Review | Atari 2600+ ‘Relive the magic’

Let’s time-travel for a minute.

Remember the generation-defying Atari 2600 from the late ’70s? Well, it’s back!

The 1977 Atari 2600 holds a special place in the hearts of gaming enthusiasts, a relic from the past that sparked the imaginations of millions.

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It was a time when joystick-controlled adventures and blocky graphics were cutting-edge. The glow of the pixelated screen brought joy to living rooms around the world. 

It was also my very first console, it was a hand-me-down in the early ’90s, alongside a copy of Ghostbusters in all its 8-bit glory. 

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The nostalgia surrounding the Atari 2600 is a testament to an era where gaming was simpler yet no less enchanting.

Enter the Atari 2600+, a meticulously crafted resurrection of the iconic Atari 2600.

Equipped with HDMI connectivity, the 2600+ seamlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present, allowing gamers to relive their favorite classics on modern HD TVs.

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If you’ve held onto your classic cartridges, you’d be pleased to know your original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges are playable on the updated console. 

I tested the classic 1982 title River Raid on the 2600+ and it went off without a hitch.

A full list of compatible games has been uploaded to the Atari website.

You can also connect the original, 1970s CX40 Joystick and Paddles to the console, with the same connector ports at the back of the console.

The console itself is much lighter than the original, it’s also slightly smaller — but don’t let that take away from its ‘power’.

What’s inside the box? 

Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • Atari 2600+ Video Game System
  • CX40+ Joystick Controller
  • 10 Games in 1 Cartridge
  • HDMI Cable
  • USB Power Cable

Who’s the Atari 2600+ for?

If you’ve got a soft spot for gaming history, a love for the classics, and a closet full of original Atari cartridges, this is your jam.

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The Atari 2600+ not trying to be the next big thing in gaming tech; it’s the reliable friend bringing back memories of joystick adventures and pixelated charm.

It’s for the gamers who want to share a piece of their childhood with the next generation. It’s for the ones who remember the excitement of pushing that joystick button and hearing the click.

Don’t expect a next-gen experience; this is a throwback in every sense.

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The Atari 2600+ is available now at a modest price point of $189.

So, if you’re ready to dust off those cartridges and relive the magic, the Atari 2600+ is waiting for you.

Because, let’s be honest, the classics never really left; they just needed a little HDMI upgrade.