Published on August 23rd, 2023 | by Adrian Gunning
AN ICON RETURNS: ATARI AND PLAION ANNOUNCE FAITHFUL RECREATION OF THE ATARI 2600
PLAION, a global leading publisher and developer of videogames and Atari®, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce the Atari 2600+ – a modern day faithful recreation of the pioneering console that first appeared in 1977 – will be launching worldwide on 17th November 2023 and available to pre-order for $189.95.
Launching with ten of some of the most important video games in Atari’s history, including Adventure and Missile Command, the Atari 2600+ has been created using modern technology to authentically replicate the original 4-switch Atari 2600 Video Game System.
For those looking to relive the gameplay experiences of the ‘70s and ’80s, included with the Atari 2600+ is the CX40+ Joystick Controller, recreated with the same size and layout as the original 2600 Joystick Controller for that added touch of nostalgia
“Making classic games accessible to everyone is a priority for Atari, and the release of the Atari 2600+ is a big step towards the preservation of 2600 and 7800 games,” said Atari Chairman and CEO, Wade Rosen. “In our mission in giving retro enthusiasts more ways to play iconic games, PLAION’s approach to a quality recreation of iconic Atari hardware made them a perfect partner when choosing to bring the 2600+ to market.”
“We’re excited to be working with Atari to bring back the Atari 2600 and help meet the growing consumer demand for retro hardware,” said Commercial Director of Retro at PLAION, Ben Jones. “For gamers who remember the thrill of playing arcade games at home for the very first time, the Atari 2600+ will take you right back. For everyone else, the offer is one of timeless fun and the chance to experience a golden age of video games in a way that could only come from Atari.”
Key features include:
- BUILDING ON THE LEGACY: The new Atari 2600+ builds on the original machine with modern quality of life features such as HDMI output, USB power and multiple screen resolutions and includes an faithful replica of the original CX40+ Joystick.
- GO BACK IN TIME: The cartridge slot is backwards compatible with hundreds of original Atari 2600 and 7800 games. The Atari 2600+ launches with a 10 Games in 1 Cartridge which includes iconic games such as Adventure®, Combat®, Dodge ‘Em™, Haunted House®, Maze Craze™, Missile Command®, Realsports® Volleyball, Surround™, Video Pinball™, Yars’ Revenge®
- LOOK AND FEEL OF 1977: The Atari 2600+ has been lovingly crafted using modern technology from the movement of the joystick to the feel of the metal switches to the authentic woodgrain front panel.
PLAION and Atari® also announce the availability of The CX-30 Paddle Controller with 4-in-1 multi game cartridge will retail for $59.95. Additional launch titles including Bezerk Enhanced Edition and Mr. Run and Jump will also be available on The Atari 2600+ for $44.95 and a standalone CX-40 Joystick will retail for $39.95. The Atari 2600+ will be available from 17th November 2023 at major retailers for $189.95.