Atari 2600+ Pac‑Man Edition Review
Summary: It’s beginning to sound a lot like Atari‑MAS and this little yellow console absolutely delivers the cheer!
4.5
Real retro!
It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Atari‑MAS…
The arrival of the Atari 2600+ Pac‑Man Edition in Australia (12-Dec-2025) is a celebration of gaming’s (well one anyway) most recognisable characters, blending nostalgia with modern convenience. Released to tie in with Pac‑Man’s 45th anniversary that occurred earlier this year, this themed console pairs a bright yellow design with a matching wireless joystick and a two‑in‑one cartridge system that includes both the 2600 and 7800 versions of the game. The cartridge slot is also backwards compatible with hundreds of original Atari 2600 and 7800 games which makes this more than just an emulator and imaging have this tech back in the day? Wow indeed!
Opening the box immediately sets the tone for what Atari is aiming for with this edition and with Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time as well and made me feel like a kid again. The bright Pac‑Man yellow shell stands out straight away and the illuminated character strip across the front (left) adds a subtle arcade flavour with Pac and his ghosts, including the cool Atari logo on the right. Further, the CX40+ wireless joystick continues that theme by keeping the classic look while adding USB‑C charging and the included Pac‑Man Double Feature cartridge completes the bundle with both versions ready to play without any extra steps – Super cool indeed! Best of all no CRT TV is needed, although I’m sure you could still rig one if you needed but nonetheless, this classic modern amalgam works surprisingly well.
Getting the console up and running is straightforward and quick; however, it is worth noting the console only includes a USB‑C cable with no power adapter, so you will need to supply your own. Once the console is powered and connected to your TV, you’re ready to retro game. The media kit that we received added a fun touch by including a locked box that required a four-digit code to open and after trying several codes (2600, 1977, 7800), the correct answer turned out to be 1982, which of course is a special year for Atari.
Switching between 2600 and 7800 modes is handled through the DIP switches which offer a firm and satisfying click and pairing the wireless joystick is simple thanks to clear LED indicators and a straightforward sync process. The manuals and quick start guides are well-written, including diagrams and a DIP switch chart that makes the whole experience easy to understand, even for players who have never used an Atari before.
Jumping into gameplay quickly highlights why these classics still hold up. The 2600 version of Pac‑Man delivers the chunky sprites and flickering ghosts that defined early home gaming while the 7800 version offers smoother movement and cleaner visuals that feel closer to the arcade. Both versions look better than expected on a modern TV thanks to the clean HDMI output which preserves the retro aesthetic without making it look muddy or stretched and the classic sound effects come through clearly. The joystick is the only real compromise because although it feels authentic and captures the spirit of the original CX40, it is not as responsive as a modern controller and quick directional changes can feel a little clunky but hey, that’s all part of the charm!
Cartridge insertion has that familiar resistance followed by a confident stop and the CX40+ joystick has a defined centre point and a clean button snap that works well for short sessions and suits the era it represents. In other words, it’s pure retro.
Exploring the included games was a true blast from the past! The Pac‑Man Double Feature as mentioned gives you two distinct versions of the classic maze chase, whereas Dig Dug brings a unique twist with its tunnels, boulders and enemies that require timing and planning. Then you have Xevious that shifts into sci‑fi territory with vertical scrolling shooting and dual targeting that keeps you busy. Together they create a well-rounded retro lineup that works for both solo play and family sessions.
With that said, playing the console in the living room with the family is where it really shines. There is something simple and enjoyable about loading up Pac‑Man on a big modern TV and watching younger players pick it up instantly while older players fall straight back into old habits, cutting corners and daring ghosts with the same confidence (or brazenness) they had decades ago. It becomes the kind of experience where someone sits down for a quick go and ends up staying much longer and again, it captures the relaxed family arcade vibe that suits a holiday release perfectly.
However… this is the star below… check out the illuminated character strip and logo!
Final Thoughts?
The Atari 2600+ Pac‑Man Edition is a nostalgic and polished celebration of gaming history that blends retro charm with modern convenience and brings families and friends together in front of the TV just like the old days, only sharper and brighter. Whether you are a long‑time Atari fan, a Pac‑Man devotee or simply someone who enjoys retro hardware, this bundle delivers a festive hit of Christmas fun. It is cheerful, it is charming and it is absolutely ready to chomp its way into your holiday traditions.
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