Atari’s Pac-Man Edition 2600 Plus: A Nostalgic Blast From the Past
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The Atari 2600 Plus Pac-Man Edition isn’t just a retro console; it’s a dopamine rush for gaming enthusiasts and a charming conversation piece for anyone interested in the history of video games. Available for pre-order now with a late November arrival, this console delivers a surprisingly robust and engaging experience that transcends mere nostalgia.
A Retro Aesthetic with modern Flair
Initially, the appeal of the Pac-Man Edition stemmed from its aesthetic qualities. “Part of the reason I wanted the Pac-Man Edition Atari 2600 Plus console was as I thought it would look cute in my living room, where I’m trying for a kind of late ’70s look,” one reviewer noted. the console itself is petite, a stark contrast to the bulk of modern systems like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S, yet feels solid and well-constructed.Four toggle switches flank the cartridge slot, offering a satisfying tactile experience.While the standard 2600 Plus boasts a late ’70s woodgrain finish, the Pac-Man edition embraces an ’80s vibe with vibrant yellow and black coloring, and a stylized Pac-Man graphic.
Transitioning from modern dual-thumbstick controllers to the CX40 Plus requires a period of adjustment. The joystick and single red button configuration is minimalist, to say the least. “It took me a minute even to figure out that the button is meant to be facing away from you – I was spinning the controller around in my hands,” a reviewer admitted. Once oriented correctly, the challenge shifts to mastering the joystick’s sensitivity. players will need to apply more intentional force than they’re accustomed to, but the controller is robust enough to handle it.
The console ships with a Pac-Man Double Feature cartridge, offering both the arcade and Atari 2600 versions of the iconic game. While the 2600 version is admittedly “very flickery, elongated, and trippy,” it possesses a unique charm. Beyond Pac-Man, the 2600 Plus offers a gateway to other classic titles. Games like 1980’s Berzerk and its sequel, Frenzy, provide engaging top-down shooter action, with surprising connections to more modern titles.”These where both totally new to me, but also felt strangely familiar,” one reviewer observed, noting potential inspiration for the Jackenstein boss fight in Deltarune Chapter 4.
Another standout title is 1984’s Food Fight, a quirky game where players dodge chefs to secure an ice cream cone. The game’s bizarre visuals,especially the protagonist’s expanding mouth and tongue,are memorably unsettling.
A Collector’s Delight
Atari has paid meticulous attention to detail,including detailed instruction manuals with each new game. these manuals offer not only gameplay instructions but also past context and archival art, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. “In an era when games libraries are increasingly digital,it’s refreshing to see this level of care and attention devoted to paper boxes,cartridge sleeves,and pamphlets,” one reviewer stated. The inclusion of “dip switches” on some cartridges,allowing players to toggle between different game versions,further enhances the retro experience.
Who is the 2600 Plus For?
Despite its appeal, the Atari 2600 Plus isn’t for everyone. Older games are notoriously unforgiving, and introducing a modern child to the challenges of Galaga or Bounty Bob Strikes Back could prove…unpleasant. Though, for those interested in gaming history, the console offers a rewarding experience, revealing the connective threads between classic and contemporary games. It’s a perfect gift for “the old-heads and the retro fans, the collector types with too manny Ikea Billy bookcases to count.” Especially considering the current console market, where finding a system under $200 is increasingly tough-even Soulja Boy’s handheld is priced above $400.
The Atari 2600 Plus Pac-Man Edition was reviewed using a unit provided by Atari. You can find additional information about Polygon’s ethics policy here.
