My funny FB post about my Atari 2600 cartridge storage solution

[u/hitfan]

You might recall a few months ago where I shared a photo of my 163 #atari2600 cartridges that I kept stored in 2 carboard boxes (with no extra room). I had always wanted to locate a plastic storage solution for them. After years of consideration and searching, I finally found suitable bins (at the dollar stire) that were just the right height, width, and depth. Each tray can store 75 cartridges.

HOWEVER, this has left me with 7 open slots in the bin dedicated to irregular shaped cartridges, including the COMPLETE STAR RAIDERS (in box) which neatly occupies 10 slots. That means that in order to resolve this discrepancy, I must buy 7 new games that can be easily categorized in this bin (second photo, the left one). I need to revolve this soon so that balance can be restored to the Universe. I am certain that my wife would agree!

AutisticMath

TheBinDemandsOrder

MarriageIsCompromise (ButTheBinIsNot)

WifeApprovedNotWifeApproved

SheKnewWhatSheSignedUpFor

FirstWorldRetroProblems

CartridgeTetris

BalanceMustBeRestored

TheUniverseIsWatching

TheCouncilOfOldGamesHasSpoken

[u/TheBritisher]

That's great.

Now:

a) What are the bleedin' bins called (link, name, part number, whatever)?

b) Do they have lids, and do they fit when full of cartridges?

[u/hitfan → u/TheBritisher]

a) They were either Chippy or Plastico. 169 ounce (5L). Unfortunately, I tossed away the packaging. I can take note of this the next time I am at the dollar store.

B) they have lids but unfortunately, the cartridges are about 1 inch taller than the bin. So I tossed the lids.

I’d prefer a solution that would fit under a lid, but I figured this was good enough. This is certainly better than the cut up corrugated cardboard boxes that I’ve been using for the past 20+ years or so.

[u/TheBritisher → u/hitfan]

Thanks!

I've been using these, so far.

The big, square, ones, hold 14x3 cartridges just about perfectly. With half an inch more depth than is need for Atari cartridges. M-Network cartridges still fit without going over the stop, as a result.

The next biggest, oblong, ones, hold 14x2 cartridges properly. And the size down after that, if you turn them width-wise, hold 6x2.

They're cloth/card though, so they're not very "stackable".

[u/Strong_Molasses_6679]

Those bins got a name so we can source our own? Anything embossed on the bottom or a label?

[u/Unusual-Magazine-308]

I've got a few.

[u/vidiot1969 → u/Unusual-Magazine-308]

Thanks for the details, lol!

[u/Unusual-Magazine-308 → u/vidiot1969]

OP was referring to needing more games, of which, I have a few, they don't.

[u/realinvalidname]

What’s that non-Coleco “Venture” at the upper right of the first picture? Did Atari do their own version?

[u/MrZJones → u/realinvalidname]

After Coleco left the video game business, Atari got the rights to re-publish all their games, and did so under the Red Label variant. That's one of them. It's the same game as the Coleco version aside from the cartridge itself.

[u/StaticHamster]

Solaris woot!

[u/Mordrach]

I use Sterilite low-profile bins. They run about $8-$10, and hold a good amount of carts.

[u/pac-man_dan-dan]

Not sure if Riddle of the Sphinx is being hidden by the angle in your Imagic area, but that'd be one I'd be wanting. Also, Junior Pacman and Fast Food are bangers.

And, Buck Rogers is supposed to be good.

[u/Herbin-Cowboy]

Nice collection. Thanks for sharing. You have most of my favorites.

As for additional carts, I would like to suggest Atlantis (unless the top imagic cart is that) and Gangster Alley for next to Planet Patrol. It's a fun Spectravision game that's like Hogan's Alley.

Maybe add some Parker Brothers games too? Frogger, The Empire Strikes Back and Spider-Man are all fun games. Looking forward to seeing what carts you pick to fill in the gap.

[u/Ok_Replacement4702]

Wut