Before the 1983 video game crash and Nintendo’s subsequent takeover of the industry with the NES, the Atari 2600 reigned supreme. The popular console was pretty much the poster child for ‘late 70s/early ‘80s gaming, boasting a vast library of titles that have since inspired a multitude of games for decades to come. Over 30 years after the 2600 was discontinued, it’s making a contemporary comeback.
Atari and Plaion have announced the 2600+, a modernized recreation of the four-switch model introduced in 1980. In addition to sharing the same woodgrain aesthetics and metal switches, it also includes modern features such as HDMI output, USB port, and support for multiple screen resolutions. The console comes with a new CX40+ joystick faithful to the original and supports two players.
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The Atari 2600+ launches on November 17 for $129.99. You can pre-order it now on Atari’s website. CX40 joysticks will also be sold separately for $24.99. Atari and Plaion also plan to launch the CX-30 Paddle Controller bundle that includes the paddle and a 4-in-1 game cartridge for $39.99.
I don’t know whether to be happy for a modern Atari or angry because it looks cash grabby.
Oh it definitely is. I mean we’ve had many re-releases of a 2600 including multiple Flashback consoles.
AFAIK, only one was moddable to use old catridges, but none shipped with that capability. But many came with a 20+ games and were significantly cheaper.
I still can’t believe they made some of the Flashbacks with IR remotes. My kids grew up in the age of the Switch. They have no idea how to keep a controller within line of sight of the console.
Reminds me of the videos of kids trying to figure out rotary phones.
10 in 1 when it could be the whole library…