Cartridge & Code

How to Choose a Retro Legacy Video Game Console: Atari, Coleco, and G36 Pro Compared

From a rough-condition Coleco to a complete Atari bundle and a modern HDMI stick, here's how to pick the retro legacy video game console that matches your budget and play style.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Shopping for retro legacy video games is less about finding 'a console' and more about deciding what kind of experience you want. Do you want the physical heft and quirks of original hardware, the simple sweep of a 128GB game library, or a project piece you can restore? The four options here cover that spectrum, from a rough-condition Coleco to a complete Atari bundle, a 1982 ColecoVision, and a modern HDMI stick. With such different shapes, features, and conditions, the right choice depends on whether you're collecting the past or just playing it.

Quick Take

If you're looking for a complete original-hardware package, the Atari CX-2600A bundle is the most generous: it ships with 15 games, paddles, and joysticks, plus an adapter for newer TVs. For a piece of 1982 design history, the ColecoVision (Model 2400) offers RF and S-Video output in a clean black case. The Coleco Telstar is the roughest of the original consoles, so expect cosmetic wear. And if you just want to plug something into an HDMI port and play, the G36 Pro stick is a new, wireless-controller-driven option.

Price Comparison

ProductListed PricePrice Bar
Vintage Coleco Telstar Arcade Video Game Console w/ Gun Controller ROUGH CONDUSD 52.24
Vintage Atari CX-2600A Video Game Console W/ 15 Games, Paddles, & JoysticksUSD 145.00
Vintage Coleco ColecoVision (Model 2400) Video Game System - BlackUSD 120.00
128GB G36PRO, HDMI TV Video Game Stick Retro Gaming Console Wireless ControllerUSD 88.99

Decision Matrix

ProductBest forKeep in mind
Coleco TelstarCollectors who want an early console with a gun controllerCondition is rough, so expect cosmetic wear
Atari CX-2600APlayers who want a ready-to-run original bundleOne controller may not work; charger is not original
ColecoVision Model 2400Retro enthusiasts focused on 1982 design and RF/S-VideoSub-480p resolution is best on a CRT or retro display
G36 Pro StickFamily game nights and instant HDMI playIt's a new device, not a collectible original

Product Notes

Vintage Coleco Telstar Arcade Video Game Console w/ Gun Controller ROUGH COND

Vintage Coleco Telstar Arcade Video Game Console w/ Gun Controller ROUGH COND

This is the most direct way to experience Coleco's arcade-style Telstar, complete with a gun controller and the original cables. The brown cabinet is honest about its history: peeling stickers and surface scratches are called out right in the title. For a collector who likes to restore or display, that's a reasonable trade-off for getting a piece of early home gaming. It was made in Japan, which adds an additional layer of provenance. Just keep expectations in line with the condition rating, and treat it as a project piece or a shelf centerpiece rather than a daily player.

Vintage Atari CX-2600A Video Game Console W/ 15 Games, Paddles, & Joysticks

Vintage Atari CX-2600A Video Game Console W/ 15 Games, Paddles, & Joysticks

If you want original hardware with a ready-to-play library, this Atari bundle is the most complete of the four. It includes 15 games, paddles, and joysticks, plus an adapter so you can connect it to a newer television. The bundle is described as tested and working, but with a few original quirks: the included command controller may not work, and the charger is not original. That means you get a strong starting collection, but you may want to source a replacement controller. The multicolor design and Atari branding make it a nostalgic addition to any setup.

Vintage Coleco ColecoVision (Model 2400) Video Game System - Black

Vintage Coleco ColecoVision (Model 2400) Video Game System - Black (2400

This used ColecoVision comes in a black case, supports RF and S-Video, and was originally released in 1982. The NTSC-U/C region code and sub-480p resolution are part of its vintage character. If you have a CRT or a retro-friendly setup, the Model 2400 is a straightforward way to play classic Coleco titles on original hardware. The black finish and 1982 release date give it a distinct place in gaming history. For a collector looking for a specific early-'80s console, this is a solid option.

128GB G36PRO, HDMI TV Video Game Stick Retro Gaming Console Wireless Controller

128GB G36PRO,HDMI TV Video Game Stick Retro Gaming Console Wireless Controller

This is the only new product in the group, and it takes a completely different approach. The G36 Pro plugs into an HDMI TV and comes with two wireless controllers, so there's no tuning, no cartridge hunting, and no adapter needed. It's described as plug-and-play, with 128GB of built-in games, which makes it excellent for a family game night or for someone who wants to jump straight into a broad library. The trade-off is that it's a modern HDMI stick, not an original collectible, so you won't get the tactile feel of vintage cartridges or the same authenticity as the other three.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

If you're building a collector's display and are comfortable with cosmetic wear, the Coleco Telstar is your entry point. If you want to play original Atari 2600 games with a full bundle, the CX-2600A gives you the most complete package. If you prefer the look and connectivity of a 1982 ColecoVision, the Model 2400 is the one to track down. And if your goal is simply to enjoy retro games on a modern TV tonight, the G36 Pro HDMI stick is the practical pick.

Products in this article
Vintage Coleco Telstar Arcade Video Game Console w/ Gun Controller ROUGH CONDUSD 52.24View on eBayVintage Atari CX-2600A Video Game Console W/ 15 GamesUSD 145.00View on eBayVintage Coleco ColecoVision (Model 2400) Video Game SystemUSD 120.00View on eBay128GB G36PRO,HDMI TV Video Game Stick Retro Gaming Console Wireless ControllerUSD 88.99View on eBay
Vintage Coleco Telstar Arcade Video Game Console w/ Gun Controller ROUGH CONDUSD 52.24View on eBayVintage Atari CX-2600A Video Game Console W/ 15 GamesUSD 145.00View on eBayVintage Coleco ColecoVision (Model 2400) Video Game SystemUSD 120.00View on eBay128GB G36PRO,HDMI TV Video Game Stick Retro Gaming Console Wireless ControllerUSD 88.99View on eBay

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