At a Glance
- 1982 Christmas: first Atari 2600 and the infamous E.T. game
- Gamestation Go bundles ~200 classic Atari titles with modern controls
- Many early games were poorly designed, but some gems still shine
- Why it matters: Nostalgic gamers and collectors can relive classic titles with a modern handheld, but the legacy of games like E.T. shows how design flaws can ruin a console’s reputation
When I was seven, a Christmas-day gift of an Atari 2600 sparked a lifelong love of gaming, even as the infamous E.T. game left me frustrated. Years later, the Gamestation Go offers a chance to revisit those early titles with a modern twist. News Of Fort Worth contributor Megan L. Whitfield was 7 years old when the video game adaptation of the movie was released for the Atari 2600.
From Christmas Gift to Retro Revival
On Christmas Day 1982, I unwrapped an Atari 2600 that had been released in 1977. The console came with Combat and two controllers, and my parents bought it because of the E.T. game. I could not master the game, which frustrated me because it was poorly designed, not because I lacked skill.
Gamestation Go: Features and Experience
The handheld, priced at $179, holds about 200 Atari 2600 games and adds versions of arcade classics. It includes:
- A D-pad, shoulder buttons, and a dial for games like Breakout
- A trackball wheel for Centipede and Crystal Castles
- A physical number pad useful for some Atari 5200 titles
- Arcade titles such as Crystal Castles, Food Fight, and Tempest
- Pinball tables from the Balls of Steel series
- Classic and 2600 versions of Pac-Man
- Jaleco and Piko Interactive titles like Bases Loaded and Bad Street Brawler
It also has an HDMI port, three USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and a micro-SD slot for side-loading ROMs. The kickstand is solid but flimsy, and there is no app store for new games.
E.T. and the Legacy of Bad Games
The E.T. game is still available to play on the Gamestation Go via a legally obtained ROM. When I played it, I fell into a bog, chased tiny dots, and repeatedly died at the hands of FBI agents and scientists. The frustration I felt as a child has not faded, and the game remains a cautionary example of rushed design.
Is the Gamestation Go Worth It?
Gamestation Go bundles gems that can be enjoyed in multiplayer mode, but many early titles are repetitive and lack depth. Whether it is worth buying depends on how much nostalgia you value and whether your family is curious about retro gaming. The inner child would say it’s a must-have, while the adult may have reservations.
Key Takeaways
- Gamestation Go brings ~200 classic Atari games to a modern screen
- The infamous E.T. game remains a lesson in poor design
- Nostalgia can outweigh frustration, but the device’s value depends on personal preference
The Gamestation Go lets you relive the past, but it also reminds us that not every classic was a hit.
