How is it going? A question for Atari, Ben, and Plaion

[JetmanUK]

18 minutes ago, Microjak said:

Yeh I prefer the original design myself but the new joystick button layout does look better as well as the gamepad👍

 

Agreed, I don't really like the colour of the new console. I'll probably pick up the new controllers, the old one is good for single button games and whilst wired. Actually really good in that scenario, which is mostly how I use it. Wireless, it's terrible, and the button layout for more sophisticated games is bad. 

Edited February 4 by JetmanUK

[Nick41]

On 2/4/2024 at 3:17 AM, JetmanUK said:

Other than Hangman, any tips on Atari games for non gamers to try to draw them in? I don't think she'd play Chess, Othello, Bridge, Casino etc. I mean more of an accessible game with a hook. 

I'd recommend Bump n Jump, DigDug, Joust, Tennis, in addition to classics like Donkey Kong, Pac Man, and Pitfall

[Nick41]

I want to thank Ben and the team as well.  I hope the success continues long into the future.

[Zonie]

OK, so some pressing questions, I'm in the MFG business too so these questions always pop into my head. If some are SN 60,000, and it started at SN 001 then that is a good number for this.

 

People don't like the color? What's not to like? Black and woodgrain. Classic. Yeah, I'd prefer a 6-switch too. Even Lego did a four switch. Not sure why that one seems to be the one they all pattern after. Maybe the most made?

Now that the 7800 homebrews are starting to work, I might consider this in addition to the 400 Mini which I did order. I have a tired AV modded 7800, but my new Samsung 85" has only HDMI 🫤🤔🙄

[MikeM_]

54 minutes ago, Zonie said:

Now that the 7800 homebrews are starting to work, I might consider this in addition to the 400 Mini which I did order. I have a tired AV modded 7800, but my new Samsung 85" has only HDMI 🫤🤔🙄

My 7800 has started giving me video issues so instead of going down the road of recapping and an A/V mod, I decided to just get a 2nd 2600+ for my living room and I have no regrets. Plays all of my 7800 games well and aside from a couple problematic Coleco carts, and the games that use keypads, all of which I suspect will eventually get resolved in FW (and of course Pitfall 2), it plays all of my 2600 games very well. 
 

No reason to holdout any longer if you ask me. 👍🏼 

[2LTIME6100]

I've just had a few thoughts about the console...

 

Here in the forum a lot revolves around homebrews. Is it possible to estimate what the majority of Plus customers are really interested in? Is it homebrews and new games or simply playing the original, often decades-old Atari game collection on the modern television?

 

When I read reviews on Amazon, my impression is that most buyers just see it as a great way to play their old game collection on their modern television after many years. Many report a great “back to childhood” experience.

 

Things that are noted negatively often revolve around compatibility issues with old games. There were some problems with firmware 1.0, especially in the PAL region, and the update process to the new firmware may not be possible for every customer. Many people simply expect a perfectly functioning device out of the box and are disappointed when this is not the case. If my assessment is correct, the best possible compatibility of the old Atari games would be the most important selling point. A functioning Pitfall 2 should have more impact on customers than compatibility with modern homebrews. Please don't get me wrong, ideally everything works perfectly in PAL and NTSC. But first, the things that ensure good sales of the console among the broad masses of customers should be perfected and, in the case of new batches, this should also be done directly with the sales version.

 

What do you think about it? What demands will the majority of buyers have on the device and how do you assess the long-term success of the console?

[MikeM_]

@2LTIME6100

 

For me personally, the original releases are the primary draw. I’ve built up a decent collection over the years and having new and reliable HW that works on my modern TVs and can play my existing carts is a great perk. 
 

That said, I am interested in new titles as well. So far, I only have 2 new games (Mr. Run and Jump and Circus Convoy. Berserk Enhanced may count as well) and 1 AA game on order (Bentley Bear). I’m a little picky, so I won’t get anything just because it’s new. I typically check out gameplay vids of titles I am looking to get to make sure it’s something I’d actually play vs just sit as a collectors item. 
 

I also have the Atari 50 collection on a couple of my modern consoles so I do have access to some of the games that don’t currently have cartridge releases. 
 

In the end, nostalgia is a big part of this for me. I had friends with 2600s when I was a kid and we had a ton of fun playing these games. They are still fun so it’s great to have the ability to continue playing. 👍🏼 

[infinite.pies]

2 hours ago, 2LTIME6100 said:

Here in the forum a lot revolves around homebrews. Is it possible to estimate what the majority of Plus customers are really interested in? Is it homebrews and new games or simply playing the original, often decades-old Atari game collection on the modern television?

 

When I read reviews on Amazon, my impression is that most buyers just see it as a great way to play their old game collection on their modern television after many years. Many report a great “back to childhood” experience.

 

I have no evidence, but my gut feel is that most users are looking for a hit of nostalgia with original games.

 

I only found this forum after the 2600+ was released. I had no idea that homebrews even existed, and I suspect the majority of people buying this console now have no idea that there is a whole community who have been continuing to develop games beyond the 1970's and 80's.

 

However, while I suspect most people currently buying the 2600+ are playing original games, it's probably this community that will keep the 2600+ alive and being used well into the future, and ultimately new games may become more important than originals.

[Sean_1970]

3 hours ago, 2LTIME6100 said:

I've just had a few thoughts about the console...

 

Here in the forum a lot revolves around homebrews. Is it possible to estimate what the majority of Plus customers are really interested in? Is it homebrews and new games or simply playing the original, often decades-old Atari game collection on the modern television?

 

When I read reviews on Amazon, my impression is that most buyers just see it as a great way to play their old game collection on their modern television after many years. Many report a great “back to childhood” experience.

 

Things that are noted negatively often revolve around compatibility issues with old games. There were some problems with firmware 1.0, especially in the PAL region, and the update process to the new firmware may not be possible for every customer. Many people simply expect a perfectly functioning device out of the box and are disappointed when this is not the case. If my assessment is correct, the best possible compatibility of the old Atari games would be the most important selling point. A functioning Pitfall 2 should have more impact on customers than compatibility with modern homebrews. Please don't get me wrong, ideally everything works perfectly in PAL and NTSC. But first, the things that ensure good sales of the console among the broad masses of customers should be perfected and, in the case of new batches, this should also be done directly with the sales version.

 

What do you think about it? What demands will the majority of buyers have on the device and how do you assess the long-term success of the console?

I was aware of homebrew having played some on previous compilations, but the draw was always going to be nostalgia for the old carts. Now I am interested in homebrews, but not if I have to pay to import them from the States and not if I have to buy a windows laptop to upgrade the 2600+ firmware. In fact it’s safe to say that unless a firmware update also lets me play Star Raiders with the keypad controller, homebrews aren’t an incentive for me to do that alone.

[danny_galaga]

MORE PADDLE CONTROLLERS PLEASE! 🙂

[DEANJIMMY]

To play the old library including my homebrews was my goal and we get close with the new firmware. 

I will add a very few old games, max 10 over extended time, as they are just nice to have or expensive US import and my library is already big.

I am very interested in more homebrews and have some on my list, split into two orders.

Due to the shipping, VAT and toll issue I am holding them back for now.

 

[2LTIME6100]

18 hours ago, Sean_1970 said:

I was aware of homebrew having played some on previous compilations, but the draw was always going to be nostalgia for the old carts. Now I am interested in homebrews, but not if I have to pay to import them from the States and not if I have to buy a windows laptop to upgrade the 2600+ firmware. In fact it’s safe to say that unless a firmware update also lets me play Star Raiders with the keypad controller, homebrews aren’t an incentive for me to do that alone.

That's what I think too. Such original Atari accessories like the Star Raiders Keypad should work. 

[Glorkbot]

On 2/27/2024 at 5:02 PM, Sean_1970 said:

I am interested in homebrews, but not if I have to pay to import them from the States 

there's a whole bunch of homebrew that can only be imported from countries other than the United States. There's a ton from Brazil, for instance.

[Sean_1970]

10 hours ago, Glorkbot said:

there's a whole bunch of homebrew that can only be imported from countries other than the United States. There's a ton from Brazil, for instance.

They have shops? I’m sceptical that postage and VAT would be less, but I’m willing to take a look!

[Glorkbot]

1 hour ago, Sean_1970 said:

They have shops? I’m sceptical that postage and VAT would be less, but I’m willing to take a look!

Not exactly a shop, but these guys from Brazil have a website: https://www.zarkstars.com

If you click “buy” it just sends you to email. You’re supposed to email them for purchasing instructions. (And I have no idea if the games run on Atari 2600+).

Edited February 29 by Glorkbot

[Sean_1970]

9 hours ago, Glorkbot said:

Not exactly a shop, but these guys from Brazil have a website: https://www.zarkstars.com

If you click “buy” it just sends you to email. You’re supposed to email them for purchasing instructions. (And I have no idea if the games run on Atari 2600+).

Noted for future reference - that game looks pretty cool and if I understood correctly it’s going to be a series?

[2LTIME6100]

I was a little surprised today...

At Media Markt in my city (a large German electronics store) the last pieces of their 2600+ stock was on special sale at 77 EURO each (normal price was 119 Euro).

It looks like the console will be discontinued there. May be that it is still being sold in the online shop, but it obviously wasn't worth selling in the store.

 

My opinion: It's a great console for a small group of customers (50+ with nostalgic memories of the good old days) but unfortunately the majority of customers don't seem to have much use for the concept.

It would be all the more important for Atari to bring future games onto the market in such a way that appreciative collectors receive a unique product.

This includes lovingly designed packaging and printed, beautifully designed instructions.

 

I hope that the console can stay on the market for a while and all of us, who have invested their money in the concept, will receive a well-developed firmware that will make everyone happy 🙂 

 

[Goochman]

My $0.02 is Atari needs to bring these concepts together in a comprehensive package.  The VCS800 wasnt a bad idea but wrong price point, however it can run more modern games.  Take the 2600+ and give it the ability to run the same store/games the VCS800 can (maybe to a lesser degree due to GPU) and I think you have a winner.  SD slot is a must and it defines a "platform" from Atari with new and old games.  Having the GameStation Pro and 2600+ and VCS with different UIs and overlap in games is a mess to me.

 

Just my $0.02

[Zonie]

1 minute ago, Goochman said:

My $0.02 is Atari needs to bring these concepts together in a comprehensive package.  The VCS800 wasnt a bad idea but wrong price point, however it can run more modern games.  Take the 2600+ and give it the ability to run the same store/games the VCS800 can (maybe to a lesser degree due to GPU) and I think you have a winner.  SD slot is a must and it defines a "platform" from Atari with new and old games.  Having the GameStation Pro and 2600+ and VCS with different UIs and overlap in games is a mess to me.

 

Just my $0.02

Yeah, an SD slot OR games being loadable via the USB like The 400Mini in addition to the cart port would be ideal.

[BIGHMW]

On 2/3/2024 at 1:50 PM, Ben from Plaion said:

Thanks for posting, these are questions I'd ask if I was on the other side of the fence as a consumer watching it all, but they venture too deeply into commercially sensitive detail for me to answer.

 

The one thing I would say is that we have just announced more accessories and games to build on the launch range of products. We would not be doing this if the 2600+ was a lemon. 

 

The veracity of social media interactions detailing wants and desires for the project dwarfs the realtime ability of us satisfying them. 

 

However my thoughts are always to take it all into account and think about leap frogging the consumer feedback with products that provide wow moments.

 

I might fail and Food Fight, Ninja Golf and Fatal Run might be the last 2600+ new products....but somehow I doubt that.

@Ben from Plaion one question, coming from a longtime Atarian (since 1983) will the new games also work on the older original hardware (like my 2600 Jr.)? I'm looking forward to trying the newer titles out on her, I never thought Food Fight would be doable 40 years ago like we know now that it COULD BE due to all the built-up knowledge of what a 2600 CAN and cannot do.

[SuperZapperRecharge]

1 hour ago, BIGHMW said:

will the new games also work on the older original hardware (like my 2600 Jr.)?

Food Fight is a 7800 game. Food Fight will not work on a 2600 Jr.

[+MattelAquarius]

21 hours ago, Goochman said:

My $0.02 is Atari needs to bring these concepts together in a comprehensive package. 

 

I agree.  A new 7800 (it can still look like the 2600 for wider recognition) that has a card slot, and the functionality of the 7800GD and Mega7800.  

 

1) Controller accessible save states and cheats.

2) HDMI output with CRT blur option (Or even allow RGB analog output cables, just like the GameDrive)

3) Variety of established 7800 audio chip options

4) Enhanced controller options 

5) Cartridge slot and SD card slot

 

If we're going pie-in-the-sky, perhaps a new graphics mode that can be overlaid on the existing 7800 graphics for slightly improved new development.  This would then become the Enhanced 2600+.  But that will likely never happen.

 

I'm not advocating for this next one, but i would understand if they include some sort of DRM that would allow Atari to sell NEW titles in ROM form, which would be locked to a user/device.  Legacy ROMs would be unaffected.

 

Not a fan of DRM, but I support Atari being able to make a profit with any ambitious future endeavors, such as publishing brand new titles. 

 

[BIGHMW]

20 hours ago, SuperZapperRecharge said:

Food Fight is a 7800 game. Food Fight will not work on a 2600 Jr.

Well then I already have it for the 7800 so I’m good but you would think that maybe with the advances of what we can do with a 2600 that a version for it would now be doable.

[SuperZapperRecharge]

4 hours ago, BIGHMW said:

Well then I already have it for the 7800 so I’m good but you would think that maybe with the advances of what we can do with a 2600 that a version for it would now be doable.

Food Fight on an original VCS would be a huge challenge but if it works from a game play point of view I'd surely pick it up.

Champ Games does have RobotWar 2684 which is awesome and something I did not think was possible on a VCS.

[Ben from Plaion]

On 3/14/2024 at 4:27 PM, MattelAquarius said:

 

I agree.  A new 7800 (it can still look like the 2600 for wider recognition) that has a card slot, and the functionality of the 7800GD and Mega7800.  

 

1) Controller accessible save states and cheats.

2) HDMI output with CRT blur option (Or even allow RGB analog output cables, just like the GameDrive)

3) Variety of established 7800 audio chip options

4) Enhanced controller options 

5) Cartridge slot and SD card slot

 

If we're going pie-in-the-sky, perhaps a new graphics mode that can be overlaid on the existing 7800 graphics for slightly improved new development.  This would then become the Enhanced 2600+.  But that will likely never happen.

 

I'm not advocating for this next one, but i would understand if they include some sort of DRM that would allow Atari to sell NEW titles in ROM form, which would be locked to a user/device.  Legacy ROMs would be unaffected.

 

Not a fan of DRM, but I support Atari being able to make a profit with any ambitious future endeavors, such as publishing brand new titles. 

 

Thanks for posting, hypothetically speaking

 

1) Controller accessible save states and cheats. -  Yeah, but not easy, would have to design a system to span both emulators and do it tastefully, Stella does it real nice in mustard and brown with a very nice font.

2) HDMI output with CRT blur option - Bilinear filter and or scanlines? Decent scanlines require too much CPU grunt. Bilinear needs a UI or physical switch.

(Or even allow RGB analog output cables, just like the GameDrive)  - Not enough people in my opinion would utilise a display out other then HDMI to warrant the expense.

3) Variety of established 7800 audio chip options - You mean like Pokey and YM? If so yes.

4) Enhanced controller options  - Atari controller options and or stuff like Megadrive/Genesis controllers. The latter probably a no cause pin outs of the db9 socket arent the same.

5) Cartridge slot and SD card slot  - Yes and probably not.

 

a new graphics mode that can be overlaid on the existing 7800 graphics for slightly improved new development.  - The chip is not capable of much more performance, as far as I am aware most games run sweet 60fps stable using lets say an average of <50% CPU power, but some games push it, up until recently, California Games intro maxed the CPU to 100% causing slow down.....on a title screen...and thats a 2600 game. Having said that I've seen recently firmware builds with substanstial reductions in CPU usage which has dealt with reported issues such as the California Games one that we think were basically down to the CPU being maxed out.

 

Something interesting came up the other day in conversation, theoretically I was asked if I could bypass all emulation and use the raw power of the Rockchip 3128 CPU. Quite the thought as its really just a linux based mini PC. Idea was quashed by someone commenting that the snail like transfer speed of the dumper chip would make loading from a cart to the CPU painfully slow/impossible.

 

include some sort of DRM that would allow Atari to sell NEW titles in ROM form, which would be locked to a user/device.  - It would be nice to test this out but regretably I would likely have to roll out the tired "I dont think the investment would bring in a profit"

 

Cheers