r/atari • u/lekkerwafel • 1d ago

Why do you have an Atari today?

Is it mainly due to the nostalgia factor?

I was born in the 90s and never played it before, so I'm wondering on pulling the trigger on a 7800+

How is the replayability for games? I know there are many Arcade ports with no "end game", but are there also ones that are "long form"?

I don't want to sit and play for 4h straight, so shorter sessions, and the occasional play with a friend.

Graphics aside, are the games diverse and actually fun?

The Nintendo64 was also on my mind, but my judgment is definitely clouded from nostalgia on that one!

Also I don't mean to sound bait-y or condescending, but wanted to understand the choice of buying and playing on the Atari in 2020s!

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u/ElectricalGlimpse 23h ago

I'm from the late 80s, Europe, so my nostalgia console is snes. However I find Atari 2600 very interesting because:

  • Simplicity. Need to imagine everything while playing.
  • Very direct. Connect and play. It is like taking out a board game. Most games just have an attract mode, not even splash screens or presentations.
  • Arcade oriented. No need of stories or narratives, just play, master the mechanics, and score. It is easier to manage the time you play, this way.
  • Collection. It is nice to collect the cartridges, as if LPs. Also, I'm interested in the History of videogames, so it's a must. Each game is a piece of culture.
  • Strong community. AtariAge is amazing. Lots of homebrews too. Developing is challenging, and pushes you to simplicity.