Dive into the old-school fun and learn more about the beginnings of gaming with the best Atari 2600 games.

New technologies are here to stay. However, some players are still enticed by retro consoles. That’s exactly the case with the Atari 2600. This video console, launched in 1977, is still surprisingly popular. It’s full of old gaming elements such as cartridges, tapes, discs and controllers.

What is the Atari 2600 all about?

The Atari 2600 console is almost a direct replica of the original version, including the wooden finishes. The only real difference is it’s smaller. In this sense, the game console has controls such as the joystick, the rotary wheel controller and the CX-30 Paddle Controller that previously had to be purchased.

One of the most notable features is its controllers, which can be uncomfortable for modern gamers because they are not exactly ergonomic.

This version only made a nod to modernity with the HDMI output which gives the possibility to enjoy the original pixel art on an updated screen.

List of the best Atari 2600 games

It’s worth noting that the style of video games offered on the Atari 2600 is arcade. Therefore, here is a list of the best titles:

Space Invaders

The Space Invaders video game was developed by the company Taito and was positioned as one of the most iconic video games of all time.

It consists of a shooting game where players must take control of a spaceship; its purpose being to defend the planet from invading alien threats.

Undoubtedly, its easy gameplay made it an immediate success just like many of the best Dreamcast games too.

Pac-Man

If you’re a fan of video games – even if you’re not – you’ve probably heard of Pac-Man, which was developed by Namco. Undeniably, this title is one of the classics that are an excellent choice for any kind of gamer and was even able to define an era.

The game’s methodology consists of controlling the character (called Pac-Man) as he devours dots and dodges ghosts in a colorful maze. Despite the technical limitations of the Atari 2600, this version managed to capture the essence of the original video game and is one of the best-selling games of all time.

Pitfall!

Pitfall! was developed by Activision and immediately became a hit and an enduring classic of the Atari era.

This video game is part of the adventure video games that require you to overcome a series of obstacles, which are overcome by jumping or by using elements in the area. One of its main characteristics is its level of difficulty, as it was capable of getting on players’ nerves. On the other hand, it has two parallel levels in the same stage, i.e. one at ground level and one below ground level.

Frostbite

Last but not least, Frostbite was also developed by Activison. This video game was affectionately known as the “Frostbite game”.

In general terms, it is about an Eskimo (Frostbite Bailey) who has to build his igloos. However, to achieve his goal, he has to jump over floating ice, and overcome some killers clams, snow geese, king crabs and polar bears, and collect ice in order to build his home.

Difficulty arises when several animals interfere with the ice, causing a fall into the icy water and losing a life.

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Although new technologies are sweeping away the popularity of the older video game consoles, the best Atari 2600 games are accepted and appreciated for their simplicity, easy gameplay and the sense of nostalgia generated in older gamers. Thus, it is assumed that this is not the end of the game console with a new Atari x Web3 project being announced back in 2022.