Atari’s 2600+ hits the market, bringing full compatibility with classic carts

It’s like 1980 all over again, as the Atari 2600+ arrives, offering 2600 and 7800 compatibility with a few modern touches.

Have you played Atari today?

Even if you’ve played an Atari-branded console lately, chances are it’s been a while since you’ve fired-up a 2600. The ‘wood-paneled’ console was one of the very first to make its way into homes, debuting in 1980, and bringing with it a hobby that would stand the test of time.

Of course Atari has released more than a few home units since that first issuance, but when you say the company’s name, it’s likely the 2600 that pops to mind. So with that in mind, it only makes sense that the gaming icon would look back to that legendary piece of hardware for its newest retail drop, in conjunction with publisher PLAION.

The Atari 2600+ basically is the classic Atari 2600, though it sports a few modern innovations that make it kind of a must-have for longtime fans. Maybe its biggest new… plus, is that the 2600+ can pull double-duty and play both 2600 and 7800 games.

PLAION says that some 600 games have been tested, and the new unit has a 99% compatibility rate (here’s a list). So with that, the vast majority of titles from both classic consoles are fully playable on modern monitors, thanks to the 2600+’s HDMI port.

Aside from the console, the box includes a CX40+ Joystick Controller that’s also as close to the originals as you’re going to get. According to the company, it sports the same size and layout as the one-button stick that was included with the 2600. But that’s not all you get either, because for those who don’t have a library of old titles already, there’s a 10 pack of ’em included.

Filling out a retro line

While that a chunky little set, if you’re looking to expand from there, you’re in luck. And that’s because there’s also a pretty nice lineup of additional stuff out there to take home. According to PLAION, fans can find the following in stores now:

• The CX-30 Paddle Controller with 4-in-1 Multi-game cartridge for $39.99 USD
• A standalone CX-40 Joystick, for two player action, priced at $24.99
• Two individual game carts, both packed individually for $29.99:
  • Berzerk Enhanced Edition
  • Mr. Run and Jump

Again all of the above should be out and available now, in addition to the Atari 2600+, which is priced at $129.99 USD. Along the same lines as the above games, fans can expect to see four more retail-boxed titles appearing some time in the New Year. There’s more details to come on those, including what games we can expect, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, you can check out Atari’s site for updates, and maybe start hitting those second-hand stores…