Atari and developer Digital Eclipse are leveling up the nostalgia factor with a massive expansion to their celebrated 2022 release, Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection. Dubbed the Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition, this update packs in two new timelines and a whopping 39 additional games, making this a must-have for any gaming history buff. Mark your calendars—the fun drops on October 25 for PC, Switch, Xbox One and Series X, PlayStation 4 & 5, and the Atari VCS. And just in time for the holidays, there's a special physical release coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5!
The physical edition is where things get really exciting. Especially for Nintendo Switch fans, who can snag a Steelbook version loaded with Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, and, of course, a sleek Steelbook case. The standard version is set at $39.99 USD, while the collector's dream Steelbook edition will retail for $49.99 USD.
The expanded edition includes:
The Wider World of Atari
Prepare for a journey through time with the Wider World of Atari timeline, featuring 19 playable games and eight captivating video segments. This timeline plunges into the rich history of Atari, showcasing how the legendary brand has influenced generations of creators and fans. Expect new interviews, vintage ads, historical artifacts, and more—all presented with Digital Eclipse's signature flair. Key highlights include:
Stern Electronics' Berzerk: Dive into the robot-blasting action that became a fan favorite.
Hidden Gems and Innovations: Uncover the lesser-known marvels of the late 1980s.
Spotlight on Evelyn Seto: Discover the artist behind Atari's iconic “Fuji” logo.
Al Alcorn on Breakout: Hear the Pong creator himself talk about the genesis of another classic.
Fan Contributions: Explore how dedicated fans have unearthed unreleased prototypes, created homebrew games, and preserved Atari's legacy.
The First Console War
The First Console War timeline is a thrilling recount of the early gaming industry's biggest battle: Atari 2600 vs. Mattel’s Intellivision. This timeline boasts 20 playable games and several engaging video segments. Digital Eclipse takes you through the highlights of this rivalry, including Mattel's surprising decision to develop games for the competing Atari 2600. Highlights include:
M Network Games: Revisit some fan-favorites from Mattel's game lineup.
Sports Showdown: Enjoy a mix of Atari and M Network sports games.
Rare Prototypes: Discover rare Atari 2600 and 5200 prototypes.
Interviews with Legends: Gain insights from former Intellivision game director Don Daglow, M Network programmer Jane Terjung, Activision’s David Crane and Garry Kitchen, homebrew programmer Dennis Debro, and gaming historians Leonard Herman and Mike Mika.
If you already own the original Atari 50 release, you'll be able to get these new timelines and games as DLCs later this year. So gear up, gamers—it's time to relive the golden era of gaming with Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition!
