My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro
Price: $79.99 | Rating: 3.8 (785 ratings)
The My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro packs over 200 officially licensed Atari® titles—2600, 5200, 7800 and arcade classics—into a single HDMI-ready console. Specifically, whether you’re sneaking past centipedes in the garden maze or defending cities in Missile Command, it’s a cozy trip back to gaming’s golden age.
Design & Setup
- Dynamic RGB LED lights: cycle rainbow, solid white or solid orange via controller menu
- Two 2.4 GHz wireless joysticks with paddle knobs for Breakout, Warlords & more
- TV hookup: USB‑C power + HDMI cable (both included); you supply a 5 V/2 A adapter
- Game save slots & firmware update (v1.30 at launch); also, microSD slot lets you add homebrew or legally acquired ROMs
Once everything is connected, setup took me under ten minutes. Plug USB power, HDMI into the TV, insert batteries in controllers, and you’re pixel‑hopping in no time.
Gameplay & Performance
Asteroids feels as thrilling as ever when you clear the cosmic debris; moreover, the paddle games respond smoothly to the knob’s light resistance. The built‑in save feature is a lifesaver when you’re halfway through a tricky level of Crystal Castles.
- Input latency: If you notice lag, switch to wired play with USB‑C cables and flip your TV into “Game” mode to shave off those precious milliseconds.
- Arcade classics: Although the joystick’s travel is a bit shorter than the CX‑40, it’s snug for Centipede runs.
- Extra games: With a 32 GB SD card, you could carry thousands of homebrew titles—just ask a 10‑year‑old to handle the install.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge library of official Atari titles
- Easy DIY expansions via microSD
- Customizable LEDs add a retro‑arcade glow
Cons
- Controllers need AA batteries (not included)
- Paddle knob and button layout feel different from originals
- Requires Windows for official firmware updater (Mac/Linux users may need workarounds)
Tips & Tricks
- Use “Game” picture mode on your modern TV to reduce input lag.
- Wire your controllers for pixel-perfect timing when playing Missile Command or Track & Field.
- Search YouTube for “Adding games to the Atari Gamestation Pro” to expand your library—just be sure to source ROMs legally.
Final Thoughts
Overall, for under $80, this console is like unearthing a treasure trove of cozy nostalgia. Also, even if you never add extra games, guiding your pixel avatar through Breakout’s bouncing bricks or ducking fireballs in Millipede feels endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned retro‑veteran or a curious newcomer, the Atari Game Station Pro offers an approachable, friendly trip down memory lane.
