The New Atari - Part 4 - 2025 And Beyond

Happy 2025 Everyone! In previous "New Atari" posts I discussed the Atari VCS (2021) and 2600+ console, as well as the company's acquisition of AtariAge. That first hybrid console is what initially caught my attention, because it appeared to me to be one of the early steps in the overall reemergence of the pioneering company. Since then, Atari has released more retro consoles, as well as made big news recently with the debuts of some impressive handheld devices from My Arcade at the 2025 Consumer Electonics Show (CES). So, in this post I'll give a brief rundown and overview of some of these retrogaming offerings.

Released in October 2023, the Atari Gamestation Pro from My Arcade features over 200 built-in games, including Atari 2600, 5200, 7800 and arcade titles (as well as additional games from other systems). Some iconic Atari games included are Asteroids, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Pong and Video Pinball. The system features wireless combination joystick / paddle controllers (inspired by the original Atari joysticks), game save options, and HDMI output. Additionally, you can load your own games (ROMS) using the micro-SD card slot.

The Atari Gamestation Pro from My Arcade

Released in March 2024, the Atari 400 Mini is a half-size version of the iconic 400 home computer which emulates their 8-bit games line (from the 400 to the 800XL), as well as the Atari 5200 console. It comes with 25 built-in games and a recreation of the classic Atari CX40 joystick. It also features the ability to save your progress for any game in one of four save slots, as well as having a pause and rewind feature (up to 30 seconds) to help folks practice what they're stuck on. And it features HDMI output, five USB ports (enabling the connection of controllers, including a PC keyboard), the option to play your own games via USB, and the ability to program in BASIC. 

The Atari 400 Mini - A 2024 reimagining of the classic Atari 400 computer

Released near the end of 2024, the Atari 7800+ aims to allow gamers to "Play Like It's 1986". Like the previous Atari 2600+, this console is a scaled-down (in size) replica of its predecessor. Features include the ability to play both Atari 2600 and 7800 compatible game cartridges, a wireless two-button game pad, an HDMI connection, both 4x3 and 16x9 display capabilities, and an included 7800+ game cartridge (the new Bently Bear's Crystal Quest, featuring the character from Crystal Castles). Gamers wanting to use a classic controller can also purchase a CX40+, a wireless recreation of the classic Atari joystick. Additionally, it should be noted that Atari has released several other games (both new and rereleases) to accompany the 7800+. These include Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Berzerk and Food Fight.

The Atari 7800+ console

As mentioned, some big Atari news came out of CES 2025 recently. My Arcade has several new products coming this year featuring classic Atari games. The one that I've seen the most coverage of so far is the Atari Gamestation Go, a portable hand-held which follows up on their Gamestation Pro system. Combining both modern and classic controllers, the unit features an analog stick, D-pad, track ball, four X-box style action buttons, shoulder buttons and a numeric keypad, which makes it convenient to play all sorts of different games. As of now a dozen or so built-in games have been announced (such as Pac-Man, Galaga and Pole Position), and the unit also includes a micro-SD card slot for playing even more titles. It also features HDMI output and a headphone jack for privacy. For a good look at this upcoming console, check out this CES 2025 show video from GenX Grownup.

The Atari Gamestation Go handheld from My Arcade debuted at CES 2025

These are a few of the big highlights of newer Atari offerings. Some others include the My Arcade 50 Pocket Player Pro handheld portable (released in September 2023), new Atari 2600+ cartridges such as the Epyx Games Collection and M-Network Collection, and some upcoming Pixel Pocket Pros. 

Atari's M-Network Collection multi-cartridge

As discussed in my previous posts, Atari's reemergence into the home video game market has focused heavily on the nostalgia whole generations of people have for the company's classic consoles and games. And these most recent products, many of which are aligned with their rapidly expanding Atari+ platform, appear to be following suit. Atari had a big hand in creating the video game industry, and I can only wonder what the iconic company has in store for us in the future.