Atari is like the cool grandparent of the gaming world—back in its prime, it threw the wildest Pong parties and made “joystick” a household word. Founded in 1972, this trailblazer brought us classics like Asteroids and Centipede, proving that all you needed for fun were blocky graphics and a good imagination.
Sure, Atari had its awkward phases (cough the E.T. game burial cough), but let’s be honest: who hasn’t made a few questionable life choices? Despite the ups and downs, it’s the brand that planted the pixelated seeds for the gaming empire we know today. Long live the 8-bit legend!
Atari and Digital Eclipse are back with a new DLC to their excellent Atari 50th the Anniversary Celebration! They are adding 19 playable games, as well as 8 video interviews into a brand new timeline to the main game. More info: https://atari.com
A second DLC entitled The First Console War will be released globally on November 8, in addition to a physical release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $39.99. The physical release contains the original game and both DLCs.
A Steelbook version for Nintendo Switch, which will include Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, will retail for $49.99 USD.
Games Included in DLC #1:
Atari Video Cube (2600)
Avalanche (800)
Avalanche (arcade)
Berzerk (2600 Voice Enhanced)
Berzerk (2600)
Berzerk (5200)
Berzerk (arcade)
Desert Falcon (2600)
Destroyer (arcade)
Football (arcade)
Frenzy (arcade)
Off the Wall (2600)
Red Baron (arcade)
Sky Diver (2600)
Sky Diver (arcade)
Steeplechase (2600)
Stellar Track (2600)
Submarine Commander (2600)
Super Bug (arcade)
The 400 Mini is a small version of the classic Atari 8bit computer and includes support for 400/800, XL and XE computer series, and the 5200 home console. It comes pre-installed with 25+ classic Atari games, the ability to play your own games and a new THECXSTICK joystick. Check out my review! More info: https://retrogames.biz/products/the400-mini/
The Atari line of 8-bit computers, introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, played a crucial role in shaping the personal computing landscape. The series began with the Atari 400 and Atari 800 in 1979, featuring a custom-made 6502-based chipset designed by Jay Miner. These machines boasted impressive graphics and sound capabilities for their time, making them popular for both gaming and productivity tasks. The computers were renowned for their distinctive industrial design, featuring a sleek, wedge-shaped casing with a membrane keyboard. Additionally, the Atari 400 and 800 were among the first home computers to include custom hardware for graphics and sound, which allowed for more advanced gaming experiences compared to other contemporary systems.
The Atari 8-bit line continued to evolve with subsequent models such as the Atari 600XL, 800XL, and 130XE, offering improvements in memory capacity, peripheral support, and compatibility with software and hardware expansions. These machines gained a dedicated following among hobbyists, educators, and gamers, with a wide range of software titles available, including popular games like “Pac-Man,” “Donkey Kong,” and “Star Raiders.” Despite facing stiff competition from other home computer manufacturers such as Commodore and Apple, the Atari 8-bit line remained relevant well into the mid-1980s, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of personal computing.
I’m comparing the new Atari 2600+ vs Atari GameStation Pro. Two very different systems but yet both are pretty cool in their own right!
Atari 2600+: https://atari.com
Atari GameStation Pro: https://amzn.to/3NsqUz2 (affiliate link)
Atari holds an iconic status in gaming history, particularly due to its foundational role in popularizing home gaming consoles. The release of the Atari 2600 in 1977 marked a monumental shift, bringing gaming from arcade halls into households worldwide. This console introduced a range of games, from the simple yet addictive “Pong” to the diverse library that included “Space Invaders,” “Pac-Man,” and “Asteroids.” Its accessible design and innovative use of interchangeable cartridges revolutionized how people engaged with games, laying the groundwork for the modern gaming industry.
Moreover, the Atari era cultivated an entire generation’s love for gaming, shaping the very essence of what we now understand as gaming culture. It wasn’t merely about entertainment; it was a transformative social experience. Friends and families gathered around TVs, engrossed in these pixelated worlds, fostering a communal bond through shared gaming experiences. The success and impact of Atari transcended its time, serving as a cornerstone that paved the way for subsequent gaming consoles and influencing game design, technology, and the burgeoning gaming community that continues to thrive today.
** DISCLAIMER: Both of these Atari consoles were sent to me for review, but nobody reviewed the video and all of the opinions are my own **
Here is my entire Atari 2600 / VCS game collection. So many great games including popular, uncommon and expensive games plus hidden gems and more! The good news is most Atari games are dirt cheap under $10 and still a ton of fun to play! What are some of your best original Atari memories? Do you still have one?
The Atari 2600 holds a timeless appeal that transcends its original release in 1977. Its charm lies in its pioneering role in the home video game industry, fundamentally shaping the way we interacted with electronic entertainment. At the heart of its allure is its simplicity and accessibility. The console featured a joystick and a single-button controller, making it intuitive for players of all ages to pick up and enjoy. Its library of games, while limited by modern standards, offered a diverse range of experiences, from classic arcade adaptations like Space Invaders to imaginative titles like Adventure. This variety ensured that there was something for everyone, catering to different tastes and skill levels.
Furthermore, the Atari 2600 was a gateway to boundless imagination. Its pixelated graphics and bleeping sound effects ignited a sense of wonder and creativity, allowing players to envision grand adventures within the confines of their television screens. The concept of interchangeable cartridges was revolutionary, offering a level of customization and expansion that was previously unheard of in home entertainment. This not only extended the lifespan of the console but also fostered a sense of ownership and agency for players. Nostalgia also plays a significant role in its enduring appeal, as it evokes fond memories of a simpler time in gaming history, acting as a cherished relic for both seasoned enthusiasts and new generations curious about the roots of video game culture.
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I finally added an Atari Jaguar to my collection. But is NOW the right time to do it? Games Shown: Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe Fantasy World Dizzy Soccer Kid / Frog Feast Protector Special Edition Defender of the Crown REBootEROIDS Cybermorph
After years of slowly collecting for the 2600, I am happy to announce that I have finally completed a boxed Activision subset for the 2600. Many game vendors, fans, and people have helped me throughout the years complete this collection. Activision provided some of the best games for the 2600. What are your favorites? In a future video, I will show my favorites on the console with game play.
My buying guide for the Atari Lynx including the two models, my favorite 12 games and the updated screen mod that improves graphics and gameplay significantly.
GAMES SHOWN:
Scrapyard Dog
Blue Lightning
Xybots
Chip’s Challenge
Rygar
BattleWheels
California Games
S.T.U.N. Runner
Warbirds
Ms. Pac-man
Zarlor Mercenary
Todd’s Adventure in Slime World
I recently was given a crazy rare Atari game for my collection. As I am pursuing my 27th complete game collection, I got to finally play on physical cart for a very long time. Do you have anything old and rare in your collection?
