28 February 1995

Interesting find in Oz

[Originally posted to rec.games.video.classic.]

On my recent trip to Australia, I spotted a few odd cartridges. There was this guy at a "flea" market called Paddy's market selling brand new Atari 2600 hardware & games. Amongst his games were a pirated copy of The Empire Strikes Back called Star Warriors. The front was simplistic artwork of an AT-AT firing at the Millenium Falcon & an X-Wing. The back had a screenshot, so I knew what it was. I didn't make note of the supposed co. that made it.

Another interesting item was a set of 4 Activision games all sold in one box. I don't remember all the titles now, but I didn't have any of them. One was Plaque Attack, I think. I also saw a game by Atari I'd never heard of called Motorodeo. I noticed that the boxes were the same as the boxes the last few games Atari release came in, including the "Winners don't use drugs" message from the FBI. I checked a non-shrinkwrapped copy to be sure it was PAL. There was a big P sticker stuck to the bottom of the cartridge.

Now that I'm back, I discover Motorodeo is rated ER by VGR! Furthermore, I find that PAL games MIGHT have worked on my system, just with screwy colors. I'm going to be kicking myself for a long time for not buying those games! Oh, well, at least I got my joypads (see separate message: Joypads found in Australia!).

[Fifteen years later, I still wish I'd had more money to buy Atari stuff while we were in Australia. —March 7, 2010]

Joypads found in Australia!

[Originally posted to rec.games.video.classic.]

G'day, mates! I'm back from a month long trip Down Under. I had a wonderful time. I didn't bother to do much searching for classic video stuff because they use PAL-B equipment. I had a very fortunate incident, though.

I went to a "flea" market (Not exactly, but I don't know what elese to call it.) called Paddy's Market in Sydney. After we'd gone almost all the way around, I came upon a gentleman selling Atari 2600 games & hardware, including 2600 Jr.'s WITH CX-78 JOYPADS! Needless to say, I was excited. He had a package deal: One 2600 Jr. system with two joypads, a cartridge, and a 7800 joystick (CX-24) for $25 (Australian, of course); all brand new! I grabbed one up, quick! That's about $19 US! Best Electronics was selling joypads for, what, $15 EACH? I also needed another 7800 joystick because one of the ones that came with my system has a broken button. (Okay, so I don't really need another joystick since I have the joypads now. It doesn't hurt.) I'll be saying goodbye to wrist strain now!

In case you're wondering, the game I got was the Atari version of BMX AirMaster. It's still shrinkwrapped in a slightly squashed (due to being in luggage) box. I haven't decided what to do with it yet. Anyone want to make a ridiculous offer (or trade) for it? Remember, it's PAL-B.

As for the system, I'll sell, for shipping cost only, the PAL-B 2600 Jr. with cord & Australian adapter (220 volts, slanted plugs) in the box with all documentation. Note it does not come with any controllers or games.

[I did have someone respond and pay for shipping the PAL-B 2600 Jr. to him. While it would have been an interesting addition to my collection, I can't keep everything! —March 7, 2010]