Atari Goes Full '80s Throwback with Eye-Searing Pac-Man 2600+ - But Is It Worth It?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Atari's gone full-on Pac-Man fever with a yellow-drenched 2600+ console re-release, and while it might burn your eyes, it's hard to deny the sheer '80s charm. Just try not to lose it in your shag carpet.
Right, so Atari's decided to double down on the nostalgia, teaming up with Namco (again!) and Plaion to unleash a Pac-Man edition of their 2600+ console. Remember the 2600+? The one they launched back in 2023 as a 'faithful recreation' of the original? Well, strap in, because it's about to get a whole lot…yellower. (Credit to Eurogamer for spotting this blazing blast from the past.)
This isn't just a console; it's a *statement*. Forget the wood panelling; we're talking signature Pac-Man yellow, plastered across the entire body. And you know what? As much as it assaults my retinas, I can't help but kinda dig it. It's so aggressively '80s it loops back around to being cool. The front panel sports an apparently illuminated Pac-Man and ghost gang, and even the cartridge slot gets a yellow makeover. Tasteful? Maybe not. Memorable? Absolutely.
But what *is* the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition, exactly? Well, it's pretty much what it sounds like: A 2600+ dipped in a vat of pure Pac-Man essence. It's got those fancy modern bits – HDMI output, USB power, multiple screen resolutions. The good stuff. It'll set you back £129.99, which gets you the console, a CX-40 wireless joystick (also yellow, naturally), and a Pac-Man Double Feature cartridge. This cartridge includes Pac-Man 2600 (the 1982 home console debut) and Pac-Man 7800, a "brand new, arcade-style version of the classic." Sounds promising!
And if you're thinking one yellow joystick just isn't enough, fear not! Plaion's also releasing joystick variants based on Inky (Blue), Blinky (Red), Pinky (Pink), and Clyde (Orange). Fair dinkum, you can collect the whole rainbow! Pre-orders kick off on July 23rd, so get your wallets ready.
So, the big question: Is it worth it? Well, if you're a hardcore Pac-Man fanatic or just have a serious case of '80s nostalgia, then yeah, maybe. It's a fun, albeit pricey, way to relive the glory days of gaming. But let's be honest, it's mostly about that eye-searing yellow. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Ultimately, the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition is a bold move by Atari, Namco, and Plaion. It's loud, it's brash, and it's unapologetically retro. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is entirely up to you, mate.
Tags: Atari, Pac-Man, Retro Gaming, Console, Gaming News
Original article: Eurogamer