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.
image source: Rocketcomms