Forty-five years after PAC-MAN first chomped his way into arcades, Atari is honoring gaming’s most iconic dot-gobbler with a nostalgia-packed tribute: a limited-edition Atari 2600 Plus console and wireless CX-40 Plus joysticks, designed to evoke the golden age of 8-bit gaming. The release marks a full-circle moment for Atari, which brought the yellow hero to home consoles in 1982 amid record-breaking sales—and now rekindles that legacy with modern flair.
The Atari 2600 Plus resurrects the classic wood-panel aesthetic of the original 1977 console but packs today’s tech under the hood. It’s fully HDMI-compatible, includes a library of 100+ built-in games (Adventure, Yars’ Revenge, and more), and supports original Atari 2600 cartridges. Paired with it are the CX-40 Plus Wireless Joysticks, re-engineered versions of Atari’s iconic controller. They boast Bluetooth connectivity, 10-hour batteries, and the same tactile click that defined 1980s gameplay—now without tangled cords.
PAC-MAN’s influence is woven throughout the design: the console features subtle ghost-labyrinth motifs, while the joysticks sport vibrant yellow accents and embossed PAC-MAN artwork. For collectors, Atari emphasizes this drop’s scarcity—only 45,000 units exist globally, a nod to the anniversary.
"PAC-MAN didn’t just define gaming; he bridged generations," said Atari CEO Wade Rosen. "This release honors that cultural footprint while letting fans relive the magic exactly as they remember it—pure, joyful, and slightly addictive."
Dive into the full Atari x PAC-MAN Collection, including behind-the-scenes design stories and direct purchasing options, here:
👉 Explore the Limited-Edition Collection
👉 Secure Yours on Amazon
The timing taps into a broader retro-gaming resurgence, with analysts noting Gen Z’s growing fascination with vintage titles. For PAC-MAN devotees, the bundle is a functional time capsule: play Ms. PAC-MAN or Dig Dug on a console that looks straight off a 1982 shelf, then switch to modern titles via USB-C.
Pre-orders opened this morning, with units shipping in October—just in time for the holidays. Whether you’re a veteran who battled Blinky in arcades or a newcomer curious about gaming’s roots, this anniversary drop is a rare chance to own a slice of pixelated history. Game on! 🎮💛
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