AtGames declares the Retro Gaming War is on with new Atari and Sega consoles
Yesterday Nintendo announced the Super Nintendo Classic Mini, but Sega, Atari and AtGames aren't taking the news sitting down. Declaring "the Retro Gaming War is On!", AtGames is answering with a salvo of classic gaming hardware from Atari and Sega. First up is the Atari Flashback 8 Gold Edition, which comes bundled with 120 games and unlike the first 7 Atari Flashback consoles, this one has 720p HDMI output and allows for game saves and a rewind feature. The Sega Genesis Flashback has similar features, 85 built-in games and the ability to play original Genesis cartridges. Both consoles come with two 2.4ghz Bluetooth controllers, replacing the rather finicky infrared controllers from older models.
AtGames is also refreshing their handheld lineup, with the Atari Flashback Portable and the Ultimate Sega Genesis Portable Game Player. Both have a rechargeable battery, 2.8 inch display, TV output and are expandable via SD card.
I have mixed feelings about these new devices. AtGames has done a pretty decent job with the Atari Flashback over the years so I'm glad to see it getting a revamped menu system and HDMI output. That said it's still just running 2600 games, not 5200 or 7800 titles. I grew up playing on an Atari 800 8-bit computer, so if they included some of those games they would definitely have my money.
As for the Sega Genesis Flashback, I really hope AtGames has improved their build quality because their previous Sega consoles were pretty sub-par. The emulation was spotty at best and those wireless IR controllers were a real nightmare. Thankfully the Genesis Flashback looks like an entirely new product, I just wish they would expand the library with some 32X and Sega CD titles. Considering what a pain it is to track down and hook up the 32X and Sega CD, simply emulating them out of the box would be a real system seller.
In the end however, it might not matter. If Nintendo has the same embarrassing hardware shortages with the SNES Classic that they had with the NES Classic last year, AtGames might be able to swoop in with their readily available products and sway frustrated shoppers. I guess we'll see when these new consoles arrive this September.
I wanted to make sure you saw the news that AtGames has announced its Fall 2017 lineup of classic gaming hardware including new premium HD versions of their classic gaming consoles: the Atari Flashback 8 Gold and the Sega Genesis Flashback. Each console includes an amazing selection of built-in Atari 2600 and Sega Genesis 16-bit games, respectively, as well as an impressive range of innovative features, including wireless controllers. These consoles along with additional products, including the Atari Flashback Portable Game Player and the Sega Ultimate Portable Game Player will be available at all major retailers in Fall 2017.
New products include:
- The all-new Atari Flashback® 8 Gold features 120 built-in all-time favorites. Games include legends like Activision’s Pitfall! and Taito’s Space Invaders, as well as many other all-time Atari 2600 classics like Kaboom!™, River Raid™, Centipede™, and Millipede™. Two all new, high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired joysticks or paddles. Other all new features for the Atari Flashback® 8 Gold include 720p HDMI output, scan line filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
- The Atari Flashback® 8 Classic Game Console returns in a new value-priced edition, complete with 105 all-time favorites. Amazing new additions to the game line-up include Activision legends like Pitfall!™, Kaboom!™, and River Raid™. Two wired controllers, styled after the Atari 2600 originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports to add your own optional wired joysticks or paddles.
- The Atari Flashback® Portable Game Player features an amazing selection of 70 built-in games, including the legendary BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment arcade hit, PAC-MAN™. Other blockbuster games include Dig Dug™, Pitfall!™, and Frogger™, and you can even add your own games with an optional SD card. A built-in, rechargeable battery, means the on-the-go fun never has to end. Games can be played on the portable’s built-in, high resolution 2.8” display, or on a TV via optional cable.
- The all-new Sega Genesis Flashback has a stunning new design, reminiscent of the original console, and features 85 built-in games as well as an integrated cartridge port that plays almost all of your favorite Sega Genesis and Mega Drive original cartridges. Built-in all-time favorites include the Sonic™ series, Mortal Kombat ™series, Phantasy Star™ series, and Shining Force™ series games. Two new high performance 2.4ghz wireless controllers, styled after the Sega Genesis originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports for optional wired gamepads. Other new features for the Sega Genesis Flashback include 720p HDMI output, scan line filtering, and a save/pause/rewind feature for every game.
- The Classic Game Console returns in a new value-priced edition, complete with 81 all-time favorites. Amazing new additions to the game line-up include role-playing and strategy legends, Shining Force™, Shining Force II™, and Shining in the Darkness™. Two wired controllers, styled after the Sega Genesis originals, are included, as well as two legacy controller ports to add your own optional wired controllers.
- The Ultimate Portable Game Player returns with an enhanced selection of 85 built-in 16-bit Sega Genesis and Mega Drive classic games. The selection of blockbuster games include new additions PAC-PANIC™ and Splatterhouse 2™, as well as many more surprises. You can even add your own games with an optional SD card! Returning for 2017 is save game support for the included Phantasy Star™ series role-playing games. A built-in, rechargeable battery, means the on-the-go fun never has to end. Games can be played on the portable’s built-in, high resolution 2.8” display, or on a TV via optional cable.
