Atari Gamestation Go Review: Hands-On With 200+ Classics
▼ Summary
– The Atari Gamestation Go is a retro gaming handheld featuring unique built-in controls like a paddle and trackball, plus over 200 pre-installed classic games.
– Its appeal is diminished by the inability to customize controller configurations and rendering issues in some vector games, limiting the user experience.
– The device supports game library expansion via microSD card but struggles with consoles beyond the 16-bit era, such as PlayStation and Nintendo 64.
– At $179.99, it faces strong competition from more affordable retro handhelds and modern devices like smartphones paired with controllers.
– While functional for retro gaming, its price and lack of software polish make it less compelling compared to alternatives offering better value or performance.
The Atari Gamestation Go delivers a nostalgic trip with its collection of over 200 classic games, but its unique built-in paddle and trackball controls suffer from a lack of user customization. Some visual glitches in older vector-based titles also detract from the experience, especially considering the handheld’s premium price point.
Atari’s Gamestation Go entered the market a few months ago as a dedicated retro gaming handheld. While it’s a departure from modern PC gaming devices, it promises a hefty dose of old-school fun. The system’s appeal is rooted in its specialized control layout and the extensive library of pre-loaded titles from iconic publishers like Atari, Jaleco, and Namco.
On paper, the blend of classic games and distinctive controls should make the Gamestation Go a standout. However, its cost and several missed opportunities in execution result in a product that doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.
Design and Physical Layout
From afar, the Gamestation Go resembles contemporary handhelds like the Steam Deck. A closer look reveals its unique identity. The right side hosts a numeric keypad, while the left features an integrated paddle dial, a standard D-pad, and a small trackball. These controls are designed to authentically replicate the feel of original arcade cabinets, particularly for titles that relied on paddles or trackballs.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The packaging is vibrant and well-designed, with a gatefold layout that showcases the console and highlights the included game library. Inside, the contents are securely padded. Accessories are generous, including an HDMI cable, a USB-C charging cable, and a power adapter. Documentation points users to Wi-Fi for system updates and teases upcoming peripheral controllers.
Holding the device, it feels sturdy and well-constructed. There’s minimal flex in the plastic body, and no concerning creaks or loose panels were noted during handling.
Internal Hardware and Teardown Attempt
Curiosity about the internal components led to an attempted teardown. Removing the battery was straightforward, requiring only two screws. However, gaining further access proved impossible without potentially damaging the screen, a risk that was not taken. Based on its similarity to the earlier Gamestation Pro, the Go is believed to use a Rockchip RK3032 system-on-a-chip. This modest hardware includes dual-core Arm Cortex-A7 processors and Mali-400MP graphics, which capably handle 16-bit era games but struggle with anything more demanding.
User Interface and Navigation
Booting the system takes about thirty seconds. The main interface organizes games by system, with horizontal scrolling through platforms and vertical navigation through game lists. While favorites and recent playlists are available, they are not unified across different game libraries, making navigation somewhat cumbersome. The settings menu allows adjustments for screen brightness and aspect ratio, and supports save states, but offers no options to remap controls.
Game Library and Play Experience
The included roster is impressive, featuring arcade staples like Asteroids, Tempest, and Missile Command. Playing these classics is enjoyable, though many are designed to be challenging and quick. The SmartGlow lighting system indicates pre-assigned controls for each title. For instance, Asteroids uses the D-pad for movement, while Super Breakout utilizes the paddle. A notable drawback is the abundance of duplicate games across different Atari platforms, which can clutter the library.
Control Limitations and Physical Feel
The inability to reconfigure controls is a significant shortcoming. Games are locked into their default control schemes, with no option to assign the paddle or trackball if not pre-set. Physically, the paddle dial feels stiff and unresponsive, while the trackball is overly sensitive due to its small size. The standard D-pad, face buttons, and shoulder buttons, however, are responsive and comfortable.
Performance and Expandability
Pre-installed games run smoothly without performance issues. The microSD card slot allows for library expansion, though the process requires specific formatting and folder organization. Games from systems like Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo work well, though some SNES titles exhibited minor audio crackling. Attempts to run PlayStation, Nintendo 64, or PSP games were unsuccessful, as the hardware lacks the necessary power.
Market Context and Alternatives
The Gamestation Go faces stiff competition. Most consumers own smartphones or tablets that can emulate classic games with an attached controller. The Nintendo Switch offers licensed Atari compilations, and numerous budget handhelds on online marketplaces provide similar retro gaming capabilities, often at a lower price. My Arcade’s own Atari Pocket Player Pro, for example, offers a more compact and affordable option with a smaller screen and a solid game selection.
Final Thoughts
The Atari Gamestation Go stands out for its unique control scheme and extensive licensed game library. Yet, its appeal is hampered by inflexible controls, occasional graphical issues, and a price that feels high for the offered experience. While future firmware updates could address some concerns, the current version is difficult to recommend when more versatile and cost-effective alternatives are readily available. For those committed to the form factor, waiting for a potential price drop may be the wisest approach.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
