Rare 1973 Two-Player Computer Space Arcade Machine, Once Owned by David Perry, Up for Auction

A rare and fully functional 1973 two-player Computer Space arcade machine, a pivotal artifact in the nascent history of video games, is currently available for bidding through RR Auction. This particular vintage cabinet comes from the esteemed personal collection of David Perry, a prominent figure in the gaming industry renowned for his work as the programmer behind the beloved game "Earthworm Jim" and as a co-founder of Gaikai, a cloud gaming service later acquired by Sony.

The two-player iteration of Computer Space, which debuted in mid-1973, represents a significant evolutionary step from its 1971 single-player predecessor. The original Computer Space was a groundbreaking creation by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, the visionary founders of Syzygy Engineering, a company that would soon evolve into the legendary Atari. This early arcade game was a crucial precursor to the widespread commercial success that Atari would later achieve, marking a monumental moment in the transition from experimental electronic entertainment to a burgeoning industry.

The machine itself is a striking example of retrofuturistic design, encased in a distinctive sparkly green fiberglass shell. Its control panel is a testament to the era's arcade technology, featuring a 25-cent coin slot for gameplay initiation, a coin return button, a prominent red "Start Game" button, and a dedicated green button labeled "Two Player Operation." Adding to its authentic appeal, the cabinet retains its original rotational joysticks, each capped with a red "Fire Missile" button, evoking the intense gameplay of its time. The unit is reported to be in working condition, a remarkable feat for an artifact of its age, though it does exhibit minor scuffing on its exterior. Crucially, it includes its original, functional screen and interior lighting, ensuring an immersive and authentic retro gaming experience for any collector.

This exceptionally rare two-player Computer Space arcade machine is being presented as a highlight within RR Auction's "Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction Part Two" event. This auction series is dedicated to showcasing pivotal items from the dawn of the personal computer age and the technological innovations that shaped modern computing and digital culture. Bidding for the Computer Space cabinet is currently live and is scheduled to conclude on August 20, 2026, at 7 PM ET. Initial estimates from RR Auction project that the final sale price for this historical piece of gaming and technological heritage will exceed $20,000 USD, underscoring its considerable value to collectors and enthusiasts of early computing and video game history.