Time to Buy: Atari 2600 Jr.

If you want to experience vintage gaming on a real vintage console, it doesn't get much more affordable than the Atari 2600 Jr.
More console reviews: • Time to Buy: Nintendo Wii
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[@GamingPalooza]

I own a 2600 Jr, bought it a few months back along with over 70 games included. For me, it was a gold mine discovery.

[@darrenayres3146]

In 1987 I can remember asking my grandfather for 1 quid because I only had 49. Thank god he hooked me up. I was 7 years old and it was my first computer

[@badbirdkc]

The sound effects of the 2600 always had this nice, booming bass. Like when one of your cities gets blown up in Atlantis - turn the sound up and it will be like your house is about to come crashing down.

[@marccaselle8108]

Or if you play space invaders and get blown up, it sounds like a fart.

[@nationharris]

Ah, the console that got me back into gaming. Broke up with my girlfriend, moved into a new place and all I had was a crap TV from the 90s and a dvd player. Bought an Atari flashback off eBay for £10 and never looked back.

[@eriksojka9209]

I've had my 2600 since the 80s. The games are great!!! Have a huge library!! And there are many home brews for the system!!! Still fun today!!!

[@mad_cat431]

*_Shows Pac-Man_* _You have just committed a sin._

[@8bitrocketstudios]

Show's Ms. Pac-Man, all faith is restored.

[@jamesegan2418]

Atleast no e.t

[@admrsh]

Et is god awful

[@CommodoreFan64]

I love the 2600 Jr., and I've had one since the mid 90's I got for free with 6 different joysticks, and 30 games from a family member when no one back then wanted this stuff, and it always amazes me when one of my nieces/nephews, or step daughter's friends come over who have never played an Atari VCS/2600, and I tell them this is what we had growing up, and some of them actually end up having fun with games like Pitfall, Pole Position, or Ms. Pac-Man.

[@SaladaSla]

"The explosion sounds awesome" Explosion ear rape Intensifies

[@SaladaSla]

Time is just an illusion, but if you let yourself believe on it, you're doomed to be ruled by it

[@SaladaSla]

Jokes on you, I'm commenting this WHILE I take a shit. Now tell me if I'm not living in the future

[@awkirkness]

clearly you don't know much about awesomeness or ear rape

[@SaladaSla]

Maybe I don't, thanks for mentioning it

[@itstrayantula7082]

Oh my gosh! Why does it say 2 weeks ago while the video says 1 week ago. Is it because of KZbin or you must have set your date and time.

[@no1DdC]

There's actually one really good sports game for the system: Activision Tennis. Tight controls, capable AI opponent (one of the first in gaming history), good physics (if you can call it that). I stumbled upon this game in Activision Hits Remixed for the PSP (also on other systems with different libraries), which is a really nicely made collection of Atari 2600 games, complete with a slick UI, adapted original manuals for each game and '80s music in the background, celebrating the time when Activision was the small Indie underdog who dared to defy big Atari. How times have changed... The game itself can also be found on various online emulators, if anyone's curious to try it. Despite its simple visuals, it actually became my most played game on the PSP, believe it or not. Apart from the fake perspective making both halves of the court having different sizes, it's arguably a flawless little game, a perfect example of timeless minimalism. It's just one step above Pong in terms of complexity, yet so much fun.

[@YSN]

I'll take a look at it, thanks for letting me know!

[@multishit6664]

This one is in Atari classics evolved for PSP...You have to unlock this game. Once you complete all the goals for the regular and remastered arcade games in this PSP collection.. you unlock an even bigger list of atari at home games which includes Real Sports Tennis...it is made by atari not activison. I play this game daily lol. Very entertaining and it can be challenging depending on the mode you are in.

[@no1DdC]

Real Sports Tennis is a different game. You are referring to this title: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RealSports_Tennis I meant this game: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_(1981_video_game) Your game has better visuals, mine has better gameplay, in my opinion.

[@lurkerrekrul]

+no1DdC - I liked Activision Tennis, but after a while I could beat the computer every single time, without letting it score a single point. It's been many years since I've played it, but there was a way to hit the ball so that the computer would miss it every time. It was a pattern that worked every time.

[@emmettturner9452]

LOL! I just saw this and I noticed that this video went up the same day I obtained my second and third 2600jr. They were in a HUGE junk bin for $10 that also had an NES, PlayStation, XBOX, and MUCH more. Both 2600jr consoles worked too. B)

[@ajtstvandmusicarchivechann1585]

I've got a junior connected to a 1977 tube tv. I like the junior more than the original.

[@Josh-le6lu]

In my experience with Atari cartridges, the 2600 doesn't seem to care what shape the cartridge is in and will play no matter the condition. Contrast that with the NES that has a hissy fit if there's even a single dust particle on either the pins or cartridge.

[@rpgspree]

Though the 2600 is an ancient system by today's standards, there's a few decent games that are still fun. At least for awhile. BMX Air Master: BMX stunt game Combat: Basic PvP shooter with tanks or planes. Defender II: Space sidescroller Dig Dug: Dig tunnels to attack monsters before they escape Enduro: Endurance racing with day-night cycles Joust: Flight combat...on ostriches! Jungle Hunt: Classic arcade with a variety of stages to complete, each with a different style of play Keystone Kapers: Silly side scroller in a shopping mall were you, the cop, try to pass the thief's obstacles to catch him before he gets away. Moon Patrol: Side scrolling shooter with a moon buggy Skate Boardin': Skate board obstacle course Star Raiders: Space shooter with some sim elements, such as shields and fuel. Hard to play without the bundled keypad. Warlords: One of the few paddle games I'd recommend, plays up to 4. Yars' Revenge: Classic arcade space shooter. It's fairly easy to play, and easy to lose. Warning, can be addictive. Most 2600 games you can just pickup and play for 5-10 minutes at a time, but a few have a bit more depth, strategy and playtime. Secret Quest: Sci-fi shooter on multilevel maze-like spacestations. On each alien infested station, you need to set the self-destruct and get out before your oxygen, energy (ammo), or time runs out. There's an odd assortment of aliens and weapons as you progress. The stations get bigger and the different species of aliens get tougher. It's a long game with an actual "ending", but it does have codes you can write down to "save" your progress. There's a glitch in the code system though, so save your previous codes in case the game gives you a bad one. Solaris: Space shooter where you have to save the planet Solaris. Only, you have to find it first! It's an epic quest spanning 16 star systems, each with a map that takes up the whole screen. Systems have a variety of planets to land on and aliens to engage, both on land and in space. However, time isn't on your side, as the aliens also move through the systems to attack the allied planets where you can refuel. Different planets types vary in gameplay, and each alien race has their own combat style. It's a game that takes awhile time to actually complete, but has no "save" feature so you'll have to get through it in one go. It's by far the most sophisticated and visually stunning game I'd ever seen on the 2600. Even if you never beat it, the journey itself is still worth the experience.

[@one4allall4one91]

I just got a modded jr with composite av. Agree these games are a unique experience. The sounds, neon flashes, simplicity of games just awesome. I got it hooked up to a crt tv 📺 for that retro look experience from child years.

[@BobbyS1981]

I still have mine. Had it since it was new. Play it regularly and will be replacing the voltage regulator and electrolytic caps soon.

[@omegaman1409]

These system capacitors started to fail but kits are available for cheap just have to know soldering.

[@josielyon7298]

Never thought I’d see a time to buy on a vintage system!

[@renatozorete8493]

*ATARI FOR EVER*

[@atari2602]

There are a few 2600 sports games that are still good today. The Activision games Tennis, Boxing, and Ice Hockey are simple, but fun. It's hard to go wrong with most Activision 2600 games. Also, Video Olympics is basically just a hundred versions of Pong, but if you have a good set of paddles and can find someone willing to give the game a shot, it's a good time.

[@lurkerrekrul]

I can't find it at the moment, but I'm pretty sure there exists an adapter that allows you to plug USB controllers into an Atari style port. I think it was created for the C64 and Amiga, but I don't see why it wouldn't work with an Atari 2600 as well.

[@travisbickle5584]

I had a Jr 2600 in the 80s, sold it years ago. Really wish I'd kept it. I might try to get another one in a charity shop or at a boot sale.

[@danielcaskey6840]

Using sega Genesis controllers on other 9-pin DIN connector systems can irreparably damage them. The connector may match but some key voltages are sent down different pins in the C64 vs Genesis, for sure. I am unsure if the Atari is affected by this (it probably doesn't even use half of those 9 pins) but it can ruin the ports (or more) on a C64 for sure. Advising people to use Genesis controllers on any retro console with a matching connectors is setting them up for sadness.

[@chfgn]

Atari supposedly has the same problem. Power is supplied on a different pin, and the Genesis controller kind of ends up working by accident, but it's possible for the controller to feed back and fry the system on rare occasion. That said, I've never known anyone who had this happen to them, so I'm not sure how common it is. I still bought an adapter to move power to the correct pin just to be safe.

[@marklechman2225]

Actually, many of the 2600 sports games are pretty great. Try Activision’s Tennis, Boxing and Ice Hockey. The Atari RealSports line also has some winners. As for the old 2600 sports games released by Atari, Championship (Pele’s) Soccer is pretty good too.

[@retrogamelord3763]

I love the 2600 but I prefer the intellivision. There are so many unique games for it and fun multiplayer sports games.

[@TheBigScat]

I didn't even know this was a thing. I've always regretted having traded in my 2600 for a 5200, which is long since gone. Thanks to the Yellow Submarine, I have now rectified that error. Bought one of these online last weekend, and it arrived today. Memories of playing these games with my friend Bob until the wee hours of the morning on weekends. Great stuff.

[@chargermaster586]

The Wood grain Atari VCS 2600 are reliability system but the 7800 and 2600 JR are great alternative since most were not as played as heavily as the original 2600s from the 70s.

[@GamingPalooza]

Atari 2600 is becoming A LOT more popular in 2018 than the past 20 years.

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

How come?

[@one4allall4one91]

Atari brand is recognized world over. Who can forget. It started the game revolution to the masses.

[@Gamevet]

The pawn shop near my home has a Darth Vader 2600 selling for $40. I might pick it up, even though I have the 6 switch woody.

[@helpme6654]

3:31 they had a very short time frame to make it and they ended up having to publish the prototype.

[@andrewpreston7945]

If you have a problem with the stiff joystick buy a Atari flashback wired controller it is pretty good

[@rebelscum6356]

Great video! Good to see the Atari 2600 getting some love somewhere else other than my channel.

[@JerrySnook]

Purchasing an Atari 2600 Jr. is a perfectly valid option, particularly if you find it at a low cost. In general, I would recommend getting a 4 or 6 switch Atari instead, whether it be a "wood grain" model or a black plastic "Vader" unit. They tend to be built more sturdy, and the switches tend to work better than the push buttons on the Jr. I collect a lot of Atari and find the Jr. to be about the same price as a standard 4 or 6 switch, so I don't think you save a lot of money by purchasing a Jr. specifically.

[@whattheheck1000]

I have a 4 switch 2600 that I got for $47 back in 2006, and a Sears Tele-Games Atari 2600 that was my mom's back in the early 1980s, then my mom's parents stored it in an attic for 20-odd years before I got it in 2006 or '07. May 4, 2018 3:55 am

[@erablaktv]

Wow.i still have this.but i never knew it was a jr lol it was just a better design to the old brown and black version wich was the original to me 😆

[@braedonsrantsmore2482]

I think the reason retro gaming is nice is because games have become way too much like movies with there graphics I mean I like playing some nes here and there on crt TV which I got for it I am collecting older consoles it's nice because you never know what you find

[@toddstewart9070]

I had a friend who got so pissed off at his 2600 jr because he claimed the game was cheating and threw it off his 2nd story balcony in a hate filled rage back in like 1990. I went over there to see what he was doing and there was a 2600 laying in like pieces all over the concrete.

[@michaelallard5324]

Actually, the 2600 does have some decent sports titles. RS Tennis, RS Volleyball are my favorites. Also, don't pass up Super Football which has a 3D like visual.

[@chucksucks8640]

Don't forget color to black and white switch

[@YSN]

I didn't!

[@pizzamon795]

I got one of them for Christmas when was 7.

[@MaximumRD]

Love the Jr.! I have two of them (among several other 2600 models).

[@battra92]

You owe it to yourself to pick up Cosmic Ark. It's maybe $5 tops but is hours and hours of fun.

[@jonniefast]

i love the 2600 never had a jr / gonna order one 🥺

[@RealMasterpieces]

its already been out for 1 minute, and 1 dislike vs 3 likes. How?

[@aname7324]

RealMasterpieces could be someone disliking just to be first

[@YSN]

It happens. Could be a mistake too. I’ve seen some videos where dislikes disappear after a while

[@gerardomarca8805]

now it is 4 vs 1 :J

[@doha057]

for "some" people only dislike button works lol

[@RealMasterpieces]

Gerardo Marca 4 was me

[@panpaletkalg2550]

i bought unocart 2600 for my atari 2600 jr and it works, but i can't access all the games i copied to the sd card, like there is a limit on how many files unocart can read from one directory, anyone knows how that work?

[@ebboy53]

I've got two standard Atari 2600s, if I get another then I think my mom might get worried, haha.

[@jonrod6499]

Time to buy Sonic 06

[@erikaamold8277]

Just bought a 4-switch for $28

[@8bitrocketstudios]

2600 Jr. Is my favorite 2600 version.

[@iawnlad]

Woah! That’s actually kinda cool! Thanks for showing me them!

[@iawnlad]

I have an original 2600, but never knew there was a jr!

[@nerdyneedsalife8315]

atariage.com is a great website to look for homebrews. Space Rocks is a great example. Definitive version of Asteroids.

[@BlueElement]

Time to Watch: YSN

[@rippetoe38]

I didn't know the Atari 2600 even existed.

[@creatorofmatrix]

Hello please share the shop address so that I can check. Wonderful video!

[@goofyblocks]

i am 14 and when i see a ps4 or x box 1x lame, i see an atari amazing!!!!! i play on my 2600 jr all the time q bert is the best!!! i also play game boy and nintendo 64 and nes

[@EddyAlkindi]

i need help to restore my original 1986

[@HeavyMetalNerd]

My dad had one but it broke and my mother threw it in the trash.😕

[@Fuad-zg9it]

What is the recent price?

[@Pupp3tCl0wn]

I just saw one today on a car boot for 10 PLN (about 3 canadian dollars) without games, controller and cables, but i didn't buy it.

[@NiekNooijens]

funny enough all my 2600's are AV-modded :P then I use an mini-AV2HDMI to connect it to my modern tv.

[@WillowFox]

Yo, try Pac-Man Jr. it's actually pretty damn good.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool.

[@tiger832]

Looks pretty good condition to me bro. Mine looks much worse.

[@nathanthecollector429]

Nice deal

[@joemaze6452]

When when the Atari Box is coming

[@patchesmcadams1587]

Pacman looks so bad because the guy who made it wasn't finished and brought that to Atari to show them what he had done and but it wasn't supposed to be the end product but just showing he had made it for the atari and Atari was like no need to do anything else we will release it as is. So basically they released the beta and didn't let the man finalize the game how he intended to.

[@basketballsteve54]

Because there are bad sports games on the 2600 does not mean there are no good sports games on the 2600 (i. e. Realsports Tennis) so you might want to take that back or let than stand and allow your whole review to be discredited.

[@odaddy47]

Is there a video mod for the 2600jr.?

[@HryciuR]

odaddy 47 yes, composite mods cost less than $20 and are fairly simple to do (provided you can use a soldering iron)

[@danny-734]

Can anyone tell where I can buy a legit version of this

[@intel386DX]

the design of the console is very nice and modern even for today standards , but the label of the cartage is facing away this is very stupid idea!

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

Sega Mega Drive*

[@namachari]

bosozoku is pronounces 'boar soar zok ew'

[@CarterHerrigstad]

Cool!

[@sega6472]

And its more expensive than a wood grain one

[@LukeTheToonist]

Yeas

[@musicstudios4418]

Atari is apparently bringing out a cryptocurrency or is already on the market. Has anyone heard of it?

[@Evesrabbit]

I’ll stick with the snes classic

[@chuckcheese7747]

Yeeee

[@thegreatandsigmaticgiants8307]

The 2600 jr. Was only $50 back in the day. Because Nintendo was out

[@3dsandsma5h16]

Time to buy- never

[@eevee5jdm483]

Bozozoku nice

[@BlackburnBigdragon]

I will say that the Atari 2600 Jr. from a build quality perspective, is a piece of trash. I took mine apart to clean the thing and do some switch repair and the thing is just awful to take apart, work on, etc.. There are no hardware switches in this thing. It's just sliders or buttons pushing on plastic ribbon cables with traces painted on them, running to a cheap, small circuit board. Those switches and buttons on this thing are terrible and tend to over the years break and become unresponsive. I definitely recommend getting an older 2600 if you have a choice between that and one of these.

[@bonesjackson81]

Never.

[@jakeniemi6533]

Pretty good review. However, you over-enunciate. You don't need to break up all your words and pronounce every "t" etc. If you could make future videos more conversational, that would make it easier to listen to as we watch, imho. Great job otherwise tho! Keep it up!

[@RealMasterpieces]

2nd

[@heathergoodpasture9891]

don't buy an Atari 2600 jr just get an atari 7800 or an original Atari 2600

[@admrsh]

Come on bro