'E.T.' Atari Games Unearthed From New Mexico Landfill

If you're familiar with video game lore, you're probably aware of the Alamogordo Landfill in New Mexico. As legend has it, Atari buried thousands -- some say

Here it is up close - the very first ET cartridge exhumed after 30 years pic.twitter.com/nb8tv33w8F

— Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus 📱⌨️🖱️🎮 (@majornelson) April 26, 2014

If you're familiar with video game lore, you're probably aware of the Alamogordo Landfill in New Mexico. As legend has it, Atari buried thousands -- some say millions -- of copies of 1982's E.T. video game at the site due to the game being an unparalleled commercial and critical failure. Over the years, the story has inspired countless message board debates -- and even the creation of The Mooninites -- but has remained confined to the realm of urban legend... until this past week, that is, when excavators uncovered copies of the famous game.

Epic day! After 30+ years, a successful ET Atari recovery! #digginget #atari #xbox pic.twitter.com/2eg8EaofL8

— Elan Lee (@elanlee) April 26, 2014

The dig was organized by Fuel Entertainment and Xbox Entertainment Studios as part of an upcoming documentary on the game.

exciting news