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

December 12, 2025 By ausretrogamer

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.

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture, Reviews Tagged With: 1980s, 45 years, Atari, Atari 2600, Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition, Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition review, Atari Inc, Atari VCS, CX-40, CX40+, CX40+ Wireless Edition, gamers, gaming, Pac-Man, PLAION, Puck Man, retrogaming, Review, throwback, Video Games

Pac-Man Lifesized Maze: Melbourne

January 19, 2024 By ausretrogamer

Get dot-munching for real!

  • What: Pac-Man Lifesized
  • Date: 27-Mar-2024
  • Where / Venue: The District Docklands, 23 – 37, Shop CWF01/01a Level 1/29 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3008
  • Tickets: Child $12.00 / Adult $18.00
  • Where to buy: Hidden – Melbourne

Experience the excitement of a real-life Pac-Man maze as you elude colorful ghosts and snatch up fruit! This March (2024), The District Docklands in Melbourne will host an incredible Pac-Man Escape Room Maze. This immersive pop-up event, officially endorsed by Pac-Man, will immerse you in an escape room adventure within a massive maze.

Prepare to outmaneuver ghosts, gather your favorite fruits (bonus points if you can devour all five), and tackle puzzles along the way. Each participant has only three lives, and if caught by one of the four ghosts, a life is lost. You can embark on this adventure solo or with a team of up to 10 people – the choice is yours. The first person to collect all the fruit and conquer the puzzles will earn the title of the ultimate Pac-Man Player!

Additionally, the venue will feature Pac-Man video games for you to enjoy once you’ve completed the maze. Melbourne’s up-and-coming DJs will be spinning ’80s tunes during the session and at the pixelated bar, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and grab a refreshing beverage after your thrilling adventure




Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: gamers, Geek, Pac-Man, Pac-Man Escape Room Maze, Pac-Man Maze, Pac-Man maze in Melbourne, Pacman, Pacman Maze, Puck Man, Retro Gamer, Retrogamer

Pac-Man: The Complete History

March 17, 2021 By ausretrogamer

As Daniel Ibbertson (aka: Slope’s Game Room) so eloquently puts it, it’s time to drop a coin into one of the highest grossing video game franchises of all time – Pac-Man!

In this history documentary, Daniel discusses the inspiration and creation behind Namco’s flagship mascot, the troubled development between Namco and Midway when bringing him to western shores as well as the interesting backstory behind the controversial Atari 2600 port.


source: Slope’s Game Room

 

Filed Under: History, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 80s, Arcade, Atari 2600, Classic Arcade Games, Documentary, Geek, History, Midway, Namco, Old School, Pac, Pac-Man, Pacman, Puck Man, Retro Gamer, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, Slope's Game Room, video, Vintage gaming

Pac-Man: Birth of an Icon

February 3, 2021 By ausretrogamer

“Celebrate good times, come on!” – To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Pac-Man, which was in 2020, Cook and Becker is releasing a history book this coming winter (southern hemisphere) on the classic arcade video game titled: Pac-Man: Birth Of An Icon.

The book is billed as “the first written history book” for the iconic video games series, and it’s written by Arjan Terpstra and Tim Lapetino, so you know it’s going to be a special tome.

Pac-Man: Birth of an Icon is available for pre-order at US$39.95 (plus shipping) for the standard hardcover edition and US$99.95 (plus shipping) for the special edition that comes with a Pac-Man-shaped slipcase and a vinyl pressing of the song Pac-Man Fever (limited to 2,000 copies). The limited Collector’s Edition (limited to 40) is already sold out!

This book definitely tickles our nostalgic senses!

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Bandai Namco, Cook and Beck, Namco, Pac Man 40, Pac-Man, Pac-Man - Birth of an Icon, Pac-Man 40th anniversary, Pac-Man arcade, Pac-Man book, Puck Man, retro book, retro gaming books

PAC-MAN: The Heavy Machinery Edition

October 21, 2020 By ausretrogamer

What do you get when you dig out a huge playfield with Caterpillar heavy machinery and then play one of the most iconic arcade games of all time celebrating its 40th anniversary?

You get Cat Trial 9: PAC-MAN, an awesome real life PAC-MAN game with huge Caterpillar earth movers. Who wouldn’t want to play this?! This just oozes coolness!


source: Cat® Products

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Cat Trial, Cat Trial 9: Pac-Man, Caterpillar, earth movers, Heavy machinery pac-man, Namco, Pac Man 40, Pac-Man, Pac-Man 40th anniversary, PAC-MAN40, Pacman, Puck Man

Your Top 10 Favourite Classic Video Games

September 9, 2020 By ausretrogamer

The folks at Replay Magazine have been quite busy of late conducting classic gaming surveys, like Your Top 4 Favourite Classic Video Game Characters of All-Time, and their latest one, Your Top 10 Favourite Classic Video Games.

We were quite surprised to see Ms. Pac-Man at number 1, but then again, it is the best arcade Pac-Man game, so it deserves to be on any favourite classic video games lists. Galaga (woohoo!) was up there in second spot and of course, Donkey Kong! Oh yeah, great to see our fave arcade game of all time, Double Dragon, make the list too. But what happened to Street Fighter II?

Your Top 10 Favourite Classic Video Games by Replay Magazine:

  1. Ms. Pac-Man
  2. Galaga
  3. Donkey Kong
  4. Pac-Man
  5. Asteroids
  6. Daytona USA
  7. Double Dragon
  8. Galaxian
  9. Mortal Kombat
  10. Mr DO!

image source: Click Americana

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 339966, Asteroids, Classic Arcade Gaming, Daytona USA, Dirk the Dragon Slayer, Donkey Kong, Double Dragon, Dragon's Lair, favourite classic video games of all time, Galaga, Galaxian, mario, Mortal Kombat, Mr. Do!, Ms Pac-Man, Namco, nintendo, Old School, Pac-Man, Puck Man, Replay Magazine, Retro Gamers, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, Sonic The Hedgehog, street fighter II, survey

Your Top 4 Favourite Classic Video Game Characters of All-Time

July 21, 2020 By ausretrogamer

The good folks at Replay Magazine recently conducted a survey to find out who was our favourite video game character of all time.

Well, it was no surprise to see the usual suspects, however, we honestly thought Mario would be on top of the list. Oh yeah, how did Dirk the Dragon Slayer (Dragon’s Lair) make it in third spot and where was Sonic The Hedgehog?!

Upon reflection, the iconic yellow dot-muncher definitely deserves to be on top. We can’t wait for Replay’s next surveys, so stay tuned.

Top 4 Favourite Video Game Characters of all-time:

  1. Pac-Man (38% of vote)
  2. Mario (21%)
  3. Dirk the Dragon Slayer (13%)
  4. Donkey Kong (8%)

image source: Just Kidding

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Classic Arcade Gaming, Dirk the Dragon Slayer, Donkey Kong, Dragon's Lair, favourite video character of all time, mario, Namco, nintendo, Old School, Pac-Man, Puck Man, Replay Magazine, Retro Gamers, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, Sonic The Hedgehog, survey

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