I got my system x, I looked for prices and I don't think I found any.
 
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Thanks guys. I'll have to go post this on Atariage one of these days then and see if it gets more interest over there. Are there many console guys on here that I should point this out to?
 
Probably very few that aren't on Digital Press or AtariAge.

DogP
 
Thanks guys. I'll have to go post this on Atariage one of these days then and see if it gets more interest over there. Are there many console guys on here that I should point this out to?

You would have absolutely no problem unloading it on AtariAge.
 
If you want top dollar.. Make sure to ask the seller to provide as much documentation as he can. Even a typed letter with his employee info and hand signed would help. Documentation is key to some high end collectors.

Awesome score man.. Just go buy it now.. Before he changes his mind.
 
So I registered on AtariAge and signed in. But it won't let me post. Says I'm not allowed to. Do I have to buy some sort of membership or something first? What's the deal?

EDIT: Never mind, I see that it says I have to wait to be approved by an admin.
 
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Well he brought the game in to work today and let me play a couple games. It works great. Very cool piece of history right there!
 
have you tried the digitpress forums yet? might be easier place to register than atariage.

So I registered on AtariAge and signed in. But it won't let me post. Says I'm not allowed to. Do I have to buy some sort of membership or something first? What's the deal?

EDIT: Never mind, I see that it says I have to wait to be approved by an admin.
 
I got it to work. Someone contacted him from there and the game has now officially been sold. He did quite well on it. It went to a US buyer also which was kind of cool.
 
Thanks guys. I'll have to go post this on Atariage one of these days then and see if it gets more interest over there. Are there many console guys on here that I should point this out to?

If I were you I'd email Albert directly. He'll give you the dirt on the unit and help you out if it's super rare.

albert ~at~ atariage.com

--edit--
--nevermind-- :)
 
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