Released recently (2nd quarter 2017) by Bridge Direct under the Basic Fun label, this is a new Atari 2600 plug n play joystick. Similar to the earlier ones done by Jakks Pacific. However there are differences.
It comes in a blister pack that looks very nice hanging on the peg. I like the artwork and the nice Atari Logo on the packaging. As a added bonus, these logos and pictures are on removable cardboard backing. So you can hang them up on your wall or wherever.
Made myself a little Atari display on my desk.
The manual that comes with it is quite nice and provides a description of the included games. The Joystick controller works well and has a nice “Atari” feel to it. The Joystick runs on 4 AA batteries and features a Start, Select, Reset and Power on/off with LED.
The main menu screen features a Atari Logo in the left hand upper corner with a plain white box with all the games listed. The game selected will have a red circle around it. As you move through the menu a game logo will appear at the top of the screen for the selected game, which is a nice touch.
The games included on this device are not true 2600 ports, rather some are more of a “re-imagined” version or from a different console altogether. Some games appear to be from the 7800 and one looks a lot like a Intellivision game. Sounds are not correct as well, or are missing totally. Graphically the games look good with a minor exception with Missile Command which had some graphical glitches during game play.
List of games included on this device:
- Adventure – Sounds are off or missing
- Asteroids – Looks like the 7800 version
- Breakout – Looks good, but only has a single speed paddle
- Canyon Bomber
- Centipede – Looks like the 7800 version
- Crystal Castles – Very hard to control
- Millipede
- Missile Command – Noted graphical glitches during game play
- Volleyball – Looks like a Intellivision game
- Warlords
Pros:
- Nice packaging
- Solid feel
- Nice legible game select menu
Cons:
- Sounds are off or missing in some games
- Paddle games only have single speed control.
- Graphical glitches in Missile Command
- Control issues in some games
- Not actual 2600 ports
- Display does not fit screen (score is chopped off in some games)
Overall this Plug N Play could have been much better. I do like some of the “enhanced” games on the device, but have a hard time with the sounds. The inclusion of paddle games on a joystick is a terrible choice, would have been better to include more joystick based games (Pac Man, Space Invaders, Frogger, etc.). If you find yourself wanting a Atari 2600 Plug N’ Play joystick, I would opt for the ones done by Jakks Pacific.
Rating: (1 out of 5 Minicades)
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