How much did an Atari cost in 1980?

In 1980, the Atari 2600, one of the most iconic early gaming consoles, was priced as follows:

Atari 2600 Price in 1980:

  • Base System (with 2 controllers, 1 joystick, and 1 game) was priced at $199.

Additional Costs:

  • Games for the Atari 2600 typically ranged from $20 to $40 each, depending on the title.

Context of the Price in 1980:

  • In 1980, the average cost of a new car was around $7,000 and the average home price was about $65,000.
  • The Atari 2600's price in 1980 was a significant investment, especially when adjusted for inflation, making it one of the priciest consumer electronics at the time.

Adjusted for Inflation:

  • The $199 price in 1980 would be equivalent to about $650 to $700 today when adjusted for inflation.

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