Categories: News

E.T. Atari 2600 cartridges finally unearthed in New Mexico landfill

As a gamer old enough to appreciate the Atari 2600 and the E.T. The Extra Terrestrial game (which really wasn’t that terrible), I never totally believed the urban legend that unsold E.T. stock was dumped into a landfill in New Mexico and buried for all eternity.

Well as part of their original Xbox film, Atari: Game Over (working title), Fuel Entertainment and Xbox Entertainment Studios — after getting permission to dig at the Alamogordo Landfill — were able to hit the jackpot and unearth a surprisingly well preserved cache of old E.T. The Extra Terrestrial game cartridges, boxes and manuals. I’m still a bit skeptical, but hey, they have proof and an amazing story, which will be documented in the upcoming film.

They also apparently found other Atari 2600 paraphernalia, accessories and games too, so it sounds like it’ll be worth watching when they finish producing the documentary.

Head on over to Xbox Wire for the details on the dig, and check out some of the video footage and photos below.

The Dig: Xbox Entertainment Studios Unearths E.T. Cartridges:
[youtube_sc url=”8jHpOsJQaHM”]

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial at the Alamogordo Landfill:

Paul Bryant

Staff Writer

Recent Posts

You won’t have to wait long for the MARVEL MaXimum Collection as it’s set to arrive on March 27th!

Punish yourself by trying to beat Silver Surfer before Q2 2026!

14 hours ago

Battlefield REDSEC players can get a taste of Battlefield 6 as a week long free trial kicks off March 17th

We're curious to find out what the conversion rate is when the dust has settled.

1 day ago

Silent Hill 2 remake hits five million units sold worldwide

I’ve already made the “franchise’s future is bright” quip when it sold 2 million units…

1 day ago

Dave the Diver goes in-land in a new DLC set to release on June 18th

I’m biting my tongue trying not to make a Guns n’ Roses joke.

1 day ago

Nintendo eShop Update – WWE 2K26, FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE, Monster Hunter Stories 3

Check out the plethora of new eShop titles launching for Nintendo Switch platforms this week…

2 days ago

Victrix gives their Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick a Street Fighter II inspired look as Capcom Cup 12 kicks off!

Never thought we would get a “one more thing” in a press release…but there’s always…

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.