Update: I have a small correction to my review. The Dragonfly Multicart does indeed work with this. Since it works differently than other multicarts, it does indeed work. I got some misinformation and stand corrected. I ended up testing this myself to confirm this.
@@Rabbitlord108 I saw another review on the 2600+ where the person was doing exactly that. Although I've heard the 2600+ needs a 1A output rated power supply and I think many TV's USB ports only provide about half of that, but you would need to check the specs on your TV to verify this.
Glad they sent this to you for review. Its odd that there is such a long loading screen being the games are so small. Its great that some of those homebrew are loading too. Overall it seems with a few improvements it could be worth it for the right people.
Probably loading the kernel and emulator before dumping the game. It uses an off the shelf rockchip chipset so probably some stripped down Linux variant.
Wow! Your unboxing took me back to 1981 when I found a 2600 under the Christmas tree. To date, its the best Christmas I ever received, and i still get chills whenever I take out my console and fire her up!
I have an original Heavy Sixer which I purchased off of Ebay earlier this year and with the 80’s being my generation I absolutely adore it!! I have honestly wanted one for years, have a couple different version’s of the flashback’s but the original Heavy Sixer I cherish!!! ❤️
Not having a power brick is like buying a pair of shoes without shoe laces. What if Nike said you have laces laying around and we don't need to provide them .
That's a little dramatic, but understand the point. If these companies are saving that $1-$5 per clean-power brick, and saying that it's all in the name of the environment and to save on fuel, then pass it on to us. Don't just keep the money. (Thanks Apple)
Now that I know pitfall 2 does not work I wish I would not have bought one. What a load of garbage. You would think when they we’re developing the console they would have made sure one of the most popular games would work.
Some of the emulation glitches can occur depending on how the calculations for things getting displayed were done with the old CRT TVs. We appreciate all of your work! Having 7800 support is great.
Great, honest review! Agreed homebrew support needs to be there. I'm glad to see the compatibility for old and new paddles. The fact that track balls works is excellent! This is on my radar for sure as I like to have options!
Originally, Missile Command didn't have trackball support, it just worked like a joystick: move in direction it goes that way at a constant speed. I heard they set up the game on the computers so it would work when it eventually came out. That is, move the ball fast, your cursor goes in the direction quickly; move it slow it goes slowly. I'm guessing Millipede lets it work as a trackball?
I almost bought this three times already and every time I stop myself because in reality am I gonna play these games I may try them but the reality is just something that’s going to sit on the shelf like everything else. I’m finally using good self-control.
I'm an Atarian, and this is a great review. I have a heavy sixer and atari flashback 3 and 7800. But my heart is in the 800 series. I've got the atari game station and 400 mini. Very impressed. got original 800/800XL and 65XE. You do make this very tempting. Its a shame it not FPGA.
Its a nice device for what it is... I like that you can play 7800 games! I do agree about the power brick though. Be interesting to see how updates go on it.
Hmmm sticking with my Retron 77 until they clean up the 7800 side. The good thing about the retron 77 is that you can side load roms so if a cart won't dump correctly you can still play the game via rom. So Galagon and Draconian can at least be played some way. The Atari 2600+ is probably in a better staring point than the retron 77 was but at that price point they need to clean things up before I buy one.
@@johnhancockretro I am sure eventually there will be a way. Honestly, that is probably the best way to get 100% compatibility. My understanding is that it is running Stella 6.7 so it should run pretty much everything via rom. The 7800 compatibility will also improve somewhat with side loading. It is using the same emulator as Retroarch and that plays Rampage fine. It also does Bentley Bear's albeit without sound. There is a way to make this thing really kick ass if Atari follows through
I have to agree that the Retron 77 with the community firmware still looks like the way to go currently for cartridge-based 2600 gaming with HDMI output. Both can read physical Atari 2600 cartridges, but the Retron system has some of the creature comforts (such as playing games from files that the dumper itself can't read from cartridge) that even retrogamers expect from modern hardware. So while I've got the 2600+ ordered, I'll probably be playing the games on the Retron instead of on the 2600+. What I really wish this 2600+ would do is to save the rom dumps of the cartridges you put into it and populate a menu that would let you select a cartridge you've already played without having to put the cartridge back in again. That'd make it a game, to some extent, to "collect 'em all" ... and would make it less clumsy to actually play your game collection - especially if a lot of it is sitting on original cartridges from the 70s and 80s.
The cart dumper is better on the 2600+. However, Retron 77--especially with the updated firmware--is great for side-loading. If an update, or the community, adds side-loading to the 2600+, it'll easily have the edge. Wait, they need to get Rampage (7800) working! lol
I think a rule when it comes to compatibility right now is if it uses any non standard chips such as CBS's Ram plus, the additional memory on the supercharger or the music and mapper on Pitfall 2. Should be considered incompatible for now. Since it's just dumping the rom image
I'm an old geezer of 66, as long as I can play Space Invaders, Galaxian, Asteroids, Pacman, Demon and Phoenix I'll be a happy bunny! (Wife's bought me this for Chrimbo so no play till then!) 😢
chatted with the developer at PRGE nice lad thanks for the review hmmm 2600 was my first console i do like the 7800 compatibilty but as some do they kinda cheap out which never feels satisfying..
Dissappointing that this 2600+ does not allow one to use a Harmony Cart. I enjoy my Harmony Cart on the Heavy Sixer I own so weird they would not make or allow that cart to work.
Im really tempted to try this out and start collecting 2600 and 7800 games. I've played atari games on many alternatives but it'd be nice to get something more official. I always had an itch to learn how to make games for the 7800 and honestly (if I had the time) id love to see if I could make something like Zelda 2 with FEZ camera rotation to make 3d towns and dungeons. Maybe in time. But I hope this gets the updates needed to run those homebrew games.
@@darkridearts Lots of patience will be needed, but im sure theres plenty of support online to learn its functions and quirks.. And thr few hiccups from me having brain farts no doubt haha.
Thanks for the review. I'm impressed by what I see already, and the fact that future updates will offer more support is a big plus. I have a rather large 2600 collection, and only a dozen or so 7800 cartridges. I've never owned a 7800, so the only way I've played its games are through emulation on my PC, so I look forward to dusting off the cartridges and actually playing them.
A tiny nitpick, the lack of a scanline filter option. But hats off, Atari made this product. I'm not a cartridge collector myself, more a Commodore fan :) But I do have the Atari 2600 jr, the XEGS, 7800, and the Flashback X. I'm highly positive about any product releases, that helps extend the lifespan of retro gaming legacies. Thanks for a great review John, I was really looking forward to an Atari fan having a look :)
Better yet, why not provide a composite port that does 240p output in addition to the HDMI? If I had one of these, I'd want to hook it up to my CRT TV and get true scanlines! THAT little feature would make it feel like a real 2600! Even my Atari Flashback offers composite output in 240p.
The major upside is that they designed the plug and play console with updates in mind so they can address emulation issues with games at an eventual point in time. Aside from that, the only minor issue is that the console is smaller than the original, though that isn't enough to put me off from buying one next year. I own original 2600 controllers and cartridges and plan to buy a few homebrew titles. I'm also amazed that they're allowing, and possibly in-house developing after-market games for the 2600 system. Very impressed because they have ironed out most of the issues so far.
It has no USB connectors only DB9 connectors so how would you update it? It only has the USB for power, you would have to have a OTG cable to do it from that connector, if so then it would of come with one, I am guessing the power connector is the OTG connector, cause they need away of flashing the firmware on to its nand on its pcb board so will always have a way in to it, on THEC64 the OTG connector is the USB port on the back of it next to its HDMI port. Unless its can download updates via the internet and connect it to your WIFI, Koch Media's Capcom Home Arcade could do that and the Atari 2600 Plus was made by Koch Media too. RM made the hardware and Atari made its firmware that runs on Linux, like THEC64, RM made the hardware and RGL made its firmware, its the same logic, Atari do not make hardware, they never have, ATGames made the other Atari Flashback consoles with Atari IP, Atari were mainly a publisher for games, well they were when they were Infogrames and Atari Interactive was GT interactive, remember them, I know everything about Atari and its history and where they come from, because its important where companies come from and what happened to them, like Commodore, the old Atari company dies in 1998, Atari now has no connection to it or to Jack Tramiel's Atari, its a completely different company, it all on Wikipedia.... :)
It’s good to see that Atari have updated their compatibility list - a number of games that were previously untested are now listed at “pass” - including a number of the multicart titles such as Activision Super Hit Pak & Rad Action Pak - which I did not think would be possible with the 2600+
Music saw the return of vinyl records to the mainstream...video games are now seeing the return of Atari 2600/7800 game cartridges, thanks to the Atari 2600+!
Last year, I've got myself the Atari 2600+ and at first Breakout worked completely fine, but as months past, the controls went bad for some reason. The paddle twitches each time I steer the paddle controller left or right. It might be either the game's fault or the console's fault. One thing's for sure, there's nothing wrong with the paddle controllers as I tested them on my Atari Flashback 8 Gold. The other games seem to be working fine so far. So, if you want to experience some Atari classic games, I would check the Atari 50 game for Nintendo Switch and multiple other consoles.
Nice, well balanced video review. Let's hope the update arrives swiftly and addresses the major issues. Still, I'm looking forward to receiving my unit this week.
What do you mean new ? They bringing back out the "Atari 2600" again ? Cool ! Retro gaming is getting more popular today due to next gen console requires internet gameplay.....I had one back in 81.....games to check out.... * Popeye * Burger Time * Pac Man & Ms Pac Man * Galaxian * Pitfall * Dig Dug * Centipede * Joust * Super Pitfall * Space Invaders * Rampage * Defender 🎮🕹️🎮🕹️🎮🕹️🎮🕹️
I just ordered one of these from Atari. Should be here before the weekend. And I do have quite a few homebrews for both 2600 and 7800. So I hope they release a firmware update or something. I bought a couple of homebrews off of you too, John, in Columbus Ohio at the gaming expo. (nice to have met you btw) Good stuff, man. I'll see if this new thing from Atari plays those too. If not, I still have my original consoles. But it would be nice if the plus plays them.
9/10 for me. Only disappointing thing is no power brick. I don’t really care at all about the homebrew stuff so not bothered by it. Would it have been nice to have it at launch? I guess. But if 99% of 2600 & 7800 games are working, just how many games can you play and still be disappointed?
To confirm, flash carts such as the Harmony don't function on this? Bummer if that is the case! That is a deal breaker for me...otherwise it's awesome!
seems like a waste of money, i dont get why atari (aka infogrames) is so out of touch with releasing actual better plug in plays rather than this, theres no reason this console cant run every atari 2600 game.. even the damm DS can run every atari game
so they sell it for loners? Only 1 controller? dude... Too cost effective for me... I think I sent 6 messages to Atari last week, never got ANY answer back. TBH disappointed overall with them. Oh yep the dip switched in the 10 in 1 is absurd.
Does anyone know if Xevious works on the 2600+? Cause I bought a cartridge of the game yesterday and I might return it, but I want to know if it’s the system or the game itself.
I tried Xevious 7800 on the Atari+ and it didn't work. I cleaned it alot also when it didn't load. So it might be that game. Both the 2600 and 7800 Xevious version aren't even on the Atari+ compatibility list on their website.
Impressive that they thought to include a cartridge port at last. Now I can finally play my original Atari games in HD! By the way, the no power brick thing is a cost cutting measure in two way. The brick itself, but most importantly, you get ONE unit to sell for the whole world. The differences in electric standards are irrelevant.
Been waiting for this review and just as usual, Mr Hancock delivers!! My prediction is that they might have a heavy sixer in the future as a special edition. I will probably get myself one. The pros really outweigh the cons for me. But I agree, that they should push out an update soon and fix these issues. Thank you John for all you do. God bless you and your family ❤❤
Circa 2000 I sent $100 to someone on the internet who later sent me an Atari 2600 multicart with dipswitches. It's kind of funny that I had that kind of faith in humanity back then. Today? LOL NO
If this system can play the paddle games accurately, then I'm pretty much sold. Been wanting a way that wasn't sluggish or laggy to play them on my big LCD tv. I do have a Darth Vader model hooked up to my crt for 2600 games, but my game room is not that big and the crt is in a place where it's only convenient for one player at a time while my big lcd has a sofa and coffee table in front of it and is where I prefer to play games with guests.
I am disappointed that it can't play Champ Games. The majority of games I play today are modern homebrews. Nostalgia is fine but the new stuff is what keeps the system alive for me.
don't get me wrong, I also hate the lack of power brick. But the justification for that is so they can sell the exact same unit in NA, EU, Japan, etc. Usually only printed parts will be different (boxes, manuals). Again, at that price point it's annoying. But it's becoming more common for this reason.
You are correct. Nearly all of these new retro consoles have no power brick included so that it can be sold worldwide, as is. Even the other new Atari branded console, the GameStation Pro, has no power brick included.
I thini Atari really dropped the ball with not offering more new cartridges for sale at the time of the 2600+ release. Lots of people ordering this console bought everything available, no doubt Atari could have sold out a small run of budget priced loose cart games.
I appreciate the review! I'm seriously considering getting one of these! I should also get my Atari 5200 out and see if it still works. I know the controllers were having issues with the side buttons.
I was really excited for this when it was announced but I've since soured on it after reading more and watching this video. I have a 7800 with a bad rf module I've been meaning to mod for composite support. I think I'd rather just use 130 bucks toward getting a 7800 game drive with the RGB cables and run it through my retrotink 5x instead.
I believe it's done on purpose to reduce pollution: It's using standard USB C, and these days most people have USB power bricks, and it comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter cable.
I know this sounds stupid but I can’t just play it out of the box? Confused about the power brick. Got it for my parents for Christmas. What would I need to buy for them to play?
Thank you for the excellent review John. I have to say that I've not been this excited for a "mini" console since they announced the original NES Mini. Shane about some of the support, especially Rampage, but hoping an update or 2 will sort it out.
Wait wait wait... It doesn't work with harmony carts? Why not? That kind of breaks a bunch of the homebrew carts on Atari Age... Also it's supposed to do 7800 games too, right? Is it just using emulation? 😢😢😢 Does Berserk+ work on the original Atari?
Wow! If I didn't have an Xbox I would take the trip back to the 80s and get one! A time when a console didn't have to be connected to the internet. I would spend hours on this console. I know it came out in 1977 when I was 16, but I was able to afford it when I was 20, in 1981.
I lost all of my video game systems while I was sick in the hospital someone stool everything even the Atari 2600 with all my games it was just something I always had and it's gone and I can't even afford one until I get better to work
Thank you for your review. I wish I saw it before I bought it because I don’t like the whole dip switch idea. That’s not something I would’ve done if I were them. However, I’m curious to play some old cartridges that could only be played on a system that allows for it and so that’s the reason why I bought it. I’ve senior reviews in the past and I really like your spirit and how you approach the playing of the games you truly are meant to be doing what you’re doing with regard to gaming. I ordered the Empire strikes back from Parker brothers video game for the 2600 and I’m hopeful that that will work on it because that was my main motivation to buy. This thing is to be able to play that old Empire strikes back video game. Do you know if it has been tested or if it remains untested? Thank you for your time and consideration as well as for this. Excellent review you posted. Have a great day.
I’m so excited for this thing. Atari was before my time but I’m ecstatic a company has finally released a continuing official way to play their legacy games. Wonder what new games we will see on here. Yars 2?
I, too, am annoyed that alllllllllll, and I do mean all, of these consoles use the 4-Switch version. We all know if they did the 6-Switch they'd do a Light Sixer too, but it'd still be better than the 4-Switch. At this point this device is as much as a display piece as a gaming machine. We want the bigger one. The lack of homebrew, and I'm assuming Everdrives(?) is somewhat odd. Also the bank-switching issues that plagued the Retron77 years ago still somewhat being present isn't great. Especially with this being from the current people who own the name Atari, you'd figure they'd want to release more of a premium product. I'm glad this has a cartridge slot, as I feel all of these retro consoles should be able to play original games. This is a good stepping stone to, say, an FPGA 2600/7800.
Update: I have a small correction to my review. The Dragonfly Multicart does indeed work with this. Since it works differently than other multicarts, it does indeed work. I got some misinformation and stand corrected. I ended up testing this myself to confirm this.
Sadly Harmony multicart won’t work.
Wonder if Boulder Dash cartridge works or Plus WiFi cartridge.
@@thomashughes4326maybe it’s for Movember? Either way, I think it looks pretty badass.
Now can you check and see if this will take power from a USB port on a TV?
@@Rabbitlord108 I saw another review on the 2600+ where the person was doing exactly that. Although I've heard the 2600+ needs a 1A output rated power supply and I think many TV's USB ports only provide about half of that, but you would need to check the specs on your TV to verify this.
@@IvoryTowerCollections Okay. Thanks for letting me know.
Glad they sent this to you for review. Its odd that there is such a long loading screen being the games are so small. Its great that some of those homebrew are loading too. Overall it seems with a few improvements it could be worth it for the right people.
Booting up I guess
Probably loading the kernel and emulator before dumping the game. It uses an off the shelf rockchip chipset so probably some stripped down Linux variant.
Wow! Your unboxing took me back to 1981 when I found a 2600 under the Christmas tree. To date, its the best Christmas I ever received, and i still get chills whenever I take out my console and fire her up!
I have an original Heavy Sixer which I purchased off of Ebay earlier this year and with the 80’s being my generation I absolutely adore it!! I have honestly wanted one for years, have a couple different version’s of the flashback’s but the original Heavy Sixer I cherish!!! ❤️
Not having a power brick is like buying a pair of shoes without shoe laces. What if Nike said you have laces laying around and we don't need to provide them .
Don't give them any ideas.
@Rabbitlord108 yeah don't give them ideas!🤔
That's false equivalence.
That's a little dramatic, but understand the point. If these companies are saving that $1-$5 per clean-power brick, and saying that it's all in the name of the environment and to save on fuel, then pass it on to us. Don't just keep the money. (Thanks Apple)
@@mattb9664 tbh it's not even about saving money, it's about saving E-Waste. I've got drawers full of the things.
Now that I know pitfall 2 does not work I wish I would not have bought one. What a load of garbage. You would think when they we’re developing the console they would have made sure one of the most popular games would work.
Some of the emulation glitches can occur depending on how the calculations for things getting displayed were done with the old CRT TVs. We appreciate all of your work! Having 7800 support is great.
The “IMMORTAL” John Hancock just loooooves Atari!
Great, honest review! Agreed homebrew support needs to be there. I'm glad to see the compatibility for old and new paddles. The fact that track balls works is excellent! This is on my radar for sure as I like to have options!
Especially since Atari bought Atari age which is one of the biggest sites for Atari homebrews
Idk about honest. The museum was a fucking lie.
Originally, Missile Command didn't have trackball support, it just worked like a joystick: move in direction it goes that way at a constant speed. I heard they set up the game on the computers so it would work when it eventually came out. That is, move the ball fast, your cursor goes in the direction quickly; move it slow it goes slowly. I'm guessing Millipede lets it work as a trackball?
I almost bought this three times already and every time I stop myself because in reality am I gonna play these games I may try them but the reality is just something that’s going to sit on the shelf like everything else. I’m finally using good self-control.
6:46 I'm heartened to see that not only was Custer's Revenge tested, but that it was given a pass. You're doing god's work, testers.
🤣🤣🤣
I actually used to have that when I was in Jr High. I hid it because I thought I'd get arrested. 😂
Woohoo!!! I preordered. Can't wait to get mine!
I'm an Atarian, and this is a great review. I have a heavy sixer and atari flashback 3 and 7800. But my heart is in the 800 series. I've got the atari game station and 400 mini.
Very impressed.
got original 800/800XL and 65XE.
You do make this very tempting.
Its a shame it not FPGA.
Its a nice device for what it is... I like that you can play 7800 games! I do agree about the power brick though. Be interesting to see how updates go on it.
This is exciting, I've had mine on preorder for awhile now!
Hmmm sticking with my Retron 77 until they clean up the 7800 side. The good thing about the retron 77 is that you can side load roms so if a cart won't dump correctly you can still play the game via rom. So Galagon and Draconian can at least be played some way. The Atari 2600+ is probably in a better staring point than the retron 77 was but at that price point they need to clean things up before I buy one.
And I wonder if games can be sideloaded to this? Maybe with update?
@@johnhancockretro I am sure eventually there will be a way. Honestly, that is probably the best way to get 100% compatibility. My understanding is that it is running Stella 6.7 so it should run pretty much everything via rom. The 7800 compatibility will also improve somewhat with side loading. It is using the same emulator as Retroarch and that plays Rampage fine. It also does Bentley Bear's albeit without sound. There is a way to make this thing really kick ass if Atari follows through
I have to agree that the Retron 77 with the community firmware still looks like the way to go currently for cartridge-based 2600 gaming with HDMI output. Both can read physical Atari 2600 cartridges, but the Retron system has some of the creature comforts (such as playing games from files that the dumper itself can't read from cartridge) that even retrogamers expect from modern hardware. So while I've got the 2600+ ordered, I'll probably be playing the games on the Retron instead of on the 2600+.
What I really wish this 2600+ would do is to save the rom dumps of the cartridges you put into it and populate a menu that would let you select a cartridge you've already played without having to put the cartridge back in again. That'd make it a game, to some extent, to "collect 'em all" ... and would make it less clumsy to actually play your game collection - especially if a lot of it is sitting on original cartridges from the 70s and 80s.
@@johnhancockretro If the console can receive an update via the USB C cable, then surely it can be exploited and sideloaded with roms
The cart dumper is better on the 2600+. However, Retron 77--especially with the updated firmware--is great for side-loading. If an update, or the community, adds side-loading to the 2600+, it'll easily have the edge. Wait, they need to get Rampage (7800) working! lol
I think a rule when it comes to compatibility right now is if it uses any non standard chips such as CBS's Ram plus, the additional memory on the supercharger or the music and mapper on Pitfall 2. Should be considered incompatible for now. Since it's just dumping the rom image
My father paid $201.00 for my Atari back in the early 80’s but mine came with 2 joysticks and a game!
I'm an old geezer of 66, as long as I can play Space Invaders, Galaxian, Asteroids, Pacman, Demon and Phoenix I'll be a happy bunny! (Wife's bought me this for Chrimbo so no play till then!) 😢
chatted with the developer at PRGE nice lad thanks for the review hmmm 2600 was my first console i do like the 7800 compatibilty but as some do they kinda cheap out which never feels satisfying..
Dissappointing that this 2600+ does not allow one to use a Harmony Cart. I enjoy my Harmony Cart on the Heavy Sixer I own so weird they would not make or allow that cart to work.
So disappointing that they made this as a 4 Switch instead of the OG 6 Switch. 👎 Nevertheless I bought this, and the paddles, anyway.
Im really tempted to try this out and start collecting 2600 and 7800 games. I've played atari games on many alternatives but it'd be nice to get something more official. I always had an itch to learn how to make games for the 7800 and honestly (if I had the time) id love to see if I could make something like Zelda 2 with FEZ camera rotation to make 3d towns and dungeons. Maybe in time. But I hope this gets the updates needed to run those homebrew games.
Dude. Please make that game. It sounds incredible!!!
@@darkridearts Lots of patience will be needed, but im sure theres plenty of support online to learn its functions and quirks.. And thr few hiccups from me having brain farts no doubt haha.
Great vídeo! Im a big Atari fan! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷
Another game that doesnt work is the mnetwork bump n jump. It is a bankswitching issue apparently but the telegames version does work
Idk why people are complaining about lack of a power brick. Does no one have a usb-c phone charger? And you can buy a power brick for cheap nowadays.
Thanks for the review. I'm impressed by what I see already, and the fact that future updates will offer more support is a big plus.
I have a rather large 2600 collection, and only a dozen or so 7800 cartridges. I've never owned a 7800, so the only way I've played its games are through emulation on my PC, so I look forward to dusting off the cartridges and actually playing them.
A tiny nitpick, the lack of a scanline filter option. But hats off, Atari made this product. I'm not a cartridge collector myself, more a Commodore fan :) But I do have the Atari 2600 jr, the XEGS, 7800, and the Flashback X.
I'm highly positive about any product releases, that helps extend the lifespan of retro gaming legacies.
Thanks for a great review John, I was really looking forward to an Atari fan having a look :)
Better yet, why not provide a composite port that does 240p output in addition to the HDMI? If I had one of these, I'd want to hook it up to my CRT TV and get true scanlines! THAT little feature would make it feel like a real 2600! Even my Atari Flashback offers composite output in 240p.
Hello John - Could I please ask you to try your Atgames Atari Flashback Paddles on this unit, to see if they work in any fashion ?? With Thanks !!!
That really sucks that tunnel runner doesn't work. That was my personal favorite game back in the day.
Not surprised that it doesn't work given that it uses a additional ram chip on the cart board.
Hi! Does the Atari 2600 + have stereo sound? And is it in 1080p?
Cool idea with the toilet paper tube cable holders. Where those single or two-ply? LOL 😄
The major upside is that they designed the plug and play console with updates in mind so they can address emulation issues with games at an eventual point in time. Aside from that, the only minor issue is that the console is smaller than the original, though that isn't enough to put me off from buying one next year. I own original 2600 controllers and cartridges and plan to buy a few homebrew titles. I'm also amazed that they're allowing, and possibly in-house developing after-market games for the 2600 system. Very impressed because they have ironed out most of the issues so far.
It has no USB connectors only DB9 connectors so how would you update it?
It only has the USB for power, you would have to have a OTG cable to do it from that connector, if so then it would of come with one, I am guessing the power connector is the OTG connector, cause they need away of flashing the firmware on to its nand on its pcb board so will always have a way in to it, on THEC64 the OTG connector is the USB port on the back of it next to its HDMI port.
Unless its can download updates via the internet and connect it to your WIFI, Koch Media's Capcom Home Arcade could do that and the Atari 2600 Plus was made by Koch Media too.
RM made the hardware and Atari made its firmware that runs on Linux, like THEC64, RM made the hardware and RGL made its firmware, its the same logic, Atari do not make hardware, they never have, ATGames made the other Atari Flashback consoles with Atari IP, Atari were mainly a publisher for games, well they were when they were Infogrames and Atari Interactive was GT interactive, remember them, I know everything about Atari and its history and where they come from, because its important where companies come from and what happened to them, like Commodore, the old Atari company dies in 1998, Atari now has no connection to it or to Jack Tramiel's Atari, its a completely different company, it all on Wikipedia.... :)
I remember that it wasn't even called the 2600 at first; it was just the VCS
Gives me a reason to collect for the 2600 and 7800 again. At one time i had 150 2600 games and about 40 7800 games.
When $1200 cell phones don't ship with power bricks, we shouldn't be too surprised when cheaper devices likewise skimp.
I agree about the manual, but I actually kind of like the dip-switches! That really takes me back
so this is really just an emulator and not actual hardware?
It’s good to see that Atari have updated their compatibility list - a number of games that were previously untested are now listed at “pass” - including a number of the multicart titles such as Activision Super Hit Pak & Rad Action Pak - which I did not think would be possible with the 2600+
Music saw the return of vinyl records to the mainstream...video games are now seeing the return of Atari 2600/7800 game cartridges, thanks to the Atari 2600+!
Tear it down John and let’s see what’s inside! Mine is on the way but I wouldn’t do that mine! Lol! Great video!👍👍
Last year, I've got myself the Atari 2600+ and at first Breakout worked completely fine, but as months past, the controls went bad for some reason. The paddle twitches each time I steer the paddle controller left or right. It might be either the game's fault or the console's fault. One thing's for sure, there's nothing wrong with the paddle controllers as I tested them on my Atari Flashback 8 Gold. The other games seem to be working fine so far. So, if you want to experience some Atari classic games, I would check the Atari 50 game for Nintendo Switch and multiple other consoles.
Nice, well balanced video review. Let's hope the update arrives swiftly and addresses the major issues. Still, I'm looking forward to receiving my unit this week.
Any chance of the harmony cart working after update?
What do you mean new ? They bringing back out the "Atari 2600" again ? Cool ! Retro gaming is getting more popular today due to next gen console requires internet gameplay.....I had one back in 81.....games to check out....
* Popeye
* Burger Time
* Pac Man & Ms Pac Man
* Galaxian
* Pitfall
* Dig Dug
* Centipede
* Joust
* Super Pitfall
* Space Invaders
* Rampage
* Defender
🎮🕹️🎮🕹️🎮🕹️🎮🕹️
Cool! Thank you for the video! Does the new joystick work with the original 2600?
Yes
I just ordered one of these from Atari. Should be here before the weekend. And I do have quite a few homebrews for both 2600 and 7800. So I hope they release a firmware update or something. I bought a couple of homebrews off of you too, John, in Columbus Ohio at the gaming expo. (nice to have met you btw) Good stuff, man. I'll see if this new thing from Atari plays those too. If not, I still have my original consoles. But it would be nice if the plus plays them.
9/10 for me. Only disappointing thing is no power brick. I don’t really care at all about the homebrew stuff so not bothered by it. Would it have been nice to have it at launch? I guess. But if 99% of 2600 & 7800 games are working, just how many games can you play and still be disappointed?
To confirm, flash carts such as the Harmony don't function on this? Bummer if that is the case! That is a deal breaker for me...otherwise it's awesome!
But dragonfly works
This should have been an FPGA to get 100% compatibility .
Awesome!! I hope to get my hands on one of these soon! Thanks for the video!
seems like a waste of money, i dont get why atari (aka infogrames) is so out of touch with releasing actual better plug in plays rather than this, theres no reason this console cant run every atari 2600 game.. even the damm DS can run every atari game
so they sell it for loners? Only 1 controller? dude... Too cost effective for me... I think I sent 6 messages to Atari last week, never got ANY answer back. TBH disappointed overall with them. Oh yep the dip switched in the 10 in 1 is absurd.
answered a lot of my questions... thank you!
Happy to help!
I always liked the Atari 7800 version of Asteroids. At the time when it came out I thought the graphics were such an improvement to the original.
That's a bummer Pit Fall 2 doesn't work. Probably my favorite 2600 game.
I got a 2600+ for Christmas, and I've started collecting atari now
if anybody already asked this ? gyruss works on the atari 2600+ i tested myself and operational on this system
Hopefully, the Pitfall 2 compatibility issues will be worked out in a future firmware update.
I'm overjoyed to hear that the new controllers are well made. I definitely plan to grab a couple sticks and a paddle set.
Does anyone know if Xevious works on the 2600+? Cause I bought a cartridge of the game yesterday and I might return it, but I want to know if it’s the system or the game itself.
I tried Xevious 7800 on the Atari+ and it didn't work. I cleaned it alot also when it didn't load. So it might be that game. Both the 2600 and 7800 Xevious version aren't even on the Atari+ compatibility list on their website.
Impressive that they thought to include a cartridge port at last. Now I can finally play my original Atari games in HD!
By the way, the no power brick thing is a cost cutting measure in two way. The brick itself, but most importantly, you get ONE unit to sell for the whole world. The differences in electric standards are irrelevant.
All that I wanna know is if whether or not the 10-in-1 cartridge that comes with the 2600+ will work on the original 2600.
Yes
Sweet!
Who not two controllers? For $130, they should have included another.
Can someone explain to me why this looks better than the PS5?
Been waiting for this review and just as usual, Mr Hancock delivers!! My prediction is that they might have a heavy sixer in the future as a special edition. I will probably get myself one. The pros really outweigh the cons for me. But I agree, that they should push out an update soon and fix these issues. Thank you John for all you do. God bless you and your family ❤❤
That would be cool!
You show Combat, but without a 2nd joystick you can't play it.
PS: Your channel was a super motivation to did some new games for me and my team! It could be cool to send you some and have you opinion about it!
That would be cool to see!
Circa 2000 I sent $100 to someone on the internet who later sent me an Atari 2600 multicart with dipswitches. It's kind of funny that I had that kind of faith in humanity back then. Today? LOL NO
Wait.. Burger Time doesn’t work? 🥺
If this system can play the paddle games accurately, then I'm pretty much sold. Been wanting a way that wasn't sluggish or laggy to play them on my big LCD tv. I do have a Darth Vader model hooked up to my crt for 2600 games, but my game room is not that big and the crt is in a place where it's only convenient for one player at a time while my big lcd has a sofa and coffee table in front of it and is where I prefer to play games with guests.
Dan Wood made a video on this one, from his video you can clearly see input lag when he is playing Breakout.
@@mick6813 Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to check that video out.
You look like a trucker named “Red” or Ol’ Red” 😅 nice vid tho 🎉
I am disappointed that it can't play Champ Games. The majority of games I play today are modern homebrews. Nostalgia is fine but the new stuff is what keeps the system alive for me.
It is nice that Atari didn't go with AtGames for this console.
don't get me wrong, I also hate the lack of power brick. But the justification for that is so they can sell the exact same unit in NA, EU, Japan, etc. Usually only printed parts will be different (boxes, manuals). Again, at that price point it's annoying. But it's becoming more common for this reason.
You are correct. Nearly all of these new retro consoles have no power brick included so that it can be sold worldwide, as is. Even the other new Atari branded console, the GameStation Pro, has no power brick included.
I thini Atari really dropped the ball with not offering more new cartridges for sale at the time of the 2600+ release. Lots of people ordering this console bought everything available, no doubt Atari could have sold out a small run of budget priced loose cart games.
I appreciate the review! I'm seriously considering getting one of these! I should also get my Atari 5200 out and see if it still works. I know the controllers were having issues with the side buttons.
I was really excited for this when it was announced but I've since soured on it after reading more and watching this video. I have a 7800 with a bad rf module I've been meaning to mod for composite support. I think I'd rather just use 130 bucks toward getting a 7800 game drive with the RGB cables and run it through my retrotink 5x instead.
Until they include a power brick, this will remain OFF my list. That is an unforgivable exclusion at any price point.
I believe it's done on purpose to reduce pollution: It's using standard USB C, and these days most people have USB power bricks, and it comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter cable.
My TV is not particularly fancy or new and has USB ports that can power the console fine. The Atari logo is on the USB connector, which is cute,
Loved the Atari version of commando 👌👌
They didn't sent you press kit? Press kit is awesome
I know this sounds stupid but I can’t just play it out of the box? Confused about the power brick. Got it for my parents for Christmas. What would I need to buy for them to play?
You can plug the power usb c cable into a usb tv Jack so possibly nothing.
Thank you for the excellent review John. I have to say that I've not been this excited for a "mini" console since they announced the original NES Mini. Shane about some of the support, especially Rampage, but hoping an update or 2 will sort it out.
The amico should have been this. Intellivision cart slot.
My 2600+ has shipped. Had my Pitfall 2 cartridge ready to play, oh well. All the others I have are listed as working at least.
Almost a deal breaker for me. I was so ready to play Pitfall 2: the best Atari game EVER.
They should have worked with John in the development of this console ahead of launch!
Wait wait wait... It doesn't work with harmony carts? Why not? That kind of breaks a bunch of the homebrew carts on Atari Age... Also it's supposed to do 7800 games too, right?
Is it just using emulation? 😢😢😢
Does Berserk+ work on the original Atari?
Still would've preferred an FPGA Atari system.
Yes, but then the price would be the thing people would then complain about.
@@johnhancockretroFair enough.
Cons outweighted . I will not be getting until they work it out and if not , the old systems still rule
Wow! If I didn't have an Xbox I would take the trip back to the 80s and get one! A time when a console didn't have to be connected to the internet. I would spend hours on this console. I know it came out in 1977 when I was 16, but I was able to afford it when I was 20, in 1981.
I lost all of my video game systems while I was sick in the hospital someone stool everything even the Atari 2600 with all my games it was just something I always had and it's gone and I can't even afford one until I get better to work
It's cute, but wish they would have made it full size.
John, if you can, do you have any PAL 7800 games? And if you have access, will they run on this?
I am also bummed out about Rampage 7800 😢
Thank you for your review. I wish I saw it before I bought it because I don’t like the whole dip switch idea. That’s not something I would’ve done if I were them. However, I’m curious to play some old cartridges that could only be played on a system that allows for it and so that’s the reason why I bought it. I’ve senior reviews in the past and I really like your spirit and how you approach the playing of the games you truly are meant to be doing what you’re doing with regard to gaming. I ordered the Empire strikes back from Parker brothers video game for the 2600 and I’m hopeful that that will work on it because that was my main motivation to buy. This thing is to be able to play that old Empire strikes back video game. Do you know if it has been tested or if it remains untested? Thank you for your time and consideration as well as for this. Excellent review you posted. Have a great day.
John does zippy aka sonic work on it .?
Thank you for the review. Seems like the positives outweigh the negatives here - glad to hear it!
Does the new David Crane game work?
Mines comeing today Thursday
I’m so excited for this thing. Atari was before my time but I’m ecstatic a company has finally released a continuing official way to play their legacy games.
Wonder what new games we will see on here. Yars 2?
I, too, am annoyed that alllllllllll, and I do mean all, of these consoles use the 4-Switch version. We all know if they did the 6-Switch they'd do a Light Sixer too, but it'd still be better than the 4-Switch. At this point this device is as much as a display piece as a gaming machine. We want the bigger one. The lack of homebrew, and I'm assuming Everdrives(?) is somewhat odd. Also the bank-switching issues that plagued the Retron77 years ago still somewhat being present isn't great. Especially with this being from the current people who own the name Atari, you'd figure they'd want to release more of a premium product. I'm glad this has a cartridge slot, as I feel all of these retro consoles should be able to play original games. This is a good stepping stone to, say, an FPGA 2600/7800.
Great thurough review my man! I just received mine, along with the paddle pack and Berzerk. Loving all the Atari products coming out as of late!