The original and still the best – Casio’s MG-880 was released in August 1980 and began a decade of integration of calculators and games for the Casio company and its competitors.
Kids lucky enough to have this amazing toy could happily charge their classmates to play, although not having a volume control or mute button meant games were confined to break time and lunch, where the player could expect to be surrounded by admirers ready to applaud or scorn his ability.
It was rare to see the MG-880 actually used as a calculator, so fun and addicting was the digital invader game. It was as close to space invaders as you could get without any graphics apart from the numbers available on an LCD screen, so was dubbed the ‘space invader calculator’.
Such was the success of the MG-880, Casio duplicated it in several forms – the MG-660, MG-770 and MG-890 calculators (each different in their own right, but sharing the same game), and in watch form in the QW134 module – CA-85, CA-851, CA-86, CA-90, CA-901 and updated models CA-53 and CA-503 with the QW433 module.
Still fun to play many many years later – just like the original space invaders!!
UPDATE: I found this excellent photo of a bloke leaning on a Space Invader machine / Kiss pinball, circa 1981. Most interesting though is what’s happening in the bottom right corner – see that calculator? Even with video games and pinball machines nearby, the MG-880 was still getting some love!! See more of these photos from the early days of New Zealand’s pinball and video game awakening here.
Wait…what?
I was repairing a FX-880 and discovered something interesting; Casio had used a different calculator for the caseback and had just stuck a sticker over the top.
Unusual…or so I thought.
Then while looking at a few different MG-880s, I found this:
Why would one have a sticker and one not…surely they are both the same…?
Think again —
The MG-880 had a ML-831 caseback. There’s no doubt there will be other calculators like this and I’m guessing it’s because one model wasn’t selling well and the other was selling better so they thought they had better use up existing stocks of cases.
If anyone can shed more light on this though…let me know.
Please check www.trademe.co.nz or www.ebay.com if you’re interested in buying one.
Do you know where can I get the MG-880 or other models mentioned in your article? I really missed the game.
I should have an MG-880 available in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye on the For Sale page 🙂
Hi
Digi invaders! what a favorite past time 🙂
Do you stock them and do you ship to New Zealand .. or do you know of an agent in NZ who sells them?
I do stock them, and do ship to NZ; unfortunately am all out having just sold the last few, but will be in touch when/if a new lot arrives.
Hi i would like to buy the Casio MG 880 calculator. Where and how can i buy it from you? Lia from singapore lia@roar.com.sg
Hi Lia, unfortunately I don’t have any MG-880 in stock. When I do they will be listed here though 🙂
i have one for sale mg-880 calculator near enuff perfect comdition if anyones intrested no time wasters last guy offerd me £18 made me laugh what a joker lol email me if u are intrested with your offer ashleyroymorris@hotmail.co.uk
i have one for sale mg-880 calculator near enuff perfect comdition if anyones intrested no time wasters last guy offerd me £18 made me laugh what a joker lol email me if u are intrested with your offer
Hi, I’d like details on the model MG880 calculator including price.
Thanks
Mark.
No problem, as soon as it arrives and I’ve checked it over I’ll be in touch.
Hi can you help me find MG880 calculator to buy, thank you.
Done and done! Hope you like it 😉
Heya I am looking to purchase an mg880
currently out of stock, but will be in touch when more arrive, thanks 🙂
Hi there I am looking to purchase a mg880 do you have one or can you source one?
Thanks
Currently out of stock, but will let you know when more arrive, thanks 🙂
Hi there, can you please email me when you get the mg880 in stock with pricing and shipping costs etc?….I live in Levin, NZ
No problem 🙂
As above. Keen on a Casio MG-880 with sleeve. Residing in NZ. Email me when you have one available. Cheers 🙂
Will do 🙂 – I’ve got a nice MG-770 if you’re interested? cheers.
Looking for a Casio MG-880, please help to find one and let me know the cost.
Many thanks.
Still waiting on some to arrive. Will let you know when some in stock 🙂
Also looking for a Casio MG-885 or ‘Figure 8’ as we preferred to call it locally. Let me know if anything turns up. Cheers 😀
Hi thre, looking to purchase a Casio MG-880 for xmas. Any chance of having in stock then? Please contact me with updates.
Many thanks
MaryK
Hi there, stocks of the MG-880 have become scarcer than ever of late and unfortunately this means the prices have been skyrocketing (USD300+). Any I can source for a reasonable price I will list on here, but the prices are becoming a little outlandish.
Hi I am looking for Casio MG-880, MG-775 and a BG-15. Can you still get these and how much are they?
Hi, wondering if you have any in stock yet (MG – 880) and how much?
Thanks 🙂
Sorry, they are becoming very hard to find at the moment but will list any I have for sale here if/when I can source some more.
Any mg880 s in stock yet please ??
Hoping to have one available in the next month 🙂
So as of Apr 19th, 2013 do you have two for sale? Or is that out of date?
It is out of date. I currently have four for sale, just haven’t updated the listing…
Hi there, flick me a personal email as I’m looking for one to purchase. Cheers
Its April 26, 2013! Please please please help me find & purchase 1. Ive been looking for years for this calculator game, brings back my childhood! Ive been telling my niece & nephews about this & would love 2 show them (in hand) what Im talking about…even if you have the boxing game hehe! Please help me out xo
No problem, will be in touch via email 🙂
i have a mg-880 in leather looking wallet im from uk what sort of price would u put on it .ive had since i was a kid be hard to let it go
If it’s playable and not too dinged up, you’d be looking at £60+
Hi,any mg 880s for sale.
There are – did you not get my email?
no i did not get it,do you have one with a case or are those two out of date.regards anthony.
Hi again,I see you have one for sale with case and instructions,is that correct.regards anthony.
These listings are not out of date. They are both active and for sale. I’ve corrected the Paypal Buy Now links, thanks for letting me know they were wrong. Both come with a PDF of the instructions – electronic only, not a printed copy. Thanks for your interest…
Do you have any MG-880 with case? Cheers
Hi, I have one MG-880 in excellent condition with case. The case and calculator are both excellent but as it’s my last one and I don’t know when or where I will get another, the price would be USD200 (you can tell I don’t really want to sell it!) – if you’re interested drop me an email via the contact form, thanks…
Hi, sorry for the delay in replying. I was waiting for your email reply. Would you still have this?
Hi, you should have received my email a few weeks ago. The two I had have been sold but have replaced them too, so there is one of each available. Pricing is the same. Cheers 🙂
Hey
I’m am interested in a Casio MG-880 as well if/when one becomes available please contact me.
Regards
Hemi
Will do, I’ll hopefully have one later this month.
That photo really looks like it’s taken from a place at the top of Dominion Road.
I found an excellent android version of this game on Google Play. Works just like the original. Search for Digital Invaders by PY Labs.
HI,do you still sell MG880?
Hi, I may have an MG-880 for sale soon; I will email you when it is available.
Man i just thought about this game and found it eventually on google, it looks like everyone my age wants one!!! but sounds like they are rare and costly. I did have one myself and it was a laugh to watch the youtube link of how it worked. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YafgAcmov4
would love to know when you can get them. Also thank you for the person who put the android version of this game on Google Play. Works just like the original. Search for Digital Invaders by PY Labs.
I’ll hopefully have at least one for sale in the next week or so; the last couple I’ve received have been irrepairable unfortunately.
Hi, I am looking for MG-880. May I know if you have any stock available?
I’ve got two MG-880s currently, USD150 shipped each, they are loose without instruction manuals (although I can provide a PDF of the manual if you like)
Hi, I wish to purchase a Casio MG-880, please can you tell me if you have any in stock and what price range you would be looking for?
Regards
David Lairn
Hi there, I’ve got one with it’s plastic wallet, fully working for USD150 shipped worldwide.
Hi – do you have any for sale- very interested
Hi, I do have a couple of MG-880s for sale at present; used but fully working, with plastic cases. USD200 including shipping worldwide.
Hi, I wish to purchase a Casio MG-880, please can you tell me if you have any in stock and what price range you would be looking for(including shipping to Singapore?
I am living in Singapore.
Hi, I currently have a couple for sale, USD200 shipped worldwide. Fire me a message via the contact form if interested, thanks!
Hi there liquid
I had one of the mg 880 casios in the 80’s and I would love to own one again – can you get hold of any more ?
If so can I buy one – I live in the UK
Regards
Gwyn
Hi Gwyn, I’ll see what I have (some hunting through boxes is required) and let you know.
Hi. Do you still have the MG880 available? Would love to purchase.
Hi Zanna, I’ll see what I have (some hunting through boxes is required) and let you know.
Would love to purchase mg 880 8calculator have any to purchase
Hi Emma, I currently have a couple of these for sale, used but fully-working, with plastic cases. USD200 including shipping worldwide.
Hello, i want this too, pls noted me when u have one, movieyau@gmail.com
Hi, I have a couple for sale, USD200 posted worldwide. Fire me a message via the contact form if interested, thanks!
What kind of batteries does it take really be helpful having a very hard time finding out what kind they are thank you very much
Hi Christian, the MG-880 takes 2x 389 batteries (also known as LR1130, AG10, SR1130W). They are pretty common and available from either a Dollar Store for cheapies (don’t leave these in the calculator for long periods) or go for a Renata, Energizer, Maxell etc from a watchmaker/jeweller.
Hi do you still have any of the mg 880 calculators …
Sure do; they’re USD200 posted worldwide. Cheaper if you’re in NZ/AUS due to cheaper postage costs. Fire me a message via the contact form if interested, thanks!
Now you can play this game using smart phone 🙂
Android User: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.justnice.calgame
iOS User: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=1161243898&mt=8
Pls let me know if anyone still have available stock for this casio mg880 calculator…..residing in Singapore.
Hi, I do have a few MG-880s at the moment. They are all second-hand but are working, and have the plastic case (although the plastic cases aren’t in great condition). Price, including post, USD200 worldwide.
Hi Im after a mg880 do you have one for sale
Sure do; USD200 posted anywhere in the world. Cheaper if you’re in NZ/AUS due to cheaper postage charges. Fire me a message through the contact form if you’re interested.
Hi, yes a couple for sale, USD200 shipped worldwide. Fire me a message via the contact form if interested, thanks!
Hi, how much will it be if collection in Auckland?
USD175 delivered to auckland. Thanks 🙂
do you have any more MG880, and how much to wellington NZ
Hi, an MG-880 posted to Wellington is USD170. If you’re interested, please get in touch via the Contact link at the top of the page — thanks!
Hi Can I please order a mg 88 casio calculator a friend found one the other day now I really want one .
Hi, the MG-880s are USD200 including postage worldwide. If you are interested, please send an email via the contact link at the top of the page — thanks!
Hi is there any more forsale
Hi Ems, yes – USD200 including post to anywhere in the world. Cheaper if you’re in NZ or AUS.
How much in aud
I could do AUD165 delivered — assuming you are actually in Australia (it’s the postage that’s the killer outside Australasia).
I do have been hunting for one of these can you locate one please.
Yep – sent you an email.
I also want to have one, pls asisist tks!
Cool; send me your details via the contact page, also where you are in the world and I’ll let you know the price.
Hi mate.
My MG 880 LCD is gone. Do you have parts ?
Thanks
Hi, I do have a few LCDs but your bigger problem is going to be replacing it. The ribbon cable between the LCD and circuitboard is made of paper and adhesive tape with lines of conductive ink on it. Remove this and you’ll probably never get it to stick properly again – even if you’re really careful (and accurate) you’ll probably end up with segments missing all over the place. I’ve been hoping someone would come up with a replacement for these but so far, nothing… Potentially your LCD is fine, it’s just the cable (or possibly the polarising filter on top of it) that’s degraded.
Hi there do you have anymore of the MG880 calculators? Also price please been looking for one for years 🙂
Yep – shoot me an email via the Contact Form with where in the world you are and I’ll let you know the price including postage.
Hi there do you have any MG880 calculators available and if so how much would it cost and send to Whanganui N.Z.
Hi – yes I currently have one for sale. NZD250 including post to Whanganui. Contact me here if interested. Cheers 🙂
Yes, the casio MG880 holds alot of memories for me. Any available? I live in Christchurch, New Zealand
Yep, I’ve send you an email.
Hi. I have a MG-880. What battery does it take? The LR44 is too big.
Thanks, Kelly
You’re right – about 2x too big! The MG-880 takes two SR1130SW batteries (AKA AG-10 or 389).
Are these batteries still available? My calculator is in mint condition but I want to play the game again before deciding whether to sell, or not….!
Yep, they’re very common. Whatever your equivalent of a $2 shop is in your part of the world (Poundland?) should have batteries for you to test your calculator 🙂
This Forum is so good for the grey matter. Just looking at all the retro games/watchs/calculators that have been posted here, brings back a flood of cool memories. The ’80s were an amazing, fun,exciting time for a privileged few who were witnessing the early stages of technology….and a whole lot of other stuff! Fantastic.
Hi
Have just found my old mg-880 during a clean up and found this website while trying to find out what batterys it takes as i had removed the batterys a long time ago.if it still works i would look at selling it.
Hi, the MG-880 takes 2x SR1130SW batteries (aka 389, AG10, LR1130 etc).
Hi there, do you currently have any MG-880s for sale? Would love to have one that I had in my youth. thanks!
Hi, yes I’ll have one for sale in the next few days. Send me a message via the contact form and I’ll send pics when it’s ready to sell.
Thanks! I’ve sent you a message
I have just found in an old cupboard my Casio MG-880 which I played the calculator game on at school in the 80s. So it’s my own original I’ve had all this time but have lost the wallet that came with it. Actual calculator looks in surprisingly good condition but I need 2 x 1.5v batteries to try it out to see if it still works. Can’t seem to find any in local supermarket so wondering if they are still manufactured. Any ideas?
Just read earlier messages for my answer…LR1130. Cheers ! Anyone know what mine might be worth… as I said in earlier msg, I don’t have the wallet, just the calculator which looks in good condition to me.
Just found mine out of the cupboard like yourself its in original wallet with print still on the wallet. I’v just tried some kodak 1.5v batteries in it and it’s partially lit up and plays music hoping it’s just the batteries that aren’t powerful enough.
I have an MG-885 for sale if anyone is interested
one for sale, levin – arohanui hospice charity shop.
250
Apparently Casio is bringing these out again so I hear. In Japan only but that an easy task to get one.
It may devalue the originals if they are made exactly the same.
Have to wait n see.