Fall 2017 is going to be nirvana for fans of classic gaming.
That’s when a flurry of new, relatively compact Atari and Sega consoles hit the market.
Both systems come packaged with HD versions of favorite library games and include advanced features we’re told, such as wireless controllers.
The line-up features 6 different models (see below for details). The primary differences relate to the number of games included. Commuters and students and frequent travelers will likely be pleased to know consoles are available with built-in 2.8-inch screens.
Atari is offering three modes: Flashback 8 Gold ($79.99 USD) with 120 built-in games; Flashback 8 Classic Game Console ($59.99) with 105 built-in games; and Flashback Portable Game Player ($59.99) with 70 built-in games and a 2.8-inch display for gaming on the go.
Sega also comes in 3 variations: Genesis Flashback ($79.99) with 85 built-in games; Classic Gaming Console ($59.99) with 81 built-in games; and Ultra Portable Game Player ($59.99) with 85 built-in games and 2.8-inch display.
Safe to say, there’s a lot of choice for retro gamers of all types.
Retro Gaming: Atari and Sega Gaming Consoles Redux
- The all-new Atari Flashback 8 Gold ($79.99) features 120 built-in all-time favorites. Games include legends like Activision’s Pitfall! and Taito’s Space Invaders, as well as many other all-time Atari 2600 classics like Kaboom!™, River Raid™, Centipede™, and Millipede™. Two all new, high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired joysticks or paddles. Other all new features for the Atari Flashback 8 Gold include 720p HDMI output, scan line filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
- The Atari Flashback 8 Classic Game Console ($59.99) returns in a new value-priced edition, complete with 105 all-time favorites. Amazing new additions to the game line-up include Activision legends like Pitfall!, Kaboom!, and River Raid. Two wired controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports to add your own optional wired joysticks or paddles.
- The Atari Flashback Portable Game Player ($59.99) features an amazing selection of 70 built-in games, including the legendary BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment arcade hit, PAC-MAN. Other blockbuster games include Dig Dug, Pitfall!, and Frogger, and you can even add your own games with an optional SD card. A built-in, rechargeable battery, means the on-the-go fun never has to end. Games can be played on the portable’s built-in, high resolution 2.8” display, or on a TV via optional cable.
- The all-new Sega Genesis Flashback ($79.99) has a stunning new design, reminiscent of the original console, and features 85 built-in games as well as an integrated cartridge port that plays almost all of your favorite Sega Genesis and Mega Drive original cartridges. Built-in all-time favorites include the Sonic series, Mortal Kombat ™series, Phantasy Star series, and Shining Force series games. Two new high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Sega Genesis originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired gamepads. Other new features for the Sega Genesis Flashback include 720p HDMI output, scan line filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
- The Classic Game Console ($59.99) returns in a new value-priced edition, complete with 81 all-time favorites. Amazing new additions to the game line-up include role-playing and strategy legends, Shining Force, Shining Force II, and Shining in the Darkness. Two wired controllers, styled after the Sega Genesis originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports to add your own optional wired controllers.
- The Ultimate Portable Game Player ($59.99) returns with an enhanced selection of 85 built-in 16-bit Sega Genesis and Mega Drive classic games. The selection of blockbuster games include new additions PAC-PANIC and Splatterhouse 2, as well as many more surprises. You can even add your own games with an optional SD card! Returning for 2017 is save game support for the included Phantasy Star series role-playing games. A built-in, rechargeable battery, means the on-the-go fun never has to end. Games can be played on the portable’s built-in, high resolution 2.8” display, or on a TV via optional cable.
Key Atari 2600 titles to look for in these bundles include Space Invaders, Kaboom!, Pitfall!, River Raid, Millipede, and Centipede.
On the Sega Genesis (16-bit) side look for classics such as the Sonic and Mortal Kombat series, Splatterhouse 2, Shining Force and Phantasy Star.
It looks like retro gaming will be another big theme this holiday season.
Last year, Nintendo took the market by storm with a shrunken version of its legendary Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console. Quickly stocking out, the product proved that consumers were pining for the simplicity that 8-bit and 16-bit games afforded, not to mention the lower price points (under $100). Compared to $300+ consoles from Sony (PS4 and PS4 Pro), Microsoft (Xbox) and Nintendo (Switch) the re-packaged NES perhaps demonstrated the opportunity for companies looking to tap into the casual gaming market had other options aside from traditional iOS and Android gaming apps.
Pre-orders for the Atari Flashback 8 Gold and Sega Genesis Flashback will be available from major retailers including Target, Best Buy and GameStop starting on July 28.