Should I buy an Atari 2600+? My thoughts on the system so far.

Just my thoughts on what I've heard about the new game system being put out by Atari. A new console that plays 2600 and 7800 cartridges.

[@obsoleteobsession]

I pre-ordered the 2600+ the day I found out about it. I love the idea of an upgraded classic system that can actually accept original hardware. While plenty of third-party systems exist for this, the novel part for me is actually being released by a flagship console company. I wish this was a concept that the other primary gaming companies would consider (particularly Nintendo).

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That would be a gold mine for Nintendo. They have to know this. Maybe they are just waiting for the right time.

[@obsoleteobsession]

@@CoachTroyRetro I certainly hope so! I can't tell you how fast I'd jump at an NES+ or N64+ type device, though Nintendo seems to be pretty content with their subscription model paywall-ing their entire legacy content at the moment.

[@Plaximos]

I'm 28 years old in real life and have an old soul. With that being said I am a huge gamer and have an interest both for older gaming as well as newer gaming. With that being said I went ahead and preordered an atari 2600+ to enjoy older games that my parents saved from their old Atari 2600 systems which I still have even though the older systems were sold at garage sales. I would like to say I am glad that I stumbled across your channel because I think there is a huge market for all kinds of retro content as gaming is bigger than ever these days. You really remind me of Metal Jesus Rocks on KZbin with the long hair and stuff as he also does old school retro. I really think you should continue to make more retro themed videos and continue to make videos as your a great speaker and it's interesting even as a significantly younger person to watch what you have to say. Lastly, I would like to say that even though I was born in 1995, I really wish I was born in the 1970's as I would have loved to go to arcades and also go to Chuckie Cheese's with the animatronics and all that Jazz. However, I have youtube to try to reexperience all of that. Btw Did you know Atari is remaking Haunted House for the modern pc for steam, it looks solid. Keep up the videos man, maybe even look into making a tiktok for retro atari stuff as a lot of people my age use tiktok and I'm sure there's a lot of people my age that would be interested. Cheers.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Much appreciated! I'll take being compared to Metal Jesus Rocks, he seems like a pretty chill guy. I hope to have a collection like this one day. I did hear about Haunted House but haven't looked into the details. I'm definitely interested though. Love that game. Hope you enjoy the 2600+!

[@PapaBradsGaming]

I ordered the 2600+ the day it was announced! I have a massive 2600 collection but no 7800. I like what they are doing. Great video. I subscribed.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Thank ya!

[@jeromesppd1383]

I would keep your original 2600 , some carts won't play on the emulated machine. If you can afford a 2600+ as well it's a good deal....I am getting a 2600+ and just bought my first 7800 cartridges!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yes, I forgot to mention that part. Looks like there are only a few but still that would be disappointing if you didn't have a way to play. Plus I wonder about the games on the 7800 that use two buttons. Luckily most don't though.

[@BriansManCave]

I believe the harmony multi cart will not work on it either... and some homebrews ;)

[@kentyler3962]

@@BriansManCave I sure hope it will. I have the Harmony cart so I'll find out. I use it on my heavy sixer presently.

[@BriansManCave]

@@kentyler3962 I believe the issue is that the 2600+ only grabs the rom from the cart and dumps it into ram... The harmony cart has extra software that the console needs to read which I don't think the 2600+ will do.

[@kentyler3962]

@@BriansManCave That would be a shame if it doesn't work but not the end of the world for me. I already have all my favorite 2600 cartridges (about three dozen).

[@foooooob]

I´ll get mine in few days. I just can´t wait to meet my first love again..... Thanks man for the video and for your thoughts about the new system.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Thank ya! I've been loving it so far. There is a firmware update I'm going to try pretty soon here, hopefully it will help with the couple games that have been giving me trouble starting.

[@jwprimetime9795]

The thought of playing Cosmic Arc and Demon Attack again has me so happy!!

[@datassetteuser356]

Nice little channel, just subscribed! Cheers! As for the 2600+: Will wait until I see the first reviews regarding emulation quality. But as for the new joystick and paddles: I'll defo get these! 🎉

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Thank ya! Yes, finding working paddles can be a lil difficult. I got a few that I'm going to try and fix.

[@WinchestrBros]

good stuff. Don't stop mate

[@stephentg1]

Pre-ordered mine. Fingers crossed.

[@kentyler3962]

I just pre-ordered my 2600+ today, along with a set of paddles. It will look good sitting alongside my still working, 1977 Heavy Sixer made in Sunnyvale, California.

[@MaximumRD]

Well, it won't play ALL the carts, compatability list on the Atari site. Due to the nature of it no HARMONY or Flashcart is possible either. It is nice it also plays 7800 but you have to keep your original as well imho.

[@garypranzo9334]

I have an AV modded 7800 but I made a retro room that focuses on woodgrain electronics and furniture etc so I have my 2600 on the coffee table and it looks great but I rarely run all the wires needed to run it. I had a coupon and got it for $110. The 80% size is small enough to give me xtra room on the coffee table but big enough it will look authentic to the casual observer as opposed to tiny Flashback system. Pretty sure I can run the 2600+ with a Battery pack and 1 HDMI cable

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Sounds pretty sweet!

[@Ductos]

I've pre-ordered mine today. Never had a real Atari, but I was always fascinated by their games. The new Atari CEO really did a great job of fixing their business model and I like to support his ideas. That's why I bought two copies of the Atari 50 Collection and the Atari 50 Flashback. Also: Mr. Run and Jump, a homebrew 2600 game Atari bought the rights for and, along with a modern remake, is getting an actual official cartridge release. Always appreciate companies that embrace the homebrew idea.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That is another part of this, I think I want to support what this New Atari is doing.

[@DisneyBatchman]

To me, it's all going to come down to compatibility (how many games won't work) and quality (will it have paddles that actually work well, as opposed to the lousy paddle support on the Flashback units?) If the paddles work well, and enough games are supported, I'll almost certainly buy one.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I am really hoping that the paddles work well. That would be a huge disappointment if they didn't.

[@jengelenm]

Not ALL Atari Game Carts will work with the 2600+. From the info we received so far. They put a compability list out that mentions a significant amount of untested and also not-working (3 games i believe) games….

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yeah, I forgot to add that part. Looks like most still work with it which is nice. Though not knowing how home brews will function on it is unfortunate.

[@AlessandroScuderi]

i have preordered because i don't have at the time (videopac user) but i always love the Atari games and now i have collected these days after order many cart and an atari junior for see first and when atari 2600+ coming i can use on new modern tv in hdmi

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I did end up buying as well. Easier to get it playing without having to dedicate an older TV station.

[@garefamily01]

I had to buy it! Atari is my childhood console. Besides as a collector you own all the Atari consoles without buying this one.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yup, a part of me wants to get one of each design. Completely unnecessary but why not?

[@johnketo2150]

I am sticking my recapped and composite video modded Atari 7800. My late model 13” RCA CRT television that I bought in 2009 still works great with it. Original hardware is sure to work with all the original and homebrew Atari 7800 games with extra sound chips such as Commando, Ballblazer, Ricky & Vikki and AtariAge Super Circus. Don’t forget that some Atari 2600 games include extra sound chips such as Pitfall II: Lost Caverns. None of these games are likely to work on the Atari 2600+. Also, the 2600+ may be compatible with the joystick and paddle, but what about the Trak-ball and light gun? I know the 2600 is compatible with only one light gun game, Sentinel, but the 7800 has five light gun games for it.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Sounds like a sweet set up! I wonder about the possibility of setting up a new light gun with modern TVs.

[@classicgameteacher]

Forward compatible Atari, that's great:)

[@agentmith]

I got one mostly for the 7800 capability and a fresh set of official joysticks and paddles. It’ll be nice for the kids to beat up on while I use my modded 2600 and Harmony cart for everything else.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Good call. I kinda want to get on for that purpose as well. I work at the highschool and will sometimes bring mine in for games club. But teenagers aren't known for their careful handling.

[@cliffjumper1984]

I would like it for the HD. I dont have any 7800 games. But the unchecked game list is a head scratcher. My favoite game for 2600 is star raiders. Does the original pad work with the 2600+? But i have a modded snes mini with a 1TB hard drive that has all 2600, 5200, and 7800 games. But would be a nice display piece too.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Here's hoping pad works. It would be a misstep if it didn't. True, none of really need the new system to play the games. There are a million ways to play on old systems, plug n plays, compilations on newer systems, etc. So it's novelty for sure. But I like the idea of supporting this 'New Atari' at least in hopes of them coming up with some fun new stuff.

[@cliffjumper1984]

@@CoachTroyRetro agreed. too bad it doesnt support 5200, which IDK why I enjoy in. If its emulation....but then the extra cart slot would make it too pricey?

[@francistaylor1822]

The retron 77 does the same thing (original carts) and the joystick whilst in same factor and very similar, is a little more ergonomic

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I was hearing people weren't too happy with the retron emulation. I haven't tried it so I can't say though. A more comfortable joystick is great though. Getting arthritis from too much centipede is sad.

[@parkersmith2000]

I agree that the joystick is better than the og, but the retron console is pretty crap imo. Unlike my 2600 the switches are super gritty, they dont really want to move. I bought the thing new so they have no reason to be so chunk.

[@phuzaxeman]

Retro doesn't play 7800 though.

[@KabukiKid]

Ha! Berzerk is the final game I bought for my 2600 back in the day. :-) Solid little game. Curious how the new one will play.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

It sounds like it will be similar but with upgraded graphics and the robot voice from the arcade will added. So more novelty than a new game.

[@KabukiKid]

@@CoachTroyRetro Having those voices in it will be a nice touch, though. :-) "Chicken! Fight like a robot!" heh

[@popculturehero]

I just have a Retron 77 from hyperkin. It kind of sounds similar to the 2600+. But people do complain about the retrons build quality.when ejecting carts.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

They are pretty similar. How do you like the quality? I have been debating getting a retron 5 but I've heard mixed things.

[@popculturehero]

It seems to be fine so long as you clean your cartridges. Its also very cute and small. The console is the size of a joystick.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yeah, it seems the emulators that drop roms like that are a lot more sensitive to dirty carts. I do like the smaller sizes.

[@BriansManCave]

Its good that it plays 7800 games, but you will need a 7800 controller for some of the games! I wouldn't get rid of the original 2600 though 😁

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That is true. Most games didn't need that second button but there were a few that did.

[@MrScottx]

I have on "good word" that they will be releasing a new 7800 controller and......a slew of new 7800 Games !!!

[@BriansManCave]

@@MrScottx That would be awesome!!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I hope so, I was just thinking why wouldn't they make a new 7800 controller. Preferably the dpad version, but I would buy one of each of them were available.

[@fionagibson3314]

Bezerk is the game it want, let's hope the release the trackball controller and the games I missed and the 7800 games their is only 52 original titles release them.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Centipede with a trackball is amazing. That would be awesome if they did.

[@DIRTYYETTI]

I’ll get it. I just want to wait till it’s been released for a bit. I have a gut feeling that it may drop in price significantly due to this being too niche for kids these days.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I'm worried it will go the other way being so niche.

[@braillynn]

Really like it, but probably won't order it since I have a fully built MiSTer to play those games on.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Then you are already set!

[@ryanbrennan3228]

Good point! Technically, it would be forwards-compatible, not backwards-compatible.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I asked a game developer friend of mine and am still waiting on his take, heheh.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

I'd say backwards, since this is a new "system" playing older games.

[@phuzaxeman]

Pre-ordered mine. 🙂

[@diegomorales8616]

Sideways compatible should be the new term.

[@Novaheart1998]

I have seven 2600s and a Gemini and a 7800 but I ordered this new one, why not!? Its just cool. i have about 350 carts. Including the Harmony cart. The other thing is that the output will be better on this new one. Sure you can mod old systems but who wants to do that? They made these machines for a long period so many models are not 40 years old but less.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Nice! I'm trying to collect all the different styles of 2600. And I do agree, modding is possible but I'd rather just grab this one.

[@Novaheart1998]

@@CoachTroyRetro im not interested in all the different styles of 2600 im more into getting as many games as I can without spending alot. I started in 1999 when these retro systems were cheap as dirt. I had a 2600 as a kid in the 80’s and I still have it. I now have many vintage game systems. Many I got for nothing or very cheap. 🎉

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I wish I got into it back then, my timing is probably the worst.

[@Novaheart1998]

@@CoachTroyRetro Well its definitely not cheap anymore to collect vintage games or anything vintage, I also am a musician and have alot of vintage gear which is considerably more expensive than video games unfortunately for me.

[@wolfshanze5980]

I was excited for this... but... I changed my mind and ordered an Atari Gamestation Pro instead... I just figure using ROMs is a lot easier than getting a thousand cartridges laying around... plus the hardware on the gamestation pro is more capable... 2600, 5200, 7800, arcade, NES and Genesis compatible.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yes, this throws a wrench into things. Cartridges vs Roms. What to do.

[@maradona8623]

Easy , get both

[@stephengalvan7722]

It would be great if they made adapters for all the Atari systems

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Agreed. I'm no programmer but I wonder how difficult would it be to make the system able to play their 400 and 800 carts.

[@itsjustagamechannel]

Apart from it being able to play 7800 games, I don’t see any benefits of shelling out $50 more for this over a more compact sized Retron77

[@CoachTroyRetro]

A lot of people seemed displeased with the Retron 77. What are your thoughts on it, did you get one?

[@itsjustagamechannel]

@@CoachTroyRetro I think what most were displeased about are features that have been fixed and improved on with newer firmware versions. It’s been out for a while and is a pretty solid console now. I might still get the + just to do a comparison on my channel. Btw, a feature the retron77 has which I’m not sure about if the + has or not is being able to play PAL carts as well. A very cool feature.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I may need to check out a Retron then. I did read in one of the comments that it does play PAL games. But I didn't see anything official.

[@robertm8380]

Game station plays all 3 systems 2600 7800 and 5200

[@kevinlawson1746]

From what I understand it should play Pal games as well .

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Nice, that is good news.

[@Nelbroth]

Since all my carts are confirmed playable on 2600+, I'm kinda excited for this. It's a little lame that it doesn't come with two sticks out of the box, but otherwise I think this will sell well.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yeah, needing to buy more controllers is a bummer.

[@kentyler3962]

They are only $25 so not terrible. They were keeping the price point as low as possible.

[@stephengalvan7722]

What they need to do is make an adapter that accepts the 5200 games and it would be worth the $129.99

[@johnrosenberg5212]

If they make 5200 adapter and a controller for 5200 that works id love it I still have my 5200 with everyone made but controls are dead

[@youvsyou945]

That would be cool, but you need a 2 button controller with number pad and an analog stick...you'd miss the awesome Trak-ball controller too(best trackball controller for a console ever!)

[@TheAtariCreep]

🤘🏻 🕹 🤘🏻

[@youvsyou945]

Hell no don't get rid of the original...ever....the new one is AWESOME and I'll pick it up....but it's no replacement, and even though I'm getting a new one, it will not look correct like an original....which should be played on a CRT...If you're into retro gaming, picking up a CRT is a must and you can usually find them for cheap or even free(They need saving too, and they're superior for retro gaming). Atari 2600+ IS going to look more jaggy than the original without the phosphor glow and smoothing of a Crt TV, count on it....Keep and love the original, get a new one too!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Heheh, I definitely won't be getting rid of my old ones. Still love em. Need a better CRT though. I have one but it's on its way out. Getting the 2600+ will make it just easier to play on the regular TV though, for when the nieces and nephews are over.

[@youvsyou945]

@@CoachTroyRetro Right on, yeah the beauty of it is that the tube in the tv will last, the chassis of the TV likely just needs to be recapped. Can't let them sit up though....I have a hoard of old crt TVs(my main hobby is Arcade collecting) so I keep them for tube swaps but have some dedicated to my 2600(vader) and 5200/ninty setups. Crts man, lightning in a bottle....love them, once they're gone it's forever. Very cool/good of you that you got your family kiddos playing the classics, helping raise em' right man. 2600+ is going to be awesome....if you got a switch the Atari 50 anniversary collection kicks ass too, those new vector style games on there kick ass. Good luck man, cool video!

[@BIKE_BEERS_AND_DEATH_METAL]

🤘🕹🎮🍻

[@tommy516]

Yes!

[@ethacade]

The 2600+ doesn’t let you play Real Sports Boxing so clearly the original 2600 is better alrho the 2600+ plays 7800 games

[@JB-js4xi]

That's a great game. I've played Real Sports Baseball since it came out...I think that was 82. It is still my absolute favorite baseball game because it's so mean and hard that once you get in the zone it's awesome... LoL

[@Mcchubz]

Bought it . After seeing ebay prices for the old system . Its 1977 all over again

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I've found a lot of cheap ones on places like Facebook marketplace. Still I ended up grabbing a 2600+

[@RickyD1968]

Keep the OG 2600 and buy the new 2600+ !!!! I still have my 2600 I got for Christmas 1979 and 50+ games !!!!!!!!

[@MrScottx]

Keep the old console and buy the new console. The new console also plays 7800 games. Trust me you want both.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Oh yeah, I'm definitely keeping my old one and grabbing a new. I'd say it's worth it.

[@heatherfryling4868]

You'll probably get lag with the emulator. If you've got the means to play on the original, I'd keep that.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

No. Stick with real hardware. 👍 The + is just another emulation box that's not even fully compatible with the whole library, especially the bigger melody-based homebrews, which is unfortunate. They don't even give you a 2-button controller, required for most 7800 games. If it were me, I'd take that + money and buy an actual 7800 and a flashcart like the 7800GD with RGB capability (when it's back in stock) instead... That way you have real hardware, full compatibility with both libraries and the ability to play it all in glorious HD on modern flat panel TV's. 👍

[@michaelkampf1001]

i will buy it, because my original is broken...

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That sounds like a solid reason.

[@pinebarrenpatriot8289]

Why don't people just buy the original Atari 2600 instead of all these emulators and remakes? The original is still reasonably cheap and it's the real thing.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That is true. So its just a matter of evaluating if the upgrades are worth it. And do we want to support this 'New Atari' in hopes of them creating more stuff.

[@phuzaxeman]

The original doesn't hook up to a modern monitor nor does it play 7800 games.

[@b.o.4492]

Well I preordered but I am also all about having an original system too!

[@JRthepyroguy]

My girlfriend pre order for me. Just in time for Xmas. I'm so Amp!!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Nice! I need my girlfriend to get the hint, heheh.

[@JRthepyroguy]

@CoachTroyRetro lol. Let's hope she reads the comments. BTW great video.

[@randomrickreviewsrrr4662]

No you shouldn't buy the new one. You will be bored within the 1st 10 mins.

[@frankschalk7790]

I wouldn’t buy this. Just get an uno or harmony cart and load every single game ever made on an sd card

[@mitropoulosilias]

who is going to play atari??? i dont even play latest computer games..

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That's why I like the Atari. I can just pick up n play. I don't have to sit the a 90 minute tutorial loaded with cut scenes just to play. I can grab a controller and just start shooting centipedes.

[@JB-js4xi]

No. LOL. The color in the old systems on CRT is a much better experience. The Flashback 9 is the way to go...plug in your 60 inch tv....add your own roms...easy!! The click of a cart or using them in general is NOT as exciting to ME because I grew up with Atari 2600. Just my opinion. My heavy 6 plays beautifully...but its so much easier to park my butt on the sofa and just play the Flashback 9 instead of having to switch out carts.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

True true. And I do love my flashback 9. I made a video about it on a previous channel. I think I should reupload it.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Get a Harmony Encore cart, then you'll never have to worry about swapping out carts again. The whole library can be loaded onto an SD card.. Pop it into your harmony cart then you're in 2600 heaven, all with one convenient cart. ;)

[@JB-js4xi]

@@R3TR0R4V3 cool....thanks for the info. Awesome

[@gonzchi]

Keep the original. The plus is not worth it, it's emulation. You might as well use Stella on a PC

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Oh I will absolutely keep my old Ataris. They still play perfectly, great machines.