Review of the Atari 50th Anniversary Flashback Gold from AtGames

[@GenXGrownUp]

» MORE GAMES! That expansion tutorial now available to watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2S9kJdmm9OeZ6M » PADDLE PROBLEM? I've done a couple update videos showing the problem with the paddle is more than just "tightness": kzbin.info/www/bejne/moC5kKyPndSlitU

[@mikesilva3868]

Interesting info 🎁

[@pfranx]

But there is no firmware update available on the site indicated by the console instructions!

[@macgyver6999]

Emcee sent me here, wish there was 7800 gold

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@pfranx You're right. That's not where it comes from. 😉

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@macgyver6999 Major ups to Emceemur! A 7800 FB Gold would also be great, for sure!

[@kirk1968]

Thanks for the great review, I didn't know this even existed! I have an original 2600 from 1978 along with around 25 cartridges. Thing's built like a tank and still works. Amazing that so many of those are now built-in.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thank you for watching.

[@adm712]

Got a huge kick seeing the joystick side by side with the console and how much bigger it is. Also, it's great the paddle controller is included. One complaint I always had with these Flashbacks was that games like Breakout and Circus Atari just don't cut it on actual non paddle controllers. These games were created to be played solely with the paddle controllers. Enjoyed the review. Thanks

[@ElectroDFW]

Don't forget Night Driver and Warlords as well. I'll never understand why paddle games were put into systems like the Flashback Portable. It only has a D-PAD!

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

Worse yet, the paddle implementation is wonky on all the Flashbacks.

[@hardkoregamer1981]

Hopefully aftermarket Atari controllers are supported with this unit.

[@Jolt7800]

Thanks for doing this review. As an Atari enthusiast from way back when I got a Flashback as a gift about 7 years ago. It really inspired me to get back into the original hardware and I now have a working Atari 7800. The Flashbacks definitely have their limits but have their place in gaming.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@feenix219]

The 7800 is great.... the homebrew community has done some amazing work with it; you HAVE to try "Bently Bear's Crystal Quest".... if it had come out in '84 it would have changed the industry. In the late 80s, I actually chose a 7800 over an NES.

[@IggyStardust1967]

@jolt Since you have a working 7800, I have to recommend a game from AtariAge for you, if you don't have it already. Skramble. It is a "Homebrew", recent release... but holy shit is that game damned near Arcade Perfect! I can't really afford all of the games they have put out, but that one.... I just HAD to have given how much I loved the arcade version. It's worth the money for it! Also, there are a lot of very well coded 2600 games that will work on the 7800, as well. Definitely take a look at those, too. I am not a coder/programmer, nor do I work for AtariAge in any capacity.... but I am on their forums as "[d2f]Iggy*SJB". I don't go there very often, as I hate torturing myself with looking through the atariage.com/store/ and seeing all the games I can't afford. But I can say that the games are made with love, and worth the price you pay for them. I've never been disappointed with any purchase from there.

[@tomyyoung2624]

Yes firmware update was needed.

[@ctbinary42]

I’m charging you with accessory to murder because my wife is going to KILL me when I bring this home. 🤣 Great review. I really want one now. I’d love to see how to add new games to it too

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Literally laughed out loud on that one, our wives would agree

[@ricknova1973]

😆 to funny I know how you feel 👍

[@random_barn_owl6915]

That's an adorable owl profile pic

[@ReptilianRichardRamirez]

You're wife is going to kill you over a 60 dollar retro console? Lmao.. You need a new wife.

[@joezar33]

So what was the outcome ? Did your wife let you off the hook because it was a cute looking Atari 2600 lol ?

[@map3384]

Memories of Christmas morning 1981. Can’t believe how high tech it was for the time. For $200 a unit it was pricey for the time. That’s $660 in todays money.

[@techdistractions]

I havent had a great experience with atgames in the past but it is pleasant to see they’ve put some attention to detail on this one 👍

[@SC-lc7tm]

I got this recently and i felt the controllers were terrible. i'm thinking of returning it because how it controlled in the games felt very clunky.

[@lessons9745]

Wow, my Mom sold our old Atari 2600 and games years ago at a garage sale.. So now I definitely want this little gem!

[@bobs.381]

Dude! I was watching the video & got to the end. Behind you, I see a 2XL! My god, I had that when I was a kid! I used to love that robot! Saw that & was like, wow, brings back memories!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Bringing back memories is what we try to do with everything at GenXGrownUp. Thank you for watching, Bob! 😀

[@jasonpaulelder]

The Atari Flashback 8 Activision edition has stood as my most played system, so, this newest release is a great surprise - especially since it includes the paddle controllers. In looking at the title list online, the three games that I'm particularly happy to see included are Pitfall ll, Burgertime, and Demon Attack...but - not having the 2600 version of Space Invaders doesn't make much sense to me. I want the sentimental experience of the original, enjoyable game that I consider to be perfect from Atari. It was actually one of the first games that I ever played at a friend's house in childhood, which makes it more special. Having an advanced version from elsewhere included instead is, at least for me, out of place as it "breaks the spell" (so to speak) in having the priceless connection to the past. If it's going to called an Atari "flashback," then that's all I personally want on it. Anyway, with that said, I could still see purchasing one, at some point, to add my At Games family.

[@ShadeofJeremy]

I own two of the older Atari Flashbacks and have been happy with them and this looks like a nice new addition. I will be looking into getting this one I believe. Thanks for posting this review.

[@GenXGrownUp]

For sure. Thanks for watching, Jeremy! 😀

[@TheLadsBandLive]

The paddle controllers were the real heroes of the 2600

[@Emceemur]

That’s not the milkshake! Lol if you remember that was your gripe with the other Flashbacks too. It was something about sounds and licensing that required that bogus version of SI to be used. Weird. But this looks a lot like the X, just more games. They said the X had to be opened up and modded with a Y cable due to no sd slot. So I didn’t mod it like we did the 9. It’ll be cool to see what you do to this one. This was a great and thorough look! Well done, dude.

[@talesfromthejundlandwastes5498]

Yes, please do the follow up video on being able to add games, thanks !!!

[@eclatshwartzbaumcybertune2063]

Good to meet you! Love stuff like this!!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Welcome aboard! All hail the mighty algorithm! 😉

[@eclatshwartzbaumcybertune2063]

@@GenXGrownUp thank you - tho the algorithm hates me lol . If i want to find cool new stuff like your videos i have to search far .

[@northsouthy74]

I grew up with computers rather than consoles and that version of Space Invaders reminds me of the Commodore 64 Avenger. I loved that game and spent many hours with it, I think it was the only cartridge game I had on the 64. Great times :)

[@mikepalmer1971]

I loved my commodore and then the amiga.

[@northsouthy74]

@@mikepalmer1971 Me too man, its a shame Commodore did not keep pushing new tech like the pc did. I built my first PC after my Amiga 1200

[@TheMultiGunMan]

Thank you for covering this. I really appreciate all that you do.

[@RCfromtheNYC]

I got myself a Flashback X second-hand some time ago, and it definitely brought me back to my youth! Of all the Atari PnP's out there, I agree that the X and the 50th Editions are the best so far.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Pretty good stuff. Thank you for watching, RC! 😀

[@slow71971]

@@GenXGrownUp No Moon Patrol or Pole Position?Is Battlezone even here?

[@chriscorsello]

I own several of the Flashback systems and in general it is a good experience. I agree with your critique of the controllers and some of the wonkiness with navigating for paddle games and such. It is an odd thing about Space Invaders and they have included this same version in earlier iterations of the Flashbacks. I noticed that they did not include Frogger this time, which on (maybe) Flashback 9 they did but.... like Space Invaders it was a totally different version from the 2600. (I think it might have been the NES version.) Also, I will note that the Flashback 2 in my mind is worth owning, simply because it is the only one that does not use emulation but rather emulates the original hardware. ("Atari on a chip") The Flashback 2 can be relatively easily modified to add a cartridge slot to play original cartridges. The game selection on the Flashback 2 is very limited however. (40 games + 2 "hidden" games.)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Oooh. Sounds like the FB2 is a holy grail, then. Thanks for the info.

[@PhirePhlame]

Are you sure it's the NES one, and not one of the successors to the 2600? I know there's a 5200 version of Frogger.

[@chriscorsello]

@@PhirePhlame I’m not definite. I’ll have to take a closer look. The Frogger variant (I played it again last night because of this discussion) and graphically it is pretty good, but it lacks the music (like Arcade1up) and lacks the correct sound effects. Does not have that unique satisfying sound when you put the frog in it’s place across the water. Also takes longer to get harder than the Arcade.

[@johova33]

I think the space invaders was done for the 2600 and is fan made/homebrew. I haven't played it for a while, but if memo serves it is much closer to the arcade version.

[@brianduval8664]

Wow! I haven't seen or heard these games play in probably 40 years! Man, did this bring back memories! I sat for hours playing Asteroids just to turn it over. And man - you wore that like a badge of honor at school! Bragging rights baby! And you were the shit if you found the Easter egg in adventure! I remember Activision had a contest for Kaboom! when you got over 5000 points, you had to take a picture of the screen showing your score. Then you snail mailed it in & won something. As a kid, I was never good enough & damn if I didn't get itchy all of the sudden every time I played Kaboom! But my mom was able to do it. She took a "Polaroid" (lol) but I don't think she ever mailed it in. My dad became somewhat obsessed with collecting 2600 games back in the day & bought a lot of them. My parents still have all those cartridges & the 2600. I'll bet it still works...

[@GenXGrownUp]

Great stuff, Brian. Activision rewarded certain scores and accomplishments with physical patches that you could sew onto your jacket/hat/other. Never got any myself, and those patches are highly sought after still today!

[@Cyko..]

I need this in my life! The collection is awesome! There's a couple personal favorites of mine that are missing (E.T., Pac-Man, and Ms. Pac-Man) but overall it is perfect! Love the design of it! And save states?! WOW! How can I purchase this immediately?? My mom bought us the OG wood grain Atari 2600 back in the day that came with Combat and then she also bought Space Invaders at the same time. I think it was like $300 for everything from Montgomery Ward back in the very late 70s. Just to have those 2 games alone on this replica brings back some very fond memories! Sure, I can emulate all these games and more for free, but there's something about the nostalgia of this unit that plucks at my heart strings! Eh, nevermind. That version of Space Invaders is not what I was expecting.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Hey, Cyko. Link to purchase is in the video description, or right here: amzn.to/3IIketo 😀

[@macguysgarage]

Love the review! Your channel was a recommended one and I'm hooked!(subscribed) ...I grew up in front of the Atari and wish I still had it now...the only thing I never liked is playing it so much I ended up having issues with the switches in the controllers :( ..great review though! ill be checking out your other vids for sure!

[@GenXGrownUp]

You just made my night, Mac Guy. Glad you have you here! 😀

[@supersteve76]

Imagine if all of the Atari classics were remastered into Nintendo quality 16/32bit games. Improved graphics, sound and gameplay.

[@lucasRem-ku6eb]

is outrun on it ?

[@TheRunninghippie]

That would kinda suck.. I guess?

[@DyenamicFilms]

I got an Atari 2600 in 1981. My very first game system. Then I got a Colecovision, then a Sega Genesis. I moved to PC gaming after that. Never had another console since. The Donkey Kong was terrible on Atari, but pretty good on Colecovision. Surprised Donkey Kong isn't included on this. That Atari Space Invaders imposter port on there is weird. Nothing like the Atari 2600 version. It's technically better, but yeah, you buy this sort of thing to play the original as it was, even if it wasn't as good.

[@CarnorJast1138]

I have an original Atari 2600 and 10 games. Such a great console even if the games look dated. Still enjoy the games from this era!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Same. 😀

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Awesome review Jon! This looks like a great plug 'n play machine 😎 AtGames makes some awesome products.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thank you, Jon!

[@trappedintimesurroundedbye5477]

lol they have never made awesome products this would definitely be a first and there pinball and arcade would be the exception but they constantly brought out trash in regards to there contract they had with sega thank god they didn't bring out the last two. But what do I know 🤣 But you can educate me if I'm wrong

[@WagnersTechTalk]

@@trappedintimesurroundedbye5477 My first AtGames product was the ALP/Legends Pinball. The products since then have indeed been awesome. Check out the Legends Ultimate, Legends Pinball, QuadPlay, BitLCD, Legends Core Max, Legends Pinball Micro, Legends Ultimate Mini (screen rotates from horizontal/vertical), etc. AtGames is a different company today. I have guides on my website for all of these products (same as my channel name) if you want to learn more.

[@marccaselle8108]

Great video John. It looks like a great unit and has lots of good games and paddles too

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks 👍

[@PhirePhlame]

I see what looks like an infrared filter as the "cartridge slot". Now, I have a significantly older unit (old enough to still use the classic yellow and white cables) and its pack-in controllers are infrared wireless, though it does have ports for wired controllers on the front of the system as well. And, yes, P1 has the same extra buttons on it. I'm curious if that really is a receiver to let it still use those IR controllers if you have them?

[@JasonKlepacz]

I thought the same thing when I saw the "cartidge slot"

[@sonicexereaper6814]

For 160 bucks with the controllers, paddles, 130 classic Atari titles with proper emulation, and the fact you can apply your own games, that’s a banger of a deal for the 50th Anniversary of Atari. NGL, but I’ve been collecting these babey mode retros. 2 of them as gifts, which are both the Mega Drive 2 and SNES, and 1 I’ve encountered and bought, which is NES. And lol, NGL, but now I want the babey mode Atari console since this little puppy has impressed me with its library and performance. Time I start saving once again. Also, guess I can start seeing the bright side of AtGames and put their flaws with the Genesis and Namco Blast aside. Just hope they can keep that promise without repeating any flaws in their future retro items.

[@GoodTalkHQ]

amazing video, subbed!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Awesome, thank you!

[@cryptocoffee13]

This is a great product for new Retro customers and avid Atari collectors. I have a bunch of AtGames Flashback consoles, I will have this one at some point, but $90 for something I already have, save a few extra games... passing until I get one cheaper. Great review as usual.

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

Another great video, thanks Jon!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@creeksider248]

Very cool video! I had a 2600 as a kid, with almost every game within the group of us in my neighborhood! Great memories! Thanks for posting this, I need a Flashback now, haha! Just Subscribed and Thumbs Up!! - Todd C (Creek Sider1)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PitfallHarry72]

Great review! I've got a Flashback 12 Gold on the way, which is essentially the same thing with a little different coloration. I've already got the OTG cable and have copied a few ROMs to a micro SD card in a USB reader, including the original 2600 Space Invaders. I can't wait to play it. I've got a Flashback 2 from 2005, and I've been playing around with that lately, though that required an adapter, as my TV doesn't have the RCA inputs it uses. I've also got a 2600+ on the way, and the four game paddle pack along with it. I hope those paddles are better than what the Flashback comes with. Yeah, I've got the Atari bug.

[@DevilsReject765]

Atari 2600 good memories first gaming system ever owned as a Kid in the 80s 😀😀 Just Subscribed 💃

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching and for subscribing. Welcome! 😀

[@DevilsReject765]

@@GenXGrownUp Np my friend.

[@semiauto3148]

How much was the unit?

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@semiauto3148 MSRP is $69.95

[@kenwheeler3637]

I have a couple older versions. I found that the joysticks were far more fragile than the originals. They do not have the separate plastic reinforcement piece inside the stick as the originals did. I discovered this when one of the Atgames controllers snapped off at the base. No idea if these newer iterations of the systems have improved the designs at all so something to keep in mind when using them.

[@jcchaconjr]

This Anniversary Edition is pretty cool, especially since it's one of the closest renditions of an actual VCS unit that they've produced. I might get this, even though I have several ways to play Atari games, including an actual Heavy Sixer VCS with Harmony cart. BTW, I too wondered for years why the odd version of Space Invaders is included, especially since the original version was licensed by Taito. I found by way of an old Atari Age forum thread that apparently Taito did not want that "inferior" version featured in the unit, which strikes me as very odd, considering that the game is still great, and is likely what got a ton of people to buy an Atari after that game released. Just curious - do the paddles still work on an original console? previous versions used to, and AtGames used to sell them separately (to be able to play 4 player Warlords), but they abruptly stopped selling them at one point. It would be really nice if they sold these once again, as original paddles aren't going to fix themselves, and if they work, it would be a good alternative for original 2600 owners.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I don't know about the other way around, but OG paddles work on the Flashback. I still think they are inferior to real Atari paddles, so I'd look for those before I'd buy AtGames paddles.

[@ElectroDFW]

​@@GenXGrownUp speaking of paddles, has anyone found a way to replicate the NES Arkanoid controller? I freakin love that games, but it cannot be played well with a D-Pad. And vintage Arkanoid controllers are rarer than hen's teeth, and quintuple the price.

[@JasonKlepacz]

@@ElectroDFW I wish I knew. I bit the bullet and bought an original Arkanoid controller recently. Love that game. (posting mostly to see if someone follows up, not to be "that guy" that comments useless stuff.

[@bowds7]

Thanks John, I recently purchased the standard 50th edition that has less games and no paddles or hdmi cable. Apart from that it is the same unit? Gold switches and cuteness. I haven’t owned one of these before but the thought of being able to put the Atari game libraries on this little unit would be a Gen x dream come true. I love the save and rewind features, I wish we had that back in the day, any way ,can you please show us how to add the games to this baby? I’ve never done that sort of thing before, thanks mate, Steve From Tasmania Australia.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You're welcome, TPT. Thanks for watching. As I understand, the non-Gold is the same model with only the minor differences you noted. With my expansion video coming soon, you'll be able to essentialy upgrade your unit to the Gold variety (without the change in included hardware, of course).

[@johnenoch6222]

Awesome review Jon. Tempted to buy but may wait for the MyArcade version. Love dragon fire and demon attack.

[@curiosa863]

Flashback 8 Gold Deluxe comes with two wireless joysticks and two wired paddles. It also has Frogger, HERO, Pitfall. It seems like every other release (including this 50th anniversary) is missing at least one of these 3. I'm not a huge 2600 player, but for me the 8 gold deluxe is the pinnacle.

[@andrewreed4514]

I have the Flashback 8 Gold and I was wondering if this was worth the investment?

[@AtGamesGaming]

Thank you for bringing attention to what you experienced during game play and evaluation of the device. As we want to ensure all owners are having the best possible gaming experience with our devices, we will be releasing a more comprehensive knowledge base and guide to offer better clarity and more insight into the workings of the Atari Gold Flashback Console.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for popping in, AtGames. It's much appreciated by both me and my viewers. 😀

[@d.vaughn8990]

You asked if Burgertime should be on the 2600? Answer: An astounding YES! Burgertime is awesome on the 2600! Give it another try - you might end up loving it!

[@chrishensley5384]

The easiest way for Gramps to show little Timmy how we gamed back in the day. I use a set of the Flashback paddles on my old school Atari 2600 and they work great!

[@jayme69]

For being one of your first AT Games Plug n' Play device videos, this is so comprehensive that it feels like you are now the authoritative voice on all things AT Games. I've watched a lot of videos on the various iterations of the Atari Flashback units over the years and yours is simply the best. Awesome work Jon and thanks for everything you do for the channel :-)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Mom? Is that you with an alt account on KZbin? 😜 Jamie, your kindness knows no bounds. Thank you for watching and for your generous words. Being the first AtGames Plug-n-Play I ever looked at I really did want to dig in and understand what all the hype was about, and I'm happy to hear that my approach worked for you. Cheers!

[@mgs6490]

Would love to see a follow up on how to add games. Can't believe they are still including that port of space invaders and not the original 2600 version. The paddles seem better this time too, I had a hard time making small movements with them, they tended to jerk from one side or the screen to the other on me.

[@SumDumGy]

That version is included because, as many people have pointed out here, it’s a licensing issue. Taito apparently won’t allow the original 2600 version to be distributed anymore.

[@grahamvaughan7686]

I’ve got the flashback X but would like the version with the paddles. On that, the version of Frogger they include is non Atari 2600 version as well. Weird. But yes updating it to add your own games is as simple as getting the correct wire from eBay and using a spare usb stick. Then it gives you a usb menu which you can dive into. No firmware update was needed.

[@skykitchen867]

This looks so cool! I'd get it but bought a Super Console Cube X3 that has a insane 107,000 games on it from sixty different consoles, the Atari 2600 showing 2,215 games lol. The games play pretty good! Great video, thank you for posting!! Happy Gaming :)

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching, Sky. Like you, I also already have dozens of ways to play these games, but I still really enjoy exploring new ways they get repackaged and re-released.

[@SumDumGy]

The only thing insane is that anyone believes there are 107,000 individual games in that thing. All consoles that make that sort of claim include more duplicates with different titles than they do unique games. The Atari 2600 didn’t have even close to half the titles in its library your Cube claims to boast included.

[@skykitchen867]

@@SumDumGy Doesn't make a difference, 107,000 or 4,000 the games play fine and so what if there are duplicates. The kids play it a lot and have a great time. Happy gaming!

[@sahhull]

Ive still got my original Atari 2600 console and games. It still works

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

Yar's Revenge was my all time favorite 2600 game.

[@SR-zm2rp]

"Color/BW" refers to the type of television you were connected to, not the game. All games are programmed in color. Yes, when the Atari was first released, people still had B/W tv's. My first tv was B/W. Thank-you for the review.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Absolutely - thanks for watching. 😀 Definitely understand that, SR. I mention it because of the handful of games which use the Color/BW switch for a purpose OTHER than changing the chroma/luma of on-screen elements. Space Shuttle is another that comes to mind.

[@brandonsanchez8197]

Oooohhh, the audio for this Flashback's use of Space Invaders sounds much better than the older Flashbacks did (the ones with the AV cables)

[@JoeSiegler]

Thanks for your videos on this! I was waffling on this, but after watching all your videos on this, I thought I'd throw this out this comment after ordering one. My system arrives later this week.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks, Joe. I'm glad my coverage helped your with your buying decision. 😀

[@JoeSiegler]

@@GenXGrownUp First thing I'm doing before playing anything is updating the rom, then doing the extra games thing. :)

[@JoeSiegler]

@@GenXGrownUp It arrived today. Tagged you on twitter with that.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@JoeSiegler Yep. Retweeted.

[@2GuysTalkingPodcastNetwork]

Menu system - wow, O love that. My best friend Jeff and I thought it "could be killer if..." they had that back in the day and holy shit - there it is.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Have you seen my video yet on how to expand this little guy? You're gonna love that.

[@Biostar1970]

Atari 2600 was my 1st game console, but now i does still play my atari on my pc.

[@SumDumGy]

The thing that’s being reviewed that hasn’t been available for purchase anywhere for at least the last month or more. The day I learned of this I went looking. Can’t even confirm it’s existence. ...and behold the irony! As I submit this comment I go back to Amazon and check and it’s miraculously available again out of nowhere. Wow.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Sounds like you've just been unlucky, Tim. It has been going in & out of stock on Amazon about every 3-4 days, and you caught it on a good day finally! Congrats.

[@SumDumGy]

@@GenXGrownUp Seems that way! I had given up checking until your video popped up so thanks for the public service.

[@dannyjepson1987]

I really enjoyed our Atari set back in the day.

[@michaelscholfield7588]

1977. That was a good year. I was born then....Im might have to check this out!!

[@GenXGrownUp]

A good year, indeed. 😀

[@olafbuddenberg4787]

Hey, just wanted to thank you for your insightful review. I subbed, too. Now let's game on!

[@GenXGrownUp]

Any time! I appreciate you watching and subscribing. 😀

[@bradleydavis6463]

The odd versions of Space Invaders and Frogger is an old issue with these units. For Space Invaders, Taito doesn't want the 2600 version out there any more, I guess it isn't up to their standards for the game, so AtGames includes an Android-based arcade clone. They did something similar for Frogger because it has music licensing issues (notice the music missing from this version). And these oddballs have been included in the last several versions of the Atari Flashbacks. The menu graphics are the same as the Flashback X and earlier I believe. The Gold versions of FB 8 and 9 had nicer menu graphics, and that music theme has been around a while also. There are ways to hack different menus, bezels and music into these units, and a whole lot more. The previous Flashback X was almost identical to this unit, with a slightly different remix of games and without the "special" gold switches and Atari 50 logo. Paddles have always been problematic on these, but at least work sort of okay on this version. I prefer my Atari Flashback 9 for the nice wireless controllers and SD card slot, but for something you can actually buy now, the 50th anniversary edition is pretty good with a nice broad game selection and ability to expand for anything you feel is missing (Pac-Man, Ms Pac-Man, 2600 Space Invaders, etc.). Overall this is a great and easy way to substantially experience 2600 on modern TVs without cartridges or modding old consoles. Grab one while you can.

[@SumDumGy]

I like the X better for its design choices. For this, the way to improve its design would be adding the sixth switch and going with the Heavy Sixer body style. You only get one 50th Anniversary. Why not go that extra step to stand out from the previous edition?

[@mikesilva3868]

Awesome review 🎬

[@BelongsToJesus]

The color/black and white button was used for if you had a black-and-white TV or a colored TV back in the day. If you had a black and white TV, the the grayscale would show up properly.

[@GenXGrownUp]

That's right. If you'd like to learn more, I have this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJuXnYKViruoiNE

[@ArcadeDude44]

Thanks for reviewing this. I don't mind switching around to navigate the menus for the paddle games, but I worry that the control on the final version will not work? I have an earlier (maybe fb7, I can't recall), and the lag and response of the included paddles renders the games literally unplayable! I hope this version fixes that huge problem? And yes, please demonstrate the USB Y-Cable deal...I have never heard of a device like that.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching, Greg. ROM expansiion video already in production for you. 😀

[@ArcadeDude44]

@@GenXGrownUp Awesome, looking forward to it👍

[@chriskutz7144]

Atgames is still around ?!? Cool.I like to see them bring out another Colecovision or an Intellivison plug and play console,.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I just took a look at the ColecoVision Flashback a few weeks ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmHJn6WipbZ7mqs) and I agree, an updated HDMI version would be cool to see!

[@stephens4175]

I have the Flashback 8 gold editon, and yes that one had that same Space Invaders, I thought they would have gotten the original on the later ones by now...especially by the time the 50th anniversary model came around, dammit. oh well, the 8 is still pretty dam good in my opinion, it's all I need.

[@a2pha]

24:58 If they cannot fix that stutter, they could have an opening animation "Atari 50th Anniversary Flashback Gold" Just some delightful graphic animations that never get old. Then the animation vanishes and no stutter is seen as the earlier animation covered it over.

[@Laceykat66]

My first question was if other games besides the Atari collection were on here and thank you for showing the Activision selections. Atari was good but there were others including CBS, which I am betting is not included. Thank you for this great look at the collection.

[@GenXGrownUp]

You're very welcome. All those games can be easily added to this unit with a USB stick and an inexpensive OTG cable. See my video guide here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2S9kJdmm9OeZ6M

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

Cool. Thanks for this! I've been kind of going back and forth on this unit. Lots of cool stuff in there. That Space Invaders is the same version as an older Flashback system I have. I don't get it. Still a cool unit even with some of the drawbacks you mention. The video with the paddles seems like there is lag, but you didn't mention feeling any lag so I'm assuming that's just the video?? That "rewind" feature is nice.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I didn't notice any lag. The more I play, the more the tightness loosens up, and the more I'm suspicious of the precision movement accuracy. If I learn more I may do a paddle-update video. 😀 Now we just need to add support to play your awesome custom soundtracks along with the games, and we'll be set!

[@EarmonkeyMusic]

@@GenXGrownUp 🤣. Actually working on another one as I watched your video

[@VanceVelez]

This video speaks to me on a spiritual level.

[@mark-andrews]

The Flashback 8 Gold has wireless controllers so a pair of paddles can be in port 1 and the wireless flashback controller functions 100% correctly, for navigating the menus. The 8 can be used with original Atari paddles and joysticks too, via the port. I have recently acquired another set of paddles so I ought to check out if simultaneous four player Warlords is possible? Perhaps the new Flashback, reviewed here, can be used with a wireless version of the controller too?

[@wizdude]

I am *so disappointed* by what they did with Space Invaders. that was *the game* that i purchased with my light sixer back in 1981. i loved that game, and i still regularly fire it up on my MiSTer FPGA. i have some USB to DB9 adapters and I play with original CX40 controllers. the flashback looks like it's got a pretty underpowered processor. you shouldn't have any lag on menus and when you launch the game for something as entry level as the 2600. everything built to a price i guess. thanks for a fun video. cheers 🙂

[@GenXGrownUp]

Space Invaders Fixed! 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2S9kJdmm9OeZ6M

[@2GuysTalkingPodcastNetwork]

Scan Lines: When I moved into my current house 20 years ago, I brought our 36" CRT beastie in with us - and still have it today. It's been connected to the Wii and a couple of others, but - is there any GOLD in them'thar CRT hills for collectors? I'd love to reclaim our closet in the theater (where it and the consoles still live today) but have no idea whom would be interested. Works like a charge and is well kempt.

[@MTimothyWallace]

Good review...except for the Space Invaders but. Taito produced the original version of SI (I actually owned the arcade cabinet). They then licensed the game to Midway. The version you see on your Flashback Gold is a perfect replica of the original Taito Space Invaders.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks, Tim. The SI here isn't a "perfect" replica, but admittedly very close, and close enough for most players. I was just disappointed it wasn't the 2600 SI. I got the one I wanted in the upgrade follow-up from the other day, though, so I'm happy! 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2S9kJdmm9OeZ6M

[@ButterSpider3]

Once again, home run! You knocked this review and demo out if the park. You made some excellent observations and points. This really gave a fantastic insight into this new gold unit. I LOVE that it has the Imagic titles. That is something that was sorely missing on the previous units. I am sad to see that they really did not take the opportunity to correct the menu controls this time around that is one thing that has plagued me on the older units. And even worse… the ones without the controller with the buttons is even more of a pain. You have to turn the unit off after every game if you want do play something else! 😡 That has really bugged me. I was also really hoping that it had the easy SD card slot. But atleast there is an option for this. Even if it takes extra cabling. I’ll have to look into that if I end up getting one. But all in all. It is similar to the 9 Gold, which I have. But it’s much more beautiful to display and the added titles are a huge bump!

[@danjo8673]

I would love to have it, it's $130 on Amazon. I wonder if it has the Hacker game in it, I still have the original 5 1/4 floppy disk. I'm 67 now and I still play those games on my old Atari 800XL and 1050 disk drive (both still working), and on an older regular TV that still works! Missile Command is still my all time favorite.

[@GenXGrownUp]

The Atari 8-bit line was my first computer love. 🥰

[@davegrams1438]

Wow! Thanks for the review of this. Great video. Learned a few things. Just picked one of these up myself. First thing I noticed is that I can't get HDMI audio to come through in my elgato capture card.. weird. Is anything known about this by chance? Any tips or solutions? I think you mentioned this somewhere in the video?

[@AngelusNielson]

The 20600 was my first console. memories.

[@snow69413]

I wish they would make a full size Atari with the same features plus the ability to play cartridges.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Sounds very close to a RetroN 77: amzn.to/3Fsxbaf

[@snow69413]

@@GenXGrownUp the Retron 77 is very small. I wish they would make a full size classic 2700 Atari that all of the flashback features plus the ability to play Atari cartridges.

[@snow69413]

@@GenXGrownUp love your videos

[@a2pha]

1:58 The sound and presentation of that BOX OPENING was simply perfect. No-one pulled that off better than you.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Ha! I can't tell if you're kidding me or not. If so, got me! If not, thank you! 😀

[@a2pha]

@@GenXGrownUp No I mean it. 100% sincerity. Straight up. I loved that few seconds.

[@hovermotion]

Wow , I never knew this was out. gret vid..

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thanks for watching! 😀

[@JustinEmlay]

Oh wow, they are making those much smaller now! I got the unit right before they started with the firmware updatable models but my controllers are wireless. I much prefer them.

[@SC-lc7tm]

what do you mean firmware updateable models?

[@wallacelang1374]

In regards to SPACE INVADERS the version on the AtGames Atari Flashback units was actually the game which was intended for the Atari home game console that became the Nintendo NES, it is not the original Atari 2600 VCS version yet it is an improvement over the actual game that became only available for the Nintendo FamiCom in Japan.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Another commenter had mentioned it was actually an NES image. Still, if it's not the SI we played on the 2600, I'd rather thay would've just omitted it. Thank you for watching! 😀

[@wallacelang1374]

@@GenXGrownUp you are welcome. I am a fan of the original Atari 2600 VCS "Space Invaders" which I felt should have been included on the various AtGames Atari Flashback units, maybe have this Atari/Nintendo NES version as a bonus for comparison on the same units. However the modifiable AtGames Atari Flashback units can have the original Atari 2600 VCS "Space Invaders" added for its .BIN file is available as a downloadable data image file.

[@a2pha]

16:19 Yes. TAITO owns the original Space Invaders. I hope Atari got permission to post that there - and yes I was expecting the major multi-game original myself.

[@krantzbucks]

Still waiting for a Atari home computer version of one of these.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Absolutely! And make it look like the original 800, please! (Though the 800XL was probably more widely known.)

[@RockyP77]

I hated paddle games as a kid.... I love them now

[@chrsn]

12:43 Todd Todgers will be glad that Dragster is on there.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Or maybe even Todd Rogers. 😜

[@gonzchi]

I don't know if anybody commented already, but that Space Invaders is the Apple II version.

[@gregrowe1168]

I remember being able to also change the difficulty of individual players on the original 2600. It was a way to cheat against computer opponents by setting your controller to easy and the other controller to difficult.

[@DrumtedLive]

Awwww look at the lil baby Atari

[@a2pha]

25:28 Here's what'll rack your mind. When you get around to opening it and examining the ROM files, you in fact find an Atari 2600 cartridge called Space Invaders that plays precisely as you see here.

[@GenXGrownUp]

Well, sort of. There's a 454 KB .a26 file, but doesn't seem to be an Atari cart as Stella barfs when trying to execute it.

[@TheMultiGunMan]

Please do a follow up video about how to add games to this device.

[@Gaming-Enthusiast]

Great review , still play my Jaguar everyday and have the Atari model before this one 👌👌👌

[@GenXGrownUp]

Right on!

[@astropioneer3296]

Fun. I have the original Atari 2600 and heaps of cartridges gathering dust in my storage room.

[@Shned]

Nice review

[@GenXGrownUp]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Lachlant1984]

I find it interesting that the controllers apparently use the old 9 pin Atari compatible connector, I'm a little surprised they don't use USB. Since they do apparently use the 9 pin socket, I wonder if this means you can use original Atari controllers with this console. The problem with doing that though it original Atari controllers don't have the extra menu/system buttons on them.

[@GenXGrownUp]

This is for compatibility as you supposed. You can plug in any Atari-compatible 9-pin controller and it works fine (with the exception of the extra control buttons on P1, but you could plug that in P2 for easy access).

[@Lachlant1984]

@@GenXGrownUp I see. Am I to understand that the paddles can be moved left and right and up and down like a regular joystick as well as being rotated? I'm just wondering why those extra buttons weren't also included on the paddle controllers, because that would address some of the problems you had with getting into the menus etc. I've never used an original Atari paddle controller.

[@GenXGrownUp]

@@Lachlant1984 Oh, no, not at all. The paddles simply spin and have the single fire button, so no directionals are available without a joystick plugged into a port.

[@andyauthor2007]

Space Shuttle would be unplayable without the black and white switch. The game also used both A and B switches so you couldn't re-map anything to those switches. Without the black and white switch you wouldn't be able to get the shuttle off the launch pad, LOL. I'm concerned about Solaris, does that game use the black and white switch? Is the game playable on this unit? I'm pretty sure I could come up with a huge list of omissions, but two that come to mind immediately are Ghost Manor and Spike's Peak, the Xonnox double-enders should be on this. Good review by the way.

[@keithc728]

I played the heck of all those games

[@odiedodieuk]

It’s a shame that there was no way to include the video/documentary footage for the xb/ps anniversary Atari collection

[@GenXGrownUp]

Not in a unit at this price, I'd think. But the Atari50 Anniversary Celebration is certainly a triumph.

[@odiedodieuk]

@@GenXGrownUp oh I knew it’s not physically possible.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Does it include ET the Extraterrestrial, and a VHS copy of The Star Wars Holiday Special?

[@GenXGrownUp]

No, but they can be added via a firmware update. 😉

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

My 2600 lasted over 20 years. Saw 4 Presidents. Outlasted a Nintendo, a Sega, and a Sega Genesis. God only knows how many games I piled up over the years........

[@GenXGrownUp]

Fantastic!

[@GF_Burke]

It almost seems like RetroPie. Nice man. That's cool... I didn't even know there was an 'Adventure 2'. ha. mmm. Yarz Revenge... dang.

[@GenXGrownUp]

I've been dabbling with the Adventure 2 / Adventure+ sorts of variants, and while fun, they feel weird. I can wander the original Adventure map almost with my eyes closed, but I keep getting lost in these new mazes. Time to break out the graph paper and start mapping! 😁

[@GF_Burke]

@@GenXGrownUp ha right? memories.. I did build a retropie, 60in tv, bluetooth ps4 controllers, 2600/NES 'for the kids'.