AUSRETROGAMER

The Pop-Culture E-Zine

You are here: Home / Archives for 1980s

1980s

Review: Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition – Retro Bliss in a Yellow Box

By

Pac-Powered Nostalgia: The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition That Brightens Your Shelf and Your Childhood

If nostalgia had a glow-up, it would look exactly like this. The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition has arrived in all its bright, banana-yellow, ghost-dodging glory – and honestly, it’s impossible not to grin the moment you lift that lid and see the vibrant packaging wrapped like a retro treasure chest in yellow tissue paper. It feels like unboxing the ’80s.

And just when you think it couldn’t get cooler? You’ve also got the pink (Pinky ghost!) CX40+ wireless joystick, a playful twist on the OG controller that screams “retro chic.” Oh yeah, each ghost colour gets it’s own CX40+ wireless joystick!

Whether you’re a long-time fan who lived through these pixels the first time or a newcomer who wants to understand why your parents won’t shut up about “just one more level,” this console nails the magic.

We are pretty enamoured with all of this retro goodness!

This bundle is packed with goodness to get your nostalgia juices flowing

Why This Edition Is So Cool

1. It’s Pac-Man – but make it fashion.

The console wears the iconic yellow proudly, complete with a subtle PAC-MAN maze texture and little ghosts parading across the front. It’s instantly recognisable and instantly joyful. This is the most stylish 2600+ variant yet.

2. Modern hardware disguised as a time machine.

The 2600+ plays real cartridges, supports original and new joysticks, and runs everything through HDMI with 16:9/4:3 options. Perfect for modern TVs – no RF adapters or tuning channels like it’s 1982.

3. The return of the joystick.

Your CX40+ wireless pink joystick is a brilliant nod to the classic CX40, just with freedom from cables and a sweet modern feel. The pink colourway is bold, fun, and 100% unexpected. Plus, it’s rechargeable!

4. Packed with games.

This PAC-MAN Edition comes with the Pac-Man / Double Feature cartridge, giving you two arcade icons ready to chomp their way into your heart.

5. Built for retro enthusiasts and families.

It’s plug-and-play, durable, kid-friendly, and looks amazing displayed next to your modern consoles. It’s the perfect mix of collectible and playable.

What’s Included

📦 Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition Console
🎮 Yellow CX40+ Joystick (wired)
🎮 PAC-MAN / Double Feature cartridge
🔌 HDMI cable & USB-C power cable
🎀 Bonus: Pink CX40+ Wireless Joystick (NOTE: this is separate)

Specifications

Atari 2600+ Console:

  • Video output: HDMI (720p)
  • Aspect ratio switch: 16:9 or 4:3
  • CPU: Rockchip 3128 SOC
  • RAM: 256MB
  • Storage: 256MB
  • Cartridge compatibility:
    • Atari 2600 cartridges
    • Atari 7800 cartridges
  • Controller ports: 2 × DB9 joystick ports
  • Power: USB-C
  • Special features:
    • Faithful recreation of the original 2600 aesthetics
    • Highly improved internal hardware for better cartridge stability
    • Works with new and vintage controllers

CX40+ Wireless Joystick:

  • Connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless
  • Battery: Rechargeable (USB-C charging)
  • Buttons: Classic single red fire button
  • Included: Wireless dongle
  • Design: Vintage CX40 shape, modern build, bold pink shell

Gameplay Experience – That Warm Retro Glow

Fire it up, and PAC-MAN pops right to life exactly as you remember – simple, chunky, colourful, and instantly addictive. There’s something magical about navigating that maze using a stick that feels like it time-travelled from the Australia II winged-keel era.

The wireless pink joystick is surprisingly responsive, with a slightly smoother throw than the original CX40, making it easier to escape those pesky ghosts (most of the time…). Whether playing solo or handing the wired yellow stick to a friend, multiplayer sessions feel authentic and chaotic in the best way.

Final Thoughts – The Cool Factor

The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition isn’t just a throwback, it’s a celebration. A celebration of gaming history, timeless design, and the joy of simple, instantly playable fun. It’s nostalgic without being outdated, modern without losing its soul, and stylish enough to live proudly on any shelf or TV unit.

If you’re a retro collector, a gamer who loves physical media, or someone who simply wants a bright yellow conversation starter – this thing is a total win. Add the pink CX40+ wireless joystick into the mix, and you’ve got the cutest combo in retro gaming today.

It’s fun. It’s iconic. It’s pure Atari magic-chomp-powered and ready to play.

Availability

  • Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN edition retails for AUD$269.95 and can be purchased right now from Amazon AU.
  • The various ghost coloured CX40+ Wireless Joysticks (Blinky – red, Inky – blue, Clyde – orange, Pinky – pink) retail for AUD$59.95  at Amazon AU.

Love the neat little touches like the character on top of the joystick!

For those of you keen on seeing what was in the PRESS KIT, here you go 😉

Disclaimer: The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN edition console and CX40+ wireless controller were supplied by PLAION A/NZ for this review.

BREAKING: The Vectrex Mini is Real – And It’s Glorious!

By

Gamescom 2025 just got a whole lot more vector-tastic!

Hold onto your overlays, retro fans – the legendary Vectrex is back, and it’s been shrunk down to a pint-sized powerhouse! Making its dazzling debut at Gamescom 2025, the Vectrex Mini is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1982 vector-based console, and it’s already stealing the show in Hall 10’s Retro Area.

For the uninitiated, the original Vectrex was a trailblazer – the only home console with its own built-in vector display, complete with translucent screen overlays, lightpen support, and even 3D goggles. It was basically a mini arcade cabinet for your lounge room. Now, over 40 years later, the Vectrex Mini is here to rekindle that magic – in a much smaller (and cuter) form.

🧠 What’s New in the Mini?

  • 📺 1/3rd the size of the original, but still an all-in-one unit
  • 🌈 AMOLED display for crisp, vibrant vector graphics
  • 🎮 12 built-in games, with the ability to add more
  • 💾 Modern internals, but faithful to the original experience
  • 💸 Expected price: €150 (~ AU$270)
  • 📏 Height: approx. 6–8 inches / 15.2-20.3cm – perfect for your desk or shelf!

The Vectrex Mini is being developed by a passionate French team, and while it’s still in prototype form, the buzz is real. Fans at Gamescom are already lining up to get hands-on with the unit, which sits adorably next to its full-sized ancestor like a retro gaming Matryoshka doll.

🗓️ Kickstarter Incoming!
The team behind the Mini has confirmed a Kickstarter campaign launching in September, so if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Vectrex (without shelling out hundreds on eBay), now’s your chance to jump in.

Whether you’re a die-hard Vectrex veteran or a curious newcomer, this is one retro revival you won’t want to miss. And who knows – if this goes well, maybe we’ll finally see that long-lost Vectrex handheld from the ’80s make a comeback too!

image source: Vectrex Official via Twitter/X

 

“If It Bleeds, We Can Play It!” – Predator Pinball Is Coming

By

“If it bleeds, we can play it!” – Predator Pinball Incoming! 🛸💥

June 12 is no ordinary day, folks – it marks 38 years since Arnie first tangled with the galaxy’s deadliest hunter in Predator! And what better way to celebrate than with the possible reveal (on this day) of a brand new Predator pinball machine from our extraterrestrial-obsessed pals at Pinball Brothers?

🎯 We’re calling it now – June 12 could be the day this beast lands! So clear your calendars, polish those flippers, and prep your coins!

According to Pinball Brothers, this isn’t your average pin –

“A brutal wide-body game forged in the heart of a cinematic legend. Built to hunt, The Predator Pinball will throw you into a world of hurt.“

👾 Brutal? Wide-body? World of hurt? YES PLEASE.

If this turns out to be true (which it will be!), we’re looking at a must-play machine that’ll bring 80s action, sci-fi mayhem, and brutal pinball chaos together in one gorgeous cabinet.

Stay frosty, retro gamers – this hunt might begin sooner than you think! 🕹️🔥

 


source: Pinball Brothers

source: supplied

LEGO Ideas: ’80s-Themed Sets Winners To Be Announced This September

By

LEGO Fans Rejoice: It’s A Second 80s-Themed Fan Vote!

Get ready to turn back the clock with LEGO Ideas’ latest fan vote! From May 20th to May 27th, 2024, LEGO enthusiasts were able to cast their votes for one of five nostalgic ’80s-inspired submissions. The winning design will become an official LEGO Ideas set in collaboration with Target (US).

This exciting lineup includes:

  1. Gizmo by terauma
  2. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by Jimmi-DK
  3. Golden Girls by Martin_Studio
  4. Beetlejuice: Sandworm House by Jupe71345
  5. Big by Julientheclownofthebrick

Since voting has concluded, the results will be announced by September 1st, 2024!

PS: More info and pics here!

Beetlejuice: Sandworm House

Golden Girls
image source: Lego Ideas

 

‘Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!’ is Iconic

By

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

I saw that Mike Tyson has a fight scheduled with Jake Paul in July. Netflix (US) is airing it live. When I was a kid, I played a lot of “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” on Nintendo.

The game, released in 1987, was an instant hit with all my friends. We spent hours playing what we thought was the greatest boxing game ever. Certain boxers were my favourites to fight. I liked Great Tiger for his flamboyancy and his comical footwork that had no business being in a boxing ring. He was a character, and he wasn’t easy to knock out. He made the funniest face when you would get a good hit on him. King Hippo was another favorite. He was marginally slow, but when he struck your chin…there were times when I didn’t think I would get off the canvas.

The game made Mike Tyson even more mythical at the time. I didn’t really care for him, or boxing, but if there was a Tyson fight on HBO, I would usually pay attention to the outcome. But when a friend would ask me to play “Punch-Out!!” with them, I never hesitated at the chance. Especially after a stressful day at school. It was like I was getting my aggression out when I was facing an opponent in the game’s ring. And most importantly, it was entertaining.

Nintendo predicted this fight in the 80s! image source: Retro Russ

The hyper extend punch was one of my favorite things to do in a game at the time; that would usually knock out my opponent and I could move on with ease. Some of the boxer’s punches were so slow that you could glance at your watch, take a bite of pizza, and move in time to avoid contact. I always thought the clip of your boxer running with his trainer, riding a bike ahead of him, a great touch.

After you defeated all the other boxers, and you got to fight Tyson at the very end of the game, it felt like an accomplishment of sorts.

Tyson’s tweets of his training for the upcoming bout are scary and intimidating. When he’s sparring, it looks like he’s still got it. But will it be enough to beat a much younger Paul? I’m sure the ratings for Netflix will be huge, just like the sells for the 1987 video game were. Even if you despise boxing and the two competitors, the match-up is intriguing.

 

 

The 1982 Norman Ross Winter Wipe-Out Sale!

By

Time travelling back to 1982!

As a kid, I loved looking through sales catalogues. I’d scour the toy, and of course the video games pages.

I came across this old Norman Ross (retailer from back in the day) from August 1982, and I must say, the prices (in AUD$) for some of these goods are astronomical! Anyway, instead of getting bogged down in factoring in inflation and figuring out the prices in today’s money, let’s just enjoy the nostalgia 😉

image source: supplied



BBC Archive: Imagine Software – 1983

By

Cast your mind back to 1983, when Imagine Software were the pop stars of video games development!

Now this is a blast from the past! Imagine Software, the video games development superstars from Liverpool were going gangbusters when this video was aired on the BBC almost forty years ago on October 23, 1983. Who didn’t love Green Beret, Arkanoid: Revenge of Doh and Hyper Sports to name just a few.

We all know what followed – the high-profile demise of Imagine a year later in 1984 – but for now, let’s just cast our minds back 40 years and enjoy this vid!


source: BBC Archive



Sounds Of The 80s

By

Do you miss the sound of a rotary phone or crack opening a VHS tape you rented from Blockbuster?

Well, sit down, relax and crank up the volume to take in the best 44 seconds that your ears will hear today.


source: UNILAD Tech



Celebrating 40 Years of Masters Of The Universe

By

We have posted a fair bit about Masters of the Universe lately, so we thought why not do it again! Well, the MOTU franchise is celebrating its 40th year, so there’s that too!

Following the official Masters Of The Universe social channels (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) has been a trip down nostalgia lane for us folks who had (still have) their original MOTU action figures and accessories.

Some of the posts that the MOTU social media team shares are funny and cool, but it’s the stop-motion posts that grab our attention – just like this latest one (created by Stuntpuppets), where Beast Man takes on He-Man (after beating down Man-At-Arms) in a one-on-one Beast-Brawl!


source: MOTU on Facebook



40 Years Of Masters Of The Universe

By

40 Years of MOTU

We still remember the day when we visited Treasureway (defunct now) store in 1982 and seeing He-Man and Skeletor on the shelf for the first time – we were immediately drawn to the action figures and the MOTU universe in general. It would seem that Mattel knew exactly how to market these muscle-bound toys to kids. We begged to get one and after some incessant begging, we were told that we could choose one that day. It was a tough choice, but our very first MOTU action figure was He-Man! Our second one was Zodac, closely followed by Stratos. We didn’t get Skeletor till well after.


source: Masters Of The Universe on Facebook

Over the course of the early to mid 80s, we had a modest collection of MOTU action figures, so when we finally got Castle Grayskull for Christmas in 1984, we felt like we had completed our MOTU journey. Upon hearing that there was going to be a cartoon based on Masters Of The Universe, we couldn’t contain our excitement. The cartoon couldn’t come fast enough! Saturday mornings on the couch with the doona (duvet to our UK friends) over us, watching He-Man battle Skeletor and his evil minions was a perfect way to start our weekend!

40 years on and Treasureway may no longer exists, but we still have our collection of original He-Man and the Masters of the Universe action figures – long live MOTU!

Some of our original MOTU collection