Rare Two-Player Computer Space Arcade Machine Up for Auction

A rare, sparkling emerald 1973 two-player Computer Space arcade machine is currently up for grabs in a major online retro technology auction. Renowned game developer David Perry is selling this fully functional piece of gaming history through RR Auction, where bidding is already underway and expected to easily surpass $20,000 before the event concludes this August. This incredibly scarce cabinet represents a pivotal moment in the dawn of the interactive entertainment industry, capturing the attention of wealthy collectors and gaming historians worldwide.

The eye-catching machine features a futuristic, bulbous fiberglass body coated in a glittering green finish that resembles a retro-futuristic stalagmite. Unlike its single-player predecessor, this July 1973 model boasts a control panel equipped with two rotational joysticks topped with red firing buttons, alongside a classic 25-cent coin slot and a green start button. Despite its age, the unit remains in fine condition with only minor cosmetic scuffs, and its original screen and internal electronic components light up and function perfectly.

The lineage of Computer Space traces back to late 1971, when creators Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney designed the original single-player version under Syzygy Engineering. Heavily inspired by the 1962 computer game Spacewar!, this initial release holds the title of the world's first commercial arcade video game. While the partnership between the designers and distributor Nutting Associates dissolved shortly after—leading Bushnell and Dabney to found Atari and launch the legendary game Pong—Nutting independently produced this upgraded two-player sequel in 1973.

Industry insiders and historians consider this specific two-player variant to be one of the rarest arcade cabinets in existence, with most surviving units residing exclusively in specialized technology museums. Its cultural footprint extends beyond the arcade floor and directly into early Hollywood history. A custom white version of the cabinet famously made the first-ever cinematic appearance of a video game in the 1973 science-fiction film Soylent Green, while a yellow cabinet later made a prominent cameo in the 1975 blockbuster thriller Jaws.

The sale of this cabinet highlights the skyrocketing value of early computing and gaming artifacts among modern collectors. As part of a broader auction celebrating the pioneers of the digital age, including Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, the machine serves as a physical monument to the birth of commercial gaming. It bridges the gap between primitive university computer labs of the mid-twentieth century and the multi-billion-dollar global entertainment industry of today.

As the final gavel approaches, the high-profile sale is poised to set a new benchmark for vintage arcade preservation and valuation. While Nutting Associates closed its doors decades ago in 1976, the legacy of its early innovations continues to thrive through active preservation efforts and retro-gaming enthusiasts. This landmark auction ensures that a vital piece of interactive history transitions into the hands of a dedicated custodian who will safeguard it for future generations to appreciate.

Originally reported by Engadget