Bishop of Technology

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Ever heard of the Atari C-380 Video Pinball console?

I bought this game sometime around 1977 at a Fred’s store in Eupora, MS. I don’t recall how much I paid but I think it was over $100. But my kids and I got a lot of “TV” time using this little bugger!

The C-380 was the precursor to the C-2600 that is now a classic. (BTW, I have one of those also that still works fine! Also, I have the Intellivision console that still works.) The  C-380 plays several versions of Pinball, a few variations of basketball (sort of), Ping-Pong and, my favorite: Breakout.

Here are some photos of the device in various forms of dress (and undress). You can even check out the serial number on the bottom. It is for real!

Atari Model C-380 top view

Atari C-380 Bottom View

Atari C-380 Mother Board

I have a video of the console in action as I played a game of Breakout – after the break…..

Actually, the score was really bad but it demonstrates how the game worked.

So, what do you think? Is this a REAL classic, or what?

Ray

Blast from the past