Atari 2600+ REVIEW and HOMEBREW COMPATIBILITY TEST

Yes, #atari has said this isn't for homebrews, but let's look at the compatibility anyway! Also, we'll look inside, and talk about how this can be updated when the highly anticipated firmware update comes...
Comparing this to the Retron 77, does it measure up?
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/ mikesgaminggala
MGG on atariage.com/
#atari2600 #retrogaming #atari2600+

[@IuriFiedoruk]

The firmware upgrade will be done by just connecting the power into a PC USB port.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Pinned. Thank you 👍

[@spencercox2684]

When the updated firmware comes will, that means the other controllers will work keyboard driving video pad?.

[@XV250]

@@spencercox2684 they haven't said yet (12/15) one way or the other.

[@tomcatsdb4755]

The usb-c for power could also carry data if it's wired to do so, so that's probably how the firmware updates (hook it up to a PC vs power brick). Having the user open the system to update isn't something most companies would do. Also, there was at least one homebrew that worked on the 2600+ on another review (retroquest), so there could be something else going on with at least that game. The one thing these kinds of re-releases need is continued support from the manufacturer based on feedback reported by the community (see TheC64 as an example, that got multiple updates to fix compatibility issues and add features based on requests). If Atari is listening and wants to earn good will from its enthusiast base, we should see fixes rolling out for it on a regular basis.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Very possible, and I hope that's the case!

[@madmax2069]

3:07 that switch depending on how they handle the 4:3 and 16:9 could very well be for TV compatibility. I had a few LCD TVs that did not like 4:3 video signals they would skew the image where the image wasn't in the center, my 1080p Emerson LCD TV would put the image to the left and down a bit, the 4K TCL Roku TV I had had the image well to the left and way down to the point of cutting off the lower part of the image. it didn't matter how a device was hooked up (composite, component, or HDMI), and didn't matter what aspect ratio was used in the TVs menus (and neither of the TVs had any adjustment to manually center the image, now with those same TVs if the image output from the devices was in 16:9 they displayed correctly you would just force 4:3 in the TVs aspect ratio setting. its the fact that the 2600+ is a cart dumper on why elevator agent, and turbo didn't work (or other games that uses in cart hardware to provide extra functions unless they also emulate said functions on the 2600+ as well as emulating the 2600), Stella isn't the issue. its also why modern flash carts that have a TV based menu doesn't work, the only modern flashcart that does work is the Dragonfly as it has its own screen and menu to select what game to play. the thing with the 2600+ is that its going to get good support from its manufacturers unlike the retron 77 did, and there's going to be quite a few updates coming along the line to improve compatibility (probably even add controller compatibility). BTW i want to see what the new joystick looks on the inside.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Fair point!

[@Jolt7800]

I think it is important to balance the excitement of a new yet nostalgic console with a results oriented approach. I applaud Mike for doing so. Homebrew collectors definitely need to know what to expect.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Thank you!!!

[@danestegman155]

Good video and review of the Atari 2600+ System! I just got mine today! Anxious to take a look at it! I too, was unhappy about Atari not having a good power supply with the system! I do have a power adapter, to plug my Atari 2600+ into. But some people may not! I was hoping that there would be more compatibility with the Atari 2600 homebrew games! Hope that somehow, Atari will come up with something! i do have both 7800 and 2600 homebrews also!

[@mikesgaminggala]

Thank you! I don't hate the system, but hopefully updates do come and help with compatibility 🙂

[@EddiePepper]

A very nice review, thank you! Will you be doing a review of LodeRunner Homebrew?

[@mikesgaminggala]

Always up for that. Have a link? You can email it to me if you can't post here. 🙂

[@EddiePepper]

It's only available on cartridge and only on sale at Atariage as far as I know. @@mikesgaminggala

[@JesterEric]

You can power the console from the usb on the tv

[@Mr.Chickenz]

Hey another great video Mike! It’s amazing that small board is not only a 2600 mother board but also the 7800 as well!

[@mikesgaminggala]

Doesn't take much! 😁

[@300BaudStudios]

Very nice job reviewing compatability of homebrews. I have a decient collection of original games, most of which work on the 2600+, but no homebrews as the last 2600 game I purchased new was in the mid 80's and that scene had not existed.

[@mikesgaminggala]

There are definitely some homebrews really worth checking out! If you haven't already, I've got a 2600 playlist of reviews for some!

[@SpartanDiab]

Most of the glitch issues seem to be games that flicker sprites, going to vary depending on how smooth the emulation is here, seems like a few people have bought this up and their capture setups not being suitible to capture the flicker.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Which is fair, I have my setup at 60fps and haven't seemed to have an issue with it before but it's entirely possible that the 2600+ just handles it slightly differently. Thanks for your input! 🙂👍

[@dancero643]

space instigators?

[@drewchaboo719]

can you try the uno cartridge and see if its works on Atari 2600+?

[@mikesgaminggala]

Sadly I don't have one, but I'll look into it. 🙂

[@spencercox2684]

Why didn’t you test any of the controllers including the keyboard driving and video pad because the keyboard controller and the video pad do not work on the 2600+

[@mikesgaminggala]

I did mention the keyboard controllers but ya, I could have included that. I took the homebrew angle because everything else I saw covered the regular games/controller stuff.

[@georgesargiss6730]

How will this display on big screen /projection tv ? Will it be blurry ?

[@mikesgaminggala]

It has HD output, so it should be crystal clear on anything you output to. :)

[@intel386DX]

where to find those great hombrwes ?

[@mikesgaminggala]

There are loads of publishers out there! Off the top of my head, in this video, I have games from: Champ Games, Good Deal Games, Hozer Games, AtariAge, Game Select, and Zarkstars. Google searches should get you to all their sites!

[@intel386DX]

@@mikesgaminggala I hoped that there is a link for all of them do download at once, because it is so tedious to search for them one by one

[@mikesgaminggala]

Most of these aren't downloads, physical carts only, and sadly they're all from different publishers! If you're looking for the best of the best, champ.games is where to start. They have rom sales as well as free demo downloads so you can make sure they work with whatever you're planning to play them on.

[@operationshutdown155]

Thank you Mike for the tests and honest opinions!

[@markracer3281]

FYI - As a fail safe measure for firmware updates, the first pcb removed (the one with hdmi output) has a factory reset button... It's easily overlooked! As far as getting the most bang for you buck, go with the Atari Game Station Pro. The price point of the GSP along with side loading other games via micro-sd card is outstanding. Last but not least, you earned yourself another sub, Mike!!! 🙂

[@mikesgaminggala]

Thank you! And ya, I'm positive I missed a bunch of stuff. I'll do a follow-up after the update. Who knows, that factory reset button may be super important one day! 🤣 I have the gamestation, gotta play with that more. 😁

[@garypranzo9334]

The 1.1 update fixed most 7800 Homebrews. My Pacman Collection and Eagle Hombrews work now. I had two Homebrew 2600 carts not working old firmware. After update one works now (Adventure +) Harmony cart can be used for a single game. I have an xtra Harmony cart that I dedicated to H.E.R.O. since I somehow did not add it my collection prior to a certain KZbinr making the game unaffordable by constantly talking about it.

[@mikesgaminggala]

I'll eventually do a follow-up video that re-evaluates it with the firmware update. Ya, thankfully I got my H.E.R.O. before MJ started praising it. 😂

[@jengelenm]

Harmony works in the single-game flash mode.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Good to know!

[@AtariYMas_008]

The glitchyness you claim is fault of the capture devices, It doesn't flicker that much on a tv

[@GAMECLOSET]

Nice teardown of the console, Mike. And a good look at the home brews. I’m just scratching my head why my Game Panic III doesn’t work. I’m going to test in my 2600 today. Maybe clean it (shouldn’t have to because it’s new) but I may have to reach out to John Hancock if it fails after all of that. 🤷‍♀️ Anomalies happen in manufacturing so no biggie as long as it’s resolved. I didn’t like that they shipped the plus with 16:9 default. It threw me off until I remembered the switch was there haha! As a few of us said, Atari needed to do better.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Ya, huge missed opportunity. Hope you get your Game Panic 3 sorted!!!

[@harveyd_5-11under]

Interesting. My boards are used for the 4K Game Panic and 4K Catacombs (both worked), and also for the 32K Retro Game Quest (didn't work on either) and 32K Game Panic 3 (worked on Atari only). Looks like I might need to buy an Atari 2600+ to do some further testing... .

[@mikesgaminggala]

I've seen some mixed results across multiple reviews. Some manufacturing inconsistency on the oart of Atari maybe? Who knows.

[@chriswalker8361]

This just reinforces that I will use this only on the big screen, the 2600 will still be hooked up to the crt along with the rest of the console crew. Looking forward to getting mine in a few weeks!

[@mikesgaminggala]

Ya, I don't hate it, I just can't help being disappointed at the missed opportunity.

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Im pretty sure the 2600+ and the gamestationpro run the same chip set.

[@christophertuckwell9665]

I don't know some people may try to use in black white to bring good old day I might try that on my atari 2600+ just for good old times

[@mikesgaminggala]

Perhaps! They will be the glorious few. 😁

[@marcgoesblindgaming2076]

This was a great honest balanced review And I agree with everything you just said, I think they could have definitely made improvements to this with Very little effort and financial cost , It's an OK product but it could have been a good or even great 1, Hope you have a wonderful weekend mate

[@mikesgaminggala]

Thank you sir!

[@jblackacre2325]

Thanks for the review. I'm sure Atari is reading all of these reviews and has to be pretty happy that the 2600+ is getting attention. Personally, I likely won't buy one, because I own a heavy sixxer, Vader, and 4 switch and just don't need another one. If it came with a USB power supply that looked like an atari wall wart, I might go for it. But honestly, if a Harmony Encore doesn't work with it, then I am not biting. I did bite on the enhanced berserk and mr run and jump. I might pick up a fresh set of paddles too.

[@mikesgaminggala]

I concede that both the joysticks amd paddles they've made are absolutely awesome. Have no reservations in recommending those. 🙂👍

[@b.o.4492]

Liked and subscribed.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Thank you and welcome! 😁👍

[@luc7976]

Circus Convoy would be a good test which fairly sure won't work. And that is very disappointing since that's one of the very few recent commerical releases. Ironically neither does the much older Pitfall 2 (that might be all fixable through FW supporting these bankswitching formats).

[@ObsidianContraption]

I think its good it does play some homebrew.

[@garypranzo9334]

No this is about right. I knew going in that this was not going to be a Play-everything system (At least not on day 1). It is a nostalgia play. All my OG 7800 games work great but I had to clean most of the contacts on them first as opposed to never having to do that on all my Atari Carts. I have 2 7800 home brews, Pac Man collection and Eagle and both do not work. I think it has to do with Bank switching. Harmony cart is a no-go as well. I also have an older 356 game multicart home brew and the menu comes up but nothing loads. I own a bunch of flashbacks and a Retron 77 and I like the 7800+ Better.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Fair assessment! I certainly don't hate the system. 🙂👍

[@RlsIII-uz1kl]

You've gotta cover NWO wars by Alex Jones 😂

[@mikesgaminggala]

🤣

[@NML32]

Great review.

[@mikesgaminggala]

Thank you!

[@anjanettepetty-kountz3785]

So glad you did this review! It’s a fair and thorough look at this console!!! 😁

[@mikesgaminggala]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RlsIII-uz1kl]

Hopefully an update will fix the issues and the release of another controller will allow more games to be played. It'd also be creat to get a cart that allows SD card expansion.

[@mikesgaminggala]

I'm anticipating the community cracking this thing wide open sooner rather than later.

[@EddiePepper]

$129 and no power brick, I can go to Walmart and get the Onn Android TV streaming box for $20, and it comes with a power brick.... Plus it runs ALL Atari 2600 games...

[@mikesgaminggala]

Ya, frustrating. 😒

[@pierregareau6590]

Great and honest review, you didn't fall too much into the nostalgia and I like that, the future is homebrew and games like champs games does and in it's current iteration the 2600+ is not up to the challenge, I prefer the 7800 over the 2600 and there's even more compatibilty issue, also with the harmony and concerto cart, I'm in the wait and see category, for now I'm not interested , there's too much issues for me , thanks for the review Mike

[@mikesgaminggala]

Ya, in it's current state it's a bit lacking. Great future potential though.

[@jordantheproducer9284]

The 2600+ is better