Space Invaders – the game that invaded arcades worldwide in the late 1970s and sparked the golden age of video gaming!
So I was just wondering of a game to post about and well I said, why not start with the first all time classic!
Well, while not technically the very first arcade game (pioneers like Computer Space in 1971 and Pong in 1972 came before it), Space Invaders was one of the earliest to achieve explosive global popularity, defining the “fixed shooter” genre and raking in billions in quarters. If you’re nostalgic for those beeping aliens marching down the screen, I’ve got the history, free online plays of the original 1978 version, and links to snag a real arcade cabinet today.
A Brief History of Space Invaders
Developed by Tomohiro Nishikado at a Japanese company called Taito, Space Invaders hit Japanese arcades on April 19, 1978 (some sources cite June), and was licensed to Midway for a North American release in November 1978. Nishikado drew inspiration from Atari’s Breakout, electro-mechanical gun games like Target, and sci-fi classics such as H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, Space Battleship Yamato, and Star Wars.
Nishikado spent over a year prototyping on custom hardware: an Intel 8080 microprocessor, bitmapped graphics for smooth alien movement, and a Texas Instruments SN76477 sound chip for those iconic marching tones and explosions.
In the game, you control a laser base at the bottom, blasting waves of descending aliens arranged in formation. They march back and fourth left and right, gradually dropping toward you while firing at you. You must destroy them all to advance waves – but as fewer aliens remain, they speed up relentlessly! Destructible barriers provide cover, and a rare mystery saucer zips across for bonus points. No timers – just endless escalation until the invaders overrun you.
The impact? Phenomenal. Over 100,000 cabinets sold in Japan within months, 750,000 worldwide by 1979. It grossed $3.8 billion in quarters (about $10 billion today), with Taito netting $450 million profit – the highest-grossing game ever at the time.
The 1980 Atari 2600 port sold 6+ million copies, quadrupling console sales and becoming its first “killer app” you might say, haha. Later innovations like reactive enemies, dynamic speed/audio, and high-score tables, inspired other games like Galaga and other types of shooters.
Space Invaders was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2016.
Play the Original Space Invaders Online for Free
Dust off your mouse or keyboard and relive the B&W classic (original Taito version was monochrome; Midway’s US port added color overlays). Note that these games might not work on your phone. Not really sure on that one.
Desktop/Laptop: Above – Click Play Now and let it load. X Out the ad (Don’t click the Ad). Then Click and Hit [Enter] and then Hit [Enter] again, and then once more Hit [Enter] and select your screen type. When the game preview screen displays Hit [Q] to insert a quarter, then [Enter]to Start Game. Left and Right arrow keys and [Z] to Fire. Enjoy!
These are faithful emulations/clones of the 1978 arcade original – no modern twists:
- RetroGames.cc Space Invaders (USA) — Real Classic emulation of the arcade ROM for the most hardware-accurate experience.
- Free Invaders: Clean, no-fuss browser play. Authentic B&W graphics, marching invaders, barriers, UFO saucer, speed ramp-up, and retro sounds. Easy to play using a keyboard.
- PCjs Space Invaders Emulator: Hardware-accurate emulation of the Intel 8080-based original cabinet. Spot-on mechanics and era-correct feel. I didn’t play this one, but it looks just like the original.
- Free 80s Arcade: Token-free emulation with classic controls (arrows + spacebar). Perfect for quick sessions. It says: This game is mobile phone and Iphone compatible. But who knows. Give it a try. Works great on a desktop.
Buy a Real Space Invaders Arcade Cabinet Today
Own a piece of history! Options range from rare originals (restored, $3,000–$10,000+) to official mini replicas ($200–$400) and new LCD builds ($2,000+ with extras). Prices fluctuate – specially with shipping.
| Type | Description | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original/Restored Full-Size | Fully serviced vintage Taito/Midway cabinets with original boards & monitors. | $3,500+ | Arcade Specialties • Vintage Arcade • eBay Listings |
| New Full-Size Builds | Modern LCD recreations with authentic artwork; some multi-game. Free play mode. | $2,000–$4,000 | Land of Oz Arcades • Game Room Shop |
| Mini/Quarter-Scale | Official Taito-licensed 1/4 replicas. Fully playable, collectible. | $200–$300 | Numskull on eBay/Amazon • Quarter Arcades |
Gotta love how this little 1978 gem basically lit the fuse for everything in video gaming that came after. For me, when I was 10 lol, it was the spark that turned quarters into memories and arcades into second homes. And, it also caught my curiosity of computers.
So, stay tuned – more retro blasts coming your way with some classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, Asteroids, Missile Command, or if we can find a good free to play Donkey Kong, that would be fun. Who knows what we’ll find after some digging. We love the history and finding the free plays, the cabinet hunts – all the good stuff to keep the fun nostalgia rolling.