On Christmas Day in 1982, I unwrapped my first video game console: the Atari 2600. While it had debuted in 1977, it was new to me. My parents likely bought it because of the game E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial that had just been released. They knew I loved the movie, a pivotal film I nearly skipped due to my fear of watching it.
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I was overjoyed. At seven years old, with big brown glasses and a red E.T. shirt, I had an unforgettable Christmas. Despite my enthusiasm for the movie, I struggled with the game, feeling frustrated and bewildered. I didn’t realize my lack of success stemmed from its poor design, not my skills. Even today, many find the game overly complex and hard to play.
(In fact, copies of the game were buried for years due to poor sales.)
The Atari 2600 included the game Combat and two controllers. I used it for years, embarking on a journey to become a dedicated gamer like many kids of my time. A few months ago, if asked how many games I remembered from the Atari 2600 or its successors, I could’ve named only a handful.
Rediscovering Memories
When Atari lent me a Gamestation Go handheld console, I was surprised at how many games returned to my memory. Looking at their cover art and titles brought back a rush of nostalgia. I had played so many of these games.
And for those I didn’t own, I often wished I could play them, studying them in stores or gaming magazines.
Gamestation Go Features
The Gamestation Go, available for $179, features around 200 games from the Atari home console, including arcade titles like Crystal Castles, Food Fight, and Tempest. It also has seven Balls of Steel pinball tables and classic versions of Pac-Man, allowing multiplayer options with various controller options.
The console boasts a larger screen than the original Nintendo Switch, HDMI and USB-C ports, and a micro-SD slot for additional games. It also has built-in Wi-Fi for system updates, though there’s no app store for buying or downloading new games.
Balancing Nostalgia and Modern Gaming
The main challenge during my time with the Gamestation Go was focusing on retro games while modern titles constantly beckoned. I often found myself torn between nostalgic classics and contemporary games on current consoles.
While some Atari games still hold up, like Missile Command and the Balls of Steel pinball, others feel outdated. Games like Tempest remain entertaining, especially with the dial or trackball controls. However, I missed some titles, including E.T.
Reflections on E.T.
I’m not an avid emulator player, but I was intrigued by the processes of using home arcade cabinets that expand gaming options. The Gamestation Go allows retro game access via ROM files stored on a microSD card, although legality issues around ROMs exist.
In an effort to revisit my childhood, I sourced a copy of E.T. After launching it, nostalgia kicked in, but soon faded as I confronted the frustrating gameplay. I found myself repeatedly trapped in a bog, bewildered by the game design. It made me ponder who thought this game would be enjoyable for kids.
Is Gamestation Go Worth It?
E.T. exemplifies that early games aren’t all classics. While many remain appealing, others were frustrating misses. Still, the Gamestation Go offers a delightful trip down memory lane for those who cherish nostalgia or want to introduce kids to retro gaming.
Ultimately, whether it’s worth buying depends on how valuable nostalgia is to you or if the younger generation shows an interest in retro gaming. My inner child would leap at the chance to relive those pixelated adventures, but my adult side hesitates.
