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Geek Culture
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Atari 2600+ Gets Pac-Man Themed Re-Release In Oct
Retro gamers are about to get a strikingly yellow blast from the past, as Atari and Bandai Namco have teamed up for the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition, a special re-release of the 2023 classic console refresh that celebrates the 45th anniversary of the iconic yellow puck. Originally launched in 2023, the Atari 2600+ served as a modern-day recreation of the classic '70s gaming console, retaining its retro feel while incorporating current-generation technologies like HDMI and USB-C ports, alongside the ability to run both 2600 and 7800 cartridges. The new Pac-Man Edition offers the same experience, this time decked out in the character's signature yellow hue, which engulfs almost its entire chassis, even featuring an appearance by the friendly puck alongside the four ghosts. 'The Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition is more than just a console,' manufacturer Plaion wrote in the console's announcement, 'it's a tribute to the moment home gaming truly began. By reimagining the iconic hardware in Pac-Man's unmistakable style, we're celebrating the legacy of two cultural giants who helped define a generation of play.' The Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition will also come with a matching yellow CX-40 wireless joystick, although different colour variations will also be sold separately, each themed after the four ghosts, including Red (Blinky), Cyan (Inky), Orange (Clyde) and Pink (Pinky). The console will also come with a Pac-Man Double Feature cartridge, which comprises the very first home console release of the original 1980s game, Pac-Man 2600 , alongside a new arcade-style version of the classic Pac-Man 7800 . Pre-orders for the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition will open on 23 July 2025, with the console releasing on 31 October 2025 priced at US$169.99. Individual wireless joysticks will cost US$39.99 each, alongside classic Bandai Namco games like Dig Dug 7800 or Galaga 7800 , each priced at US$34.99, with additional game and joystick console bundles also available. Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise 'duds' like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3 . He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying. atari atari 2600 Atari 2600+ Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition Bandai Namco
Fast Company
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
This beloved retro gaming computer is making a comeback—and it'll cost you $299
Tech nostalgia runs strong among Gen Z. The retro movement has made long-outdated devices desirable once more. When it comes to personal computer nostalgia, you'd be hard-pressed to find a PC more fondly remembered than the Commodore 64. Now, the machine that served as the starter computer for many old-school gamers is making a comeback of sorts. Commodore Corp., which is no longer run by the team behind the original device, has begun taking preorders for the Commodore 64 Ultimate, a $299 device that its makers claim is compatible with over 10,000 retro games, cartridges, and peripherals. The new C64s are expected to begin shipping as early as October, though that date could slip. Also, the listed price doesn't account for tariffs. A 'tariff tax' ($15 to $25 in the U.S.) is added at checkout—and the builders warn that amount could change if tariffs do. While there have been Commodore 64 emulators in the past, this marks the first official product from the company in more than 30 years. There are three models to choose from, all with the same internal components. If you were expecting a vastly outdated machine, however, you're in for a surprise. The Commodore 64 Ultimate will include 128 megabytes of RAM and 16 megabytes of flash memory. It connects to modern monitors via HDMI in high-definition 1080p resolution and features three USB-A ports and one USB-C port. Beyond the computer itself, the power source, and HDMI cable, your $299 also gets you a spiral-bound user guide, a 64-gigabyte USB drive featuring over 50 licensed games, a quick-start guide, and stickers. Aesthetically, the Commodore 64 Ultimate is available in the original beige or in premium variants: the Starlight Edition, with a clear case and LED lights ($249), or the Founder's Edition, which includes 24-karat gold-plated badges, satin gold keys, and a translucent amber case ($499). Just 6,400 units of the Founder's Edition will be produced, according to the company. The preorder setup resembles a Kickstarter campaign, though it doesn't use that platform. Commodore says all preorders come with a money-back guarantee, but it chose to skip the service's fees. Buyers should be aware that accounts are charged at the time of preorder. Who owns Commodore? Ownership of the Commodore brand adds some complexity. Earlier this year, Christian 'Peri Fractic' Simpson—a YouTuber focused on retro tech—announced he was in the process of acquiring the company and claimed to be the 'acting CEO of Commodore.' In a YouTube video posted at the end of June, he said he purchased the company for 'a low seven-figure sum' and has recruited several former Commodore employees to help relaunch the brand. In the video, Simpson states he signed 'a share purchase agreement' with the previous owners of Commodore Corp., but is still seeking angel investors to help close the total sales amount. That uncertainty may give some potential buyers pause, and understandably so. The official site addresses the concern, noting: 'We have a contract with the previous IP owner that ensures that regardless of the final acquisition outcome, these machines can be manufactured as promised.' The product will come with a one-year limited warranty, and Commodore says most parts are already in production, including the updated motherboard, the case, and the keycaps that recreate the blocky keys that early users remember. The original Commodore 64 debuted in 1982. It was one of the world's best-selling computers at the time, with graphics and sound that pushed the limits of 8-bit technology. With games like M.U.L.E., Wizard, and The Last Ninja, it quickly became a gamer favorite. In addition to the games on the USB drive, backers will also receive a 'new sequel' to the C64 original, called Jupiter Lander: Ascension. The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Game changers: The players saving money by going retro
Video games are hugely popular. But instead of chasing the latest new releases, some gamers are seeking out titles from the 80s or 90s - not just for a hit of nostalgia, but to help with the rising cost of living. "Retro gaming is quite a big family affair at our house."Connor Reynolds is browsing the stalls at the Nottingham Gaming 27-year-old says passing on his love for games from his childhood to his son is "one of the best things about being a dad"."I've dragged them [my family] with me to have a bit of a blast from the past, nostalgia. A lot of the games from the retro era are two player," he says."It's so easy to fire up Mario Kart on the GameCube at home and spend the whole night with the controllers." Ella - Connor's partner - has also come along. But she has another motivation for visiting."We've not come to spend a load of money but we will find something. The prices seem really reasonable. I've not had to put a load of savings aside to come here," she of the games at the market cost as little as £1. In comparison, a newly released game is likely to set you back at least £50. Are video games getting more expensive? According to gaming website Tech Rapture, some triple-A releases have been around the £50-£60 mark since the early 2000s, so over the years they arguably haven't become that much pricier when compared to many other the recent big increases in food and household bills is important Spencer, who runs the Retro Computer Museum in Leicester, says "some of the newer games [are] £70, £80, and not a lot of people can afford that - especially with times how they are at the moment"."I think cost is a lot to do with it. If you've got a Sega Mega Drive, you can pick Sonic the Hedgehog up for £5-£10 and you can play it for days and days and days," he new games, Andy says you only get one for £50, but "if you're into old games you can pick them up from charity shops - you'll get half a dozen games for £20". Most popular games at Retro Computer Museum• Goldeneye (Nintendo 64)• Mario Kart (Nintendo GameCube)• Street Fighter II (Nintendo SNES)• Pacman (Arcade)• Duck Hunt (Nintendo NES)• Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Mega Drive)• Burnout 2 (Microsoft Xbox)• Chuckie Egg (BBC Micro)• Manic Miner (ZX Spectrum)• Pong (Binotone) Many new releases - especially live service games like the hugely-popular Fortnite - have micro transactions or downloadable content, making it possible for a player to ultimately spend hundreds of pounds on a single of the most hotly anticipated games of all time, Grand Theft Auto 6, is due to be released next are swirling that it will be the first game with a price tag of $100, and while this may turn out not to be the case, the fact that developments costs have increased (to a reported $1bn in the case of GTA 6) means it's safe to assume the price for consumers will continue to creep all this in mind, it's easy to see why the cheaper alternative of retro games is attractive. Retro gaming - technical challenges? Nottingham Gaming Market only opened last year, but such is the demand that there are now two events this year. The first in April attracted at least 2,000 in a sports hall on the outskirts of the city, it boasts all manner of retro games-themed merchandise - fluffy toys, figurines, posters and there are the games themselves - thousands of them. Case upon case stacked in boxes along tables, with bargain boxes on the how easy is it to get into retro gaming?For some, it's simply a matter of dusting off an old console or hardware works on many modern TVs, so long as they have an aerial connection. If not, adapters are available for less than £10. But if you don't happen to have a Sega Mega Drive or Nintendo GameCube packed away in the attic, you can pick one up for very Scholes, who organises the market, says: "You can get a Mega Drive from £30 onwards, depending on the condition, and an SNES would be from about £40/£50. "As far as older computers go, the price varies dependent on whether they are boxed, unboxed or modded. Spectrums from £100 to £300, Commodore 64 from £150 to £300. Games can vary from about £5 to over £100."As for classic games, he says: "Goldeneye goes for around £10 as a loose cartridge, with the complete boxed version being around £30." Retro games present opportunities for collectors - aka TheGebs24 - describes it as "a way of life".Gemma, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, has nearly 100,000 YouTube subscribers, who follow her on the hunt for all things rooms of her two-bed home are dedicated to retro says the rooms, branded the Lady Lounge and the Lady Loft, make her feel "safe and happy", and are a place to create her videos. She has amassed her collection over the last 11 years, and travels the world to hunt down must-have items. For the average person, choosing an retro game won't break the bank, but Gemma has spent serious money, and owns a number of rare and valuable collector's says as a kid she could never afford the games she stared at in the shops, but now she "can earn a living online" - which she ploughs back into her retro gaming passion - and she's proud of the investment she has created. Highlights from Gemma's collection:Spuds Adventure (Game Boy) - "I came across it in a huge box of games I purchased years ago. A YouTube viewer pointed it out. I had no idea how rare it was. A complete copy will cost you around £1,200-plus" Snatcher (Mega Drive) - "This is an incredible game by Hideo Kojima, set in a cyberpunk future. It was kindly gifted to me by my best friend Reece, many years ago. It will set you back £700-plus for a complete copy today."Starwing Competition (SNES) - "Back in 1993, this cart was used in select stores whereby players would attempt to get the highest score across time limited levels. Less than 2,000 copies were produced. Even less are in circulation. Expect to pay £300-plus." From savings to side hustles The popularity of retro gaming has also given rise to some creative side Curtis, from Coventry, has set up a business - Cheevo - which provides a framing service for people to enjoy their physical copies of their games and says "digital content doesn't have the same connection" with people as opening a physical case."If we switch to a slightly different medium, audio went to digital content with streaming, but now LPs have really made a comeback because people appreciate having the disc, having the artwork, having the experience," he says. Joiner Mike North, from Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, also earns extra cash from the connection people feel to games. For him, it's Resident could say he knows the game like the back of his hand, because he's turned maps from the game into wooden display business, True North Engravings, is inspired by post-apocalyptic and survival games."I've always been into the zombie and apocalypse themes growing up. I used to play them with my older brothers," he pastime is something he's carried into adulthood. And is something that many in the community are passing his stall at the Nottingham Gaming Market, Mike notices how the crowds are multi-generational. "There's a lot of kids here with their mums and dads," he who runs the market, agrees. He says: "Retro gaming is for everyone."Elliot says people are often driven to play retro out of curiosity and feeling compelled to explore something course for some, it is purely about the adds: "Retro gaming is always there, it's ever-present, it's just good simple, fun - it's what you remember - it's stories to be told."
Gizmodo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Nintendo's Revitalized GameCube Controller for Switch 2 Is Somehow Better Than the Original
2025 Nostalgia should not be enough to give any tech a passing grade. But let me come clean. I wouldn't have dropped $65 on the revitalized GameCube controller for Switch 2 if I hadn't spent my preteen years beholden to Nintendo's boxy console. With improved buttons, the new version is better than anything from 2001. After so many years, I've come to see the gamepad as a unique device that's enhanced by its limitations. Instead, it's constrained by Nintendo's own restrictions on where and how you can use it. See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart The Switch 2 GameCube controller is exclusive to Nintendo's online storefront, and its availability keeps fluctuating to the point we can't tell when or if it will be back in stock. You can find plenty of recreations that try to emulate the look and feel of the 24-year-old controller all the way down to the nubby, yellow 'C' button. Nintendo still allows adapters to connect up to four GameCube controllers on Switch 2. So why would you want the official recreation? Because it works as seamlessly as a Joy-Con or Pro Controller, and compared to many third-party emulations, this is the most pitch-perfect accurate device in terms of raw feel. The big problem is, you can't use it for any other device but the Switch 2. Sorry, you won't be emulating GameCube games with Nintendo's own tech (at least until somebody inevitably hacks it). Nintendo GameCube Controller for Switch 2 It's an improved rendition of Nintendo's classic controller from 2001 with better buttons and wireless connectivity. I just wish I could use it on other devices. Pros Improved buttons and D-pad Improved buttons and D-pad Home button makes it easier to use with Switch 2 Home button makes it easier to use with Switch 2 Perfect for playing GameCube games Cons Very few GameCube games available on + Expansion Pack Very few GameCube games available on + Expansion Pack Won't work well with modern titles Won't work well with modern titles Only works with Switch 2 I have hung onto the same original black GameCube and wireless WaveBird controller from my childhood—the joysticks so mangled with caustic adolescent fingers they were worn down to nubs. I'm amazed at how much attention Nintendo paid to improving the new controller while keeping the same feel as the original. I'm comparing a brand-new device to one that's nearly as old as I am, but it appears that Nintendo replaced the squishy rubber pads of the original controller's face buttons with something that's far more snappy and clicky. The switches on the D-pad are far better than on the 24-year-old controller. That directional pad is still small, so I won't be using it for a fighting game anytime soon, but it's a better option for some retro titles. For launch, Nintendo released just three games for $50-per-year Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers, including The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soul Calibur II, and F-Zero GX. You can't play them on the original Switch, and you can't use the new controller on the old handheld, either. Wind Waker is a classic in every sense of the word, but it's the only game on the list that takes advantage of the controller's unique design. I would love to see deep cuts of the GameCube library make their return, like Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem and TimeSplitters 2, or other exclusives like Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes. Nintendo hasn't offered an idea of what will come out next, but I wouldn't advise that you buy this controller in the mere hope we see the return of Killer 7. The GameCube controller was an odd duckling in 2001 at the release of Nintendo's boxy sixth-gen console. While Sony standardized the twin-stick layout of its DualShock, Nintendo—being Nintendo—crafted a controller that forced developers to design around its oddly shaped buttons and pressure-sensitive trigger buttons. Take Metroid Prime, for example. It was a first-person shooter where that secondary nipple-like C stick went unused in favor of tank controls with a lock-on mechanic. The design lent itself to entire gaming subgenres. Super Smash Bros. Melee's controls emphasize the 'A' and 'B' buttons for attacks, while the C stick was geared for hitting quick directional 'smash' attacks. In competitive Smash Bros. circles, the GameCube controller is still the gold standard. Nintendo's design ethos clearly hasn't changed much in the 24 years since the original GameCube's launch. Mario Kart World is made to be played with a single Joy-Con, which only requires one joystick, four face buttons, and triggers. The only issue playing the latest Mario Kart with the GameCube controller is that the game doesn't recognize the pressure-sensitive triggers. To drift, you need to press the R button fully until it clicks. Still, I found I preferred the GameCube controller's thick primary joystick and its octagonal restrictor for precision in Mario Kart. For this plasticky, ultra-purple controller, $65 was a hard pill to swallow. I knew going into it I couldn't use the GameCube controller for every single new Switch 2 game. In place of a proper L1 button, it has a small, flat, square-shaped bumper button. Its top portion, which used to sport a power connector, now has a Home button and 'C' switch for GameChat. It has gyro controls that work for some Switch games, but it won't really work as a stand-in for the official Switch 2 Pro Controller or any other third-party gamepad complete with all the bumpers, triggers, and back buttons you need for modern games. Trying to play Split Fiction with a GameCube controller forced me to remap several buttons to get around the lack of click-in sticks. There's no way you can play a first-person shooter like Cyberpunk 2077 without access to those extra buttons. The GameCube controller was full of small innovations we take for granted nowadays. In 2002, Nintendo introduced the WaveBird. It was a radio frequency-based wireless controller that required you to connect it on a specific channel. There was no need for line of sight like earlier wireless infrared-based controllers, and it was so good we all cried crocodile tears when it was discontinued in 2008. Nowadays, where Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity are standardized, the wireless connectivity isn't anywhere near unique, but it's far more convenient than plugging your controller into an adapter for every play session. The addition of a Home button adds the convenience of easy access to your in-game screenshots or sleep mode. The GameCube controller wouldn't be enough if all you used it for were just three games and the hope you'll get to play more later. The significant restrictions Nintendo placed on its functionality with other devices are more than a little frustrating. It's far less versatile than most controllers, but in a way I appreciate it more because of that. If other controllers are a multi-tool, the GameCube controller is a scalpel made for specific use cases—like beating the ever-living snot out of friends in Smash. See Nintendo Switch 2 at Walmart See Switch 2+ Mario Kart World Bundle at Walmart
