Atari 2600 Football Value Guide

The 1979 text-label version of Football is a foundational sports title for the Atari 2600 Video Computer System. Based on the 1978 arcade hit, it is highly collectible as an early attempt to bring realistic American football mechanics into the home, despite the hardware limiting gameplay to four players per team.

What Is Atari 2600 Football Worth?

The typical price range for Atari 2600 Football is $5 - $10 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition of the adhesive paper label, specifically looking for 'actane' or spotting.
• Presence of the original gatefold box and printed instruction manual from the 1979 production run.
• Functionality of the internal electronic components and cleanliness of the connector pins.
• The specific label variation, as the 1979 text version carries different niche interest compared to the 1978 or later picture versions.

How to Identify Atari 2600 Football?

• Look for the specific 1979 copyright date printed on the main label.
• Verify the 'text-label' variation which lacks the colorful artwork found on later 'picture-label' releases.
• Check for the standard black plastic CX2625 cartridge casing manufactured in the United States.
• Ensure the cartridge features the distinct Atari logo and 'Football' title in a sans-serif font.

History of Atari 2600 Football

Released in 1978 and later updated with this 1979 text label, Football was one of the early sports titles for the Atari 2600. It was based on the successful 1978 arcade game and was notable for being one of the first home console games to attempt a realistic representation of American football, despite the technical limitations of having only four players per team.