Whilst the original Atari 2600 was slightly before my time, I’ve always been curious of the earliest home games that were released during late 70s and the 80s.. So I tried the Atari Flashback series and the fantastic Atari 50 collection (available on Switch, PS5 and Xbox). Whilst the flashback series are decent 'mini' consoles, their devices were not true to the original hardware in many regards, and none had the ability to accept original cartridges. That’s why I was so excited to hear that Atari, as it is in its current form, was to release the Atari 2600 plus, a console that is as close to an original Atari machine as you can get without buying an original and all that entails.
The machine itself is 80 percent the size of the original device and comes as the four switched version. The build seems pretty good and the switches seem high quality. There is a HDMI port for connection to TV (I really appreciate this, since it makes it so easy to hook up to modern TVs and the HDMI cable is provided in the box). Power is provided via a USB C port, and a cable (USB A to USB C) is provided in the box too, though note that you need to provide your own USB power adapter. Also in the box is a single joystick (CX-40) that connects via an original DB9 connector (and as far as I know, original accessories from the original are compatible). The joystick seems really good, if a bit stiff... but I don't think these joysticks were ever the most comfortable input devices. Expect sore hands after a few hours of gaming. A 10 in 1 game cartridge is provided in the box and contains a few Atari classics. Choosing each game is a matter of setting the DIP switches on the back of the cart as per the instruction on the cart label. Of these games, I felt Missile command was currently my favourite. It is a pity they don't have pitfall, asteroids, space invaders or the infamous ET on this cart.
Same as the original consoles, there is a cartridge port on top that you insert the cartridge into (either the new carts released by Atari, or original carts). Once the cartridge is inserted and the unit switched on you’re presented with an Atari boot screen and after 10 or 15 seconds your game is booted up and ready to play. A nice touch is the lit up Atari logo on the front of the device!
As far as I can tell, without owning original hardware… the games run as original console and play as expected. I think some reviews online have suggested some slight input lag (I believe with the paddles), but I haven't had any issues with the paddles myself. My own opinion is that there is a very, very slight amount of latency, without doing any complicated latency tests, but nothing to stop you enjoying and playing the games. Input with the joystick is perfect.
According to the Atari website this console uses emulation to play games. I guess this system dumps the ROM from the games cartridge onto the internal memory for the emulation software to run it, hence the slight delay at boot up. Since this is emulation and not original hardware, there may be some games that don’t run and Atari have posted a games compatibility list on their website.
Whilst the build quality and function are superb, I must warn that many of the games from the 70s and 80s have not aged well. If you know what you’re getting into and are an Atari fan, I think you will love it. Otherwise, I think many will play with this an hour or two and put it away. This really is a system for people who already have a collection of Atari games cartridges, or for those who are very much into early Atari or passionate retro collectors.
Further Updates:
I’ve also purchased the paddles now and my first impressions are excellent. You get two paddles in the pack and a 4 game cartridge. The paddles are of very high quality and the mechanism is really nice and smooth and with just the right amount of resistance for precision during games. The single button also gives good feedback too. The games are pretty good, especially breakout, canyon bomber and video Olympics. Night driver is ok… it’s got interesting graphics but I found it hard to control. All in all the paddles are a great deal considering what you get in the box.
In addition, I bought an extra Joystick and the Mr Run and Jump game. The separate joystick is as per the Joystick included with the 2600 plus console. As such is also stiff, and from what I know, this is how it was at the time of the original 2600. The fire button is nice, with good feedback. I have to say, I think I like the looser joysticks that came with the Flashback series of mini consoles...they feel a bit more comfortable to use for long gaming sessions. But still, this joystick has fantastic build quality and it does the job well. The new Mr Run and Jump game looks superb considering its simplicity. I will update this review once I have time to give it a play through.
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- Menkind Atari Flashback 12 USB Powered Fixed ROM Console with 110 Classic GamesMenkindNot Machine Specific
From the manufacturer
Customers say
Customers find the Atari 2600 Plus to be a fantastic piece of hardware that brings back great memories and plays like the original console. The power supply receives positive feedback for its USB C port, and one customer notes it works well with all original 1980s game carts. While the display quality displays beautifully, some customers mention the graphics are jerky, and while the joystick is fantastic, not all cartridges work with it.
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39 customers mention build quality, 34 positive, 5 negative
Great little console. Great to be able to play retro games. Would highly recommend for any lovers of vintage consoles/games.Read more
good productRead more
A great product. I added the purchase of a pair of the paddle controllers, which work great, too....Read more
...Whilst the build quality and function are superb, I must warn that many of the games from the 70s and 80s have not aged well....Read more
21 customers mention nostalgia, 21 positive, 0 negative
Excellent reissue of a classic console!...Read more
...point is all the original game cartridges work perfectly in this great retro system. Don’t expect PS5 style graphics or gameplay!Read more
...were rubbish the sound, terrible and the game play short but the memories are great and the children of today should see how lucky they are with the...Read more
...cartridges in 4k is a beautiful feat of modern engineering with a retro classic. It is a joy to play all your old cartridges on this small marvel....Read more
12 customers mention playability, 12 positive, 0 negative
...It plays games well, but there's just something a little off about them....Read more
...Weird playing original cartridges on a new device that looks the original, for a collector must buy, centipede brought back some good memoriesRead more
...The display is great and it has played every cartridge that I have tried so far (including PAL, NTSC and one Atari 7800)....Read more
Amazing. All my original games play perfectly, and this updated version connects to the TV by HDMI - it's smaller, too....Read more
11 customers mention joystick quality, 9 positive, 2 negative
...the carts in really adds to the nostalgia, and the joysticks are a glorious replica of those un-ergonomic chunks of hard plastic Atari gave us back...Read more
...The joysticks are pretty true to their 1980s ancestors as well, tough as hell to use, and not the most ergonomic to hold but thats the price for a...Read more
...The joystick seems really good, if a bit stiff... but I don't think these joysticks were ever the most comfortable input devices....Read more
...The console is a little bit bigger than an Atari Jnr and comes with 1 joystick and a 10 in 1 multicart of games....Read more
11 customers mention power supply, 8 positive, 3 negative
...like an Original Atari 2600 (albeit smaller) and has the convenience of an HDMI output, which helps if you have one of the newer televisions with no...Read more
...Plugs into HDMI and USB power. I've got about 30 cartridges and everything works, it's also updatable via USB.Read more
...Second, this doesn’t come with a power adapter. Ensure you have a suitable USB / USB C charger....Read more
...up under your TV plug in the hdmi, plug in the power and attach your included controller....Read more
10 customers mention fun to play, 8 positive, 2 negative
Retro fun...Read more
...to use on a modern smart TV allowing you to once again play those favourite childhood games that have sat waiting in the attic for this device to...Read more
Great for playing your old carts, But I was disappointed to see that all the new releases and limited editions except for the 3 available now are...Read more
...Yes the games graphics were rubbish the sound, terrible and the game play short but the memories are great and the children of today should see how...Read more
30 customers mention functionality, 15 positive, 15 negative
...The joystick has that rubbery / dead feel, but works well and uses the same 9-pin connector so I assume classic sticks will work...Read more
...When I tried my PAL format cartridges they were almost unplayable - unresponsive, laggy, not at all fun....Read more
...Plugs into HDMI and USB power. I've got about 30 cartridges and everything works, it's also updatable via USB.Read more
...There are some issues with PAL games when using the firmware that comes out of the box (displaying incorrect colours or having sprites missing), but...Read more
11 customers mention graphics quality, 7 positive, 4 negative
Great non existent graphics, sound quality is ridiculous because that’s how it was. It’s perfect!Read more
...Yes the games graphics were rubbish the sound, terrible and the game play short but the memories are great and the children of today should see how...Read more
...Nostalgia overload! And with a HD lead and projector, Maze Craze is a blast!Read more
...Brilliant kit if you want to play 2600 games on a modern TV, absolutely perfect picture....Read more
Half the size and plays like the original.
Works as Intended and simple setup, selecting games seemed a bit "upside down" when you look at the cartridge and then flip it around to change but the numbers help you realise what is what so nothing game breaking, comes with one joystick and a handful of games. If you have the original games laying around, give them a try as it technically will fit and known to play 95% of the old school games!!!!! (update firmware) A nice touch with the light up Atari logo. (see photo) It is not as heavy as the original which you will be thankful for haha Half the size keeping close to the original for HDMI. You will be happy to know it has almost everything to play, It comes with 1x HDMI Cable, 1x USB Power Cable, 1x Joystick. All you need is a USB plug. (I recommend buying one that is not cheaply made and connect it to a surge protector.) I use my old Samsung plugs that are laying around and even the surge protector power USB My favourite game is Missile Attack that comes with this Mini console. A challenging game is the Volleyball The game Im trying to figure out is Haunted House and Adventure. Some games are two player but you only have 1 controller. majority of the games are single player. Recommend for anyone who enjoys Retro games and even collecting the Mini Consoles. You can not go wrong! NOTE: There is also games coming out for the Atari 2600+ like Dark Chambers, Tiger-Helicopter, Avalanche and countermeasure 2 that says it will work with this coming in July 2025.
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2023
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 February 2024
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2025
Top reviews from other countries
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KiritoReviewed in France on 1 February 2026
Fonctionne bien mais description trompeuse
- CSReviewed in Australia on 9 January 2026
Excellent but update the firmware immediately!
Brilliant! Well built. Slightly smaller than the original but that's kinda cool. Satisfying solid clunk when you use the switches and the LED logo is a nice touch. My old carts worked first time. But the newer 7800 carts didn't UNTIL I flashed the firmware from the factory fresh version 1.0 to the current 2.0.1.4 found on Atari's website. Very easy and quick to do. This is an absolute necessity if you want all your games to load. Otherwise all good. Let the memories roll in!CSExcellent but update the firmware immediately!
Reviewed in Australia on 9 January 2026
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Luca VercellottiReviewed in Italy on 23 April 2024
Atari 2600+ un grande classico riprodotto e aggiornato per funzionare sui moderni TV
- LigiaReviewed in Spain on 13 December 2024
Perfect to eveyone that have old cartdriges
This is a must to everyone that had an Atari (2600 or 7800) and still have old cartdriges.LigiaPerfect to eveyone that have old cartdriges
Reviewed in Spain on 13 December 2024
Being testing for a while and It just delivers what is promisses.
No fancy addons, just plug the game, connect it to tv (hdmi) and power-on. The external case is just like the old one, a bit lighter i think. The lit Atari logo is a great touch
The included joystick is a bit stiff, but works fine, and yes, it is compatible with the original joysticks as well.
I've tested the 10 in 1 cartdrige that came and some old ones, all booted correctly and feels the same.
Bottom line: A great console - i would say that it's not an evolution, the feeling is that its the old console with new hdmi connection.
If you do not have old hardware to use, maybe this is not the correct console for you, there are some that comes with preinstaled games. But if you do and want the original feel, this one is old school cartdrige dependent and it does a great job on delivering that.
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caddy_KReviewed in Germany on 11 September 2025
Eine tolle Lösung für alte Atari Cartridges, weniger was für Retro Puristen
