Atari 2600 Video Game Release Dates for 1980
With pop culture atmosphere.
Information compiled by Duane Alan Hahn, a.k.a. Random Terrain.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pages in this Subsection
Page last updated on: 2024y_10m_11d_0046t
Below is an incomplete list of Atari 2600 video game release dates by month in the USA for the year 1980 along with lists of top 100 music (selected hits in the order they charted), new movies at the theater, and new TV shows to help summon your treasured memories of the Atari 2600 years with the bonus of recreating the magical feelings of that special time.
If you were too young or not even born yet, play the songs in the order they are listed and watch video clips or commercials for the movies and TV shows (in order) and you might get a sense of what it was like living from month to month back in 1980. There were no smartphones with an Internet full of knowledge and entertainment at your fingertips. If you wanted to know something, you had to go to the library and try to find the information in a book. If you were lucky, you had an encyclopedia set at home, but it would probably be many decades out of date.
For those who are mostly interested in 1980 pop culture without all of the Atari game entries, I have an adapted version of this page called the 1980 Pop Culture Page. The Atari 2600 game entries have been removed and replaced with lists that take up less room. Makes it easier to scroll down and soak up the pop culture atmosphere. The 1980 Pop Culture Page also has photos and TV commercials to help make your experience more enjoyable.
Links that jump to other places on this page are blue. Links that lead to other pages online are red.
For those who only want release dates and nothing else, the game entries are listed in the Page Table of Contents. This page also has an Index to help you find a specific game. There's also an Atari 2600 NTSC Game Index for 1977 to 1991.
Most of the release dates below are not set in stone. Games will be moved as better information is found, so be sure to check back once in a while.
Many games are marked as a best guess. Some guesses are worse than others. Below is a list of the types of guesses that might be on this page.
Best Guess (BG): At least one magazine or newsletter mentioned the month a game was released or supposed to be released or newspaper ads have been found.
Extreme Best Guess (EBG): A vague mention of the release month in a magazine, newsletter, or newspaper.
Super Extreme Best Guess (SEBG): The Video Game Update newsletter only had a review for the game (no release month mentioned), so it's a semi-educated wild guess. The review could have happened the same month the game was released or the review could have been published a month or more later.
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess (DSEBG): There might be an ad in a magazine or newspaper to go on if we're lucky. It's a desperate semi-educated wild guess.
I signed up for the most expensive subscription option at Newspapers.com in November of 2020 so I could finally look up games for myself. As I find the earliest newspaper ads for a game, I'll add a green check mark for that entry to indicate that the definitive release date has probably been found for that game.
≈ ✔ An almost equal symbol with a green check mark means that the game might have been available in some areas in the previous month. The entry is close enough.
☹ ✔ A sad face with a green check mark means that I couldn't find any useful newspaper ads, but there is enough evidence showing that the entry probably belongs in that month.
✳ A green eight spoked asterisk means that the entry might need to be moved if more information is found, but ads or news items suggest that the entry might be close enough to the correct month.
??? Three orange question marks indicate that I searched the newspapers and couldn't find anything helpful, so a more accurate release date for that game still needs to be found.
Remember, the date on the box, cartridge, manual, and copyright screen can be different from the actual release date. For example, Atari 2600 Pac-Man was released in March/April of 1982, but the box, cart, manual, and copyright screen have 1981 as the copyright date. It usually took around 6 months for a programmer to make an Atari VCS game back then and that’s not counting the time it took to make the manuals, boxes, and cartridges.
To help make your experience more enjoyable, most items listed on this page have a link to related search results at YouTube (YT) where you can watch music videos, scenes from movies, or clips from TV shows. The movies and TV shows listed on this page also have links to web sites such as the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) and Wikipedia (WP).
If you find a mistake, or have more information to add, such as month/year release dates for games, please contact me. Every little bit of credible information helps, no matter how insignificant you think it might be. Thanks for your help.
January 1980
“Flirtin’ with Disaster” by Molly Hatchet (Jan 5) YT
“On The Radio” by Donna Summer (Jan 12) YT
“Let Me Go, Love” by Nicolette Larson & Michael McDonald (Jan 12) YT 68%
“Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)” by Pink Floyd (Jan 19) YT
“Too Hot” by Kool & The Gang (Jan 19) YT
“Him” by Rupert Holmes (Jan 19) YT
“I Wish I Was 18 Again” by George Burns (Jan 19) YT
“Special Lady” by Ray, Goodman & Brown (Jan 26) YT
“Refugee” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Jan 26) YT
January 1980
B.A.D. Cats ABC (Jan 4) YT IMDb WP Schedule
3-2-1 Contact PBS (Jan 14) YT IMDb WP
February 1980
“How Do I Make You” by Linda Ronstadt (Feb 2) YT
“Lost In Love” by Air Supply (Feb 9) YT
“And The Beat Goes On” by The Whispers (Feb 9) YT
“Baby Talks Dirty” by The Knack (Feb 9) YT
“Call Me” by Blondie (Feb 16) YT 70%
“Ride Like The Wind” by Christopher Cross (Feb 16) YT 65%
“Sexy Eyes” by Dr. Hook (Feb 16) YT
“Cars” by Gary Numan (Feb 16) YT 95%
“Off The Wall” by Michael Jackson (Feb 16) YT 95%
“Brass In Pocket” by The Pretenders (Feb 16) YT
“What I Like About You” by The Romantics (Feb 16) YT 68%
“Voice Of Freedom” by Jim Kirk and the TM Singers (Feb 16) YT
“I Can’t Tell You Why” by The Eagles (Feb 23) YT 65%
“Pilot Of The Airwaves” by Charlie Dore (Feb 23) YT
“Set Me Free” by Utopia (Feb 23) YT
“Keep The Fire” by Kenny Loggins (Feb 23) YT
February 1980
American Gigolo (Feb 1) YT IMDb WP
2001: A Space Odyssey (Feb 8) YT IMDb WP [re-release]
Midnight Madness (Feb 8) YT IMDb WP
The Last Married Couple in America (Feb 8) YT IMDb WP
March 1980
Space Invaders (Atari) ✔
Best Guess based on Merchandising and newspaper ads. There's a February 1980 newspaper ad saying that Space Invaders was coming in soon and newspaper ads from March 1980 saying that the game just arrived or was now in stock.
Programmer Rick Maurer also made Maze Craze.
Merchandising (Jun 80)
In March, Atari began shipping its “Space Invaders” cartridge, a property to which the firm holds exclusive home video rights. “Invaders” is considered to be the most popular arcade video game ever introduced.
How To Win At Home Video Games (82 p57)
Electronic Games 1983 Software Encyclopedia (83 p30)
Book of Atari Software (83 p326)
Be A Home Videogame Superstar (82 p101)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders COMING IN SOON (Feb 7, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders JUST ARRIVED! (Mar 6, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders $24.95 (Mar 14, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders $22.95 JUST ARRIVED! (Mar 15, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders NOW IN STOCK (Mar 16, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders NOW IN STOCK (Mar 22, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders NOW IN STOCK (Mar 26, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders NOW IN STOCK (Mar 27, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders IN STOCK (Mar 27, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders $24.95 (Mar 28, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders $27.95 JUST ARRIVED! (Mar 29, 80)
Newspaper: Spаce Invаders $29.95 (Apr 6, 80)
Newspaper: Sears Spаce Invаders $26.99 (Sep 18, 80)
Newspaper: Sears Spаce Invаders $27.99 (Oct 1, 80)
March 1980
“Any Way You Want It” by Journey (Mar 1) YT 75%
“Outside My Window” by Stevie Wonder (Mar 1) YT 60%
“Think About Me” by Fleetwood Mac (Mar 8) YT 65%
“Do Right” by Paul Davis (Mar 8) YT
“You May Be Right” by Billy Joel (Mar 15) YT
“Stomp!” by Brothers Johnson (Mar 15) YT
“Let Me Be The Clock” by Smokey Robinson (Mar 15) YT
“The Rose” by Bette Midler (Mar 22) YT
“Wondering Where The Lions Are” by Bruce Cockburn (Mar 22) YT 55%
“Train In Vain (Stand By Me)” by The Clash (Mar 22) YT
“Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll” by Vaughan Mason and Crew (Mar 22) YT
“Funky Town” by Lipps, Inc. (Mar 29) YT 95%
“Let’s Get Serious” by Jermaine Jackson (Mar 29) YT
“Breakdown Dead Ahead” by Boz Scaggs (Mar 29) YT
“Should’ve Never Let You Go” by Neil & Dara Sedaka (Mar 29) YT
“Gee Whiz” by Bernadette Peters (Mar 29) YT
“After You” by Dionne Warwick (Mar 29) YT
March 1980
The Black Marble (Mar 7) YT IMDb WP
Coal Miner’s Daughter (Mar 7) YT IMDb WP
Forbidden Zone (Mar 21) YT IMDb WP
Little Darlings (Mar 21) YT IMDb WP
Little Miss Marker (Mar 21) YT IMDb WP
March 1980
Pink Lady …And Jeff NBC (Mar 1) YT IMDb WP
That’s Incredible! ABC (Mar 3) YT IMDb WP
The Big Show NBC (Mar 4) YT IMDb WP
Beyond Westworld CBS (Mar 5) YT IMDb WP
United States NBC (Mar 11) YT IMDb WP
Here’s Boomer NBC (Mar 14) YT IMDb WP epguides Schedule
When the Whistle Blows ABC (Mar 14) YT IMDb WP Schedule
Sanford NBC (Mar 15) YT IMDb WP
Palmerstown, U.S.A. CBS (Mar 20) YT IMDb WP Schedule
Me and Maxx NBC (Mar 22) YT IMDb WP
The Tim Conway Show CBS (Mar 22) YT IMDb WP
April 1980
Best Guess. There are ads starting in March 1980 that claimed the game was in stock, so this entry might need to be moved to March. According to eegad at AtariAge, Adventure wasn't available for his grandmother to buy until the middle of July 1980.
In a Halcyon Days interview, Warren Robinett said that he finished Adventure and BASIC Programming in June of 1979.
A kid sent a letter to Atari on August 4, 1980 about finding the Easter egg.
Newspaper: Advеnture $24.95 (Mar 14, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture (Mar 23, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $24.95 (Mar 28, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture (Mar 27, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture (Apr 3, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $24.95 (Apr 4, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture NOW IN STOCK (Apr 17, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $29.95 (Apr 20, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture IN STOCK (Apr 25, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $27.88 (May 1, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $19.97 (Jun 4, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $24.99 (Jun 5, 80)
Newspaper: Advеnture $16.95 (Jul 6, 80)
April 1980
BASIC Programming (Atari) ≈ ✔
Best Guess. BASIC Programming might have been available in late March in a few areas, but most newspaper ads were in April 1980 and beyond.
BASIC Programming Instructions Copyright
Date of Publication: Oct 1, 79
Registration Date: Nov 14, 79
In a Halcyon Days interview, Warren Robinett said that he finished Adventure and BASIC Programming in June of 1979.
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming (Mar 27, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming $37.95 (Mar 28, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming JUST ARRIVED (Apr 11, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming NOW IN STOCK (Apr 17, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming IN STOCK (Apr 25, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming NEW (Apr 27, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming $37.88 (May 1, 80)
Newspaper: BАSIC Progrаmming $26.88 (Jul 6, 80)
April 1980
“Biggest Part Of Me” by Ambrosia (Apr 5) YT 70%
“We Live For Love” by Pat Benatar (Apr 5) YT
“Steal Away” by Robbie Dupree (Apr 12) YT 95%
“Hurt So Bad” by Linda Ronstadt (Apr 12) YT
“I Don’t Want To Walk Without You” by Barry Manilow (Apr 12) YT 60%
“Love Stinks” by J. Geils Band (Apr 12) YT 55%
“She’s Out Of My Life” by Michael Jackson (Apr 19) YT 65%
“Two Places At The Same Time” by Ray Parker, Jr. & Raydio (Apr 19) YT
“Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone” by Manhattan Transfer (Apr 19) YT 95%
“Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s (Apr 19) YT 55%
“Coming Up (Live At Glasgow)” by Paul McCartney (Apr 26) YT 75%
“Shining Star” by The Manhattans (Apr 26) YT
May 1980
“Little Jeannie” by Elton John (May 3) YT
“Against The Wind” by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band (May 3) YT
“New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra (May 3) YT
“Answering Machine” by Rupert Holmes (May 3) YT 60%
“Tired Of Toein’ The Line” by Rocky Burnette (May 10) YT 70%
“Let Me Love You Tonight” by Pure Prairie League (May 10) YT
“Cupid/I’ve Loved You For A Long Time (Medley)” by Spinners (May 17) YT
“One Fine Day” by Carole King (May 17) YT
“All Night Long” by Joe Walsh (May 17) YT
“I Only Want To Be With You” by The Tourists (May 17) YT
“Magic” by Olivia Newton-John (May 24) YT 85%
“It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me” by Billy Joel (May 24) YT 70%
“Misunderstanding” by Genesis (May 24) YT 75%
“I’m Alive” by Electric Light Orchestra [ELO] (May 24) YT 70%
“Take Your Time (Do It Right)” by The S.O.S. Band (May 31) YT 65%
“More Love” by Kim Carnes (May 31) YT
“In America” by Charlie Daniels Band (May 31) YT
“Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Blue Brothers (May 31) YT
May 1980
Friday the 13th (May 9) YT IMDb WP
The Nude Bomb (May 9) YT IMDb WP
The Long Riders (May 16) YT IMDb WP
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (May 21) YT IMDb WP [limited release]
The Gong Show Movie (May 23) YT IMDb WP
The Shining (May 23) YT IMDb WP
Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don’t Come Back!!) (May 30) YT IMDb WP
June 1980
3-D Tic-Tac-Toe (Atari) ✔
Best Guess based on newspaper ads starting in June 1980.
Programmer Carol Shaw also made Video Checkers and River Raid.
Newspaper: Li'l HELP! er (Jun 11, 80)
Tic-Tac-Toe and Space Invaders may not be available at area outlets in central New Jersey due to manufacturing and shipping problems.
Interview With Three Game Designers - Video & Arcade Games (Fall 83 p12)
Designing Woman - Electronic Fun (Sep 83 p77)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $18.77 (Jun 1, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $19.88 (Jun 11, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe (Jun 19, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $19.50 (Jul 20, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $24.99 (Aug 19, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $26.99 (Aug 24, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe (Sep 4, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $21.95 (Sep 24, 80)
Newspaper: З-D Tiс-Taс-Tоe $16.99 (Oct 12, 80)
June 1980
Best Guess based on newspaper ads starting in June 1980.
Newspaper: Gоlf $19.88 (Jun 11, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf (Jun 26, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf $15.95 (Jul 31, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf (Aug 2, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf (Aug 12, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf $19.99 (Aug 19, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf $19.99 (Aug 31, 80)
Newspaper: Gоlf $19.99 (Oct 2, 80)
June 1980
Night Driver (Atari) ✔
Best Guess based on newspaper ads starting in June 1980.
Programmer Rob Fulop also made Demon Attack, Cosmic Ark, and Fathom.
Electronic Games 1983 Software Encyclopedia (83 p27)
Bill Grubb and Dennis Koble Interview (Rob Fulop mentioned on p29) - Video Games (Jan 83 p22)
Rob Fulop: Arcade Noir - Electronic Games (Jan 83 p112)
A Conversation with Rob Fulop - Atari 2600 Connection Newsletter
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver (Jun 12, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver (Jun 19, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver (Jun 26, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver $21.95 (Jul 27, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver $15.95 (Jul 31, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver IN STOCK (Jul 31, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver (Aug 2, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver $19.99 (Aug 19, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver $19.99 (Aug 31, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver (Sep 4, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver $21.95 (Sep 24, 80)
Newspaper: Nіght Drіver $19.99 (Oct 2, 80)
June 1980
“Sailing” by Christopher Cross (Jun 14) YT 85%
“All Out Of Love” by Air Supply (Jun 14) YT
“Fame” by Irene Cara (Jun 14) YT
“Let My Love Open The Door” by Pete Townshend (Jun 14) YT
“Into The Night” by Benny Mardones (Jun 14) YT
“Take A Little Rhythm” by Ali Thomson (Jun 14) YT
“Jojo” by Boz Scaggs (Jun 14) YT
“Empire Strikes Back (Medley)” by Meco (Jun 14) YT
“Drivin’ My Life Away” by Eddie Rabbitt (Jun 21) YT 80%
“Love The World Away” by Kenny Rogers (Jun 21) YT
“Old Fashion Love” by The Commodores (Jun 21) YT
“Make A Little Magic” by The Dirt Band (Jun 21) YT
“Shandi” by KISS (Jun 21) YT
“One In A Million You” by Larry Graham (Jun 28) YT
“Why Not Me” by Fred Knoblock (Jun 28) YT 60%
“I Can’t Let Go” by Linda Ronstadt (Jun 28) YT
“Play The Game” by Queen (Jun 28) YT
“Who Shot J.R.?” by Gary Burbank with Band McNally (Jun 28) YT
June 1980
The Mountain Men (Jun 1) YT IMDb WP
Urban Cowboy (Jun 6) YT IMDb WP
Bronco Billy (Jun 11) YT IMDb WP
The Island (Jun 13) YT IMDb WP
Wholly Moses! (Jun 13) YT IMDb WP
The Blues Brothers (Jun 20) YT IMDb WP
Can’t Stop the Music (Jun 20) YT IMDb WP
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Jun 20) YT IMDb WP
July 1980
Circus Atari (Atari) ✔
Best Guess. The earliest trustworthy mention of Circus Atari in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from July 20, 1980.
Sears name: Circus.
Programmer Mike Lorenzen also made Oink!.
How To Win At Home Video Games (82 p60)
Electronic Games 1983 Software Encyclopedia (83 p22)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $19.50 (Jul 20, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus IN STOCK (Jul 31, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus (Aug 2, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus (Aug 12, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $24.99 (Aug 19, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $29.99 (Aug 31, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $26.99 (Aug 24, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus (Sep 4, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus (Sep 4, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $18.99 (Sep 10, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $21.95 (Sep 24, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus $19.99 (Oct 2, 80)
Newspaper: Cіrcus (Oct 12, 80)
July 1980
“Emotional Rescue” by Rolling Stones (Jul 5) YT
“Give Me The Night” by George Benson (Jul 5) YT 75%
“Boulevard” by Jackson Browne (Jul 5) YT
“Cocaine” by Eric Clapton (Jul 5) YT
“Upside Down” by Diana Ross (Jul 12) YT
“Lookin’ For Love” by Johnny Lee (Jul 12) YT
“I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins (Jul 12) YT 95%
“You’re The Only Woman” by Ambrosia (Jul 12) YT
“You’re Supposed To Keep Your Love For Me” by Jermaine Jackson (Jul 12) YT
“Hot Rod Hearts” by Robbie Dupree (Jul 19) YT
“Hey There Lonely Girl” by Robert John (Jul 19) YT
“He’s So Shy” by Pointer Sisters (Jul 26) YT
“First Time Love” by Livingston Taylor (Jul 26) YT
“You Better Run” by Pat Benatar (Jul 26) YT
July 1980
The Blue Lagoon (2 July) YT IMDb WP
How to Beat the High Co$t of Living (Jul 11) YT IMDb WP
Oh Heavenly Dog (Jul 11) YT IMDb WP
The Big Red One (Jul 18) YT IMDb WP
Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie (Jul 18) YT IMDb WP
Honeysuckle Rose (Jul 18) YT IMDb WP
Caddyshack (Jul 25) YT IMDb WP
August 1980
Boxing (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from Leisure Time Electronics and the Klove list. The earliest mention of Boxing in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from August 1980.
Electronic Games (Winter 81 p42)
Newspaper: Boxіng $18.95 (Aug 8, 80)
Newspaper: Boxіng (Aug 12, 80)
Newspaper: Boxіng (Aug 17, 80)
Newspaper: Boxіng $18.95 (Aug 29, 80)
Newspaper: Boxіng (Sep 26, 80)
Newspaper: Boxіng $17.95 (Oct 10, 80)
Newspaper: Boxіng (Oct 12, 80)
August 1980
Checkers (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from Leisure Time Electronics and the Klove list. The earliest mention of Checkers in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from August 1980.
Newspaper: Chеckers $18.95 (Aug 8, 80)
Newspaper: Chеckers (Aug 17, 80)
Newspaper: Chеckers $18.95 each (Aug 29, 80)
Newspaper: Chеckers (Sep 26, 80)
Newspaper: Chеckers $17.95 each (Oct 10, 80)
Newspaper: Chеckers (Oct 12, 80)
August 1980
Dragster (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from Leisure Time Electronics and the Klove list. The earliest mention of Dragster in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from August 1980, so this entry might need to be moved to August.
Newspaper: Dragstеr $18.95 (Aug 8, 80)
Newspaper: Dragstеr (Aug 12, 80)
Newspaper: Dragstеr (Aug 17, 80)
Newspaper: Dragstеr $18.95 (Aug 29, 80)
Newspaper: Dragstеr (Sep 26, 80)
Newspaper: Dragstеr $17.95 (Oct 10, 80)
Newspaper: Dragstеr (Oct 12, 80)
August 1980
Best Guess using info from Leisure Time Electronics and the Klove list. The earliest mention of Fishing Derby in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from August 1980, so this entry might need to be moved to August.
Fishing Derby started out as a video aquarium and Bob Whitehead helped make the shark according to the book Video Invaders (82 p53).
Electronic Games (Winter 81 p42)
Creative Computing Magazine (Sep 81 p240)
Newspaper: Fіshing Dеrby $18.95 (Aug 8, 80)
Newspaper: Fіshing Dеrby (Aug 17, 80)
Newspaper: Fіshing Dеrby $18.95 (Aug 29, 80)
Newspaper: Fіshing Dеrby (Sep 26, 80)
Newspaper: Fіshing Dеrby $17.95 (Oct 10, 80)
Newspaper: Fіshing Dеrby (Oct 12, 80)
August 1980
“Jesse” by Carly Simon (Aug 2) YT
“All Over The World” by Electric Light Orchestra [ELO] (Aug 2) YT 80%
“Don’t Ask Me Why” by Billy Joel (Aug 2) YT
“Late In The Evening” by Paul Simon (Aug 9) YT
“Never Knew Love Like This Before ” by Stephanie Mills (Aug 9) YT
“Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John & ELO (Aug 9) YT 85%
“How Do I Survive” by Amy Holland (Aug 9) YT
“Red Light” by Linda Clifford (Aug 9) YT
“Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen (Aug 16) YT 75%
“Out Here On My Own” by Irene Cara (Aug 16) YT
“The Legend Of Wooley Swamp” by Charlie Daniels Band (Aug 16) YT
“Games Without Frontiers” by Peter Gabriel (Aug 16) YT
“Look What You’ve Done To Me” by Boz Scaggs (Aug 23) YT
“I Got You” by Split Enz (Aug 23) YT 55%
“Thunder And Lightning” by Chicago (Aug 23) YT 70%
“Whip It” by Devo (Aug 30) YT 70%
August 1980
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (special edition) (Aug 1) YT IMDb WP
The Final Countdown (Aug 1) YT IMDb WP
Raise the Titanic (Aug 1) YT IMDb WP
The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (Aug 8) YT IMDb WP
August 1980
September 1980
Best Guess based on Leisure Time Electronics and a September newspaper ad. The earliest mention of Dodge 'Em in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from September 24, 1980.
Sears name: Dodger Cars.
Programmer Carla Meninsky also made Warlords and Star Raiders.
Newspaper: New Atari Games (Nov 19, 80)
Fleeing Through the Lethal Labyrinths - Electronic Games 1983 Software Encyclopedia (83 p98)
Newspaper: Dоdge Еm $29.95 (Sep 24, 80)
Newspaper: Dоdge Еm $29.95 (Oct 26, 80)
Newspaper: Dоdge Еm $22.95 (Nov 21, 80)
September 1980
Maze Craze (Atari) ✔
Best Guess based on Leisure Time Electronics and newspaper ads starting in September 1980. The earliest mention of Maze Craze in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from September 10, 1980.
Sears name: Maze Mania.
Programmer Rick Maurer also made Space Invaders.
Newspaper: New Atari Games (Nov 19, 80)
Electronic Games 1983 Software Encyclopedia (83 p27)
Book of Atari Software (83 p324)
Newspaper: Mаze Crаze $29.95 (Sep 10, 80)
Newspaper: Mаze Crаze $29.95 (Sep 24, 80)
Newspaper: Mаze Crаze $22.95 (Nov 21, 80)
Newspaper: Mаze Crаze $23.99 (Mar 4, 81)
September 1980
Video Checkers (Atari) ✔
Extreme Best Guess based on Leisure Time Electronics and newspaper ads starting in September 1980. The earliest mention of Video Checkers in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from September 10, 1980.
Sears name: Checkers.
Programmer Carol Shaw also made 3-D Tic-Tac-Toe and River Raid.
Newspaper: New Atari Games (Nov 19, 80)
Interview With Three Game Designers - Video & Arcade Games (Fall 83 p12)
Designing Woman - Electronic Fun (Sep 83 p77)
Newspaper: Vіdeo Chеckers $29.95 (Sep 10, 80)
Newspaper: Vіdeo Chеckers $29.95 (Sep 24, 80)
Newspaper: Vіdeo Chеckers (Nov 9, 80)
Newspaper: Vіdeo Chеckers $22.95 (Nov 21, 80)
September 1980
“Woman In Love” by Barbra Streisand (Sep 6) YT
“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross (Sep 6) YT 65%
“Real Love” by Doobie Brothers (Sep 6) YT
“On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson (Sep 6) YT
“Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray (Sep 6) YT
“You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC (Sep 6) YT
“Touch And Go” by The Cars (Sep 6) YT
“Turn It On Again” by Genesis (Sep 6) YT
“The Breaks” by Kurtis Blow (Sep 6) YT
“Dreamin’” by Cliff Richard (Sep 13) YT
“Theme From ‘The Dukes Of Hazzard’ (Good Ol’ Boys)” by Waylon Jennings (Sep 13) YT
“If You Should Sail” by Nielsen/Pearson (Sep 13) YT
“The Wanderer” by Donna Summer (Sep 20) YT 60%
“Master Blaster (Jammin’)” by Stevie Wonder (Sep 20) YT 80%
“Dreamer” by Supertramp (Sep 20) YT 75%
“That Girl Could Sing” by Jackson Browne (Sep 20) YT
“Let Me Talk” by Earth, Wind & Fire (Sep 20) YT
“More Than I Can Say” by Leo Sayer (Sep 27) YT 55%
“Lovely One” by The Jacksons (Sep 27) YT 75%
“I Believe In You” by Don Williams (Sep 27) YT 55%
“She’s So Cold” by Rolling Stones (Sep 27) YT
“This Time” by John Cougar (Sep 27) YT
“I’m Happy That Love Has Found You” by Jimmy Hall (Sep 27) YT
“Turning Japanese” by The Vapors (Sep 27) YT 60%
September 1980
Melvin and Howard (Sep 19) YT IMDb WP
The Exterminator (Sep 19) YT IMDb WP
In God We Tru$t (Sep 26) YT IMDb WP
My Bodyguard (Sep 26) YT IMDb WP
Resurrection (Sep 26) YT IMDb WP
September 1980
Text below from Leisure Time Electronics (Fall 1980)
Atari adds four home video games to its current list of 36 titles.
The company also announces plans to sponsor the first Space Invaders/Breakout National Championships. The contest will begin in the fall with five regional championships and end with a national finals in San Francisco.
One of the new home video games is Championship Soccer, which features a “scrolling” playing field. This feature gives viewers the impression that they are “hovering above the playing area, following the ball and the teams as they travel up and down the field.”
Maze Craze is a new multifaceted game that challenges two players to race through a maze, each chasing or avoiding “computer foes” which are also traveling through the maze. The game can increase in complexity in any of 256 ways.
Atari Video Checkers provides the player with nine levels of computer opposition, each one rising in game-skills.
In Dodge 'Em, a new drivers' game, the player/driver tries to avoid colliding with an oncoming computer car while gaining points for completing laps. However, with each successful lap the game gets harder.
A new dealer support plan from Atari includes the firm’s largest advertising campaign, National and local advertising, promotions, cooperative ads. display materials and an expanded public relations program are part of the campaign.
The ad campaign was slated to begin in early September with advertisements on primetime and major sports-event shows. Three different ads are involved, two for the VCS unit itself and one for the game cartridges.
Television advertising will be complemented by print ads in top consumer magazines.
Atari has also scheduled two special promotions for the third and fourth quarters. The Keyboard Savings promotion, which kicked off July 1 and will continue until September 30, gives a free set of keyboard controllers to consumers who buy A Game of Concentration and Codebreaker.
From November 15 to January 15, 1981, Atari will offer $5 rebate coupons on any two of 20 selected game cartridges. This promotion will be supplemented by direct-mailings to all registered VCS owners.
Posters for both the promotions are offered to dealers for display in their stores with Atari VCS cartridge catalogs.
The firm is also providing ready-made ad slicks, suggested radio announcements and suggested layouts for the dealer’s own ads. In addition, a five percent co-op allowance will be available to dealers.
The new public relations program will be geared to draw attention and major news coverage to Atari's major role in electronic games. A highlight of the program will be the Space Invaders/Breakout National Championships.
Activision Reports Sales Double Company Expectations
Activision, Independent designer and marketer of video game cartridges says orders booked during the first 100 days since its new game cartridges were released are more than double the company's original projections. The recently formed firm also reports that its planned 1980 production was “virtually sold out” during the recent Consumer Electronics Show which was held in Chicago.
Activision president Jim Levy notes that “programmable video game sales continue to grow at an annual 40 to 50 percent rate despite current economic unrest. In contrast to the uncertainty of sales of many other products, video game dealers find continued strength in game cartridge sales.”
The company demonstrated its first four games, designed for use with the Atari Video Computer System, at the summer CES. Shipments of Boxing, Fishing Derby, Checkers and Dragster commenced in July. The company also gave a sneak preview of two new titles scheduled to be released in December—Skiing and Bridge.
October 1980
“Lady” by Kenny Rogers (Oct 4) YT
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (Oct 4) YT 75%
“Never Be The Same” by Christopher Cross (Oct 11) YT
“Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometimes” by The Korgis (Oct 11) YT
“Sometimes A Fantasy” by Billy Joel (Oct 11) YT
“I Love Women” by Jim Hurt (Oct 11) YT
“Brite Eyes” by Robbin Thompson Band (Oct 18) YT
“Private Idaho” by The B-52’s (Oct 18) YT
“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang (Oct 25) YT 65%
“Every Woman In The World” by Air Supply (Oct 25) YT
“It’s My Turn” by Diana Ross (Oct 25) YT
“De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” by The Police (Oct 25) YT 65%
“Suddenly” by Olivia Newton-John & Cliff Richard (Oct 25) YT
“Ashes To Ashes” by David Bowi (Oct 25) YT [Bubbling Under Top 100]
October 1980
Coast to Coast (Oct 3) YT IMDb WP
The First Deadly Sin (Oct 3) YT IMDb WP
Oh, God! Book II (Oct 3) YT IMDb WP
One-Trick Pony (Oct 3) YT IMDb WP
Somewhere in Time (Oct 3) YT IMDb WP
Terror Train (Oct 3) YT IMDb WP
Song of the South (re-release) (Oct 8) YT IMDb WP
The Elephant Man (Oct 10) YT IMDb WP
Private Benjamin (Oct 10) YT IMDb WP
October 1980
Heathcliff ABC (Oct 4) YT IMDb WP
Thundarr the Barbarian ABC (Oct 4) YT IMDb WP
Blockbusters NBC (Oct 27) YT IMDb WP
Las Vegas Gambit NBC (Oct 27) YT IMDb WP
Ladies’ Man CBS (Oct 27) YT IMDb WP
November 1980
“Love On The Rocks” by Neil Diamond (Nov 1) YT
“Guilty” by Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb (Nov 1) YT
“(Just Like) Starting Over” by John Lennon (Nov 1) YT 65%
“I Love A Rainy Night” by Eddie Rabbitt (Nov 8) YT 65%
“Hungry Heart” by Bruce Springsteen (Nov 8) YT
“Stop This Game” by Cheap Trick (Nov 8) YT
“Could I Be Dreaming” by Pointer Sisters (Nov 8) YT
“The Tide Is High” by Blondie (Nov 15) YT 65%
“Remote Control” by The Reddings (Nov 15) YT
“Passion” by Rod Stewart (Nov 22) YT
“The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA (Nov 22) YT
“I Made It Through The Rain” by Barry Manilow (Nov 22) YT
“Time Is Time” by Andy Gibb (Nov 22) YT
“One Step Closer” by Doobie Brothers (Nov 22) YT
“Killin’ Time” by Fred Knoblock & Susan Anton (Nov 22) YT
“He Can’t Love You” by Michael Stanley Band (Nov 22) YT
“I Need Your Lovin'” by Teena Marie (Nov 22) YT
“9 To 5” by Dolly Parton (Nov 29) YT 60%
“Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon (Nov 29) YT
“Hey Nineteen” by Steely Dan (Nov 29) YT 70%
“Miss Sun” by Boz Scaggs (Nov 29) YT 80%
“Smokey Mountain Rain” by Ronnie Milsap (Nov 29) YT
“Cold Love” by Donna Summer (Nov 29) YT
November 1980
Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo ABC (Nov 8) YT IMDb WP
Too Close for Comfort ABC (Nov 11) YT IMDb WP
Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters NBC (Nov 18) YT IMDb WP
December 1980
Bridge (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from Leisure Time Electronics and the Klove list. The earliest mention of Bridge in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from December 25, 1980.
Creative Computing Magazine (Mar 81 p64)
Newspaper: Brіdge $24.88 (Dec 18, 80)
Newspaper: Brіdge $22.88 (Dec 25, 80)
Newspaper: Brіdge $24.88 (Dec 28, 80)
December 1980
Skiing (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from Leisure Time Electronics and the Klove list. The earliest mention of Skiing in a newspaper ad that I've found so far was from December 18, 1980.
Date of Publication: Dec 1, 80
Registration Date: Feb 3, 83
Creative Computing Magazine (Mar 81 p64)
Creative Computing Magazine (Sep 81 p240)
Newspaper: Skiіng $18.88 (Dec 18, 80)
Newspaper: Skiіng (Dec 18, 80)
Newspaper: Skiіng (Dec 24, 80)
Newspaper: Skiіng $18.78 (Dec 25, 80)
Newspaper: Skiіng $18.88. (Dec 28, 80)
December 1980
“Giving It Up For Your Love” by Delbert McClinton (Dec 6) YT
“Games People Play” by Alan Parsons Project (Dec 6) YT
“Heartbreak Hotel” by The Jacksons (Dec 6) YT 95%
“Fashion” by David Bowie (Dec 6) YT
“Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg (Dec 13) YT
“I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It” by Stevie Wonder (Dec 13) YT
“A Little In Love” by Cliff Richard (Dec 13) YT
“Ah! Leah!” by Donnie Iris (Dec 13) YT 60%
“Breakfast In America” by Supertramp (Dec 13) YT 80%
“What Can You Get A Wookie For Christmas (When He Already Owns A Comb?)” by Star Wars Intergalactic Droid Choir and Chorale (Dec 13) YT
“Seven Bridges Road” by The Eagles (Dec 20) YT
“Back In Black” by AC/DC (Dec 20) YT 55%
“Who’s Making Love” by The Blues Brothers (Dec 20) YT
“(Ghost) Riders In The Sky” by The Outlaws (Dec 27) YT
“United Together” by Aretha Franklin (Dec 27) YT
“I Yam What I Yam” by Robin Williams (Popeye) (Dec 27) YT [Bubbling Under Top 100]
December 1980
A Change of Seasons (Dec 1) YT IMDb WP
The Competition (Dec 3) YT IMDb WP
Flash Gordon (Dec 5) YT IMDb WP
Stir Crazy (Dec 12) YT IMDb WP
Any Which Way You Can (Dec 17) YT IMDb WP
The Formula (Dec 19) YT IMDb WP
The Jazz Singer (Dec 19) YT IMDb WP
Nine to Five (Dec 19) YT IMDb WP
Raging Bull (Dec 19) YT IMDb WP
Seems Like Old Times (Dec 19) YT IMDb WP
December 1980
Freebie and the Bean CBS (Dec 6) YT IMDb WP
Secrets of Midland Heights CBS (Dec 6) YT IMDb WP
1980
Information Compiled From the Following Sources
The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers
Atari History Museum (Atari Historical Society)
Rock on the Net: The Ark Weekly Top 40 Archives
WP: List of Years in Television
Special thanks to Gideon Marcus, www.galacticjourney.org (55 years ago in Science Fact and Fiction), for the use of his release date chart from the early days of the Atari VCS.
Buy an E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Cartridge at Amazon (#ad)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial T-Shirt (#ad)
I Paused My Game to Be Here T-Shirt (#ad)
Retro Pop Culture A to Z: From Atari 2600 to Zombie Films (#ad)
Adventure: The Atari 2600 at the Dawn of Console Gaming (#ad)
Atari Flashback: The Essential Companion (#ad)
ATARI 2600 Unofficial / Unauthorized Reference Manual Vol. I (A-M) (#ad)
Atari 2600 Unofficial / Unauthorized Reference Manual Vol. II (N-Z) (#ad)
A Compendium of Atari 2600 Games - Volume One (#ad)
Racing the Beam: The Atari Video Computer System (#ad)
Atari Owners Club Bulletin / VCS Owners Club Bulletin
Find release dates for Atari 2600 games that were sold in the UK.
A chronological history of computers, video games, and related technologies (at archive.org).
Did you know that Trump's rushed Operation Warp Speed rona jab has less than one percent overall benefit? Some people call it the depopulation jab and it has many possible horrible side effects (depending on the lot number, concentration, and if it was kept cold). Remember when many Democrats were against Trump's Operation Warp Speed depopulation jab, then they quickly changed their minds when Biden flip-flopped and started pushing it?
Some brainwashed rona jab cultists claim that there are no victims of the jab, but person after person will post what the jab did to them, a friend, or a family member on web sites such as Facebook and they'll be lucky if they don't get banned soon after. Posting the truth is “misinformation” don't you know. Awakened sheep might turn into lions, so powerful people will do just about anything to keep the sheep from waking up.
Check out these videos:
If You Got the COVID Shot and Aren't Injured, This May Be Why
Thought Experiment: What Happens After the Jab?
The Truth About Polio and Vaccines
What Is Causing the Mysterious Self-Assembling Non-Organic Clots and Sudden Deaths?
Take a look at my page about the famous demonized medicines called The H Word and Beyond. You might also want to look at my page called Zinc and Quercetin. My sister and I have been taking zinc and quercetin since the summer of 2020 in the hopes that they would scare away the flu and other viruses (or at least make them less severe). Here's one more page to check out: My Sister's Experiences With COVID-19.
Some people appear to have a mental illness because they have a vitamin B deficiency. For example, the wife of a guy I used to chat with online had severe mood swings which seemed to be caused by food allergies or intolerances. She would became irrational, obnoxious, throw tantrums, and generally act like she had a mental illness. The horrid behavior stopped after she started taking a vitamin B complex. I've been taking Jarrow B-Right (#ad) for many years. It makes me much easier to live with. I wonder how many people with schizophrenia and other mental mental illnesses could be helped by taking a B complex once or twice a day with meals (depending on their weight)?
Unfermented soy is bad! “When she stopped eating soy, the mental problems went away.” Fermented soy doesn't bother me, but the various versions of unfermented soy (soy flour, soybean oil, and so on) that are used in all kinds of products these days causes a negative mental health reaction in me that a vitamin B complex can't tame. The sinister encroachment of soy has made the careful reading of ingredients a necessity.
I started taking AyaLife (99% Pure CBD oil) as needed in April of 2020. So far it's the only thing that helps my mood when I've mistakenly eaten something that contains soy. AyaLife is THC-free (non-psychoactive) and is made in the USA. I also put a couple dropper fulls under my tongue before leaving the house or if I just need to calm down.
It's supposedly common knowledge that constantly angry Antifa-types basically live on soy products. What would happen if they stopped eating and drinking soy sludge and also took a B complex every day? Would a significant number of them become less angry? Would AyaLife CBD oil also help?
If you are overweight, have type II diabetes, or are worried about the condition of your heart, check out the videos by Ken D Berry, William Davis, and Ivor Cummins. It seems that most people should avoid wheat, not just those who have a wheat allergy or celiac disease. Check out these books: Undoctored (#ad), Wheat Belly (#ad), and Eat Rich, Live Long (#ad).
Negative ions are good for us. You might want to avoid positive ion generators and ozone generators. A plain old air cleaner is better than nothing, but one that produces negative ions makes the air in a room fresher and easier for me to breathe. It also helps to brighten my mood.
Never litter. Toss it in the trash or take it home. Do not throw it on the ground. Also remember that good people clean up after themselves at home, out in public, at a campsite and so on. Leave it better than you found it.
Climate Change Cash Grab = Bad
Seems like more people than ever finally care about water, land, and air pollution, but the climate change cash grab scam is designed to put more of your money into the bank accounts of greedy politicians. Those power-hungry schemers try to trick us with bad data and lies about overpopulation while pretending to be caring do-gooders. Trying to eliminate pollution is a good thing, but the carbon footprint of the average law-abiding human right now is actually making the planet greener instead of killing it.
Eliminating farms and ranches, eating bugs, getting locked down in 15-minute cities, owning nothing, using digital currency (with expiration dates) that is tied to your social credit score, and paying higher taxes will not make things better and “save the Earth.” All that stuff is part of an agenda that has nothing to do with making the world a better place for the average person. It's all about control, depopulation, and making things better for the ultra-rich. They just want enough peasants left alive to keep things running smoothly.
Watch these two videos for more information:
Charlie Robinson had some good advice about waking up normies (see the link to the video below). He said instead of verbally unloading or being nasty or acting like a bully, ask the person a question. Being nice and asking a question will help the person actually think about the subject.
Interesting videos:
Charlie Robinson Talks About the Best Way to Wake Up Normies
Disclaimer
View this page and any external web sites at your own risk. I am not responsible for any possible spiritual, emotional, physical, financial or any other damage to you, your friends, family, ancestors, or descendants in the past, present, or future, living or dead, in this dimension or any other.
If reading this page opens a time vortex back to 1980, the good news is that I've heard there are infinite timelines and you can't do any damage to the timeline you came from. The bad news is that you can't return to your original timeline in the future, so enter the time vortex at your own risk.