Atari’s $180 Gamestation Go Revives Retro Gaming With 200+ Games and Six Completely different Control Strategies

Nearly two years after its debut at CES 2024, Atari’s Gamestation Go handheld is lastly hitting the market with a refined imaginative and prescient that separates it from the flood of generic retro gadgets. While most rivals cram emulators into fundamental shells and name it nostalgia, the Gamestation Go truly honors the corporate’s legacy by means of considerate {hardware} design that acknowledges why these authentic Atari video games felt so recent.

The Control Revolution

The Gamestation Go separates itself from the pack by constructing six completely different management strategies right into a single gadget. We’re speaking paddle wheel, trak-ball, numeric keypad, d-pad, bumpers, and traditional face buttons — all built-in into one handheld. The paddle handles Breakout and Warlords precisely as meant, whereas the trak-ball manages Centipede and Missile Command with correct precision. Atari’s “SmartGlow” expertise illuminates the particular controls every recreation requires, eliminating any guesswork about which enter technique to make use of.

This consideration to genuine management schemes is definitely fairly essential. Too many retro collections drive you to play paddle video games with a d-pad, which is like attempting to eat soup with a fork. The Gamestation Go understands that kind dictates perform.

Modern Hardware for Classic Gaming

Packed into the retro-themed housing is a 7-inch high-resolution show that provides over 200 decades-old video games visible readability they by no means had on CRT televisions, whereas the rechargeable battery delivers 4-5 hours of playtime. WiFi connectivity allows over-the-air updates, HDMI output connects to fashionable shows, and USB-C ports accommodate exterior controllers. A pop-out stand transforms the gadget right into a mini arcade cupboard.

The Game Library Focus

The 200+ recreation assortment spans Atari’s catalog, from 2600 classics like Adventure and Combat to arcade legends like Tempest and Gravitar. Five video games from the trendy Recharged collection deliver up to date polish to classic formulation, whereas licensed additions like PAC-MAN and titles from Jaleco and PIKO International spherical out the choice.

Rather than padding the depend with filler, the library focuses on video games that really profit from the distinctive management setup. You received’t discover each obscure Atari title right here (we didn’t see E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial within the recreation record), however you can see those that showcase why the corporate’s strategy to recreation design was so influential.

Legacy Hardware Done Right

Atari pioneered dwelling console gaming with the 2600 in 1977, introducing cartridge-based programs that made video video games mainstream. Nevertheless, the Gamestation Go, developed with My Arcade, is Atari’s first critical handheld effort for the reason that Lynx in 1989.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

The Atari Gamestation Go launches October 24, with pre-orders accessible now for $180 by means of GameCease, Best Buy, and Atari’s web site.

Atari Gamestation Go Handheld

Two years after being unveiled at CES, Atari’s Gamestation Go handheld is lastly getting a launch. Featuring over 200 traditional video games, the system has six completely different management strategies and a 7-inch hi-res show.