Defender
Atari 2600 · 1981
About this game
Defender is an updated version of the classic arcade game of the same name.
The Manti bugs have invaded earth and the remaining human survivors now live in colonies throughout the solar system.
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As more swarms of Manti arrive, even the colonies are now in danger of being wiped out.
You've been enlisted to help save the remaining colonists and destroy the Manti bugs! There are a total of six different ships to fly, each with its own flight characteristics and special weapons.
Weapon and shield power-ups can also be found throughout the various missions.
As in the original version of Defender, the Manti will try to capture any humans they can find to change them into mutants to increase their attack force.
To increase chances of success you will need to rescue captured humans before this happens and bring them to a safe landing zone.
Saving colonists will also earn you some credits, which can later be used to buy improved weapons or shields for your ship.
Also included are several video extras detailing the historical perspective of and the making of Defender.
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 Defender 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 Defender 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 1981.
Market values by condition
NTSC-U
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-16 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €114.63 |
| 2026-07-16 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €15.78 |
| 2026-07-16 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €29.80 |
| 2026-07-16 | Item only | NTSC-U | €6.05 |
| 2026-07-16 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €9.80 |
| 2026-07-16 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €2.08 |
| 2026-07-15 | Sealed / New | PAL | €37.08 |
| 2026-07-15 | Loose / Item only | PAL | €12.01 |
| 2026-07-15 | Item only | NTSC-U | €9.63 |
| 2026-07-15 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €17.53 |
| 2026-07-15 | Boxed (CIB) | PAL | €19.06 |
| 2026-07-15 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €45.59 |
| 2026-07-14 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €2.07 |
| 2026-07-14 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €114.45 |
| 2026-07-14 | Item only | NTSC-U | €6.04 |
| 2026-07-14 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €9.79 |
| 2026-07-14 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €15.76 |
| 2026-07-14 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €29.75 |
| 2026-07-13 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €114.39 |
| 2026-07-13 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €2.07 |
| 2026-07-13 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €9.78 |
| 2026-07-13 | Item only | NTSC-U | €6.04 |
| 2026-07-13 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €29.74 |
| 2026-07-13 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €15.75 |
| 2026-07-12 | Manual Only | NTSC-U | €2.07 |
| 2026-07-12 | Box Only | NTSC-U | €9.78 |
| 2026-07-12 | New (sealed) | NTSC-U | €29.74 |
| 2026-07-12 | Complete in Box | NTSC-U | €15.75 |
| 2026-07-12 | Item only | NTSC-U | €6.04 |
| 2026-07-12 | Graded New | NTSC-U | €114.39 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Only a handful of market sales have been tracked for Defender, 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 Defender worth?
Defender for Atari 2600 is currently worth €12.01 loose, €19.06 complete in box, and €37.08 factory sealed. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is Defender rare?
Defender 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 Defender?
Loose means cartridge or disc only, CIB (complete in box) includes the original box and manual, and sealed means factory-sealed and never opened. For Defender, loose is €12.01 and CIB is €19.06 — CIB commands a premium because original boxes and manuals are fragile and often don't survive.
Is Defender worth more in PAL or NTSC?
The PAL version of Defender is currently worth €12.01 loose, versus €9.63 for NTSC-U. Regional price differences usually come down to print run size and regional collector demand.
Ratings & Reviews
Also on other platforms
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