What was the earliest 'collection/compilation'?

[Cornelius]

I was just going through and adding a bunch of stuff to my collection list on rfgeneration and was surprised to see Pac-Man Collection for the 7800 (while adding Ms. Pac-Man). It made me wonder what the earliest compilation of games was that saw a commercial release. I have in mind consoles in particular, but feel free to expand to PC if you like.

[7th lutz]

I think it the Atari 2600 Action Pack for the pc. I am saying that because I remembered seeing it seing before the Williams collection.

For game consoles I have to say Arcade Smash hits for the genesis in North America.

[xmagxus]

I might be wrong but i think it was:
Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits - SNES (also on saturn and ps one)

[tom]

here's MS Arcade Pack, came out before Atari Action Packs:
but in the 80s there was a Software Toolworks compilation for A8, C64 containing Life, Eliza, Pong etc. Can't remember the title.
And Firebirds Arcade Classics for C-64 (1987).

[xmagxus]

here's MS Arcade Pack, came out before Atari Action Packs:
but in the 80s there was a Software Toolworks compilation for A8, C64 containing Life, Eliza, Pong etc. Can't remember the title.
And Firebirds Arcade Classics for C-64 (1987).

Ignore this guy anyone that contradicts anything I say is a troll!

just kidding lol, actually thats awesome info thanks for that pic and everything I never knew of that game.

[Ed Oscuro]

On the arcade side, I recently played a bit of Atari Software's 1992 prototype "Arcade Classics," which includes some graphics-improved versions of Centipede and Missile Command (well, arguably NOT, in the case of Centipede, although having the crazy alien bug head talk to you is funny). 1992 isn't really that long ago, but the sound is just the same as in many classic Atari games like Skull & Crossbones, ThunderJaws, or even non-OKI6295 games like Road Blasters and even Gauntlet. To me, that particular arcade sound screams "late 80s/early 90s Atari game!" and to have one of the games using it be called "Arcade Classics" is rather funny.

...and now, back to your regularly scheduled program.

[JerseyDevil65]

Would the XONOX double enders and SMB/DH be considered compilations/collections?

[Ed Oscuro]

Would the XONOX double enders and SMB/DH be considered compilations/collections?

Yes and no...yeah, they're compilations, strictly speaking, but not collections or 'retro/classics compilations' which appears to be the theme here. Definitely get points for mentioning 'em though.

[Ruudos]

The 32-in-1 cartridge for the Atari 2600

[tom]

Got the Software Toolworks game:
Golden Oldies (late 80s on C64 A8, Apple ][)