Atari games

Pocket-Sized Nostalgia: The Super Pocket Atari Edition Review

November 4, 2024 By ausretrogamer

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:

Price: AU$109.99
Store: PixelCrib

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

Atari’s NeoSprint Is Racing Onto PC & Consoles Very Soon!

April 8, 2024 By ausretrogamer

NEOSPRINT ZOOMS BACK TO LIFE AS A SINGLE SCREEN ISOMETRIC ARCADE RACER

As huge fans of Atari Games’ Super Sprint and Championship Sprint overhead racers, we are actually quite chuffed to hear that NeoSprint – a sort-of-sequel to the “Sprint” series, is coming to our modern gaming systems sometime this winter (Jun – Aug – Atari hasn’t as yet confirmed the exact date/time)!

According to Atari,

NeoSprint is a single screen arcade racer for up to 8 players on supporting systems. Paired with a robust track builder and intuitive sharing tools, NeoSprint provides a racing experience that will satisfy speed demons and architects alike.

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source: Atari

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox , Nintendo Switch, and Steam, we honestly can’t wait for NeoSprint!

PS: If you have an Atari VCS, then we are officially jelly, as NeoSprint is already available for you to hoon around on!

Battlezone: One of Atari’s Best

December 1, 2020 By David Cutler

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Several years ago, my brother bought an Atari Flashback 64 console, and I became obsessed with playing the 1983 tank video game Battlezone. As crude as the first-person shooter graphics may be, the game feels like a real tank simulator (minus the volcanoes and UFOs).

I’ve always loved tank games. Usually, the more realistic ones are the most entertaining, but Battlezone’s simplicity is what makes it so fun and interesting. I didn’t know until I did some research that Battlezone is often considered the first virtual reality arcade video game. The home version doesn’t feel like virtual reality, but I can definitely see how the original 1980 arcade version can be seen as a “3-D success”. Looking through the “periscope” viewfinder, which the player used to play the game, had to be exciting and different. The originality of it had to help the player immerse themselves in the classic game. I’ve never had the pleasure of playing Battlezone in an upright arcade cabinet; I hope one day I will.

There is also a smaller version of the cabinet where the screen was angled upwards, and there was no periscope. I think I remember seeing that version of Battlezone at a local supermarket when I was little.

When I play Battlezone, I have a battle manoeuvre where I circle around and pick off enemy tanks and flying saucers, then I pick up speed in one direction for a while until something pops up on my radar. I wish the game had a better radar, but the primitiveness of it adds to the retro feel. You must be fast on the joystick’s trigger when opposing tanks just pop up on screen in front of you. Playing the ’83 game is still a challenging and thrilling experience.

Atari 2600 version of Battlezone. Source: Retro Gamer

Raid The Atari Vault At The PC Gamer Weekender

March 1, 2016 By ausretrogamer

There is no hiding the fact that we are huge Atari fans – always have been, always will be. We definitely have a soft spot for Atari’s old school gaming franchises – so to our delight, the company that brought us Pong and the VCS will be attending The PC Gamer Weekender at London’s Old Truman Brewery this coming weekend, March 5-6. They will be unleashing their Atari Vault, which will be packed with 100s of classic Atari games.

The Atari Vault (slated for a Northern Hemisphere spring 2016 launch on Steam) will be stacked with classics such as Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Tempest® and Warlords® to name a few. To relive the gaming experience in the modern age, Atari have added online and local multiplayer options, an upgraded UI and original 70’s and 80’s soundtracks, Steam leaderboards to challenge others for arcade supremacy and most importantly, Steam controller support – giving you, the player, precision control to take out your fellow challengers.

When it comes to Atari’s seminal titles, there is no denying their timeless appeal transcend generations and provide the same fun as they did when we were knee-high to a grasshopper. Bring on the Atari Vault!