# 8-Bit Action Figures Dan Polydoris' Atari 2600 Action Figures Pay Tribute to Retro Console Games By Michael Hines | Published 2013-11-22 | Updated 2013-11-25 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-2600-action-figures References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2013/11/21/custom-activisionatari-2600-action-figures/) & [danpolydoris](http://www.danpolydoris.com/) Dan Polydoris is the man behind these [Atari 2600](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-go) Action Figures. These toys are based off of the 8-bit characters from classic games such as 'Pitfall!' and 'Frostbite.' What makes these action figures so awesome is that Polydoris had little to go off of when making them. Each character in the game was made up of few pixels and even fewer colors. The Atari 2600 Action Figures all started life as G.I. Joe action figures but some paint and imagination was all it took to completely change their look. Polydoris even took the trouble of creating packaging for the action figures, something which is sure to please gamer geeks who remember the good old days of the Atari 2600. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Retro Gaming Merchandise:** The popularity of retro gaming creates an opportunity for the creation of unique merchandise, such as Dan Polydoris' Atari 2600 Action Figures. - **DIY Customization:** Polydoris' use of repurposed G.I. Joe action figures highlights the potential for DIY customization of existing toys and figures. - **Nostalgia Marketing:** The success of the Atari 2600 Action Figures shows the potential for marketing campaigns that tap into consumers' nostalgia for classic video games and consoles. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can explore the opportunity to create retro gaming action figures and merchandise to appeal to consumers' love of classic video games. - **Collectibles and Memorabilia:** Companies that specialize in collectibles and memorabilia can expand their offerings to include retro gaming merchandise, such as Dan Polydoris' Atari 2600 Action Figures. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising agencies can help companies tap into consumers' nostalgia for classic video games and consoles by creating campaigns that leverage this sentiment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Anniversary-Celebrating Retro Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-xp.md) - [Reimagined Retro Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-2600-console.md) - [Retro Arcade Circuit Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-1.md) - [Modernized Nostalgic Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-pro.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Hot Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-sauce.md) - [Hero-Inspired Toy Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jada-toys.md) - [Mobile Retro-Inspired Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-go.md) - [Vibrant Retro Game Cartridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mr-run-and-jump.md) - [Pixelated Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minecraft-legends-portal.md)