I’d like to make a LOT of Phoenixes, but if I have to go stomping around Madison or hit eBay to get an Atari for, even every other one I make (assuming 50% orders have a trade), it’s going to take a lot of my time and therefore reduce the number available to the public. I’ve spent entire afternoons running around looking for a single Atari to no avail, I don’t want that getting in the way of this project I’ve worked so long on.

I have therefore decided that an Atari 2600 4-Switch trade-in will be REQUIRED for Phoenix purchases. (Click the name or here to do an instant eBay search for one, it’s easy!)

Think of it this way – if I have to go find an Atari I’ll hit the same kind of places you can: eBay, used game stores, rummage sales, friends, parent’s garage. (I don’t have a magical hat I can pull them out of) You as the purchaser will only have to do this once, whereas I’d have to look 5-10 times a week. That just won’t work for me.

Hopefully this isn’t too much of a drag on people. But the good news is I’m mentioning it now because I plan to start taking orders TOMORROW (as in Tuesday the19th) So if you’d like a Phoenix, start digging up those Ataris! (Or use the above link to find one)

Oh, one more thing. If you have my book (or plan to buy it) you can use the techniques in Chapter 15 to hack your Atari into a 4″ square and just send me that. I’ll take $10 off the price and it’ll save you on shipping weight/size… Yippee!

Oh, bonus: Here’s a pic of textured-case Phoenix #0002 This is pretty much what the production models will look like (the volume knob might turn silver to balance the paddle)