Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition Console Preorders Are Live At Amazon

The Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition Console is a special version of a system originally released by Deep Silver in 2023 for $130. The original 2600+, however, includes a wired joystick. Unlike many retro consoles, including many created in partnership or by Atari over the years, the 2600+ plays actual cartridges. It's compatible with 2600 and 7800 carts--in case you're wondering why all of the Bandai Namco carts are Atari 7800 games. The new carts, as well as the wireless joysticks, are also compatible with the Atari 7800+, the 2024 system that came bundled with a wireless CX78 Gamepad and a brand-new sequel to Crystal Castles.

To be clear, the 7800+ and the 2600+ are effectively the same console, simply with different designs, and all of the new games and accessories released for Atari Plus platforms over the past two years work with both.

While the yellow casing certainly makes the Pac-Man Edition Console stand out, Atari and Bandai Namco took a less-is-more approach to the design of the new console. The yellow is accented by a black control panel and faceplate adorned with an image of Pac-Man gobbling dots while being chased by Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde.

The Atari CX40+ is a recreation of the original Atari 2600 joystick. These rechargeable sticks come with a pair of USB wireless adapters. The Pac-Man and Ghost Edition adapters match the colorful joysticks. The DB9 adapter works on Atari 2600+ and 7800+ consoles. But these sticks also work with PC via the USB-A adapter.

If you're interested in the PC compatibility, it's worth noting that the original black CX40+ Wireless Joystick is available for $35. You'll also be able to use the CX78+ Wireless Gamepad from the Atari 7800+ release on the Pac-Man Edition Console. The CX78+ is sold separately for $33 (was $35) at Amazon.

One cool aspect about Pac-Man: Double Feature for collectors and longtime Pac-Man fans is that the artist who worked on Pac-Man's 1982 release for Atari 2600 created the artwork for the upcoming 7800 cart. Hiro Kimura's new original artwork can be found on the box, manual, cartridge labels and sleeve. Inside the manual, you'll find more exclusive content, including interviews.

The four Bandai Namco cartridges cost five bucks more than most of the Atari+ 2600 and 7800 cartridges. You can find more than 20 of the cartridges on Amazon. We created a hub where you can easily see all of the cartridges on Amazon. You can also see the full list below.