Defective $1000 Atari XP Carts & the State of Modern Atari | An Editorial

About two weeks ago, a user on X by the name of Cear Dragon posted that two of their limited AtariXP carts - Haunted House & Crystal Castles - were defective. Haunted House, he claimed, had the PCB inserted backwards and Crystal Castles, he said, was buggy and unplayable. As these were limited releases, it seems that Atari support didn't have the ability to replace them, but rather offered a refund. Far from ideal if you're wanting to collect the whole set.
The Limited XP line were ten classic cartridge reprints that included an illuminated acrylic top, a pin, patch, a stand, and more goodies. They each went for $100 making the whole set a grand.
Atari has now chimed in on the situation, and in this video, I was to zoom out and shine a light on the overall attitude and expectation some Atari enthusiasts have about the modern company, and provide my take on it all.
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[@mopsandmuscles7855]

It's nice to see a content creator go a different direction than the masses. People like to click on videos of angry rants. It's refreshing to see a thought out, and grounded take on this particular situation. I'm not a gatekeeper to any brand. Atari represents my earliest memories of gaming though.

[@jessragan6714]

Angry rants... the lifeblood of KZbin gaming channels. Somehow you catch more flies here with vinegar than honey.

[@SoulforSale]

I love the Atari renaissance

[@CP200S]

Jon, I simply love the content you make. This channel really feels like home. I'd just add one cent: What we love on Atari are not just products and related memories, but the result of the work of programmers, artists, designers and engineers. It's our Atari now, comrades! 😅

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

Agreed!

[@mistermac56]

Well said.

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

I do agree with you. Atari of today are simply not massive like Nintendo, Sony, or MS, and so I personally understand the trouble they are having with the collectors carts. I appreciate what Wade Rosen is doing. I'm a life long Atari fan, and like you, saw the passion within the current Atari, and I think Al from atariage saw it as well. People are accusing the new Atari of being what the old Time Warner Atari was, just a bunch of executives looking to make a quick buck. I would like nothing more then to see Atari return to form, and be the company that the founders always wanted it to be.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@BigFunnyGiant]

Nintendo isn’t massive really. They’re no Sony or Microsoft.

[@BrianJonson]

This is such a great video. Thank you for the great remarks and honest feedback. The nostalgia alone has cost me a lot! Atari has taken a lot of my money over the last few years but I’m not upset about it. The many hours of pure pleasure playing these games now is very similar to my experience half a century ago. I hope the best for Atari under Wade’s leadership. I’m along for the ride, even if it’s a little rough at times.

[@GenXGrownUp]

My pleasure!

[@JeffBreyer]

Bang on. Well said and an example of the problem with a lot of journalism today.

[@markracer3281]

And another awesome vid from GenXGrownUp!!! Thank you, Jon! On another note, I'm still loving my GSP...🙂 Hopefully, I will get to chat with you next month at the Retrorama Collectibles Show!!!

[@KristianWontroba]

So much of the coverage of Atari is either hype or drama or both. It’s refreshing to watch something that’s striving to be fact-based and balanced. Thanks Jon! ❤

[@islygon]

I agree with you! I have had some shipping issues with the current Atari, but they have always fixed them. They may not always be fast.. BUT! We do have Atari, and I am enjoying the shirts, jackets, games, and everything they are doing!

[@DrDavelope]

I have been a huge fan of Atari since I was a kid in the 79s and 80s but could never afford one at the time. I’m making up for this now. I’m just so happy that these products have had a revamp/improvement/update and are available to buy.

[@shawncarter7188]

Great video, Jon. A mature, informed, fair, and well-thought out rebuttle of a typical example of how ehco chambers spring up online. Atari will improve, the few tbings you mentioned are fixable, and I reallt think they have the customers' best interests at heart. They have my support and loyalty.

[@Zoyx]

Really well done. It now makes sense why your videos are of such high quality. Your journalism background and experience really shine through.

[@JoeSiegler]

Your reaction matches mine. I've been a community manager for one of the biggest attacked games ever - Duke Nukem Forever. I know people just react, and don't think things out - I have a lot of experience with that kind of stuff. Love that you've thought this out. Keep 'em coming.

[@DrDavelope]

Jon - My hat off to you for your journalism past and your current journalism mindset. I have the deepest respect to anyone looking for facts and reporting on facts. Interesting stuff!!! Keep up the good work.

[@hex0016]

I feel like this is a pretty balanced perspective on the situation with the XP carts, and “Newtari” generally. So far, my experience has been pretty good. I can play the enhanced Berzerk and Mr Run and Jump on my original 4-switch VCS, though I had to go thru some hoops around upscaling on my gaming setup - beyond the scope of anything Atari can be made responsible for. About the only pain point was waitlists for the paddle bundle, or the CX+ controllers, but that’s understandable due to limited demand for controllers for 40-50 year old consoles. I give the current company a solid B.

[@adm712]

Great video. You can also apply what you said to the modern Atari VCS console. It's the perfect combo where retro meets modern and I can't understand the complaints about it. What more do you want?

[@dreadtheweekend]

Good video, fair and valid comments. I have a lot of nostalgia for Atari but am ambivalent re their recent products, they haven’t produced anything I would want to buy, it all seems way overpriced - but I’m pleased the name lives on and some people enjoy their products.

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's entirely fair. Much has been said about their seeming milking of collectors, but they're doing it at the same time as new multi-platform game releases. Like you, the consumer will speak with their wallet to let them know which makes them profitable. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@kenhill3230]

Great commentary. I grew up with the Sears version of the 2600. I loved it to death and when I started working and could buy an NES, I still spent waaaaay more time on the Atari because it just made me feel good with all the memories. That being said, I am not in the cult of Atari was somehow sacred and perfect. After the crash I was buying 2600 games for $2.50 a pop from bins in a store that was basically like Big Lots now. Those games were like $45 -50 a pop before the crash. I do feel like the new Atari needs to figure out how to make things right with providing actual working replacements for the people who bought them, but defects are going to happen in mass production runs. i used to work for a copacker that made Great Value OJ and there were nights we dumped more than we shipped because of bad caps, seals etc....

[@alanburnell3566]

Jon, I bought the Atari Lunar Lander PCB on the advertised premise that you could solder components to it and create the original game. I have the original Lunar Lander arcade game with a working board set. When I received the board, it was silk screened on the side that needed all of the solder connections. You would have to scrape off all of that paint manually and that’s probably thousands of holes. Nonetheless, contacting Atari support , took about 16 months of back-and-forth emails of which there was several weeks between replies and several different people involved when they finally said that was all they offered. This is not the case. Resellers now offer and advertise that there is a silk-screen version and a non-silk screen version. Atari support was absolutely horrible. The products that I have purchased (many) are fine. But the customer support is absolutely horrendous.

[@MrPoestyle]

Finally somebody telling the truth here and not just kissing butt !!!!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Im' sorry to hear you had that experience. I've been fortunate to not have had to go through support for any issues, but I understand they sometimes struggle to keep up with customers' needs.

[@daviddavies3637]

I have to agree. I was one of those very critical of the company that called itself Atari. But then they got rid of the old management it seems and the new one seems more in tune with what the company can, and should, deliver. I very nearly bought a 2600+ but wife talked me out of it. I'm not as keen on the 400 mini but it is another step in the right direction. I may yet buy some new controllers and pick up a copy of the new Berzerk, which was the first game I bought for my original machine (the cart is in the attic somewhere but stopped working a few years ago).

[@grey_wulf]

I appreciate the more positive takes on issues like this, GXG. So many youtubers out there thrive off posting negative content, so I find your perspective refreshing. I'm not sure if it's a generational thing or not, but it's much appreciated. (I'm a GenXer myself.)

[@mistermac56]

Thank you for your research into the issue and presenting a balanced take on the situation at hand.

[@nelsonpereira8450]

Hi Jon. Thank you for your videos ,I love your honesty, and how your so polite and genuine. Thank you very much I grew up with atari so I live watching and listening to your videos .keep up the awsome work you do .

[@GenXGrownUp]

Wow, thank you for all the kind words, and thank you especially for being a viewer. 😁

[@McLovin_2007]

I love Atari, including the games, systems, arcade releases, and history of the company, and I'm not even a Gen Xer. I was born 5 years after the release of the 2600, and played it around 1990 near the end of it's production. Even today I love homebrews on the 2600.

[@Emceemur]

This was brilliant. An important and lazer accurate perspective. The negative dogpiling is out of control in this hobby. Not dismissing a person's right to be miffed at a defect. But it spirals out of control really quickly and perspectives get distorted.

[@jayme69]

Great journalistic video Jon and loving the new Podcast promotion :-) I agree that modern Atari have made some questionable decisions but let's celebrate the fact that we've had a fairly constant stream of new Atari games and hardware including the fantastic Re-charged series, Atari 2600+ and the super cute 400 Mini. There will always be issues that pop up from time to time with software and hardware, which is no different to any other company, Atari just have to learn how to manage these better when they arise. Again this is no different to any other company who needs to constantly strive to improve their customer relations. Keep up the awesome work!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@R4D4_]

Thank you so much for your level headed perspective! I can't understand the view that it's "not the real Atari." They act like Atari has never changed hands before. Even in its glory days, it changed hands from Nolan to Warner to Tramiel. That argument is very tired imo. Just enjoy the fact that one of the most amazing things from our childhood is having a resurgence!

[@woollymammothinspace]

I am glad to do business with the new Atari. In my personal experience, I have never had an issue with anything not working or a problem with shipping times. They got my 2600 plus out to me in 3 days. And the voice enhanced Berzerk was here in 2. Same with the extra controllers. I have heard the typical complaints. But in my experience, I do not see the problems. I also need to say something about AtariAge. (which is now property of Atari from what I understand). I know this is slightly off topic. But I reached out to them because I ordered several homebrews last month, and still see the status as "pending". I got a personal email from Albert Yaruso. The context of the email made me realize that the guy is absolutely swamped with orders. And it seems like his staff is either extremely small, or he is doing all this himself. So just a heads up. If you order directly from AtariAge, it might take a while. Just had to point that out because I can guess that Al is getting a lot of hate from people who expect him to be like Amazon or something.

[@Androsynth75]

I agree with you. I’ve dealt with several people over at the new Atari, and helped with some firmware on the 2600+. The people over there are very passionate, and they’re operating on a comparative shoestring. And when there’s a problem, they address it even if it takes awhile. I’ve also gotten pretty tired of the super negative subsection of the Atariage userbase that you’re referencing. Nothing makes them happy and all they do is bitch about stuff. And it’s a relatively small but vocal chunk of the userbase that seems bigger than it actually is. The new Atari are for the most part a pretty neat company.

[@paulhanson001]

Living up to the name of GenX - a thoughtful review of events, what actually happened and not catastrophising the whole thing.

[@Rambeard]

The modern Atari has become one of my favorite publishers in the past couple of years. The recent recharged series and classics reimagined are refreshing to see and I have had fun playing them on my Atari VCS. There are missteps here and there and it does seem they bite off more than they can chew, but the things they've done like the 2600+ got me to be able to finally play Kaboom with my dad, which I cherished over the holidays. They do a lot more right than they do wrong in my experience and I hope they continue to grow and thrive in the Triple I space, which I feel is the perfect space for Atari to be in.

[@Tyrannt316]

These last few months have been an Atari reawakening for me and a huge reason why is because of this channel. Thanks so much for your measured approach to everything you do.

[@binaryrooster]

A few years back there was a kickstarter for a handheld ZX Spectrum called the Vega +. The campain soon turned into an absolute disaster with only a few poorly made units being released, and the offical social media employing someone who openly mocked people who complained. Some people claimed this dragged down the name of Sinclair - except the launch of the ZX Spectrum was also a fiasco. Loads of pre-order customers were waiting with no updates forthcoming. This so resonated with what you said about Atari and the rose tinted glasses we were when we think about the games and not the abysnal business practices.

[@andrewosborne7544]

Fair assessment, I believe you are correct, They seem to have bitten a little more off than they can handle. Let's all remember, we judge ourselves by our intentions and we judge others by their actions.

[@jbponzi1]

Having Atari back in a form that produces products that are fun and make an attempt and a good attempt at that to celebrate the past is a good thing. Those of who will comment here and on AtariAge are longtime fans. We know full well that Atari invented the idea of vaporware. Yet this renewed Atari, made up of people like us, are doing a good job. This will not last forever and I will enjoy the ride as long as I am able. Now, have you played Atari today? 🎶🎵

[@ultimatemaitai]

Well done, Jon.

[@JeffHization]

Time Extension should have done adequate research before publishing that article, it is nice to see a gaming KZbinr who isn't a clickbait echo chamber. Nice job GenXGrownUp!

[@dr.awkward9075]

"Don't blame me this time!"---Howard Scott Warshaw

[@GenXGrownUp]

😉

[@bosstone100]

I'm glad you are feeling better. Also, thank you for the even handed commentary. Too many channels put out drama just for clicks and views.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Much appreciated. Thank you for being here and for watching.

[@nameprivate2194]

Atari was a great company originally, when Nolan Bushnell was upstarting and running it. Those things Atari did that you mention were done after Atari, Inc. was bought out by Warner Communications, which put Mario Kassar in-charge of Atari, where Bushnell no longer worked at that time. On a side note, Bushnell was a character and a true class act. He was in the business before Jobs and Gates were in it, for f•••ssake! Well yeah just to make the distinction from what it was to what it would become, see.

[@urbanknish]

Really great take on this. I am a total nutjob when it comes to buying this stuff (over the top) but I passed on this one. The youtube and twitter drama is pretty sad. I have seen this type of attitude with other hobbies (comic books especially) where the "influencers" just hate on the content in a doom loop. I get what Atari is doing and fully support them. Of course nothing is going to be perfect and with smaller budgets and smaller demographics, we all have to set realistic expectations. I'm still waiting on an order from Atariage from last July. I'm not going to cry about it on youtube. It's a HOBBY! Many of the same people complaining about Atari love to complain about the Analogue Pocket too. Get a life people.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@davidbailey5212]

Am I still waiting for pre-paid paddle controllers? Yes. I don’t mind though. I’m so thrilled that Atari is back and trying to make their name great again. I have really great 2600 memories from when I was about 8 years old. I can’t buy everything they make right now but I rushed to get the 2600+ and Mr Run and jump. I’ve been having a blast these last 6 months re-collecting old cartridges and introducing my son to these games. And guess what…. He happens to be 8 years old right now.

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's the good stuff, right there. Sharing your loves with your children is a bonus level you can always win. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@ctbinary42]

Good journalistic coverage, Jon. Of course there will be mistakes in any run but it looks as though Atari (modern) is trying to make do. I’m hoping they aren’t just pushing out the spin doctors and mine these IPs with garbageware. From your editorial it seems they aren’t but we will need to wait and see

[@Frank_D]

I'm glad to hear that they're trying to find a way to make this right. That's very important, especially with the price tag for this release. 🙂

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

Thanks for sticking up for Wade Rosen and Atari. Internet hate mobs can only put a damper on Wade's enthusiasm and is counterproductive.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks. FWIW, it wasn't my goal to stand up for Wade or anyone in particular, but to add a (hopefully) more reasoned voice the crowd who make knee-jerk reactions without all the information.

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

@@GenXGrownUp Thank you for doing so :)

[@cypresscustoms]

As a fellow GXG I was a witness to the insanity of Ataris self-destruction. I have also dreamed of the day that someone to right the wrongs of Ataris past. I feel the current people at Atari are doing just that. Taking the good and helping push it into the future for the next generations to enjoy and understand the history of the beginning of the industry we all love.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Jon.....I absolutely love the positive tone and intent of your regular content but I have to tell you that I love this too. You're not afraid to share an opposing opinion AND your reasoning behind it. Thank you for not being afraid to drop videos like this.

[@bowds7]

Wow I can’t believe that people would make a big deal about 2 incidents of failure, years ago we had a video game program on the Australian tv that reported that world wide the Sony PS3 had 3% of their consoles failed and yet at the same time it was reported that Microsoft had 54% world wide of the Xbox 360 that had failed with the red ring of death. That is over half of the world’s consoles manufactured, and people are making a big deal about a company that is giving us the nostalgia we crave. People need to just build a bridge and get over it!, thanks again John.

[@bitcortex1991]

Beautifully said, and spot on. "The good old days weren't always good; tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems." Today's Atari is still figuring things out, but they're doing many things right - and that's impressive given that they're in uncharted territory as a business. There's no established template for what they're trying to do, but I'm glad they're trying to do it. Love your content!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching & sharing your thoughts! 😁

[@brotherblue3340]

Best video I’ve seen on the topic yet.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to watch. 😁

[@michaelthompson7637]

Hey Jon, I hope I'm spelling it right. I really appreciate how you're taking this news about the defective cartridges. It's easy to just blow up and join the mob calling for blood. I guess a lot of these people just aren't Gen X. Quick to blame without doing any research and just reacting to what they've read or been told. So, thanks for being a voice of reason. Your message hasn't fallen upon deaf ears. This is the first time I'm commenting. I just want you to know that I really like your channel. I've learned stuff about Atari that I've never heard before watching all the other channels. Thanks for helping keep the old games alive. Keep up the good work.

[@themortician4091]

Nothing can compete with the memories Atari stirs in those who were around in its heyday. That is what cannot be reprogrammed by whoever is in charge now. Kudos to the new Atari for helping to keep the classic times from fading out.

[@prefeitobear9209]

Atari is amazing. I am so glad new generations are discovering it.

[@MichaelSouhoka]

5:52 yup, that's true. The company who own and use Atari now was called "Infogrames" in the 90s-2000s, and they were released several popular PC and PS games under their previous name such as Unreal, Unreal Tournament GOTY, Test Drive 6 and 2001, Alone In The Dark series, NASCAR Heat 2002 and more.

[@TheAtariCreep]

Great take, buddy. I feel the same way, it's the brand and its products, not the company.

[@ricklorentson7859]

Love the journalists approach. If only more would realize that many news article are just referencing the same source over and over again.

[@tedadamgreen]

Kudos!! Thanks This is SPOT ON 100% Much Appreciated

[@Striker_AgingGamers]

I like that I was sent a replacement Yars Returns when I hadn't even tried it to make sure it worked. Didn't even know there was an issue. Usually, you have to do the whole process from the consumers' end. The 2600+ has been great, flawed, but kinks are actively being worked out. I enjoy it more than my upgraded Retron 77 because it feels more authentic. Not to happy about the marketing of Yars Returns(you know what I'm talking about) and Bezerk... They weren't made by Atari as they people to believe. It's a company at a crossroad... hopefully, they don't stray into becoming as morally bankrupt as Atari 1.0.

[@steveafulton]

Hey Jon. I like your video. I agree with most of what you said and I too do not like any type of gatekeepers in any hobby. I disagree that the original Atari was not a company to be celebrated. It was quite an amazing place in the 70s at least. I too appreciate the modern version under Mr. Rosen , but I also don’t think they are beyond criticism, especially for their ongoing supply chain issues in regards to the XP carts, and also the lack of information they have provided customers. Still, there has not been a better time to be an Atari fan in at least 30 years. Far from saying “Newtari” derisively , I’d rather call the current situation the “Atarirenaissance”

[@richfutrell753]

It makes me happy that young gamers are getting into Atari

[@TomMannCenturia]

A very well rounded response to what's gone on, and fair play for going against the echo chamber. I tend to agree with pretty much all of what you said, cheers all the best.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@OriginalGrasshopper]

Very well said Jon! As we know these “netizens” (aka “keyboard warriors”) seem to thrive off negativity and controversy. Atari seems to be handling this very well by openly admitting the errors in those cartridges and trying their best to fix the problem.

[@paulphillips546]

Jon you really do put the Grown Up into GenX, a measured, well thought out and researched response. Retro gaming can be an ugly place sometimes so thank you for your continued efforts in giving us content to enjoy and be informed.

[@PitfallHarry72]

I'm dumbfounded. I had never heard of, nor ever expected anything like, an Atari Hotel.

[@marklechman2225]

I’d argue that the original Atari didn’t even exist after Bushnell sold out to Warner. Once it became a corporate subsidiary, I feel that that’s when the original spirit of the company began to die off. And I won’t even go into the insanity that were the Tramiel years. As for Atari Interactive or whatever they are called now, I don’t necessarily see them as Atari so much as they are the current keepers of the flame. And let’s be fair, these folks have really done a lot to bring the fun back to the fans and bring respect to the legacy. Are they perfect? Nope. But they’re doing some great work and have got me excited about these games again. And frankly, that’s more than I ever expected from anyone still waving the Atari flag in 2024. Atari is dead! Long live Atari!

[@RagShop1]

Well said. Tramiel kept the name alive for a lot longer and released new and repackaged products but the soul of the old company was long gone by that point. I've respect for a lot of what Tramiel tried to do but it wasn't the original Atari spirit.

[@Skorpio420]

Remember when the Atari VCS was announced and everyone laughed/scoffed at it? Give Atari (sorry, can't call it "Newtari") credit for tapping into their history and trying to resurrect the legacy they should have. Even after some questionable moves with crypto/NFTs/hotels (seriously?), the name is out there. Unlike some other company from that era...

[@JohnCrawford1979]

This is a classic video gaming editorial piece that is sorely missed. No Orange Man Bad conspiracies by any urinalyst with purple or blue-grey hair, no trash talking the company just to get some brownie points, and no calling any one who does not like what you do a racist and/or '-istophobe'. Nothing but a sensible, well reasoned op-ed about personal research and discovery that informs, has a bit of entertainment value, and talks to the viewer like a grown up adult able to think for themselves. Man, do I miss journalism like this. This video was a breath of fresh air.

[@neumaticimpact]

The defects make them even more collectable.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

Well spotted.

[@mortimore4030]

Atari had the best 8-bit computers of the lot, with the XL and XE, but didn’t market them well compared to what Commodore did with the C64.

[@CaptainX77]

Well said Jon! This is a well-thought out statement.

[@joshx9746]

I love the direction they are taking here. I have a 2600+ and the new VCS. Love playing them both. Looking forward to the new 7800 carts. I realize they are a small company and probably dont have the money or resources to get everything right or solve every problem right away. But i think they are trying and doing a pretty good job of continuing the names legacy.

[@redleader7988]

I know that every collector wants "CIB", but don't wait a year to open a game and complain when you find out it doesn't work and it's too late to get a replacement. If any of this is even true.

[@atarimuseum_nl]

I think the new Atari is excellent in selling their IPs to other companies, so they can make new products. For example: the Game Station Pro by MyArcade, the 2600+ by Plaion GmbH, the 400 mini by Retro Games Ltd, the portable 2600 by Blaze, the clothes by Difuzed B.V., the mini arcades by Blaze, the bigger arcades by Arcade1up, the Flashbacks by Atgames, the TV joystick by Jakks Pacific and so on.

[@rockmanx2002]

Not throwing shade at Atari for the issue, and my question is more of a technical one (although I must admit I have not read the thread on AtariAge or anywhere else), but if there does exist some bug in the new Crystal Castles that causes gems to be placed outside the normal playfield, is that a result of some code being altered in some way for this release, or something to do with maybe the boards they were using being somewhat different from original spec? Just trying to understand the “why” behind the problem from a technical standpoint.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I think if either of us could accurately diagnose, we'd be Atari heroes! 😁 Since some are working and a few are not, that suggests it's not software based. If I had to guess, I'd go in the direction of a voltage condition where the illuminated marquee on the cart was an additional draw and somehow making the game wig out. Again, just my wild speculation and very likely wrong. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@RedHorseAdventures]

Glad you looked into my mention of madlittlepixel’s video. Fair assessment of the situation. I’d just expect for a premium price there would be premium quality control and an emphasis on being top notch especially if you’re a small company with a customer base with big expectations. I’d suggest that limited edition runs like this come with a contract with the manufacturer (production) that includes a deadline for shipment that includes a financial penalty and liability for defects that includes replacement products for a certain amount (ie: one year) after the product ships. I’d also suggest contracts that keeps the software creators on the hook for issues long after release as well.

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very nice video. Thanks for posting and have a nice day too.

[@andyauthor2007]

When Tempest 4000 came out on PC it was a buggy mess. Llamasoft did release a "patch" that was supposed to fix all of the bugs in the original code. In the process though, they made more bugs and some of the original bugs did not get addressed, so the game was still unplayable. Llamasoft said they could not help me because Atari held all of the purse strings when it came to the game. So I emailed Atari, not once, not twice, not three times, but four different times and they would not get back to me. So I had to turn them into the Consumer Affairs Division of the New York Attorney General's office. Finally they replied and they did take care of me. Atari refunded the price I paid for the Steam version that is still not playable, and they actually gave me an extra $25.00 so I could buy a physical copy of Tempest 4000 for the PS4. So, it does take some doing, but you can get Atari to listen to you.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Wow, what an ordeal. I'm sorry to hear you had that experience. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@d.aardent9382]

Whoa, I hadn't seen what the cartridges were designed like....those are really cool looking with the unique design art and color of each one. They are much more cost than I could legitimize spending that much on, If I had that much spare money I would just buy all the other old vintage game consoles I'd like to have, like old Xbox or NES. I have the original Haunted House, but would like to play the Haunted House 2nd ed. (It might be on the Gamestation Pro, I can't remember). I have Crystal Castle arcade version on a PlayStation collection disc and its really cool. That original version special edition looks unplayable to me personally as the depth of field is too flat and the perspective angle is kinda too low so it's hard to see where your character is exactly.

[@SylveonTrapito]

I don´t see Atari as a company. I see it as a part of the history of videogames I really like, and I will always enjoy it because of the memories. I will Always love Atari, for the experience and great programmers it gave us. I don´t care who is behind the brand. The legacy is what matters to me.

[@chrisblack1878]

Great video and take on the current state of Atari. I've been both pleased and disappointed with this new iteration. The 2600+ had been great! I really have enjoyed playing my 2600 carts on the system, and have also had fun having the flexibility to experience 7800 carts for the first time. On the other hand, I pre-ordered the CX-78+ controller 4 MONTHS ago and still sit waiting. Quite the swing between highs and lows.

[@JoKoKilla]

I feel ya on the snarkiness. So much of that you find in gaming groups on Facebook and KZbin. We're all here for a common interest yet people are straight up dickheads to each other. It's like people are HUNGRY to throw disrespect, or they've completely lost sense of cordiality, or BOTH. But its refreshing to hear someone address it. I enjoy your channel, and I look forward to your vids because I appreciate your mostly unbiased take on gaming and new products. Keep up the good work.

[@MockduckPlaysGames]

I am one of the people who have opened my 50th XP set and run into issues with Crystal Castles, both the original shipped and replacement sent to me by Atari do not function well. I put together a few videos showing the issues and those videos are among a small number informing the discussion. You can find them in the most recent AtariAge thread if interested. Anyway, the main reason I am writing is that I too am a former journalist and I have been digging into the Crystal Castles cart issues. So far you are the only person who has created video of a fully-working Crystal Castles cart, every other of the very few people I've convinced to open and test their cart, or who opened and tested the cart themselves, have discovered issues provided they played the game long enough to experience them. This issue manifests in not being able to complete levels because crystals appear outside of the playable space, so a quick "hey the video shows up and I can steer" doesn't really expose the issue. I sure would love it if you'd be willing to re-open that Crystal Castles box and post up either listed or unlisted full gameplay showing you completing at least, say, three or four levels if you can (and it looks like you can no problem based on previous video.) There's a big difference between some carts not working and all Crystal Castles carts having an issue, and so far you're in the best position to add evidence to the discussion.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hey, Mockduck. I saw your unlisted vids on AA and that was the first time I got a clear understanding of in what way they were defective (up until then I only read, "unplayable," which is pretty broad & vague). I'll see what I can do to find time to do a CC test vid. FWIW, I'm pretty sure I did my initial video on my 2600 Jr. which may be yet another variable. My current uninformed guess has to do with the additional power draw from the marquee impacting processing, but who knows.

[@heinzpilot]

Jon...your spot on with this. Nailed it.

[@mixedhairless]

The adult in a room full of reactionary people. I thank you 🙏🏼

[@SquirrelHill]

My Kool Aid Man cartridge had problems on my original Atari 2600 hardware. It was my only cartridge that ever had problems. Since it was a promotional game that you got for sending in Kool Aid UPCs, it wasn't like you could take it back to the store to exchange it. Now with emulation, I finally to get the play the game the way it was intended to be played.

[@sabertoothretro]

This was a fair video and I appreciate your take, Jon. However, I have the Crystal Castles issue, and I can confirm that in my own experience, Atari support was near silent until these reports were raised publicly. I appreciate that Atari are actively investigating the issue now, but it's a shame that it took this to inspire them to action. Also, I'm curious whether you tried Crystal Castles on multiple consoles or the 2600+? My cart worked in a 4-switch, but bugged out in the 2600+. I then tested on a variety of 2600 and 7800 consoles, and most demonstrated the issue. My 40-year old copy of Crystal Castles worked fine on all hardware. Might be worth plugging into the 2600+ to see what happens.

[@Sulfur_Soap]

My only annoyance with the 2600+ is that it doesnt come with a second controller, but includes several games that I think are multiplayer only

[@VEGANVANIA]

Imagine a parallel universe in which Atari had been purchased by a Japanese consortium in 2008. Japanese, Korean, even Chinese ownership… honestly… I think that parallel universe would have been better than this.

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

I disagree about your points on the original Atari. Was the original Atari perfect? No, but I think there are a plethora of reasons to celebrate it. Also, Atari did not run the video game industry into the ground. There were many different factors responsible, and not all those factors lay at the feet of Atari.

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

I pretty much agree with you on everything else. Nice editorial.

[@chriskutz7144]

What Atari Renaissance?!? Where ?!?

[@MechaFenris]

That was the scariest Shaggy I've ever seen. :)

[@SyntheToonz]

Zoinks! Was that a holloween horror park?

[@binaryrooster]

Great balanced piece. I felt that initial outrage about shipping defective goods but then I couldn't find anything to back it up either. My main gripe with modern Atari is the fact you can't buy anything from their store in Europe. The VCS and all those nice 2600 re-releases (except the ones linked to the 2600+) may as well not exist here.

[@whatspeedlimits]

The Atari Hotels are still happening.. not sure why people hate the idea... perfect place to have fun...and can host conventions from cross market themes, it's not like video gamers live in isolation and don't also like movies, comics, etc..

[@GenXGrownUp]

I hope they do, as I'll be staying there! You must agree that it's an odd direction for a vintage gaming company, though. 😁 Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts.

[@whatspeedlimits]

@@GenXGrownUp no more odd than starting a pizza place with a rat mascot to get video games in front of kids...

[@ClunkerSlim]

It is true that we tend to romanticize the old company. Most of us envision Nolan Bushnell hanging out with Steve Jobs while Howard Warshaw smokes a joint in the bathroom. But the truth is that most of us probably grew up with Atari in the Ray Kassar era when corporate interests had taken over the company and killed the independent hippy vibe. However… none of that excuses the current Atari’s missteps. I mean, consumers aside, wasn’t there even a story about their employees not getting paid? They’ve made some horrible decisions as a company and I feel like every bit of criticism thrown their way has been earned. Personally I think those idiots who got conned into the VCS(AtariBox) have the most to complain about. This cartridge scandal seems like an issue that can be rectified even if the solution is from the fan community. I mean, if the worst case is a full refund then you’ve still got a free shell and box with the ability to install some kind of homebrewed option. Right? But I can’t blame anyone from being out of good will at this point.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@1bigoptimus]

Jon I like your take on this. For me Atari brings nothing but great nostalgia. Modern Atari is a second chance for some fun I missed out on. Way to focus on the positive. Far too often people would rather spread negativity. Great content as usual.

[@maxwellhouse750]

I’ve been on the Atari 400 mini waitlist forever. Getting desperate and may buy on EBay because I’m not convinced they will actually replenish stock.

[@jonyak1221]

So far ive been liking the new games from atari, and would love to get the vcs. I also like the new games for the 2600, something i wish nintendo would do for the nes

[@cryptocoffee13]

If you could get a VCS, and you like the current games they've been putting out, including the homebrews, I think you'd enjoy having one. It's great to use as a PC, watch movies and shows with it using most apps, and if you like old Atari games, it's got those too.

[@cryptocoffee13]

Atari is alive and well. One thing to add to what modern Atari has done over the last several years is it's Web 3 presence, AtariX. Offical Atari NFT'S, swag, games, collaborations with Web 3 creators further prove it's doing well and is Still The Future Since Forever. ❤

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. 😁

[@rayrwise5728]

I had the 400 when I was 13, and I bought the mini last month. I’m very happy with it and now I can get the games and educational programs I couldn’t afford when I was young. I’m even relearning BASIC. I just wish I knew where to get more ROM games lol. 😅

[@GenXGrownUp]

I link to a generous collection of A8 ROMs for THE400 Mini in my videos covering it. 😉

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

I wouldn't call the XP line, "overpriced," as they're no more expensive than similar ltd products for other systems. I think ATARI finally realised they had a larger fanbase than ATARI must have assumed. ATARI has been smart, realising the retro revival as the *perfect* time to reintroduce themselves to the gaming world. If they release enhanced ports of Blue Max (which ATARI should make its very own I.P.), 1942, and Lee (The 8-bit Bruce Lee) for the 7800 with Pokey Audio then I think ATARI would shift a ton of carts per game. The modern games are also cool, and I love their reimagined games. Their (ATARI), giving us what we have been asking for, modern hardware for our classic games, new and repressed carts, story driven updates of the classics, and so much more. As for the VCS800, I would say it was a success in its own right, as it has served as inspiration to take the company forward. Had ATARI released the system in its current form, and launched in Europe, then I think the VCS800 would have been able to build a significant user base. Great video as always.

[@noirmagique]

spot on Jon. we'll said.