Atari has been rebuilding its brand over the last few years through new game carts, compilations of its classics for modern consoles and new hardware. Its latest release is the Atrai 2600+, a reimagining of Atari’s classic ‘Woody’ from 1980, and we’ve been sent one to test for this review. The basic set-up comes with the console, one joystick and a 10 in 1 game cart. The Atari 2600+ releases 17th November 2023 priced at £100 on Amazon.
To get all the basics out of the way, the Atari 2600+ uses emulation to play old 2600 and 7800 carts. The device takes the ROM from the cart and sends a digital signal via HDMI to display the game. It’s about 80% the size of the original console and you can use your original peripherals thanks to the Atari 2600+ having old-style connectors. This does mean that modern controllers won’t work so if you don’t have an old Atari joystick lying around you will need to buy another for two players.
Setting up the 2600+ couldn’t be easier, it’s supplied with a HDMI cable and USB-C power lead that any modern household will be familiar with. Anyone who hasn’t played on the 2600 before may get confused after they turn on the machine due to the number of buttons and switches. Don’t fear though, any old-timers will remember the constant need of having to lean over to our consoles and push buttons before the days the controller could do everything from the comfort of the sofa.
The console has two switches on its right side that act as option menus, the first selects the game mode and the second is a ‘start’ button. To start a game you will always need to lean over and switch it down. Younger gamers may feel this is a step too far but it gives a real tactile experience that we just don’t get with modern gaming. Some will also question why there isn’t a wireless option for controllers, but considering you’ll be leaning over the console a lot anyway this doesn’t feel like an issue when playing the 2600+.
Older gamers will probably get a buzz of nostalgia from setting up and fiddling with the switches, whether younger gamers will ‘get it’ may depend on their exposure to retro games as a whole. What is clear is that Atari has decided that this console will be old-school, there are no modern quality-of-life features, and you will have to touch the console a lot during games. With that being the case it’s good news that the overall feel of the console and joystick is quite premium, this isn’t a cheap product.
All this does raise the question as to who the Atari 2600+ is aimed at. Without built-in games or wireless controllers, it won’t suit those looking for a convenient unit that hides under a big-screen TV in a modern setup. To use the 2600+ it does need to be out and reachable, probably sitting on the floor between the player and the TV. It also requires game carts, although ten games are provided to get you started. If you don’t have an Atari cart collection already this may become an expensive proposition.
Those who collect Atari already will probably have this on their radar and won’t need a review to know if they’re going to purchase one or not. Atari has kindly put together a list of confirmed carts compatible with the 2600+ and there is a large selection already. For those undecided, the 2600+ is offering a chance for those who may have been too young or didn’t play Atari back in the day, a way to get a reasonably priced bit of kit that can kickstart a journey into the wonderful world of classic Atari.
It also allows those who enjoyed the recent and excellent Atari 50 Anniversary Collection to experience the hardware that accompanied those games and gain an even better understanding of Atari’s history. Retro purists may feel that putting your money into the original console from the secondhand market may be better but those consoles only have ancient RF connections that require a TV with an analogue tuner. The 2600+ is equipped to work in a modern digital world while providing an 80s experience.
But what about the included games? The 2600+ comes with one cart that has ten games on and you select which game you wish to play by first moving dipswitches on the cart. Once again, we are back to the glorious world of 80s tech where those who enjoy a hands-on approach will be in their element. After you set the switches to the corresponding game you plug it into the console and switch the power on. From here you use the menu switches on the console to select a mode and start the game.
The games are all considered classics, but some games age better than others. Out of the ten provided, Yar’s Revenge, Missile Command, Adventure and Combat stand out as the games that feel great to play today. Volleyball, Surround and Maze Craze are decent enough and provide a wedge of nostalgia that can also be enjoyed by younger gamers. Video Pinball, Haunted House and Dodge ‘Em remind us that some things are probably best left in the past but do provide some further variety.
Playing through all the games, there was no noticeable lag on either our gaming monitor or 4K TV. All the game modes of the original titles were present, the tight controls were superb and the overall presentation felt just like it does on the original console. Once you get used to how to use the console it all works seamlessly without fuss. We found the experience is best when played with a friend in the two-player modes although you will need to purchase a second joystick for £20 if you don’t have one.
The Atari 2600+ is also being released alongside some extra games that can be purchased separately. The classic Berzerk, feels like a must-purchase for those who don’t have an original cart. A brand new Atari 2600+ game, titled Mr Run and Jump, is decent and shows that Atari won’t be simply relying on the classics. The final extra game is 4 Games in 1 that comes complete with two paddle controllers and you can read about all these games by checking out our accompanying reviews.
Whether the 2600+ is for you will largely depend on your nostalgia for Atari, how hands-on you wish to be and your desire to start or continue a collection of carts. It isn’t for everyone, those who prefer a modern set-up without cables and having to constantly push buttons on the console, or want wireless controls, will probably feel the 2600+ doesn’t quite do enough to drag itself in line with the convenient world of modern tech, and that is a fair assumption.
What this is perfect for is a fun Friday night with a friend, reminiscing over these classic titles and battling between yourselves to get the high scores. It’s a quality bit of kit, that is reasonably priced and doesn’t compromise on its heritage. It also allows Atari to produce new 2600 and 7800 games on carts which will be music to the ears of Atari fans and those who want fresh games on real, retro hardware. The Atari 2600+ is a positive step and a great way to marry the old and the new while celebrating a console legend.
Wow this is quite a fuck you article is it? Insulting people either “young” or “old” with your so called description of the Atari 2600+? I don’t care either way of this product but why insult your readers? Bad article
I’m sorry you feel that way, Atari themselves said my review was fair, and several people have said it helped them make up their minds as to whether or not they will buy it.
This comment
“Don’t fear though, any old-timers will remember the constant need of having to lean over to our consoles and push buttons before the days the controller could do everything from the comfort of the sofa”
It must be fun being a writer, saying such bullshit, making shit up, and insulting people because YOU the writer can get away from anything, like a thief stealing something without being seen without consequences.
Glad I’m not a writer, I’d be ashamed in lying and making shit up just for the sake of “views”. Bad article.
It’s very fun being a writer, thanks.
I can’t even begin to understand the unhinged, angry comments. Of those I’ve read I thought this was one of the better and more thoughtful reviews on the device. It is pretty deliberate about recreating an original experience, and a collection of the type of carts that people have been casting off as almost worthless for decades will be a necessity to fully explore the platform this way. The question of who this is for pops up a lot, but I think it will or has found its appeal. Maybe the limitations and appreciation of a small physical collection of cartridges curated by hand is something people need to experience again, vs flash carts stuffed with rom binaries and on-demand digital delivery.
Well, you got one thing right, “Nan”. You most certainly are not a writer.