Atari 2600 Space Invaders Bundle (Australian PAL Version) TV Commercial - 1983

Описание: Atari 2600 Space Invaders Bundle (Australian PAL Version) (Atari) (1981)

Release Dates and Regional Names:
Australia: Atari Video Computer System (VCS) launched 1979-1980 Space Invaders pack-in bundle widely available from 1981 onward to boost sales
Known as Atari VCS 2600 in Australia (PAL format)

Platforms: Atari 2600 (PAL region variant)

Publisher Manufacturer: Atari

Type: Home Video Game Console Bundle
Media: Cartridge (Space Invaders included)

Description and Design:
The Australian Atari 2600 (often still called VCS locally) featured the classic woodgrain four-switch or later six-switch design with PAL television compatibility for local broadcasts. The Space Invaders bundle included the console two CX-40 joysticks AC adapter TV switchbox and a Space Invaders cartridge pack-in. This promotion mirrored global efforts to revive interest after initial Combat pack-in sales slowed capitalizing on the arcade hit's popularity. Boxes emphasized "Now with Space Invaders included" in promotional materials.

Key Features:
Console: 8-bit MOS Technology 6507 CPU 128 bytes RAM TIA chip for graphics sound
Controllers: Iconic CX-40 joysticks with single fire button
Game: Space Invaders cartridge (faithful port with flickering sprites color overlays recommended for TV play)
Bundle Contents: Console joysticks power supply RF switch Space Invaders game manuals
Region: PAL-50 format (50 Hz refresh adjusted gameplay timing)

Additional Details:
Target Audience: Families and gamers ages 8+

Historical Context:
Introduced in Australia around 1979-1980 through distributors like John Sands Electronics the Atari 2600 gained massive popularity with the 1981 Space Invaders bundle. The pack-in helped counter competition from Intellivision and local arcade boom extending the console's lifespan into the mid-1980s before the video game crash. Australian pricing and availability varied by state with bundles often featured in department store catalogs like Myer and Grace Bros.

Did You Know?
The Space Invaders pack-in dramatically boosted 2600 sales worldwide including Australia.
PAL versions ran slightly slower than NTSC but maintained core gameplay.
Many Australian units used the four-switch "woody" design.
Local ads emphasized "take the arcade home" with Space Invaders as the killer app.
The bundle marked a turning point before later pack-ins like Pac-Man.

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