Gaming's retro revival brings back classic console with a modern twist
Let's time-travel for a minute.
Remember the generation-defining 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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Mr Run and Jump is back for the Atari 2600+. Atari
It was a time when joystick-controlled adventures and blocky graphics were cutting-edge, and the glow of the pixelated screen brought joy to living rooms around the world.
It was also my very first console, a hand-me-down in the early '90s, alongside a copy of Ghostbusters in all its 8-bit glory.
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 favourite classics on modern HD TVs.
The Atari 2600 has had an HDMI upgrade. Supplied
A joystick is included in the box. Supplied
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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 out classic 1982 title River Raid on the 2600+ and it went off without a hitch.
You can also connect the original CX40 joystick and paddles to 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 the Atari 2600+ Game System, a true-to-the-classic CX40+ joystick, a 10-in-one game cartridge loaded with Atari's greatest hits, an HDMI Cable, and a USB-C power cable.
There's plenty of classic games to play on the revived console. Supplied
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.
It's 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.
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It's a picture perfect recreation of the Atari 2600, only a little smaller. Supplied
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.
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.
Atari supplied the new console to 9news.com.au ahead of release for the purpose of this article.
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