Atari: Retro Gamestation

Revisit video game classics through emulation on computers or plug-and-play devices with preloaded games. Thus it has been a hobby of the most enthusiastic over the last two decades. But most of these emulators or third-party devices are committing piracy. This is because there is little or no chance that the developers/manufacturers have paid the appropriate licensing fees to the original creators of the games.

This makes the Atari Gamestation a more ethical way to play classic video games, as it is a product Atari officially licensed. This low-cost plug-and-play console offers over 200 games from the Atari 2600, 5200, 7800 home consoles, as well as Atari arcade games. Furthermore, with a design that resembles the console Atari 2600 (including joystick control). As a result, this low-priced device can bring back some pleasant memories.

Let’s go to the console!

From the flimsy plastic packaging to the actual hardware, the console Atari Gamestation Pro it looks more like a toy than a technological gadget. The console itself appears nearly bare inside, and the two joystick controls have a plastic flap covering a compartment for four AAA batteries. Fortunately, the controller is also powered by USB-C power, as it’s been at least a decade since I’ve used or owned dry batteries. The console and joystick together barely weigh 1.27kg, so it’s definitely light enough to carry around with you – just make sure you pack it properly inside a bag or suitcase, or the joystick could break because it feels so fragile. .

The console, as well as the controllers, can be powered by a USB-C cable, and there is an HDMI port on the back through which it outputs audio and visuals. On the front, there are two USB-C ports for connecting controllers (if you’re not using batteries). There are two physical buttons to turn on or reset the machine. They are so big that they are asking to be accidentally pressed. Why would you make the power button a giant single button located on the front and top of the console?

The joystick is inspired by the Atari 2600 control. The joystick is eight-directional, has a button on the top and a trigger on the side, and the base of the control has another button, as well as a rotating dial. There are three small buttons for Home, Home and Back. Warning that the start button doesn’t work for some games – instead, you start by pressing the A button. It’s confusing, and I’ll elaborate later.

After connecting all the cables and turning on the console, your screen or television should jump to the home screen, which has a top row of tabs listing each Atari console, and the game library below.

Atari Gamestation and pre-video game romanticism

However, the unfortunate fact is that these Atari games simply aren’t very appealing in 2024 to most people. It is worth noting that Atari was a dominant and pioneering video game manufacturer in the 1970s and early 1980s. However, most of its relevance occurred before the collapse of the video game market in 1983, and before the emergence of Nintendo and Sega , whose games were of significantly higher quality. In this way, Atari games were “primitive and lacking in depth” even when Super Mario Bros. emerged in 1985, let alone nowadays in 2024.

I believe that if you were alive in the 70s and early 80s and have specific memories of playing Centipede, Asteroids, or other Atari games, then the Atari Gamestation Pro may appeal to you. But for everyone else who didn’t particularly grow up with Atari, I think you’d be better off revisiting the classic NES or Sega Genesis games. There’s a reason why Atari never regained its relevance after Nintendo It is Sega emerged during the mid-1980s.

Is the Atari Gamestation Pro worth buying?

You should buy the Atari Gamestation Pro if:

• You have fond memories of Atari games from the 70s and 80s.
• Do you like collecting vintage technology or retro gaming devices?

You shouldn’t buy the Atari Gamestation Pro if:

• You grew up after the Atari era and your childhood video game memories are vastly superior to Nintendo or Sega consoles.
• You easily get bored with simplistic games.