Atari 2600+ (Plus) Official Full Console for November 2023

[Az]

I might be wrong about this, but apparently the 7800 emulator is an older version (2008?!) and has pretty spotty compatibility compared to the 2600 side of things.

Way off topic, but are there any good paddle options for emulation on a PC, Pi, or console? I'd like to check out a few arcade and SMS paddle games but have never really looked into it. I seriously debated on buying the Gamestation just for its built-in paddle dial, then saw it won't work with added games, won't work on a PC, and doesn't even work too hot with the included games. I've heard good things about the VCS classic controller but didn't know about its compatibility with other systems or emulators.

[celerystalker]

I watched a couple and so far, in the rank of 1-10, around 7-8. The fact it's not 100% compatible is mentioned, especially with homebrews (and I think more so on the 7800 front). Controllers get the thumbs up and other controllers, like trackballs, seem to work fine.

I should be getting my joystick and paddles on Monday. I'll give them a try later in the week and I'll let ya know!

I'm very interested to hear how thise paddles turn out! My old ones are so finnicky.

[YoshiM]

I'm very interested to hear how thise paddles turn out! My old ones are so finnicky.

I'm happy to report that they feel and play like the originals, at least in my opinion! I was able to try them that Monday when I got them. I hauled the ol' 4 switcher out of the basement and hooked it up to the VCR and played through the LCD main TV. Some of my kids played different modes in "Video Olympics"-two using my old school paddles (which were supposedly rebuilt when I bought them at Midwest Gaming Classic many moon ago) and the new. There were no hitches in the new paddles. I tried some "Breakout" and "Night Driver" and both played as I remember.

Same with the joystick-it feels like the original. It blows the Hyperkin Ranger out of the water with its heft and solid feel. I went to some of my "go to" games like "Spider Fighter" and "H.E.R.O." and everything worked well (though I had a sucky day playing "Spider Fighter" but that was me, not the controller).

[retroman]

I have the 2600+ and think it is a overall OK product for its target. If people are informed and just want a HD 2600 I would say get a Retron77. The Retron77 is actually the better product if your just looking for just a HDMI 2600(SD card anyone). From a price point, and the sd card the Retron77 wins hands down. End of the day stella is stella. Does not matter what its running on. Just how it controls. If you do not care about cartridges, I would say get a Atari Gamestation Pro. Again a SD card slot. Sky is the limits for the amount of stuff you can run on this thing. Pound for Pound the best value of the 3 in my opinion.

[Steve W]

Atari just announced the upcoming launch of the Atari 7800+, with wireless European-style controllers. I passed on the 2600+, I don't think I'll have the strength to pass on the 7800+. It's essentially the 2600+ in a different case, same hardware, but those wireless controllers are pack-ins instead of being $30 extra.

[YoshiM]

Atari just announced the upcoming launch of the Atari 7800+, with wireless European-style controllers. I passed on the 2600+, I don't think I'll have the strength to pass on the 7800+. It's essentially the 2600+ in a different case, same hardware, but those wireless controllers are pack-ins instead of being $30 extra.

According to the conversations on AtariAge, it sounds like the hardware has some improvements. The cartridge slot and the tech behind the cart dumping is improved (which I guess will also be put into new production 2600+ machines).

There's a nice 7800+ bundle set for $169 that has the wireless controller, a 2600 joystick, paddles, the Bentley Bear game and two controller extension cables.

[Tron 2.0]

I never got around to buying a atari 2600+ so i may check out the 7800+ instead.Plus atari is doing more re-releases as well with that wireless controller.

[Az]

I have zero use for this, but I'm certainly glad it exists for those with a cart collection. I'm really glad to see these homebrew carts like Bentley Bear get an official release, along with a reissue of older titles.

Good stuff and I wish more companies did this.

[Niku-Sama]

i'm getting a little confused with the atari console releases...

what ever happened to that 2600 that was supposed to be cartridge and online game compatible, almost like a steambox with a cart connector?

[Greg2600]

I have zero use for this, but I'm certainly glad it exists for those with a cart collection. I'm really glad to see these homebrew carts like Bentley Bear get an official release, along with a reissue of older titles.

Good stuff and I wish more companies did this.

Same here. Glad that Atari, and vets from Atari Age like Al and Bob D (PacManPlus) are getting some business out of this.



However at the end of the day, all of this is really to help Atari advertise what it's doing for current technology....

i'm getting a little confused with the atari console releases...

what ever happened to that 2600 that was supposed to be cartridge and online game compatible, almost like a steambox with a cart connector?

Not sure I know what that was? Yes, the ability to play on-line would be kinda cool, although that would be a significant undertaking by Atari. The only "way" to do that now is with the FujiNet but that's just for old 8-bit computers.

[Steve W]

I just looked up a trailer for Fatal Run 2089... oh yeah, I'm onboard all the way with that one. I loved the original game back in the day - it doesn't look like they're remaking it, the story seems to have nothing to do with the 7800's version. But I love vehicular combat games, so I'm in. I don't have any of the hardware its going to be released for, I guess I'll finally have to break down and buy a Switch.