The Atari of 2025: A Nostalgic Revival
Atari, a name synonymous with the early days of gaming, is striving to keep its legacy alive in 2025, even if the company looks quite different from its pioneering days in the arcade and home console markets of the 1970s and 1980s. The company has been actively refreshing its classic offerings, rolling out an array of updated games and licensed hardware. Recent releases include the 2600+ and 7800+ consoles, created in collaboration with Plaion, as well as a series of affordable, plug-and-play devices from My Arcade. This partnership has previously yielded products like the Gamestation Pro and Atari 50, but the handheld Gamestation Go has generated significant anticipation as one of the most exciting products to emerge from this collaboration. Designed to resemble the size of a Nintendo Switch, this portable gaming device features numerous input options and the capability to connect to TVs via HDMI. Initially slated for launch last year, the release of the Gamestation Go has been delayed as My Arcade and Atari fine-tune the device. But is the $180 price tag justified?
### Review: Atari Gamestation Go – A Tour Of Atari’s Legacy With One Too Many Bumps In The Road
1. Atari Gamestation Go Review: Design & Battery Life
2. Atari Gamestation Go Review: Controls & SmartGlow
3. Atari Gamestation Go Review: Screen & HDMI
4. Atari Gamestation Go Review: Software & Performance
5. Atari Gamestation Go Review: Bonus Emulation
6. Atari Gamestation Go Review: Conclusion
### Atari Gamestation Go Review: Design & Battery Life
The design of the Gamestation Go clearly reflects influences from Nintendo, albeit without the detachable controllers that characterize the Switch. While the device lacks a docking station, it does come with a kickstand allowing users to position it next to their television. The construction feels solid, though it is primarily plastic, contributing to a lightweight design. It fits comfortably in hand, featuring a large 7-inch LCD screen surrounded by various controls, including a spinner, D-pad, trackball, numerical keypad, and four action buttons. Above the screen are buttons for Settings, Credit, Select, and Start, all of which are intuitively labeled.
Additionally, the unit is equipped with four shoulder buttons, a power switch, Home button, volume control, a headphone jack, a MicroSD card slot, a USB-C port, and a full-size HDMI output. The back of the device includes two USB-C ports intended for connecting controllers for multiplayer gaming, with a standalone controller and joystick anticipated for release in December. The internal battery of the Gamestation Go can last approximately four hours on a single charge, though this can vary depending on the game’s demands. Charging is facilitated through the USB-C port located on the top of the device.
### Atari Gamestation Go Review: Controls & SmartGlow
One of the standout features of the Gamestation Go is its diverse control scheme, which includes unique components like a paddle/spinner, trackball, and keypad. These are designed to enhance gameplay for various classic Atari titles, many of which were originally tailored for such controls. For instance, the spinner is essential for navigating Tempest, while Missile Command was traditionally played with a trackball. The D-pad performs admirably, a feature often overlooked in modern handheld consoles. With these controls, players can engage with classic games in a way that aligns closely with the original design intentions, enhancing the overall experience.
However, users may find the trackball a bit overly sensitive at first. To alleviate potential confusion regarding which controls are active in each game, My Arcade has introduced an innovative feature called ‘SmartGlow.’ This system illuminates the relevant controls in bright orange when they are applicable during gameplay. For example, in Missile Command, the trackball, D-pad, and specific action buttons light up, while Night Driver activates the D-pad and spinner. This intuitive feature helps players quickly identify necessary inputs and is complemented by informative sub-menus detailing all commands accessible before starting a game.
### Atari Gamestation Go Review: Screen & HDMI
Considering its $180 price point, potential buyers might expect a more impressive display from the Gamestation Go. While the screen is not terrible—offering decent viewing angles and reasonable brightness at its highest setting—colors can appear somewhat muted, especially when compared to higher-end IPS and OLED screens found in other handheld devices. During testing, a light-grey patch on the display raised concerns about possible pressure from the casing or internal components, which is disappointing for a product in this price range. This issue is not unique to the Gamestation Go, as other devices, such as the AYANEO Pocket DS, have exhibited similar problems at a higher price point.
The full-size HDMI output enables connectivity with modern televisions, allowing for 1080p output with acceptable image quality. However, some games exhibit noticeable input lag when played through this connection.
### Atari Gamestation Go Review: Software & Performance
Upon starting the Gamestation Go, users encounter a carousel menu that facilitates access to over 200 pre-installed games, organized into categories like ‘classic Atari’ and ‘Atari Recharged.’ Among the classic titles, players can find beloved games from the arcade, 2600, and 7800 eras, including Asteroids, Missile Command, Breakout, Warlords, Combat, and Centipede. Thanks to the diverse control options, the Gamestation Go arguably offers the best experience for these classic titles, complete with features like save states.
However, some classic games require two players, and without the optional controller available yet, these titles are currently unplayable unless users can find a compatible USB-C controller. The ‘Atari Recharged’ section features games also available on other platforms, such as Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC, with five titles included that provide an additional $50 value.
Delving deeper into the library reveals more eclectic choices, including a Namco’s Pac-Man emulation and a remake of the original 1997 PC game, Balls of Steel, which features digital pinball tables. While these inclusions are acceptable, they may not resonate with Atari fans seeking a cohesive retro experience.
### Atari Gamestation Go Review: Bonus Emulation
Though not advertised, the Gamestation Go includes hidden capabilities for emulating systems like the SNES, Neo Geo Pocket, Dreamcast, and N64. By loading supported ROMs onto a correctly formatted MicroSD card, users can access these additional emulators. While performance can vary—Dreamcast games may lack sound, and N64 emulation can be inconsistent—it’s an intriguing bonus. The device also supports the loading of 2600 and 7800 ROMs via MicroSD, allowing for a broader selection of games with performance on par with pre-installed titles.
### Atari Gamestation Go Review: Conclusion
On paper, the Gamestation Go presents an attractive package with over 200 games, a sizable display, TV connectivity, diverse controls, and the option to expand its library via MicroSD. However, various shortcomings detract from its appeal. Overall performance remains inconsistent, with emulation issues even in classic titles. The screen displays uneven lighting, and some games do not format correctly for the 7-inch display, leading to subpar visuals.
Despite these drawbacks, My Arcade has successfully introduced exciting features like the SmartGlow system, which enhances usability by indicating active inputs. While die-hard Atari enthusiasts might overlook the Gamestation Go’s flaws for a nostalgic connection to the brand’s rich history, the multitude of issues makes it challenging to recommend wholeheartedly. The potential for future updates could improve the experience, but currently, the Gamestation Go is best suited for dedicated Atari fans willing to overlook its imperfections.
– A wide array of control options
– Over 200 games, with the ability to add more
– Connects seamlessly to televisions
– The SmartGlow feature is truly innovative
– LCD screen exhibits quality control issues
– Emulation performance is inconsistent across many titles
– Some bundled games seem out of place
Rating: Not Bad 6/10
