In the near future video games may attain the exalted levels of cultural respect now reserved for pop jingles and situation comedies. When that happens, consumers and collectors alike may discover a reverence for artifacts from gaming's misty past (also known as the 1970s and 80s).

Sotheby's New York believes that moment is now. In its auction next Thursday, Fine Books and Manuscripts Including Americana, Lot 151 will be an archive of roughly 2,200 drawings, schematics, diagrams and other documents generated in the early 1980s by Atari, arguably America's most important video game pioneer.

Estimated sale price: $150,000 to $250,000.

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