Tuesday, August 22nd 2023

Atari and Plaion Announce the Atari 2600+ Retro Console

PLAION, a global leading publisher and developer of video games, and Atari, one of the world's most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce today that the Atari 2600+ - a modern day faithful recreation of the pioneering console that first appeared in 1980 - will be launching worldwide on 17th November 2023 and available to pre-order for $129.99 (€119.99 / £99.99).

Launching with ten of the most recognized video games in Atari's history, including Adventure and Missile Command, the Atari 2600+ has been created using modern technology to authentically replicate the original 4-switch Atari 2600 Video Game System. For those looking to relive the gameplay experiences of the '70s and '80s, included with the Atari 2600+ is the CX40+ Joystick Controller, recreated with the same size and layout as the original 2600 Joystick Controller for that added touch of nostalgia.
"Preserving classic games is a priority for Atari, and the release of the Atari 2600+ will make the hundreds of Atari 2600 and 7800 games that have been released over the last 50 years universally accessible," said Atari Chairman and CEO, Wade Rosen. "PLAION's approach to a quality recreation of iconic Atari hardware made them the perfect partner to bring the Atari 2600+ to market."

"We're excited to be working with Atari to bring back the Atari 2600 and help meet the growing consumer demand for retro hardware," said Commercial Director of Retro at PLAION, Ben Jones. "For gamers who remember the thrill of playing arcade games at home for the very first time, the Atari 2600+ will take you right back. For everyone else, the offer is one of timeless fun and the chance to experience a golden age of video games in a way that could only come from Atari."

Key features include:
  • BUILDING ON THE LEGACY: The new Atari 2600+ builds on the original machine with modern quality of life features such as HDMI output, USB power and multiple screen resolutions and includes a faithful replica of the original CX40+ Joystick.
  • GO BACK IN TIME: The cartridge slot is backwards compatible with hundreds of original Atari 2600 and 7800 games. The Atari 2600+ launches with a 10 Games in 1 Cartridge which includes iconic games such as Adventure, Combat, Dodge 'Em, Haunted House, Maze Craze, Missile Command, Realsports Volleyball, Surround, Video Pinball, Yars' Revenge
  • LOOK AND FEEL OF THE 1980's: The Atari 2600+ has been lovingly crafted using modern technology from the movement of the joystick to the feel of the metal switches to the authentic woodgrain front panel.
PLAION and Atari also announce the availability of The CX-30 Paddle Controller with 4-in-1 multi game cartridge that will retail for $39.99 (€34.99 / £29.99). A standalone CX-40 Joystick will retail for $24.99 (€22.99 / £19.99). Additional launch titles, including cartridges for Berzerk Enhanced Edition and Mr. Run and Jump, will also be available for The Atari 2600+ for $29.99 (€29.99 / £24.99). The Atari 2600+ will be available at Atari.com for North American customers and worldwide at major retailers for $129.99 (€119.99 / £99.99) from 17th November 2023.

Source: Plaion
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36 Comments on Atari and Plaion Announce the Atari 2600+ Retro Console

#26
lexluthermiester
lemonadesodaUnfortunately, these atari games were rubbish.
IMPO Adventure, Combat, Haunted House, Maze Craze and Yar's Revenge were several of the best games for the system. But I guess that depends on your perspective.
AusWolfIf Nintendo ever does the same with the NES
They did. The NES Classic Mini. Did you miss out on it?
Posted on Reply
#27
lemonadesoda
The problem with so many Atari 2600 games is the 6507 processor with 13-bit address bus, maxing at 8K total memory footprint, and just 4K ROM format at a time when 6502 and 16K ROMs of arcade games were the standard. Hence, in my perspective, all Atari 2600 games were sh1t compared to Williams and Namco games of the same era.

8-bit gaming on 16-bit address bus allowed for some phenominal games. We all remember them. Or at least, us oldie greybeards do. Atari 2600 unfortunately, due to their cost-proft-margin-model, could not match with their handicapped 6507 processor.

That does not mean the Atari was not a commercial success. It was the first machine in so many US homes, and some European ones too. But in terms of what other machines were capable at the time, it is a poor example of retro-gaming.
Posted on Reply
#28
RJARRRPCGP
lexluthermiesterIncorrect, but feel free to keep thinking whatever you wish. (Hint, Atari's history extends WELL beyond 1983.)
Yep, they were booming in the very-late-1980s at arcades, with Hard Drivin'!
Posted on Reply
#29
Ruru
S.T.A.R.S.
Having a remade console with compatibility for the original games is a dope thing.
Posted on Reply
#30
bearClaw5
lexluthermiesterIncorrect, but feel free to keep thinking whatever you wish. (Hint, Atari's history extends WELL beyond 1983.)
If that was true, why is it all 2600 nostalgia?
Posted on Reply
#31
AusWolf
lexluthermiesterThey did. The NES Classic Mini. Did you miss out on it?
What? When? :eek:
Posted on Reply
#32
lexluthermiester
lemonadesoda8-bit gaming on 16-bit address bus allowed for some phenominal games. We all remember them. Or at least, us oldie greybeards do. Atari 2600 unfortunately, due to their cost-proft-margin-model, could not match with their handicapped 6507 processor.
You seem to be remembering things incorrectly. The Atari VCS was the only real option for a number of years. Gimped or not, it was the best system on the market(and for a few years, the only one). So there was no one else to "match".
AusWolfWhat? When? :eek:
Are you serious?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NES_Classic_Edition
How did you miss that release?

Also;
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_NES_Classic_Edition
Posted on Reply
#34
dragontamer5788
AusWolfHow did I miss it? :( Also, do you have one for sale? :D
NES classic sold in high numbers. I think everyone who wanted an NES classic managed to find one, but it was only open for a few short months. After Nintendo made the final batch, they are pretty much gone (well, until Nintendo wants to print money again I guess).

SNES Classic sold out almost instantly, and you had to be wearing out that F5 button if you wanted any hope of actually finding one.

You probably have a better chance of finding an NES classic on ebay, at least if I'm remembering how "hype" the two systems were.
Posted on Reply
#35
AusWolf
dragontamer5788NES classic sold in high numbers. I think everyone who wanted an NES classic managed to find one, but it was only open for a few short months. After Nintendo made the final batch, they are pretty much gone (well, until Nintendo wants to print money again I guess).

SNES Classic sold out almost instantly, and you had to be wearing out that F5 button if you wanted any hope of actually finding one.

You probably have a better chance of finding an NES classic on ebay, at least if I'm remembering how "hype" the two systems were.
I've managed to find a few Snes classic consoles. Now the question is, does it run Nes games?
Posted on Reply
#36
lexluthermiester
AusWolfHow did I miss it? :( Also, do you have one for sale? :D
AusWolfI've managed to find a few Snes classic consoles. Now the question is, does it run Nes games?
We're getting a tad offtopic. PM me.

If anyone else is interested in finding a NES/SNES Mini, give this comment a "WOW" and I'll add you into the conversation.
Posted on Reply
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