China Syndrome
Atari 2600 · 1982
About this game
In the 12th century, the Emperor Hui Zhong is faced with an internal rebellion led by Imperial Minister Gao Qiu.
The Song Dynasty comes to an end, and Gao Qiu became the new ruler.
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You take the role of an exiled ruler, and you must build your stats up to be able to challenge- and destroy- Gao Qiu and restore Hui Zhong to the throne.
The game is a military strategy game, like most of Koei's games, but instead of conquering a country, the goal is to depose the despotic ruler of China.
You start out lowly, and have to work your way up by conquering smaller prefectures, forming alliances, and fighting small battles.
You have to earn the right to attack Gao Qiu's home prefecture, though- he is off limits until you are powerful.
About Atari 2600
The Atari 2600 (1977) was the console that first proved interchangeable game cartridges could sustain a mass-market business, effectively founding the home console industry as we know it. Most common 2600 titles are inexpensive today given how many units and copies were sold, but a small number of extremely rare releases — including several from Atari's own late-era prototype and licensed titles — are among the most valuable cartridges in retro collecting.
Gamevaro tracks China Syndrome for Atari 2600 with separate market values for loose, complete-in-box (CIB) and factory-sealed copies, sourced from real eBay sales. Prices also vary by region — PAL, NTSC-U and NTSC-J releases of the same game often sell for different amounts due to print run sizes and regional collector demand.
Adding China Syndrome to a Gamevaro collection takes seconds — search by title or scan the box barcode, and the app fills in cover art, release details and current pricing automatically. This A2600 release dates back to 1982.
Market values by condition
PAL
NTSC-U
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-18 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €68.17 |
| 2026-07-18 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €61.97 |
| 2026-07-18 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €12.44 |
| 2026-07-18 | Item only | NTSC-U | €16.98 |
| 2026-07-18 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €49.53 |
| 2026-07-18 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €19.89 |
| 2026-07-16 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €12.48 |
| 2026-07-16 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €49.85 |
| 2026-07-16 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €68.34 |
| 2026-07-16 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €19.98 |
| 2026-07-16 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €62.13 |
| 2026-07-16 | Item only | NTSC-U | €17.03 |
| 2026-07-15 | Item only | NTSC-U | €23.42 |
| 2026-07-15 | Loose / Item only | PAL | €27.08 |
| 2026-07-14 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €19.95 |
| 2026-07-14 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €68.23 |
| 2026-07-14 | Item only | NTSC-U | €17.00 |
| 2026-07-14 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €49.77 |
| 2026-07-14 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €12.46 |
| 2026-07-14 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €62.03 |
| 2026-07-13 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €49.75 |
| 2026-07-13 | Item only | NTSC-U | €16.99 |
| 2026-07-13 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €68.20 |
| 2026-07-13 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €19.94 |
| 2026-07-13 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €61.99 |
| 2026-07-13 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €12.46 |
| 2026-07-12 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €61.99 |
| 2026-07-12 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €49.75 |
| 2026-07-12 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €68.20 |
| 2026-07-12 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €19.94 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Only a handful of market sales have been tracked for China Syndrome, suggesting it doesn't trade hands very often — a sign of relative scarcity compared to more common Atari 2600 titles.
Complete-in-box (CIB) copies typically command a premium over loose cartridges/discs because the original box and manual are more fragile and get discarded or damaged over time — fewer complete sets survive.
Frequently asked questions
How much is China Syndrome worth?
China Syndrome for Atari 2600 is currently worth €27.08 loose. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is China Syndrome rare?
China Syndrome has only a handful of tracked market sales, suggesting relative scarcity compared to more common Atari 2600 titles.
What's the difference between loose, CIB and sealed for China Syndrome?
Loose means cartridge or disc only, CIB (complete in box) includes the original box and manual, and sealed means factory-sealed and never opened. These are tracked as separate market values because the price gap between them can be significant, especially for older releases.
Is China Syndrome worth more in PAL or NTSC?
The PAL version of China Syndrome is currently worth €27.08 loose, versus €23.42 for NTSC-U. Regional price differences usually come down to print run size and regional collector demand.
Ratings & Reviews
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