November 20th 2023.
You don't get much more retro than the Atari 2600+. To celebrate the Atari's 50th anniversary last year, the company released the Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, a sort of interactive museum. It's a great way to appreciate the past, but it also showcases how some of the oldest video games are becoming unplayable for people who weren't around in the beginning.
Enter the Atari 2600+, a replica of the 1981 four-switch version of the console. It's now re-branded as the Atari 2600, to differentiate it from other Atari hardware. The console itself is 80% of the size of the original, but still has that iconic wood paneling at the front. It comes with a cartridge that includes 10 games, such as Adventure, Combat, Dodge 'Em, Haunted House, and many others. It also includes the classic CX40 digital joystick, so you can immerse yourself in the pre-NES era of video game history.
The Atari 2600+ is not a compilation of the best games on the system. That's what the Atari Flashback console is for. It's much cheaper than the 2600+ at only £69.95, and it has over 100 games installed. The build quality isn't as good, but it's a great option for those who are new to the format.
The 2600+ is meant for the hardcore fans, as it can accommodate original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges. It also has a HDMI port and USB-C output for connecting to modern TVs. The console is compatible with original controllers, but the chances of them still being in working condition is low.
The Atari 2600+ is being released just before Christmas and carries a hefty price tag of £99.99. There's an optional Paddle Controller Bundle available for £29.99, which includes two additional controllers and four games. It also includes Berzerk, but it's also available separately for £24.99. Mr. Jump And Run is the only other game available separately, for the same price. It was created this year and, while it would have been considered one of the best games back in the day, it's quite ugly and difficult by today's standards.
The Atari 2600+ is a neat way to introduce younger gamers to the format, while also providing a replacement for older fans whose original consoles have stopped working. It's a great way to keep the past alive, but it's not for everyone, especially with the Atari Flashback being more affordable and offering more games.
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