“The company decided to repeatedly monetize nostalgic experiences”

Kommersant FM columnist Alexander Levi talks about the new Atari portable console in retro style.

It’s sad to realize that such pleasant titles from childhood as Pacman, Pong or Space Invaders, in strong connection with the platform, have crossed the fifty-year mark. And Atari approached its anniversary commercially thoroughly. Deciding to repeatedly and thoroughly monetize nostalgic experiences, simultaneously attracting the attention of a fresh (I think it would be correct to even say young) audience. In particular, we are talking about licensing Atari Gamestation Portable portable game consoles with a set of classic games inside.

The device, created by MyArcade, is similar to modern versions like the Nintendo Switch. But in addition to the titles themselves, a smaller copy of the control systems that were found on the corresponding consoles and machines of the 70-80s of the last century will help you to feel the history and spirit of Atari.

On the left side of the portable console, MyArcade developers installed a trackball, which is familiar, for example, to games Centipede or Missile Command. A Paddle wheel was placed next to it, more suitable for the Canyon Bomber or Breakout. In addition, the engineers have provided a small set of keys that will be familiar to fans of Codebreaker or, say, Brain Games.

Such unification out of jealousy for analog joysticks can be called unsuccessful. But this approach will give you the opportunity to try as many games as possible without wasting time and effort on reconnecting the “original” controllers. For fans of pure retro, Atari sells extremely analog consoles – artifacts like the 2600+ or ​​400 Mini models.

And the Gamestation Portable looks like a pocket console for any user. No cartridges or wires, just take it out and play. There are almost no details on technical components. It is known that the display of the new product is seven inches diagonally. The game catalog is expected to include over 200 classic Atari titles. They promised to announce a specific list closer to the launch, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024. The stated price of the Atari Gamestation Portable is $149.99.