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

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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.

Back to the Future: Classic Gaming at PAX Aus 2025

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Old-School Was Cool at PAX Aus 2025 🎮✨

We saved the best of PAX Aus 2025 till last 😉 Because as much as we love the new, shiny, RGB-filled world of gaming, our hearts will always belong to the pixel-packed past. The Classic Gaming area once again felt like coming home – a warm hug of CRT glow, joystick clicks, and the unmistakable chime of 8-bit magic.

Every corner was a trip down memory lane: old-school computers, consoles, handhelds, and pinball machines all humming in harmony. There’s just something about playing retro games on their original hardware – the tactile clunk of inserting a cartridge, the flicker of a cathode ray screen, the rush (and rage!) of losing your last life. No emulator can replicate that kind of nostalgia.

And those display cabinets? Chef’s kiss. They were packed with rare and droolworthy treasures, including the ultra-obscure Apple/Bandai PiPP!n ATMARK dev unit and PiPP!n @World, plus the Sharp Famicom Titler AN-510 and the elusive Sharp FamicomStation (aka Famicombox). Retro hardware heaven!

Of course, the silverball scene was just as strong, featuring pinball machines that just landed on Aussie shores – like Pinball Brothers’ Predator and Jersey Jack Pinball’s magical Harry Potter. Picking a favourite was near impossible, but as lifelong ‘80s Arnie fans, Predator definitely got our thumbs-up, with Labyrinth and Dune hot on its heels.

There’s truly nothing like the Classic Gaming area at PAX Aus — it’s where the roots of gaming are celebrated, preserved, and most importantly, played. Here’s hoping it returns in 2026 to remind us once again why the classics never die.

image source / copyright: ausretrogamer.com

From The BBC Archives: 1981 – Nolan Bushnell

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“I like to describe myself as a leisure time technologist” – Nolan Bushnell

You’ve gotta love the BBC Archive—they always manage to tap straight into our nostalgia cortex! 🕹️✨

In this gem from 1981, we catch Nolan Bushnell, the mastermind behind Atari, dishing out insights on video games and whether they tap into our “animalistic nature” when it comes to violence in games. (Spoiler: he’s charmingly candid.). He also talks about the ground-breaking Pong, which was renamed to Ping in the UK due to the word ‘pong’ having a different meaning over the pond 😉

By this point, Nolan had already sold Atari to Warner Communications for a cool US$28 million, pocketing about US$15 million himself 💸—and he wasn’t slowing down. Instead, he pivoted to something even more wild: launching Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, where pizza met arcade games, pinball and animatronic mice ruled the stage. 🎤🍕

The best part? The clip shows both kids and adults completely caught up in the early ’80s arcade craze—a full-blown cultural moment brought to life by the guy who basically invented “fun” as a business model.

📼 Total time capsule. Total legend. Total vibes.


source: BBC Archive (Facebook)

New Trailer for Atari’s Missile Command Delta

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A Reimagined Classic?

According to the new Atari (they aren’t the Atari I used to know and love in the late 70s / early 80s), Missile Command Delta is launching on July 8th!

Apparently, the premise is that you and your friends are trapped in a mysterious bunker and you must find your way out by solving terminals, explore the twisting environments, and uncover the real story!

Hmm, being huge Missile Command fans, our interests were piqued, however, watching the trailer, it looks like this new game is Missile Command in name only :-/


source: Atari Interactive, Inc

Game Over Sale: 1UP Arcade’s Final Week!

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Following on from our previous post about Brisbane’s 1UP Arcade closing down this week (to the public), they have listed for sale quite a few of their arcade machines, with quite a few that are highly sought after! If only we were closer, we would have loved to have grabbed some of the below listed machines!

If you are keen on grabbing an arcade machine (or two), head on to 1UP Arcade to inspect (and buy) these machines. Just be sure to get there this week/weekend – their opening hours are:

  • Thu: 12-8pm
  • Friday: 12-10pm
  • Saturday: 10am-10pm
  • Sunday: 12-8pm

Oh yeah, 1UP Arcade is also hosting a GAME OVER event with delicious burgers and fries been served up by the FOOD BABY FOOD TRUCK!

PS: Love seeing MCA arcade joysticks being used – nothing beats them!

image source: 1UP Arcade via Facebook

 

The 1980s Most Popular Christmas Toys

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Just in time for Christmas!

Now this is my kind of post! We can all agree that the 80s decade was the best, especially for toys! Yeah, the 90s were ok too, but they take a back seat to the 9th decade of the 20th century.

This video by Rhetty for History takes us right back 40+ years ago when we used to get excited over (awesome!) presents we received for Christmas – if we were lucky enough 😉


source: Rhetty for History

Pocket-Sized Nostalgia: The Super Pocket Atari Edition Review

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The Super Pocket Atari Edition delivers a pocketful of retro magic, perfect for gaming on the go and giving your thumbs the ultimate blast from the past!

The Super Pocket Atari Edition is a delightful fusion of retro gaming and modern convenience, packing a treasure trove of Atari classics into a handheld system that fits snugly in your pocket. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the golden age of gaming or a newcomer eager to explore the legends of the past, this little handheld promises hours of fun with an impressive lineup of pre-installed games—and even more if you have an Evercade cartridge collection!

Design & Ergonomics:
Right off the bat, you’ll notice how perfectly the Super Pocket sits in your hands. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on comfort. The ergonomic design means you can game for extended periods without feeling strain, even during those intense moments of “Centipede” or “Asteroids.” The buttons and D-pad are highly responsive and pleasantly tactile, offering a satisfying click with each press, whether you’re navigating menus or dodging enemies in “Missile Command.” And speaking of the D-pad, it’s as smooth as butter—giving you that precision control you need for those tricky maneuvers.

The Screen:
Let’s not forget the vibrant, crisp screen! For a device this compact, the Super Pocket Atari Edition’s display is surprisingly sharp, with bright colors that bring the iconic Atari titles to life. Every pixel of those vintage graphics pops with a modern twist, making the classics feel fresh without losing their retro charm. The screen size is just right for handheld gaming, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite Atari adventures without feeling cramped.

Game Library:
Now, let’s talk about the games! The system comes loaded with an excellent selection of classic Atari games. Whether you’re a fan of “Breakout,” “Adventure,” or “Yars’ Revenge,” there’s something here for every retro gaming enthusiast. The sheer variety keeps the experience exciting, and revisiting these iconic titles is like stepping into a time machine that fits in your pocket. But what truly sets the Super Pocket Atari Edition apart is its compatibility with Evercade cartridges. If you’ve got a stash of Evercade games, you can expand your library beyond the pre-installed gems, making this handheld a versatile addition to any gamer’s collection.

Specifications:

  • Preloaded Games: 50 Atari Classics including Centipede, Asteroids, Missile Command and Pong (plus many, many more!)
  • USB-C Charging: For fast charging. Cable included
  • Compatibility: Evercade Compatible with over 60 cartridges with 500+ games
  • Battery: 4+ hours of battery life
  • Display: High Quality 2.8” IPS Screen 320×240
  • Features: Easy Mode activates the lowest difficulty for each game

Final Thoughts:
The Super Pocket Atari Edition is a perfect mix of nostalgia, portability, and playability. Its ergonomic design, excellent button layout, crisp display, and extensive game library make it a must-have for retro gaming fans. Plus, the ability to use Evercade cartridges adds a whole new level of replayability and customization. Whether you’re on the go or just lounging at home, this pocket-sized powerhouse will keep you entertained for hours!

Where to buy:

Disclaimer: The Super Pocket Atari Edition console was kindly provided by PixelCrib for this review.

Stepping Back in Time: PAX Aus 2024’s Classic Gaming Area Celebrated the Golden Era of Gaming

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Reliving the magic of retro gaming with arcade classics, vintage consoles, and amazing pinball machines at PAX Aus 2024’s ultimate nostalgia-filled showcase!

PAX Aus 2024’s Classic Gaming Area was a nostalgic paradise for retro gamers (as it always has been!), offering a thrilling dive into gaming history. The area featured a stunning lineup of vintage arcade cabinets, classic consoles, and pinball machines that transported attendees straight back to the golden age of gaming. From old-school favourites like Rampage and Popeye to lesser-known gems, the collection was a dream for retro enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

This year, the focus on pinball was a highlight, with rare and new machines on display and freeplay sessions for anyone to enjoy. The Australian Pinball Museum’s exhibit was back, showcasing unique memorabilia. Another major attraction was the collaboration between Weird and Retro, Press Play On Tape, and other contributors, who created a vibrant, interactive space full of classic gaming and amazing displays!

Attendees could also explore the console freeplay section, where systems like the Atari VCS and Atari 400, NES, Sega Mega Drive, iMac, G4 Cube and the original PlayStation – which were the tip of the nostalgic iceberg of system to play, let gamers relive their childhoods or discover these iconic machines for the first time. The event wasn’t just about playing games but celebrating gaming culture, with a strong sense of community and inclusivity in the air​.

A personal favourite of mine was checking out the amazing array of old school machines that Octamed (aka: Cameron Bonde) had brought to the area for attendees to enjoy. Oh yeah, the museum display cabinets were also full of droolworthy retro goodness! I honestly had to pick my jaw off the floor. But the absolute highlight for us (as always) was catching up with our many wonderful friends, all whom work extraordinarily hard to bring the Classic Gaming Area to life – they all rock!

All in all, the Classic Gaming Area at PAX Aus 2024 was a delightful tribute to the games and systems that shaped the industry, ensuring that retro gaming remains a beloved part of PAX’s annual offerings.

A Classic Is Reborn – The Atari 7800+

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Play Like It’s 1986!

Just in case you have been away on Mars or off grid somewhere on Earth, you may have missed the news that (the new) Atari are at it again, mining their legacy IP to create a contemporary product that tugs on retro gamers’ hearts!

This time around, it’s the Atari 7800+, which is based (on looks) on the 7800 console that was released in 1986. The beauty about the 7800 was that it could play both original VCS/2600 and native 7800 game cartridges, and thank heavens, the 7800+ will be able to do the same. However, the 7800+ will have an added advantage by being able to play the newer 2600+ and 7800+ carts as well – how cool is that?!

So fetch your old 2600 and 7800 game carts and get them ready for some action!


source: IGN

Video Game Time Capsule: The Complete History of Gaming

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Ever wondered how video games evolved from simple pixelated screens to the immersive experiences we enjoy today? Vlogger MRIXRT, pronounced “Moriarty,” has embarked on an ambitious project to unravel the complete history of video games in an astonishing 12-hour video (or 14 hours if you’re a subscriber).

This marathon of nostalgia and insight is more than just a timeline of gaming milestones. MRIXRT takes you on a captivating journey from the early days of arcade classics to the revolutionary franchises that dominate the market now. Featuring interviews with gamers, developers, and industry experts, the video delves into the pivotal moments, innovations, and controversies that have shaped the gaming world.

What makes this video truly exceptional are the in-depth analyses and fascinating narratives woven throughout. MRIXRT uncovers the stories behind iconic games and consoles, bringing to light hidden gems that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone curious about the cultural impact of video games, this immersive visual journey offers something for everyone.

Join MRIXRT as he honours the dedication, creativity, and community spirit that have elevated gaming to its celebrated status today. Dive in (and binge it at will), and let the adventure begin!