Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition – Ready to Level Up Your Retro Gaming Experience
Atari and Digital Eclipse are bringing some serious nostalgia vibes with their latest update to the acclaimed 2022 release, Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection. The new and beefed-up version, dubbed Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition, is about to drop with two fresh timelines and a whopping 39 extra games. Mark your calendars for October 25, when it hits PC, Switch, Xbox One and Series X, PS4 & 5, and the Atari VCS. There’s even a physical release on the horizon for Nintendo Switch and PS5 this holiday season.
Physical Release Goodies
The physical edition is packing some sweet extras, especially for the Nintendo Switch crowd. Think Steelbook version loaded with Atari 2600 art cards, tiny arcade marquee signs, an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, and a sleek Steelbook case. The standard edition is going for $39.99 USD, while the Steelbook version will set you back $49.99 USD.
The Wider World of Atari Timeline
This timeline is a treasure trove with 19 playable games and eight video segments, diving deep into Atari’s legendary history. From how Atari shaped the gaming universe to its impact on creators and fans, it’s all here. Highlights include:
- A deep dive into Stern Electronics’ robot-blasting Berzerk.
- Hidden gems and quirky innovations from the late ’80s.
- A spotlight on artist Evelyn Seto, who crafted the iconic Atari “Fuji” logo.
- Pong creator Al Alcorn breaking down the birth of Breakout.
- Exploring the fan base’s role in discovering unreleased prototypes, creating “homebrew” games, and preserving Atari’s rich history.
Digital Eclipse has done their homework, offering new interviews, vintage ads, and historical artifacts, all presented with their signature flair.
The First Console War Timeline
Get ready to relive the epic showdown between the Atari 2600 and Mattel’s Intellivision with 20 playable games and six video segments. Digital Eclipse curates this epic rivalry, including Mattel’s bold move to create games for the competing Atari 2600. Key features include:
- A selection of M Network games, some serious fan favorites.
- A mix of Atari and M Network sports games.
- Rare prototypes from the Atari 2600 and 5200.
New interviews feature legends like former Intellivision game director Don Daglow, M Network programmer Jane Terjung, Activision’s David Crane and Garry Kitchen, homebrew programmer Dennis Debro, and historians Leonard Herman and Mike Mika.
DLC for Original Owners
Got the original Atari 50 release? No worries, these new timelines and games will be available as DLCs later this year.
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to dive into the rich, pixelated world of Atari with the Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition. It’s game time!
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
