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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPaul G. Allen’s collection appeared in three Christie’s sales scheduled for August and September 2024—not one upcoming auction. The lots ranged from Puma computer-connected running shoes and a Pac-Man arcade game to a meteorite, space-age art and historic documents. The dollar figures reported at the time were pre-sale estimates, not final sale prices or current valuations.
Three sales, not one
The headline’s “upcoming” referred to the schedule when GeekWire published its preview on August 21, 2024. The two online sales were scheduled for August 23 through September 12, and the live New York sale for September 10. All three dates have passed.
KUOW identified the sales as Firsts: The History of Computing from the Paul G. Allen Collection, Over the Horizon: Art of the Future from the Paul G. Allen Collection, and Pushing Boundaries: Ingenuity from the Paul G. Allen Collection. The computing sale included early machines and software-related material; the art sale explored visions of space travel and technological futures; the live sale brought together technology, art and history. GeekWire’s 2024 preview and KUOW’s report describe the announced events.
Notable lots and the estimates reported in 2024
The estimates below were reported before the sales. The coverage cited here does not establish realized prices, condition details sufficient for a valuation comparison, or current market values.
#1 Best Overall
- 14 Classic Games Included: Play PAC-MAN, Galaga, Dig Dug, Pac-Land, Mappy, and more—14 built-in titles deliver hours of iconic retro arcade fun at home
- Authentic Arcade Experience: Real-feel joystick and buttons let you dodge ghosts, eat pellets, and chase high scores just like you did in the arcade
- Crisp 17-Inch Display: BOE color monitor brings every glowing maze and character to life with sharp visuals that stay true to the original arcade look
- Wi-Fi Leaderboards: Compete with players across the country by posting high scores online using built-in Wi-Fi—no quarters required
- Deluxe Cabinet Design: Over 5 feet tall with a light-up marquee, molded faux coin door, and sleek cabinet that adds retro style to any game room or space
| Object | Reported estimate | What made it notable |
|---|---|---|
| Puma RS-Computer shoes | $1,000–$2,000 | GeekWire described these as a 2018 re-release of Puma’s 1986 running shoe design. A chip in the heel, USB charging and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity distinguished the pair; the report said 86 pairs were released and identified the pair as size 9. |
| Strati 3D-printed car | $5,000–$8,000 | GeekWire reported that Local Motors printed the chassis and body panels using a large-scale 3D printer. The car had 49 parts and reportedly took about 44 hours to print. |
| Pac-Man arcade game | $2,000–$3,000 | A classic arcade game among the computing and technology-related objects. |
| Microsoft green-eyed mouse | $1,000–$1,500 | GeekWire said the auction description noted an optical sensor rather than ball tracking, along with an ergonomic shape. |
| Titanic first-class luncheon menu, dated April 14, 1912 | $30,000–$50,000 | GeekWire reported that the menu was associated with first-class passenger Abraham Lincoln Salomon, who survived the disaster. |
| Matchless Canyon Diablo meteorite | $100,000–$150,000 | As relayed by GeekWire from the lot description, the meteorite was more than 4 billion years old and came from an impact near present-day Winslow, Arizona, about 49,000 years ago. |
| Atari Pong home console with a pale yellow Toshiba television | $3,000–$5,000 | GeekWire placed Pong’s arrival in home gaming in 1975. |
| Two Henri Cartier-Bresson photographs | $4,000–$6,000 | GeekWire described them as scenes at the John F. Kennedy Space Center from the 1960s. |
| 1960s astronaut spacesuits | $10,000–$150,000 | KUOW reported this estimate range for the spacesuits. |
| Jacques Cousteau pitchbook from 1966 | Up to $15,000 | KUOW reported an estimate of up to this amount. |
| Einstein letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt | $4–$6 million | KUOW reported that only two versions existed, with one held by the FDR Presidential Library. The figure was the reported estimate, not a confirmed sale price. |
What the collection covered
The computing material extended beyond machines: KUOW listed a 1892 Tate’s arithmometer, a 1959 IBM 7090 mainframe, microcomputers, coding printouts, early Microsoft memos and a Vulcan Technologies drone alongside the Puma shoes. The other sales connected technological history with art and exploration, including the space-related photographs, astronaut suits and Cousteau material.
Christie’s America Chairman Marc Porter described the breadth of the objects as unprecedented for the market and said the collection documented human science and technological ingenuity. KUOW also quoted Porter saying Allen collected, preserved and—in dozens of cases—restored objects, drawing inspiration from them while sharing many publicly. These are Porter’s characterizations, as reported by KUOW.
Rank #2
- RETRO GRAPHICS: Immerse yourself in nostalgia with the Arcade Classics Pac-Man’s classic arcade graphics that look just like the original!
- AUTHENTIC GAMEPLAY: Use the joystick to guide Pac-Man through the mazes as you collect Pac-Dots and power-ups. Just don’t get caught by those sneaky ghosts!
- FULL COLOR SCREEN: With a brighter, full color screen that makes it easy to see the characters and dots, you’ll be cruising through those mazes like a pro.
- CLASSIC MUSIC: Pac-Man fans will love the authentic music and sounds that play just like the original arcade game.
- SHARE AND COLLECT: Arcade Classics are a must-have retro toy for collectors or for anyone looking to share this classic toy with the next generation!
How to read the auction figures
A pre-sale estimate is not a final price, a guarantee of what an object would sell for, or a present-day appraisal. The published estimates help show how the reported lots were positioned before the 2024 sales, but they do not reveal the hammer prices or provide enough information about condition to compare the objects as investments. The cited reports do not establish current availability or value.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 🎮Officially Licensed: This is an officially licensed Bandai Namco title, ensuring an authentic gaming experience.
- Nostalgic Gaming: Relive the classic Pac-Man experience with this miniaturized arcade game featuring authentic gameplay, graphics, and sounds. This pocket-sized game features a high-resolution 2.75-inch full-color vertical display, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classic gameplay.
- 🔋 Portable Gameplay: Powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) or by a USB-C cable (not included), this portable game lets you enjoy Pac-Man adventures on-the-go
- 🎯IMPORTANT NOTE: Peel off the protective screen sticker before use. Press START/CREDIT to add coins to start game. Built-in speaker: Volume control and Adjustable screen brightness for better gameplay.
- 🎵Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you enjoy Pac-Man on the go on your own privately.
Rank #3
- 3 Classic Games: Enjoy 3 legendary games on a countertop arcade machine with real-feel joysticks, buttons, and authentic arcade-style gameplay
- Immersive Gaming Fun: Features a crisp 7" LCD screen that brings retro graphics to life with bright colors and sharp details for immersive gaming fun
- Portable Design: With the flexibility to power with 4 "AA" batteries (not included) or by micro-USB plus a built-in handle for effortless portability, the arcade excitement can follow you anywhere
- Retro Charm: Featuring a sleek, countertop design, light-up marquee, this machine adds retro charm to any game room, office, or entertainment space
- Arcade Soundtracks: Dual speakers deliver classic arcade soundtracks and effects just like you remember, bringing every game to life with rich audio
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
