Atari has always been a name synonymous with gaming innovation, and while it wasn’t the first, it was certainly the system that changed gaming forever. Its foray into handheld gaming is no different. From the revolutionary Atari Lynx, the first color handheld console, to the nostalgic Atari Flashback Portable and the upcoming Gamestation Go, Atari has consistently sought to blend cutting-edge technology with a love for retro gaming.
Let’s take a look at Atari’s fascinating journey through handheld gaming.
Atari Lynx
In September 1989, Atari introduced the Lynx, the world’s first handheld console featuring a color liquid-crystal display. It also featured a backlit screen, 16-bit graphics, and the ability to network up to 17 units for multiplayer gaming.
However, despite its advanced features for the time, its high price point, short battery life, and limited third-party support prevented it from catching on as well as it should have.
Atari Flashback Portable
In the mid-2010s, Atari partnered with AtGames to release the Atari Flashback Portable series. These game systems came pre-loaded with classic Atari 2600 games and featured modern amenities like SD card support for additional titles, a 3.2-inch LCD screen, and rechargeable batteries.
The Flashback Portable catered to retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a portable solution to relive Atari’s classic titles.
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Atari 50 Pocket Player Pro
In recent years, Atari collaborated with My Arcade to produce the Atari 50 Pocket Player Pro. This handheld console, priced at $39.99, includes 100 built-in games from the Atari 2600 era and features a 2.75-inch full-color screen, adjustable brightness, and a front-facing speaker with volume controls.
You can power it with four AA batteries or via a USB-C cable, offering a blend of classic gaming with modern convenience.
Gamestation Go
Looking ahead, Atari is set to unveil the Gamestation Go at CES 2025. This new handheld console aims to compete in the current portable gaming market, targeting retro gaming enthusiasts with a modern twist.
While details about this system are still quite scarce, some notable characteristics include a built-in trackpad and number pad, which will set it apart from other gaming systems, like the other anticipated handheld Nintendo Switch 2.
Atari’s release of a new handheld system reflects its commitment to innovation and adapting to the needs of gamers, old and new. As the company continues to blend nostalgia with modern technology, it remains a significant player in the evolving landscape of portable gaming. It will be fun to see how they progress over the next few years.
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