From Atari to Gamestation Go: Reliving My Gaming Childhood
▼ Summary
– The author received an Atari 2600 for Christmas in 1982, partly due to their love for the movie E.T., but found the E.T. video game frustrating and poorly designed.
– The Atari Gamestation Go is a $179 handheld console that comes pre-loaded with approximately 200 classic Atari and arcade games, featuring unique control options like a dial and trackball.
– While the console excels at playing its included retro games and can emulate additional titles via microSD card, the legality of using ROM files for games you don’t own is a noted concern.
– The author found that many classic games like Missile Command and Tempest remain enjoyable, but revisiting the infamous E.T. game confirmed its enduring poor design and frustration.
– The value of the Gamestation Go depends heavily on personal nostalgia or interest in retro gaming, as it provides a direct portal to classic titles despite their often repetitive or dated gameplay.
That first video game console under the Christmas tree is a memory many hold dear, a gateway to digital worlds that shaped a generation. For one writer, that gateway was an Atari 2600, unwrapped in 1982 alongside a game based on a beloved movie. While the game itself proved famously frustrating, it ignited a lifelong passion for gaming. Decades later, revisiting that era through a modern handheld like the Gamestation Go isn’t just about playing old titles; it’s a powerful journey through personal history, reconnecting with the simple joys and profound disappointments of childhood.
The memory is vivid: a seven-year-old, wearing enormous glasses and an E.T. shirt, utterly thrilled. The game, however, was a different story. It was confusing and difficult, a sentiment now widely shared as the title is often cited as one of the worst ever made. The console itself, bundled with Combat, launched a hobby. While many specific game titles faded from memory over the years, a recent encounter with the Gamestation Go brought dozens of them rushing back. Just seeing the cover art or titles, Asteroids, Berserk, Centipede, unlocked a flood of nostalgia for games once owned or longingly admired in store displays.
This modern device packages roughly 200 classic Atari home console and arcade games into a portable unit. The library is broad, including arcade hits like Tempest, pinball tables, and titles from other publishers. The hardware itself is a standout feature, boasting a screen larger than the original Nintendo Switch and a remarkably versatile control scheme. Beyond the standard D-pad and buttons, it includes a rotating dial for games like Breakout, a trackball for Centipede, and even a physical number pad, making it uniquely suited to these retro experiences. Connectivity is robust with HDMI and USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and a micro-SD slot for expanding the library.
The real test, however, is whether these decades-old games can compete for attention in a world of sophisticated modern titles. It’s a challenge to choose blasting pixelated centipedes over the latest narrative-driven adventure or online multiplayer match. Yet, some classics retain their magic. Missile Command remains thrilling, especially with the tactile trackball, and discovering forgotten arcade gems can be a delight. Notably absent from the included games is that infamous E.T. title, though other oddities like Ninja Golf are present.
For those wanting to go beyond the pre-loaded collection, the console supports adding games via ROM files on a microSD card. This emulation capability is a double-edged sword. While it opens a vast library, the legal landscape for ROMs is complex and often problematic, as most are copyrighted material. The manufacturer encourages users to seek out legally obtained files, perhaps from archives or personal backups of owned games.
Driven by a personal quest, the writer sought out an E.T. ROM to confront a childhood demon. The initial rush of recognition from the title screen music quickly evaporated upon actual play. The same confusing pitfalls, falling into holes, being chased by agents, recreated the original frustration, now compounded by an adult’s perspective on its poor design. The brief revisit was enough; some things, it seems, are best left in the past.
So, is the Gamestation Go a worthwhile purchase? It bundles genuine gems that offer fun in short bursts, though many games show their age. Its true value is emotional. Booting it up and scrolling through that list of titles can trigger a powerful wave of nostalgia for anyone who lived through that era. The decision ultimately hinges on what that nostalgia is worth to you, or if you have a curious younger family member eager to explore gaming’s roots. The inner child who would have been dazzled by this collection might scream “yes,” while the practical adult may weigh it against other entertainment options. It serves as a compelling, if specialized, portal to a foundational chapter in video game history.
(Source: CNET)