Atari has officially revealed the Gamestation Go handheld at CES 2025, showcasing a surprisingly ambitious device that goes beyond simple retro emulation. This new handheld, rumored for the past year, features a unique control setup designed to authentically recreate classic gaming experiences.
A Nostalgic Twist on Modern Handheld Gaming
The Gamestation Go incorporates a built-in Trak-Ball (Atari's version of a trackball), a feature that will delight fans of classic arcade games like Centipede and Missile Command. This is accompanied by a paddle control, ideal for games like Breakout, and a numeric keypad, hinting at support for Intellivision titles.
Key features include:
- Built-in Trak-Ball (trackball) for authentic arcade experience
- Paddle controller
- Numeric keypad for Intellivision titles
- Backlit action buttons that illuminate relevant controls per game
- 16:9 widescreen display
- HDMI output for big-screen gaming
- Standard headphone jack
- Two USB-C ports for additional controllers
- microSD card slot for storage expansion (unconfirmed)
My Arcade Handling Development
My Arcade, known for its retro gaming hardware, is developing the Gamestation Go, which suggests a strong software lineup considering their previous collaboration with Atari on the Gamestation Pro included over 200 games.
Pricing and Skepticism
While the Gamestation Go shows promise, Atari's track record has led to skepticism. The original Gamestation Portable was slated to be $150, but with the Go's enhanced features, it's expected to be a slightly higher price. Atari will reveal the official pricing during CES 2025.
Despite any concerns, the inclusion of the Trak-Ball and paddle controller reflects a thoughtful approach by Atari. Instead of relying solely on emulation, the Gamestation Go seems to be aiming to genuinely recreate the feeling of playing classic arcade games while adding modern convenience.
Source: gamerant
