Space Invaders (1978)
Atari 2600 · 1978
About this game
This version of Space Invaders is based on the 1994 arcade game Space Invaders DX but lacks the parody mode of that game.
What remains is the classic mode that allows the player to choose the type of arcade cabinet (upright, black & white, etc.) as background to the action as well as the versus mode for two players.
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The versus mode is split-screen, each player trying to survive and eliminate more invaders than the opponent.
The Game Boy version has both one- and two-player modes using the usual Game Boy tones (black and grey).
However, plugging the cart into a Super Game Boy allows playing the game in all four cabinet types of the SNES version.
The PC Engine (TurboGrafx) CD version offers an additional "cosmic versus" mode, where the background is composed of anime-style pictures of girls.
They also appear in the "omake mode", which is a single-player variant with the same backgrounds.
The WonderSwan version doesn't offer all four cabinet types (only black & white) but keeps the versus mode.
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 Space Invaders (1978) 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 Space Invaders (1978) 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 1978.
Market values by condition
Recent sales
| Date | Type | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-15 | Loose / Item only | NTSC-U | €9.11 |
| 2026-07-15 | Loose / Item only | PAL | €11.71 |
| 2026-07-15 | Boxed (CIB) | NTSC-U | €17.53 |
| 2026-07-15 | Boxed (CIB) | PAL | €21.18 |
| 2026-07-15 | Sealed / New | NTSC-U | €88.55 |
Market insights
Rarity & condition
Only a handful of market sales have been tracked for Space Invaders (1978), 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 Space Invaders (1978) worth?
Space Invaders (1978) for Atari 2600 is currently worth €11.71 loose, €21.18 complete in box. Prices are based on real sales and update regularly on Gamevaro.
Is Space Invaders (1978) rare?
Space Invaders (1978) 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 Space Invaders (1978)?
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 Space Invaders (1978), loose is €11.71 and CIB is €21.18 — CIB commands a premium because original boxes and manuals are fragile and often don't survive.
Is Space Invaders (1978) worth more in PAL or NTSC?
The PAL version of Space Invaders (1978) is currently worth €11.71 loose, versus €9.11 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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