While some recent video game auctions deserve their scrutiny, the historical bona fides for others speak for themselves. David Perry, founder of Earthworm Jim and MDK studio Shiny Entertainment, is putting what is considered the first arcade game ever commercially distributed up for grabs. His rare variation on an already archeological game can be yours if you’ve been keeping a few grand for a rainy day.
Crazy, they sold the (more common) single-player version for $69K. https://t.co/IMqG13TB4Y
— David Perry (@dperry) August 11, 2026
“It’s probably the rarest arcade game in existence, found in museums,” posted Perry. “Crazy, they sold the (more common) single-player version for $69K.”
From 1971, Computer Space was created by soon-to-be Atari founders Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. Adapted from an even earlier computer game, 1962’s Spacewar!, players controlled a rocket ship as it engaged in a firefight with a UFO. While coin operated games filled plenty of amusement halls, Computer Space was the first to show players what early, humongous computers were capable of. They were not impressed. While Pong would forever change the relationship between people and their quarters, Computer Space was not a hit. This is why so few copies of it remain in the world, more often seen in the background of science fiction movies like Soylent Green. Its two-player follow up from 1973, which is being auctioned, even more-so.
According to the auction page, this Computer Space unit is in working condition and the sparkling green two-player version is “practically unobtainable.” Perry said he’s selling the big glittery beast after running out of space at home. Games such as these are rarely seen outside of museums. As of this writing, the top bid is hovering around ten grand, though the auctioneers estimate it will go for more than twice that amount.
As video games become one of the leading collectibles in hype-driven speculation markets, critics have become wary of many bombastic retro game sales. Major auction and grading groups roll out the carpet for high profile bids on popular Mario games, which seem staggering in comparison to the demand for actual pieces of history.