[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]
Slices of life, random thoughts, the occasional photo, news about Rom the Spaceknight, and eclectic (and hopefully entertaining) stuff from an average, geeky guy.
28 February 1995
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]
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]