November 22nd, 2005
Old School: Atari Is Re-Releasing the Atari 2600
Alice Says: While the world is going nuts on the Xbox 360, try going old school!
By David Johnston
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
Fans of Atari everywhere should rejoice. The 2600 console, originally released in 1977, has been re-released so you can play all of your old favorites once again. The “new” console is called the “Flashback 2″ and instead of buying the games separately, they’re included inside the console itself. Atari’s description says:
Atari Flashback 2 is modeled after the beloved Atari 2600 console, making it the ultimate re-creation of the classic gaming experience. Loaded with 40 classic games including Pong, Asteroids, Centipede, Millipede, Lunar Lander, Breakout, Missile Command, Combat, among others, as well as retro game and arcade classics that have never before been released for the home console, Atari Flashback 2 will feature the same wood grain paneling and look of the Atari 2600, and will capture the feel through two classic joysticks for multi-player competition and vintage controls.
As you can see from the product page here, the Flashback 2 looks much like the original system as well…right down to the controllers. Also, at a retail price of $30 it’s much more affordable than current generation systems. Even though the 2600 was before my time, I’m very tempted.
Sources: Atari, Wikipedia, and USA Today via Digg
JTintle says:
It wasn’t before my time, I love playing the 2600 roms on my computer, but I will get this, I love it!
September 29th, 2005 at 2:06 pm
RobertSB says:
Check out this cool hack. It allows you to play all the 2600 cartridges as well!!
http://www.atarimuseum.com/fb2hacks/
September 29th, 2005 at 4:32 pm
Lockergnome's Tech News Watch says:
Old School: Atari Is Rereleasing The Atari 2600
David Johnston, Contributing Writer for RealTechNews, writes: Fans of Atari everywhere should rejoice. The 2600 console, originally released in 1977, has been rereleased so you can play all of your old favorites once again. The “new” console is calle…
September 29th, 2005 at 5:45 pm
Mr.Flesh says:
before your time? I’m 28 and it wasn’t before my time…..god do I feel old now….thanks a lot.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:27 pm
David Johnston says:
That’s a cool mod. One glaring ommission from the game list is space invaders (at least, I don’t think it’s included) so it’d be nice to be able to use the cartridge to play it.
September 29th, 2005 at 6:59 pm
HB says:
I have to say, even back then I thought the 2600 was awful. There were better consoles to be had and even Apple II’s had better looking versions or clones of the Atari games. Also, the controllers were simply terrible. They were stiff and caused major hand cramps after playing for a short time.
September 30th, 2005 at 5:44 am
Paul says:
Wow before your time! I still have my Atari 2600 and use it occasionally. Two years ago I picked up wireless controllers, at a retro gaming show, for it. Always wanted them as a kid, man they are bulky compared to what is out today. Yes, I still like the original Atari controllers. Having Centipede without a trackball is just criminal in my mind. Still good to see a new generation of fan being created.
September 30th, 2005 at 6:44 am
David Johnston says:
Yeah, I was born in 1985
September 30th, 2005 at 6:46 am
TipsDr Blog says:
Atari 2600 Once Again
Atari has decided to do something I think is fantastic, they are re-releasing the Atari 2600! So should you start looking for all of your old games? Nope, they are included in the console, it comes loaded with 40 classic games. There has been lots of …
October 3rd, 2005 at 7:39 am
lm says:
I heard an interview with Curt Vendel, the man who developed this console on a podcast back in October. Pretty interesting. Aptly named too, as I had a flashback to the original console when I saw it.
November 22nd, 2005 at 4:12 pm
Gedvondur says:
I so just purchased one of those. Damn, I loved that console.
S
November 23rd, 2005 at 7:12 am
Moo says:
I went to Best Buy on Sunday night and bought one. I thought it would be a good video game “entry drug” for my kids (3 & 5 yrs old). It’s a nifty system but the kids weren’t really into playing it. My wife is trying to return it today (I can’t find the #@$%# receipt!!!)
November 23rd, 2005 at 8:55 am
Juan Alvarez says:
Yes, yes, yes; birng it back would be awesome!;
I just to have it and more than 40 cassetes; I’m from Mexico and I would like to know where can I get it this Flashback2.
please let me know: juancarlos.alvarezqtrane.com
July 28th, 2006 at 2:51 pm