Atari 2600 Orange & Black Console (PAL)

For retro gaming this is one of the ultimate consoles, with a huge back catalogue of great games like Asteroids, Missile Command, Pac-Man and Demon Attack. Most games can be picked up for under £5 which is pretty good.
The consoles are build pretty solid which is probably why so many have survived after almost 30 years and the wooden veneer looks awesome and adds a bit of class that seems to be lost on more modern consoles. Most of the games are very durable so don't really need to be boxed, they have dust guards protecting the cartridge inputs so won't need to be "blowed" before they're inserted like other game cartridges.
Plays well on modern HD TV's, usually needs a tune to find it but that takes only a few minutes.

All in all a great gaming console and also an important part of gaming history.


Note for buyers - If you can find an Atari 7800 in good nick it might be worth buying one instead as they are backwards compatible with 2600 so you'd get the best of both worlds.

Happpy Gaming :-)

The Atari 2600 is truly a classic game system. The graphics are primative, the games are simple and the controls are even simpler, however this all adds to the charm that is the Atari 2600.
The Atari 2600 is a console that belongs on any collectors shelf and for those looking to just simply explore the past of video games or relive their past should definately consider the Atari 2600 Jr. It not only has an endearing charm to it's appeal but is a big space saver over the classic 'Woody' design.
Either model are cheap and affordable with more than a comprehensive libary of games to keep you entertained for hours on end.

The Atari 2600 was a very important part of my childhood. It was the first ever console I owned and remember Pitfall 2 being the first game I ever completed. Other memorable games include, Spikes Peak and Ghost Manor, Ghostbusters, Pac-Man, Frogger, H.E.R.O. Etc. I had to own one of these again and glad I didn't think twice.

I purchased this product for nostalic reasons. My Atari 2600 broke more than 30 years ago, despite the care and attention I gave it. Also my neighbour had the audacity to swap my games including Pac Man he borrowed for rubbish alternatives and even games I already had in my collection.

Technologically the Atari is limited like a music download where convenience, game simplicity and instant set-up is more important than the quality of the games. Like an audiophile would retch at the thought of replacing his superior compact discs with downloads serious game players whom prefer a mixture of complex gameplay and stunning visuals would stick with their modern consoles.

The games may not be as sophisticated or as challenging compared to modern games. But the irony is that their simplicity is ideal if you are not in the mood to play something which needs a lot of concentration. Unless you are not adept at playing games the chances of rage-quitting and cussing are unlikely. I'm just pleased to have the opportunity to play Pac-Man again. Though I am still amused at having the popular yellow one eat wafers insteads of pills.

Hmmm - Which shall I choose from tonight? Standard definition simplicity of Pac Man, Space Invaders, Defender, the smell of heated electronics and short cabled joysticks? Or high definition complexity of Skyrim, Red Dead Redemption, Battlefield 3 with wireless joypads, possible rage-quitting and cussing?

I bought the Atari 2600 to remember the old times... it's amazing how it still works perfectly! It's the best game console ever made.