Elegance and complete harmony
Retro consoles have surged in popularity in recent years with models like the NES, PlayStation, Super Nintendo, and Mega Drive returning in renewed forms. Yet one beloved machine remained conspicuously absent from the modern shelf: the legendary Atari 2600.
Plaion and Atari teamed up to fill that gap with a new incarnation. The Atari 2600+ is a superb recreation that respects the original design, dimensions, and layout admired by thousands in the 80s while introducing contemporary upgrades. It features HDMI input, multiple resolution options, USB power, a refreshed interface, and other modern refinements that blend nostalgia with practicality.
Elegance and complete harmony
Opening the box makes a striking first impression. The Atari 2600+ is surprisingly light, elegant, and visually striking. The build quality reflects careful material selection, preserving the wood-toned front finish that defined the classic model, complemented by four metal latches that enable tweaks and maintenance. The seamless transition from color to monochrome visuals and the cartridge bay evoke the original experience while signaling modern readiness.
This model’s standout feature is its complete functionality without relying on external supports. Original cartridges from both the 2600 and the Atari 7800 catalogs can be plugged in, opening a vast library for fans of the era. Hundreds of games are fully compatible with this new machine, including titles like Asteroids, Vanguard, and RealSports Tennis. Enhanced performance comes courtesy of Stella 6.7, a software emulator widely regarded by the community for accurately simulating classic Atari gameplay.
Unique feelings
Connecting the CX40+ joystick, which is included in the package, to one of the two controller ports instantly rekindles the sense of retro wonder. Classic scenes from Berzerk, night races, Night Rider, and other 80s gems come alive, often prompting a nostalgic smile or a tearful memory. By today’s standards these games are simple in graphics and sound, but their design and pacing carry lasting charm. Those who approach them in their historical context may better appreciate how they influenced later engines and genres that shaped modern titles. The Witcher 3, Gran Turismo 7, or Resident Evil VIII would not exist in their current forms without the groundwork laid by this era of gaming, as noted by Atari enthusiasts and historians.
The experience is not just about playability; it is a window into the evolution of game design, sound, and level structure that informs contemporary experiences. The Atari 2600+ makes that window accessible again without demanding a steep learning curve from players who simply want to relive a simpler time.
A very attractive package
The packaging for the Atari 2600+ is thoughtful and practical. Alongside the console, buyers receive a CX40+ joystick that mirrors the original’s weight, dimensions, and layout while benefiting from modern reliability enhancements. This combination makes the package feel purposeful and durable. A cartridge bundle adds extra value with at least ten classic games chosen for broad appeal and enduring fun. The included titles span Adventure, Missile Command, Yar’s Revenge, Environmental, War, RealSports Volleyball, Dodge’Em, Haunted House, Maze Mania, and Video Tilt, reflecting a curated selection that remains enjoyable today.
Atari 2600+ is marketed as a complete retro experience with 10 games in one cartridge, a nod to the era while providing instant accessibility for new and veteran players alike.
While the base package is well equipped, there are add-ons and accessories available. A second CX40+ can be handy for two players, and a Paddle Controller bundle introduces two additional paddles in a four-game pack, maximizing the console’s classic versatility through games like Video Olympics, Breakout, Canyon Bomber, and Night Driver. These peripherals leverage the distinctive spinning wheel mechanic that defined the era’s arcade experiences.
A very attractive retro console
The Atari 2600+ remains faithful to the original model while offering compatibility with the Atari 7800 and its cartridge library. The CX40+ joystick is a standout element, delivering a tactile sense of nostalgia and reliability. For contemporary standards, the games may feel simplistic, yet retro enthusiasts will recognize and celebrate the enduring charm of these titles, which many players still treasure as part of gaming history.
Atari 2600+
- Publication Date: 11/16/2023
- Developer: Atari
- Distributor: Plaion
- PEGI: +3
- Price: Consult