Atari 7800+ announced and Retro Games delays Amiga full size

Hello! If this is your first RetroGamerBase newsletter, this midweek edition attempts to deliver all of the weekly retro gaming news so far, with the left overs squeezed into the weekend edition.

These newsletters rarely pan out as planned. There I was, planning to get all excited about the potential of a Half-Life 2 anniversary update when BOOM! Not only a new release from Atari and PLAION, but Retro Games Limited have opted to push back its slated Amiga release.

All of that, and everything else going on in the retro gaming world over the past few days, can be found below…

Table of Contents

• Atari 7800+ announced by PLAION

  • Do we need an Atari 7800+?

• Retro Games delays Amiga release, new timeline pla …

• More retro gaming news

• Driftin’ Rage WIP video

• Game Over!

Atari 7800+ announced by PLAION

Just when you thought you had enough retro gaming revival devices, PLAION comes along with another classic Atari redux. The Atari 7800+ is set for release later this year, and like the Atari 2600+ is a faithful recreation of the original 1986 device, compatible with 2600 and 7800 games.

The console comes with a cartridge, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, an action-adventure game which sees the main protagonist navigating through isometric mazes while collecting crystals and avoiding enemies. This game was created by a homebrew developer.

Along with the game, the console comes with a wireless gamepad, the CX 78+, allowing gamers to enjoy an authentic experience without the restrictions of cables — an iconic innovation in action. Sadly, no news on a time-accurate CX 24 joystick.

(I simultaneously loved and hated that thing…)

Other games released alongside the console are:

• Asteroids Deluxe

• Bounty Bob Strikes Back

• Berzerk

• Frenzy

• Space Duel

In addition, some new 2600 carts are being released:

• Caverns of Mars

• RealSports Collection

• Epyx Games

• M-Network Collection

Most of the titles are editions that have been created or enhanced by Atari homebrew developers over the years. Everything has a slated release date of November 24th, 2024.

Do we need an Atari 7800+?

I don’t want to be too grumpy about the prospect of the Atari 7800+, but it is essentially a repacked Atari 2600+. While the Atari 5200 was less popular, it nevertheless deserves a modern revival, if only to have a new system to run the carts on. As the 2600+ and 7800+ both run the same cartridges, it makes you wonder why this hasn’t happened.

While the new controller looks okay, the CX 24 is crying out for a modernized approach, IMO. Still, you’re either going to grab the Atari 7800+ or you’re not, regardless of what I say… and if I’m honest, I wouldn’t mind having one - but it makes sense to opt for the now cheaper Atari 2600+.

Retro Games delays Amiga release, new timeline plans revealed

In other retro revival news, Retro Games has unveiled its new timeline, which pushes back the launch of the much-anticipated “full size Amiga console” to Q1 2025.

Instead a “new full size console” is set to be launched.

Speculation is rife on the identity of the console, with one Facebook poster highlighting a list of trademarks registered by Retro Games Limited. Of those not since withdrawn, these include:

• THEORIC

• THEST

• THE400XL

• THE800XL

• THEMSX

• THEPC

• THEPET

Of these, THEST would seem to be the most interesting. We’ve already seen that Atari is happy to license multiple competing devices, so don’t rule out a mini Atari ST console. Then again, a mini PC running old 80s and 90s DOS games would be quite cool.

It’s just a shame there is still no hint of anything ZX Spectrum-shaped…

From an Amiga point of view, it is disappointing, but it does give the A600GS Amiga-based device time to breathe.

More retro gaming news

Incredibly, the retro gaming news doesn’t end there…

Fan project Super Mario Bros. Maker has been released, There is also a NES to SNES port of the original game.

AmigaVision 2024.08.18 adds support for CD32 disc images and a number of games get improved WHDLoad on MISTer.

Rumours are building of a Half-Life 2 anniversary update, following a recent update to the game.

Beyond Shadowgate is out on September 9th on GOG and Steam following a successful Kickstarter. This is an official sequel to Nintendo Entertainment System dungeoncrawler Shadowgate (1989), which ignores the Turbograxf CD sequel (1993). Check the YouTube trailer, and wishlist on GOG or Steam.

Resident Evil 2 is getting a PC release on GOG, with full compatibility with Windows 10 and 11 and a number of other improvements. You can buy it from August 27th, with a similar release for Resident Evil 3 planned.

SEGA and Limited Run Games have announced Sonic X Shadow Generations Collector’s Edition for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox One. This is a modern title, with pre-orders closing on Sunday, October 6th, 2024.

A trailer for the 7-game Marvel vs Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes collection has been released, ahead of a release later this year.

Pixel adventure The Meating is coming to NES, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo Switch soon, with orders opening on August 29th at megacatstudios.com.

And finally… SEGA has announced Famicom cartridge-shaped business card dispensers. No, really.

Driftin’ Rage WIP video

Here’s a look at a work-in-progress of Driftin' Rage, a Mega Drive / SEGA Genesis racing game by MXRetroDev.

I think it looks superb, and I’ll let you into a secret: there isn’t anything better than a 16-bit racer to get the adrenaline pumping!

Game Over!

That’s just about all from me this week. Before I go, thanks to everyone who shared the last newsletter concerning retro arcades in Whitby, North Yorkshire. They have a great selection, it’s worth heading that way if you’re within driving distance.

I’ll be back at the weekend with reviews and thoughts and possibly a bit more.