We’ve covered some exciting collections here at Retro Dodo, but Atari XP could be the best of the bunch.
If you’re here reading this article, them I’m going to assume that you know all about who Atari are and what they do.
If not, then take a look at the best Atari 2600 games and do a little research before you carry on!
So, let’s jump straight into what this new initiative is all about, how it works, and how much bang you can expect to get for your buck.
Delving into the Atari XP Initiative
We’re all for any kind of idea that keeps the retro gaming scene alive and kicking. Far from being idle in recent years, Atari has recently released its Atari VCS console, bringing classic titles to modern TV screens all over the globe.
And now, they’re releasing never before seen games for collectors and retro-gaming fans alike. It’s almost like the Easter egg that Atari fans have always been waiting for!
There are three titles that have got fans feeling pretty excited; Yar’s Return, Saboteur, and Aquaventure. Atari promise that these are the first of many games to finally see the light of day through Atari XP, though there is a slight catch.
There will only be 1,983 limited editions of each of these games released.
That’s a very specific number, isn’t it?
Well, that’s the year that these games were supposed to be released, so at least they’re paying to homage to the original deadline in some way!
How Will These Classic Games Ship?
Atari are sticklers for detail, which is just how we like it.
Each of the Atari XP releases will ship in a classic Atari 2600 box, allowing them to blend seamlessly into your pristine collection.
As you might well imagine, there’s going to be a standard edition and a limited edition version for people to buy.
The standard releases will basically offer a cartridge only option, but the limited edition versions are set to come with tonnes of extra things you don’t need but totally want.
We’re talking posters, actual instruction manuals, badges, pins; the works!
As I said above, there’s only 1,983 limited edition variants of each of these games releasing, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to bag the whole shebang!
What Are Atari Doing Now?
With the launch of the Atari VCS and downloadable versions of each Atari XP game available when purchasing limited edition bundles, Atari are making waves once again.
In fact, they’re making more than waves. They’re cementing themselves back in the modern video gaming world once and for all, albeit by remaking old games with 3D graphics and online multiplayer.
But it still counts!
With a new Food Fight release coming to the VCS soon and ports announced for all next gen consoles in 2022, Atari are coming back with a vengeance.
The question is, can they hold their own in the big leagues now?
I guess only time will tell!
What do you think about the Atari XP initiative? Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 33 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
