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Rare Two-Player Computer Space Arcade Machine from 1973 Goes to Auction
Key points
- Two-player Computer Space arcade machine from 1973 is up for auction.
- Designed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney of Syzygy Engineering.
- Estimated to sell for over $200,000 by RR Auctions.
- The single-player version, released in 1971, sold for $69,000 in 2024.
- Considered the first commercially available video game.
Rare Arcade Machine Auctioned
A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine, originally released in July 1973, is being auctioned by Boston’s RR Auctions. This specific model, featuring a green sparkle finish, is part of a larger retro tech auction focusing on Steve Jobs and the computer revolution.
The machine is estimated to fetch over $200,000. For comparison, a single-player version of Computer Space sold for $69,000 in 2024.
Origins of Computer Space
Computer Space was designed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney of Syzygy Engineering, a company that later evolved into Atari. The single-player version, released in late 1971, is recognized as the first arcade video game and the first commercially available video game.
The game was distributed by Nutting Associates and was influenced by the 1962 PC combat game Spacewar!. Its cabinet featured a small, bulbous screen and a gamepad with four action buttons, costing a quarter to play.
Two-Player Version Details
The two-player version, released in 1973, is considered rarer than its single-player predecessor. It allowed players to select a two-player game after inserting a quarter and featured dual-player controls with joysticks for movement.
Historical Significance
While not as famous as later arcade games, Computer Space holds historical significance as a foundational title in the video game industry. Syzygy and Nutting reportedly sold over 1,000 units of the original Computer Space cabinets, generating a significant financial return.
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How outlets covered it
A fully functional 1973 'Computer Space' 2-player arcade cabinet, considered the first commercially available video game, is being auctioned by a games industry veteran. This specific green sparkle edition is rarer than the single-player version, which sold for $69,000 in 2024, and is estimated to fetch over $200,000.
A rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine, designed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, is currently up for auction. This model was released in 1973, after the single-player version, and is part of a larger retro tech auction.