The B button is a thumb button. Hold the joystick like a fighter jet stick, it makes missile command a breeze. Base button, trigger, and thumb launcher. Think afterburner.
Sorry, but some criticism for you. The joystick design isn't the problem. You are not holding it properly to easily utilize the B and C buttons. I had a 2600 in the early to mid 80s and we had joysticks with a button on top, you are supposed to grip the stick not daintily hold it with a few fingers like you were. Try it with an actual grip and the issues hitting those buttons go away.
That was what I thought as well, but having now used one, the joystick actually isn't big enough for an adult hand to hold it and use the B and C button.
I had a 2600 in the late 70s, and I don’t recall anyone other than toddlers “gripping” the joystick as you describe. There’s nothing “dainty” about using finger dexterity to manipulate a joystick.
I grew up playing these games and they’re effing horrible. It’s amazing to me that people wanna waste money to go back and play these terrible games before they get bored with them in a couple of minutes
@@randydaytona5615 Even more horrible is iff there are jounger people who are wonna explore things were there didnt Exist. Something like a Museum from the past . Yeah like a music instrument from 10000 years ago was and is shit but still, somebody still can have fun with it. Maybe you dont like stupid old things and thats alright and I respect it
I'm happy they included also many black and white arcade games such as Atari's X's and O's Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer. I didn't expect to ever see them on a system like this. I wonder how they can be played with a joystick instead of the trackball, but nonetheless, it's truly great to see them here.
Wow, thanks as always, Jon! This looks amazing! I'm in for the 5200 titles (especially ones that may be added)! Yes, please give us a follow-up for the sd details.👍
Great review Jon. Definitely need to do an additional video on the microSD usage. Also it would be nice to know how large of a card that the machine will accept.
Looks like an interesting device after all; was a bit dubious after seeing the 2600+.... I'm interested, and I'm very interested in how to add games via the SD card slot... so, yes, please, do show how it's done! 😉👍
Agreed, I have pretty much everything on my modded wii, but the built in paddle controllers intrigue me for Atari games. Probably will have to pick one up :). Love the small form factor, this would be a good travel console for some multiplayer fun, camper, hotel etc etc etc.
Finally decided to order one thanks to you and your constant update on the machine. I know I'm a bit late to the show but had to make sure i wasn't buying a dud. Thanks to the Atari community and even My Arcade for doing all for this lovely machine aswell. ❤
The controllers are absolute garbage. Just warning you, I bought this and now will attempt to return it. This was a huge disappointment. They got the look down, but the functionality is much to be desired.
I can confirm what posthumanist said about the controllers. Most of the games are unplayable due to controller issues. I returned mine to Target after less than a week driving myself crazy trying to play games on this thing. The quality control from My Arcade has always been lousy. This console continues their unfortunate tradition.
Great video Jon. Yes the SD card makes all the difference. In fact this is way more appealing to me than the recreated 2600+. Look forward to your follow up video.
1. I plan on giving this as a gift at some point since I want to spread the love for Atari. I went from the Flashback, to the Retron 77 to an original 7800, so I am good to go. 2. I don’t know why people down this already since there are a lot who are nostalgic for these games and want an easy way to play. 3. Good review!
I'll pick this up eventually. Those joysticks are a style I've been looking for, with triggers in ALL the right places (particularly the 2 on the top of the stick).
It arrived today and I love it! Followed your firmware upgrade video as well. Worked great 👍🏻. Next up will be playing with the Micro SD and installing games.
Well, I must say I'm surprised and impressed. Two questions: Is it possible to add additional Controllers for players 3 & 4 (you know: Where Warlords really shines)? Can you add Mame ROMs? Oh boy, if this also allows me to play Bosconian, this is a sure buy!
@@geekconnoisseurmaybe before you are so quick to make negative comments on the huge amount of effort Jon puts into his content, consider creating your own content. "I'm suprised" you find the need to make such a critical comment on a fantastic video. So easy to sit back as a critic when you contribute nothing yourself.
11:10 I like how when he was scrowling the games list he lined up when he said "there" with the "there" in the thumbnail. I wonder how long it took him to pull that off.
First, let me say… FANTASTIC VIDEO REVIEW AND DEMO!!!!! Great job on the amount of information you somehow shoved into this relatively short video. Very engaging and exciting! Now, for my comments on the device. Wow!!! This little unit is amazing!! The game selection is extremely good. And I love most of the device features. Yes, the buttons could prove to be frustrating. But, I am so glad that the mfr chose to listen to your knowledgeable input early on to make midstream changes that changed this unit from an okay device to a great device! Thanks for you love and dedication to the genre. Please please PLEASE keep climbing to the top of the retro gaming fanbase influencers. Excellent video! Finally, PLEASE make a full video of the possibilities of the addition of the SD card slot. This is a complete game changer! I really wanna see what this thing can do in overdrive!!!
PLEASE! A Video on the SD card rom addition is a must. I suddenly went from not interested to completely interested, based on the SD card add. Looking forward to the key details. Thanks! Great video.
Yeah we're going to need a step-by-step on how to add games via the microSD slot. I pre-ordered this unit on Amazon and now it says I will get it till October. 🤷🤷
Good review, as soon as they are available in my country I will buy one. And I'm waiting for that video to add more games. Thank you. A like and subscribed.
This is bad ass !! Just finished watching "jon live stream. The fact that we could add games on a sd card and play them. That's worth the money alone !!
Awesome review - My Arcade has made a great little gem, with its ability to expand the upgrades can be extensive. I’d love to see them release a trackball controller for the unit with a great button layout, I’d gladly splurge for that as well. Thanks again for the review and thanks to My Arcade for having heard our voice in asking for a paddle controller, can’t wait until my unit arrives.
Because of you .... I am buying this immediately. Its cool it emulates NES.... but to be honest, I wouldn't dare play those on an Atari console. I have a million other ways to play Nintendo. But being able to add in all those 2600 games? That makes this a must buy item. This might be the best way to play 2600/5200/7800 and all the arcade games. I wonder if the Star Wars arcade trilogy made by Atari works on here.
What an amazing system! I love the fact that they included some Atari arcade games that not many would remember. What surprised me in that line up was seeing that the game Quantum was included! That game was one of my mother's favorites, but it makes me wonder how that game performs with the joystick since this game also used a trackball like Centipede and Millipede. I had to look up information on that game because I was 85% sure I remembered it had a trackball. Out of all of the systems like this that is similar to the Flashback consoles, this one does seem like the one to get. Not to mention that knowing that you can do all sorts of neat things with that SD card slot, I would definitely get that thing running like you do so making a follow up video might be a great thing!
Saw one of these at Costco and watched your video before buying. It’s the perfect Atari for me. I don’t collect Atari paraphernalia but I enjoy the Atari and the fact that I can add some games is awesome. I’m in my twenties and I remember playing an Atari Flashback at the summer camp when I was younger and it was so much fun. Everyone was playing the Wii and the PlayStation while the homies and I were playing the Atari. Simple but fun games.
Subscribed. Your fantastic in-depth review of the unit and the SD and firmware followup videos made me pull the trigger over the Flashback and 2600+. Looking forward to upcoming vids.
Thanks for the great review - I was waiting to order one. I just ordered it! I do Hope the company will develope and release some more controllers. Not just Joy Sticks, but actual REAL Paddles that plug into those -USB-C ports. Bonus if they could make them work as DRIVER Paddles too with a flip of a switch. Would be nice to have a 5200 Controller with the keypad, etc, as well. I would buy them in a heartbeat! Can't wait to get mine!
please do a follow up vid! i want this little gadget! any idea what thr cpu specs are? will any other controllers work? maybe with an otg cable and a usb pad?
Just came across your channel after picking up one of these awesome atari gamestation pro from my local big box store. I instantly subscribed. Your review was spot on. I give you 5 tokens. :) Definitely do another vid on using the SD features. Thanks for your review and I'll be watching your other vids below as well.
Fantastic review Jon! I was on the fence about the Gamestation Pro but strangely enough the sizeable collection of bonus Piko Interactive games, including some of the lesser known arcade games from Unico has me sold, with the ability to add your own games being the icing on the cake. For me, this trumps the Atari 2600+ as a value proposition, regardless of how good the official Atari console turns out to be. Keep up the awesome work :-)
@@jayme69 Thanks. I’m not sorry though. I already think there are too many third party companies out there diluting the Atari brand as it is. I’m not overly happy about the 2600+ but it’s giving me more of what I want.
thanks for doing an in-depth review and research. this video was light years beyond some of the lazy retro gamers I've seen on YT. glad to find you and subscribed!
Jon, thanks for covering the 5200 version of Missile Command. This was one of the games on the original console that required analog control (the 3rd party digital sticks didn't work properly with it), so it's good to see that the game works properly in this context. It's like the dream of having a self-centering 5200 analog stick finally came to fruition 40 years later. :)
Just ordered one and I ordered the new Atari 2600+ cant wait to play most of the old school games again when I was a kid, I still remember getting the Atari 2600 for Christmas back in 1979 I was 11 yrs. I still have my Atari 2600 and about 50 games in storage !!!!
Excellent video! This has me seriously considering picking one up. I would definitely love to see a follow--up in-depth video on the SD card capabilities. Specifically if it is possible to import additional roms and their respective box artwork. If it's multiple system as you seemed to elude to, then details on that would be awesome as well. Keep up the great work GXG!
I"ll never understand why they don't supplement the 5200 collection with some 400/800 titles. Yes there could be licensing issues, but surely there are 3rd party titles that do not pose copyright issues in 2023. Heck, I' be happy with the addition of Captain Beeble & Jumpman. Excdllent review of the system...certainly more interesting than the 2600+ (then again, I don't have a 2600 or 7800 cartridge collection, so cartridge compatibility is not important to me (but I assume that most cartridge collectors already have a compatible (and authentic) console, and the skills to keep it operating (which has become the skill to watch TH-cam videos in most cases.) I guess the bottom line is that even my oldest computer is capable of running Atari emulator or MAME at full-speed. And so these gadgets just aren't attractive to me. The RM800XL is the exception, since it will allow the connection of a 1050 Disc Drive (or modern SD card equivalent... opening up access to thousands of Atari's best titles and the ability to write your own. But I'd get this just for the joystick...the lattency using a DB9 to USB adapter (as I do now) is just not tolerable, and I've never had a modern USB CX-10 clone not die the first time I use it....the stick often breaking in my hand on the first use. So if these are bluetooth or PC compatible they'd be worth the price of the system. (and as you pointed out elsewhere, being an ATGames release, I won't have issues finding them locally as I did with the VCS.) and $100 is less than the price of one VCS controller shipped ($169 CAD plus shipping/duty on eBay right now) Now back to your review, so we can learn about the SD card slot functions.
@@daleb4148 As 8-bit computer software approaches 50 years old, and the threat of it falling into the public domain looms large, we will see an influx of 400/800 titles and machines to play them on, so as to re-assert expiring copyright claims. That's exactly what Atari50 accomplished for "Atari" and why Disney schedules re-releases, remasters and remakes of their older properties. Ageing copyrights are a use-it-or-lose-it game. Yes, $$$ is the motivation, but the ultimate goal is to ensure that only licenced, authorized use remains permissible far beyond the regular shelf-life of the products. It happens in every industry where intellectual property is under corporate ownership.
Dang you've outdone yourself with this in-depth review! And My Arcade has as well; I did not expect this to be as tricked out, I kind of thought they were just going for a slicker, wireless "Flashback". But between what they included and the 'potential' (heh heh) to add games, it looks like it's an utterly solid retro winner.
As I outlined in my deeper dive on the controller: th-cam.com/video/0TpxEjpLiew/w-d-xo.html (and as verified by My Arcade), plugging the controllers into the base unit only serves to power them, as they will continue to communicate wirelessly. I've not done any specific latency testing myself, but have taken My Arcade at their word.
I want to complement you on something. I noticed that you held the controller like we all did back in 80’s. I’ve seen other reviews on Atari (most by younger people) and they have no idea how to use that joystick. I’ve seen some use it like a thumb stick on a modern controller, even! You wouldn’t think that would be that hard but apparently some people have no idea what to do with an Atari joystick! 😆
I'll miss out on seeing this till next Wednesday. Presently in the middle of moving and that's when the technician is coming to set the cable and internet up at the new place. Still neat that they put 200+ games on it. I honestly think this is intended for people like myself who no longer have their old physical carts. Why else release it at the same time as the 2600+? It'd make no sense.
The move went surprisingly well. Just a few bagloads of stuff left to bring up to the new place and I was lucky enough to have full bars. I'll definitely look into snagging the Gamestation.
Still somewhat curious about this but I feel like it has had its thunder stolen by the Atari 2600+. Pre-ordered the Atari 2600+ but the Gamestation will have to seriously impress to make me want to buy both.
For me it depends on the 5200 titles. The thing that I don't like about the 2600+ is that it's an emulator. I would have loved it if it was a 7800 based unit.
I think there's only 6 or 7 5200 titles on this. Wondering how the joystick performs, the paddles and if the unit will work with other controllers or not.
Ultimately, the 2600+ is for people who want to continue to use cartridges for that MAXIMUM classic experience. This is for people who don't want to go that far. There's a market for both, and I'm glad to see Atari partnering up with the right people to do both. AtGames kept doing something JUST wrong enough to keep me from buying. This scratches my itch, as I don't have the wherewithal to start collecting cartridges.
Follow up for SD card please. Also, are you able to use Sega Genesis controllers with this? That me be useful for those games that the positioning of the buttons might be off.
Another great review! I am interested in the SD Card usage as well. I was on the fence about this unit, but by the end of your review, I had already ordered one. Now I just have to be patient.
OK even I think this is pretty cool to see, as someone burned out on the overly focused 2600 which, make no mistake I LOVE, great to see some other classic Atari platforms represented, hopefully, this is the start of seeing more products focused on more Atari platforms. NGL this is way better than my skeptical ass expected.
Remapping the three red buttons on the joystick to play Missile Command would have been a nice way to replicate the arcade version of the game. And, it would still be able to retain the functionality of using the joystick buttons to navigate back to the home/menu.
Yes, of course tell us how we can add more games! Share your treats with the rest of the class! I was going to dismiss this crazy thing, but everything you've described sounds more tempting than the Atari 2600+... and for thirty dollars less. And it's got an SD card slot, and a dial on the friggin' controller! That dial would be aces in MAME, if someone ever figures out how to make the controller work with a PC. (Imagine Tron!)
Okay. This has my interest now. Unlike other video's I've seen because they are not gen x like we are. The sd card definitely had my interest. Please do a follow up on that. Great video. Also is, haunted house on this?
I may have to get this. When you pulled up Missile Command, and I heard those sound effects… it hit me in the retrofeels. As a 56-year old, I’m imagining my regression to childhood as I play on a 75” screen…. Gonna have to add some Ellio’s frozen pizza and Grape Nehi to the experience.
Wow, that's pretty much all of Atari's current IP on a single console. Definitely more than the Flashback or even Atari 50 itself! And any missing games can be added on a SD card makes this a must buy now...
I have the new VCS 800 and it can do so much more, but I still want this to play my favorite old games on. I wonder what other old consoles it can emulate.
Jon, loving your content on the new Atari Gamestation. The 2023 version but more importantly your rocking that 'School House Rock'shirt. Only a true gamester of the 80's know about Sat. mornings with School House Rock. 🎶 As your bodys grow bigger your mind grows taller🎶. That's the opening words. I have yes, the VHS/DVD & CD compilations of all the School House Rocks. Hey! Keep up the good work of nostalgia video games as I am always tuning in. Thanks Jon.
I am curious if the latency drops when the controller is hardwired to the console. More info on the SD slot use for other games would be appreciated too!
🚨 UPDATE 🚨 Expansion video is now available: th-cam.com/video/Cn_BocjMaq4/w-d-xo.html
The system says that uses a SD 128-bit can I use something higher?
dude... at 11:14 mark you said see if your game is there and the console showed Hangman and the word there... crazy lol
@@DayZnomadness What a crazy coincidence! I never noticed that.
Yes, please do a follow-up on its undocumented SD features! This has made it a must-have for me. Thanks for making this video!
Is Superman from the 2600 or Star Wars Gaunlet Arcade?
Totally need an SD tutorial
Great review, and Please make an SD expansion tutorial!
Yes please do the SD follow up
Yep please make an sd follow up.
The B button is a thumb button. Hold the joystick like a fighter jet stick, it makes missile command a breeze. Base button, trigger, and thumb launcher. Think afterburner.
Sorry, but some criticism for you. The joystick design isn't the problem. You are not holding it properly to easily utilize the B and C buttons. I had a 2600 in the early to mid 80s and we had joysticks with a button on top, you are supposed to grip the stick not daintily hold it with a few fingers like you were. Try it with an actual grip and the issues hitting those buttons go away.
That was what I thought as well, but having now used one, the joystick actually isn't big enough for an adult hand to hold it and use the B and C button.
@@wormquartetgames are for kids , and not adults 🤡
I had a 2600 in the late 70s, and I don’t recall anyone other than toddlers “gripping” the joystick as you describe. There’s nothing “dainty” about using finger dexterity to manipulate a joystick.
The original didn’t have a button on top
It ain’t that kind of joystick, Kid…
I'm delighted that we can use the SD card to play more games right out of the box. This is what I wish the 2600+ would have added as well.
atari 2600 has micro usb c so you cud add games whit an adapter maybe?
I grew up playing these games and they’re effing horrible. It’s amazing to me that people wanna waste money to go back and play these terrible games before they get bored with them in a couple of minutes
@@randydaytona5615 Even more horrible is iff there are jounger people who are wonna explore things were there didnt Exist. Something like a Museum from the past
. Yeah like a music instrument from 10000 years ago
was and is shit but still, somebody still can have fun with it. Maybe you dont like stupid old things and thats alright and I respect it
@@juliusmega7373 definitely would be fun for a little. I just remember wishing for games like we have now. 😎
I'm happy they included also many black and white arcade games such as Atari's X's and O's Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer. I didn't expect to ever see them on a system like this. I wonder how they can be played with a joystick instead of the trackball, but nonetheless, it's truly great to see them here.
Wow, thanks as always, Jon! This looks amazing! I'm in for the 5200 titles (especially ones that may be added)! Yes, please give us a follow-up for the sd details.👍
Great review Jon. Definitely need to do an additional video on the microSD usage. Also it would be nice to know how large of a card that the machine will accept.
Looks like an interesting device after all; was a bit dubious after seeing the 2600+.... I'm interested, and I'm very interested in how to add games via the SD card slot... so, yes, please, do show how it's done! 😉👍
I would love to see them add a feature to include more games.
I also would like an SD follow up. I have literally all of the consoles, but the convenience would be priceless via such an attractive form factor.
Agreed, I have pretty much everything on my modded wii, but the built in paddle controllers intrigue me for Atari games. Probably will have to pick one up :).
Love the small form factor, this would be a good travel console for some multiplayer fun, camper, hotel etc etc etc.
Finally decided to order one thanks to you and your constant update on the machine. I know I'm a bit late to the show but had to make sure i wasn't buying a dud. Thanks to the Atari community and even My Arcade for doing all for this lovely machine aswell. ❤
Hope you enjoy it! Plenty of follow-up videos (as you noted) available to help you juice it up if you're so inclined. 😁
I'm interested in how well the joysticks function with the USBC ports. Also, I want more info on adding roms with the micro SD card slot.
The controllers are absolute garbage. Just warning you, I bought this and now will attempt to return it. This was a huge disappointment. They got the look down, but the functionality is much to be desired.
I can confirm what posthumanist said about the controllers. Most of the games are unplayable due to controller issues. I returned mine to Target after less than a week driving myself crazy trying to play games on this thing. The quality control from My Arcade has always been lousy. This console continues their unfortunate tradition.
@@mfrerkes So sad :(
I own this plug and play! In fact I got it for Christmas!
Great video Jon. Yes the SD card makes all the difference. In fact this is way more appealing to me than the recreated 2600+. Look forward to your follow up video.
1. I plan on giving this as a gift at some point since I want to spread the love for Atari. I went from the Flashback, to the Retron 77 to an original 7800, so I am good to go.
2. I don’t know why people down this already since there are a lot who are nostalgic for these games and want an easy way to play.
3. Good review!
I'll pick this up eventually. Those joysticks are a style I've been looking for, with triggers in ALL the right places (particularly the 2 on the top of the stick).
This is amazing and selling for only 33 on Amazon. Ordering it was a no brainier. Thank you for the review.
Glad I could help!
It arrived today and I love it! Followed your firmware upgrade video as well. Worked great 👍🏻. Next up will be playing with the Micro SD and installing games.
Well, I must say I'm surprised and impressed. Two questions:
Is it possible to add additional Controllers for players 3 & 4 (you know: Where Warlords really shines)?
Can you add Mame ROMs? Oh boy, if this also allows me to play Bosconian, this is a sure buy!
I'm surprised that Jon didn't research this beforehand for this video. I mean, that's basic stuff we need to know.
@@geekconnoisseurmaybe before you are so quick to make negative comments on the huge amount of effort Jon puts into his content, consider creating your own content. "I'm suprised" you find the need to make such a critical comment on a fantastic video. So easy to sit back as a critic when you contribute nothing yourself.
11:10 I like how when he was scrowling the games list he lined up when he said "there" with the "there" in the thumbnail. I wonder how long it took him to pull that off.
I wish I could say I planned that, but it was entirely coincidental!
@@GenXGrownUp wow that's just very lucky then. If you noticed it in editing you must have been laughing your @$$ off.
First, let me say… FANTASTIC VIDEO REVIEW AND DEMO!!!!! Great job on the amount of information you somehow shoved into this relatively short video. Very engaging and exciting! Now, for my comments on the device. Wow!!! This little unit is amazing!! The game selection is extremely good. And I love most of the device features. Yes, the buttons could prove to be frustrating. But, I am so glad that the mfr chose to listen to your knowledgeable input early on to make midstream changes that changed this unit from an okay device to a great device! Thanks for you love and dedication to the genre. Please please PLEASE keep climbing to the top of the retro gaming fanbase influencers. Excellent video! Finally, PLEASE make a full video of the possibilities of the addition of the SD card slot. This is a complete game changer! I really wanna see what this thing can do in overdrive!!!
PLEASE! A Video on the SD card rom addition is a must. I suddenly went from not interested to completely interested, based on the SD card add. Looking forward to the key details. Thanks! Great video.
Yeah we're going to need a step-by-step on how to add games via the microSD slot. I pre-ordered this unit on Amazon and now it says I will get it till October. 🤷🤷
Please do a follow up with the SD card. I just bought Gamestation Pro because of your review.
I think I need this! I definitely want to see how you got the SD card slot to load games!
Good review, as soon as they are available in my country I will buy one. And I'm waiting for that video to add more games. Thank you. A like and subscribed.
Adding a paddle ON the joystick is brilliant!
This is bad ass !! Just finished watching "jon live stream. The fact that we could add games on a sd card and play them. That's worth the money alone !!
Awesome review - My Arcade has made a great little gem, with its ability to expand the upgrades can be extensive. I’d love to see them release a trackball controller for the unit with a great button layout, I’d gladly splurge for that as well. Thanks again for the review and thanks to My Arcade for having heard our voice in asking for a paddle controller, can’t wait until my unit arrives.
Because of you .... I am buying this immediately.
Its cool it emulates NES.... but to be honest, I wouldn't dare play those on an Atari console. I have a million other ways to play Nintendo.
But being able to add in all those 2600 games?
That makes this a must buy item. This might be the best way to play 2600/5200/7800 and all the arcade games. I wonder if the Star Wars arcade trilogy made by Atari works on here.
What an amazing system! I love the fact that they included some Atari arcade games that not many would remember. What surprised me in that line up was seeing that the game Quantum was included! That game was one of my mother's favorites, but it makes me wonder how that game performs with the joystick since this game also used a trackball like Centipede and Millipede. I had to look up information on that game because I was 85% sure I remembered it had a trackball. Out of all of the systems like this that is similar to the Flashback consoles, this one does seem like the one to get. Not to mention that knowing that you can do all sorts of neat things with that SD card slot, I would definitely get that thing running like you do so making a follow up video might be a great thing!
Bought mine at Costco today
Fantastic work as always, Jon. Count me in favor of an additional video on using the SD slot.
Thanks for watching and for the kind words. 😀
Saw one of these at Costco and watched your video before buying. It’s the perfect Atari for me. I don’t collect Atari paraphernalia but I enjoy the Atari and the fact that I can add some games is awesome. I’m in my twenties and I remember playing an Atari Flashback at the summer camp when I was younger and it was so much fun. Everyone was playing the Wii and the PlayStation while the homies and I were playing the Atari. Simple but fun games.
Nice review man. Theres actually a great selection of games. Colony 7 is a nice touch.
Subscribed. Your fantastic in-depth review of the unit and the SD and firmware followup videos made me pull the trigger over the Flashback and 2600+. Looking forward to upcoming vids.
Thank you, Roberto! I'm pleased that you enjoyed my videos and grateful for your kind words. 😄
Looks like a lot of fun. This video game console comes with some really good controllers.
Thanks for the great review - I was waiting to order one. I just ordered it! I do Hope the company will develope and release some more controllers. Not just Joy Sticks, but actual REAL Paddles that plug into those -USB-C ports. Bonus if they could make them work as DRIVER Paddles too with a flip of a switch. Would be nice to have a 5200 Controller with the keypad, etc, as well. I would buy them in a heartbeat! Can't wait to get mine!
OH BY ALL MEANS A FOLLOW UP PLEASE, seeing you run roms off the SD card definitely changed my interest in this device.
Just picked it up today at costco for $70. Excited to try it out! 😁
So... What about 5200 controller number pad?
please do a follow up vid! i want this little gadget! any idea what thr cpu specs are? will any other controllers work? maybe with an otg cable and a usb pad?
Will do on the follow-up. I checked out other controllers in this update: th-cam.com/video/jD1RQ_3oK40/w-d-xo.html
Great job, Jon. You put a lot of passion in your videos. I like joystick and paddle testing
Just came across your channel after picking up one of these awesome atari gamestation pro from my local big box store. I instantly subscribed. Your review was spot on. I give you 5 tokens. :) Definitely do another vid on using the SD features. Thanks for your review and I'll be watching your other vids below as well.
Hey, Kirk. Thanks for watching and I'm very happy to have earned your subscription!
Fantastic review Jon! I was on the fence about the Gamestation Pro but strangely enough the sizeable collection of bonus Piko Interactive games, including some of the lesser known arcade games from Unico has me sold, with the ability to add your own games being the icing on the cake. For me, this trumps the Atari 2600+ as a value proposition, regardless of how good the official Atari console turns out to be. Keep up the awesome work :-)
Ironically, what sold it for you killed it for me and I’m going with the 2600+.
@@SumDumGy Sorry to hear that but the 2600+ looks cool as well if you're a collector :-)
@@jayme69 Thanks. I’m not sorry though. I already think there are too many third party companies out there diluting the Atari brand as it is. I’m not overly happy about the 2600+ but it’s giving me more of what I want.
thanks for doing an in-depth review and research. this video was light years beyond some of the lazy retro gamers I've seen on YT. glad to find you and subscribed!
It was my pleasure, Jeremiah. Thank you for your kind words, and I'm grateful to have added you as a viewer! 😁
Jon, thanks for covering the 5200 version of Missile Command. This was one of the games on the original console that required analog control (the 3rd party digital sticks didn't work properly with it), so it's good to see that the game works properly in this context. It's like the dream of having a self-centering 5200 analog stick finally came to fruition 40 years later. :)
Missile Command for the 5200 was meant to be played with the Trackball, which the 5200 had the best trackball for any home setup.
@@slaapliedje agreed. But this is the best we can hope for with this console. I doubt there's a compatible trackball available. ;)
@@Bikeguychicago1 Ha, I have some logitech ones I could try... if I can get around to hooking this thing up...
Yes please follow up re sd card (Game)folder.
I MUST HAVE THIS!!!!!!
Just ordered one and I ordered the new Atari 2600+ cant wait to play most of the old school games again when I was a kid, I still remember getting the Atari 2600 for Christmas back in 1979 I was 11 yrs. I still have my Atari 2600 and about 50 games in storage !!!!
Excellent video! This has me seriously considering picking one up. I would definitely love to see a follow--up in-depth video on the SD card capabilities. Specifically if it is possible to import additional roms and their respective box artwork. If it's multiple system as you seemed to elude to, then details on that would be awesome as well. Keep up the great work GXG!
Great review......definitely adding this system to the arsenal
Thanks for watching and for the kind words. 😀
@@GenXGrownUp Salutations my friend and please do the follow up for the SD game add ons 💯💰
Sure, I would love to see a follow-up video on the sd.
YES, YES, YES!!!!!!! Please do a follow-up on the SD addons. Thank you so much for all you do
You got it!
Let’s do that SD card video. 🎉
Holy cow, the last five minutes of that video was EPIC!!!
I"ll never understand why they don't supplement the 5200 collection with some 400/800 titles. Yes there could be licensing issues, but surely there are 3rd party titles that do not pose copyright issues in 2023. Heck, I' be happy with the addition of Captain Beeble & Jumpman.
Excdllent review of the system...certainly more interesting than the 2600+ (then again, I don't have a 2600 or 7800 cartridge collection, so cartridge compatibility is not important to me (but I assume that most cartridge collectors already have a compatible (and authentic) console, and the skills to keep it operating (which has become the skill to watch TH-cam videos in most cases.)
I guess the bottom line is that even my oldest computer is capable of running Atari emulator or MAME at full-speed. And so these gadgets just aren't attractive to me. The RM800XL is the exception, since it will allow the connection of a 1050 Disc Drive (or modern SD card equivalent... opening up access to thousands of Atari's best titles and the ability to write your own.
But I'd get this just for the joystick...the lattency using a DB9 to USB adapter (as I do now) is just not tolerable, and I've never had a modern USB CX-10 clone not die the first time I use it....the stick often breaking in my hand on the first use. So if these are bluetooth or PC compatible they'd be worth the price of the system. (and as you pointed out elsewhere, being an ATGames release, I won't have issues finding them locally as I did with the VCS.) and $100 is less than the price of one VCS controller shipped ($169 CAD plus shipping/duty on eBay right now)
Now back to your review, so we can learn about the SD card slot functions.
@@daleb4148 As 8-bit computer software approaches 50 years old, and the threat of it falling into the public domain looms large, we will see an influx of 400/800 titles and machines to play them on, so as to re-assert expiring copyright claims.
That's exactly what Atari50 accomplished for "Atari" and why Disney schedules re-releases, remasters and remakes of their older properties. Ageing copyrights are a use-it-or-lose-it game.
Yes, $$$ is the motivation, but the ultimate goal is to ensure that only licenced, authorized use remains permissible far beyond the regular shelf-life of the products.
It happens in every industry where intellectual property is under corporate ownership.
Far out! This is far better than I expected! Please do show us the how to’s!
Dang you've outdone yourself with this in-depth review! And My Arcade has as well; I did not expect this to be as tricked out, I kind of thought they were just going for a slicker, wireless "Flashback". But between what they included and the 'potential' (heh heh) to add games, it looks like it's an utterly solid retro winner.
He played a game and filmed it....not exactly hard work
Jon, have you tired connecting the controllers to the console directly via a USB-C cable and, if so, does that help with any lag you experienced?
As I outlined in my deeper dive on the controller: th-cam.com/video/0TpxEjpLiew/w-d-xo.html (and as verified by My Arcade), plugging the controllers into the base unit only serves to power them, as they will continue to communicate wirelessly. I've not done any specific latency testing myself, but have taken My Arcade at their word.
5200? Now this cool!
And that's just the start of it.
definitely do a follow up on the SD features. My uncle would love to be able to play games that weren't included.
Great video! Please let us know how to use to sd card reader to expand the library!
Not a big fan of these retro systems, but they seem to have gotten right this time at a price that isn't insane.
I want to complement you on something. I noticed that you held the controller like we all did back in 80’s. I’ve seen other reviews on Atari (most by younger people) and they have no idea how to use that joystick. I’ve seen some use it like a thumb stick on a modern controller, even! You wouldn’t think that would be that hard but apparently some people have no idea what to do with an Atari joystick! 😆
Yes please do a follow up on its undocumented SD features
Do the paddle wheels spin all the way around without stopping? (Is it a potentiometer or is it using gray codes?)
This system looks great ! Please do a follow up on that SD card expansion! ❤
Please do a follow up video with the sd card.. thank you!!
I'll miss out on seeing this till next Wednesday. Presently in the middle of moving and that's when the technician is coming to set the cable and internet up at the new place. Still neat that they put 200+ games on it. I honestly think this is intended for people like myself who no longer have their old physical carts. Why else release it at the same time as the 2600+? It'd make no sense.
Good luck on thge move. I hate moving!
The move went surprisingly well. Just a few bagloads of stuff left to bring up to the new place and I was lucky enough to have full bars. I'll definitely look into snagging the Gamestation.
Depending on the SD expansion. I might get this for my wife for Christmas.
Still somewhat curious about this but I feel like it has had its thunder stolen by the Atari 2600+. Pre-ordered the Atari 2600+ but the Gamestation will have to seriously impress to make me want to buy both.
For me it depends on the 5200 titles.
The thing that I don't like about the 2600+ is that it's an emulator. I would have loved it if it was a 7800 based unit.
So this another thing besides 2600+ ? What it about ?
I think there's only 6 or 7 5200 titles on this. Wondering how the joystick performs, the paddles and if the unit will work with other controllers or not.
Ultimately, the 2600+ is for people who want to continue to use cartridges for that MAXIMUM classic experience. This is for people who don't want to go that far. There's a market for both, and I'm glad to see Atari partnering up with the right people to do both. AtGames kept doing something JUST wrong enough to keep me from buying. This scratches my itch, as I don't have the wherewithal to start collecting cartridges.
@@FormulaFox what was wrong with AtGames flashback 10 50th anniversary console and how is this better?
Follow up for SD card please. Also, are you able to use Sega Genesis controllers with this? That me be useful for those games that the positioning of the buttons might be off.
Holy sweet Jesus, I never expected The Fidgetts to get a re release and especially not on something branded by Atari.
Outstanding!
SD slot
Multiple console games
Tons of arcades
Real paddle action
Please do the follow up video to put more systems on the gamepro.
If i can do it then is a must buy.
Will do!
Another great review! I am interested in the SD Card usage as well. I was on the fence about this unit, but by the end of your review, I had already ordered one. Now I just have to be patient.
When the new 2600 with physical cart port comes out you should do a compare/contrast of this & that.
yes follow up please.
Great review. I'd love to see how you added games via SD!
OK even I think this is pretty cool to see, as someone burned out on the overly focused 2600 which, make no mistake I LOVE, great to see some other classic Atari platforms represented, hopefully, this is the start of seeing more products focused on more Atari platforms. NGL this is way better than my skeptical ass expected.
Excellent video, looks like a definite purchase for me and yes please do that video to show how to expand this baby 👏🏻😀
Remapping the three red buttons on the joystick to play Missile Command would have been a nice way to replicate the arcade version of the game. And, it would still be able to retain the functionality of using the joystick buttons to navigate back to the home/menu.
I would love to see how you were able to play games from the SD Card.
Picked one of these up tonight after watching your video review, looking forward to trying it out over the weekend. And watching the expansion video!
Hope you enjoy it!
Yes, of course tell us how we can add more games! Share your treats with the rest of the class!
I was going to dismiss this crazy thing, but everything you've described sounds more tempting than the Atari 2600+... and for thirty dollars less. And it's got an SD card slot, and a dial on the friggin' controller! That dial would be aces in MAME, if someone ever figures out how to make the controller work with a PC. (Imagine Tron!)
This is so simple it seems like. Where you can learn and grow at the same time. Thank you very much!
You are welcome!
SD features--yes. Have you by any chance tried a 3 button Genesis controller or some other controller for compatibility?
No direct way to plug in a 9-pin controller, but I'm working on a follow-up that may shed some more light.
Thinking of getting this for my dad, seems pretty cool
I loved seeing Night Driver in the arcades as a lil one back then...such a great selection.
Okay. This has my interest now. Unlike other video's I've seen because they are not gen x like we are. The sd card definitely had my interest. Please do a follow up on that. Great video. Also is, haunted house on this?
Thanks!
You're very welcome, and thanks for the support! 😁
Yes, please do a follow-up on this undocumented SD feature! I ordered it. Thank you very much for showing this system.
I may have to get this. When you pulled up Missile Command, and I heard those sound effects… it hit me in the retrofeels. As a 56-year old, I’m imagining my regression to childhood as I play on a 75” screen…. Gonna have to add some Ellio’s frozen pizza and Grape Nehi to the experience.
Great video Jon. This is a pretty cool little unit!
Thanks!
Wow, that's pretty much all of Atari's current IP on a single console. Definitely more than the Flashback or even Atari 50 itself! And any missing games can be added on a SD card makes this a must buy now...
I have the new VCS 800 and it can do so much more, but I still want this to play my favorite old games on. I wonder what other old consoles it can emulate.
Is the paddle controller a potentiometer or a rotary encoder? In other words, does it physically stop, or can you turn it in one direction forever?
Off course we need SD tutorial!!!!
Actually a few games of value in the Bonus section. Also, while disappointed by the 5200 and 7800, the arcade section was deep. Got me considering…
Just bought one. Thank you for your great video. Do you know if it work with Neo Geo 8bitdo stick? Or any other stick?
Jon, loving your content on the new Atari Gamestation. The 2023 version but more importantly your rocking that 'School House Rock'shirt. Only a true gamester of the 80's know about Sat. mornings with School House Rock. 🎶 As your bodys grow bigger your mind grows taller🎶. That's the opening words. I have yes, the VHS/DVD & CD compilations of all the School House Rocks. Hey! Keep up the good work of nostalgia video games as I am always tuning in. Thanks Jon.
I am curious if the latency drops when the controller is hardwired to the console. More info on the SD slot use for other games would be appreciated too!