Talk:Atari 2600

Clarifying the Continuation of the Atari 2600 Series with the Introduction of the 2600+

Dear Wikipedia community, I recently made edits to the Atari 2600 page to reflect the continuation of the Atari 2600 series with the introduction of the 2600+ model in 2023. These edits were based on official sources, specifically from the Atari company itself and the developer's statements. The primary basis for this edit is the official announcement by Atari: "The legendary console that started it all - the grandfather of living room arcade gaming - is back and better than ever! With over 40 million units sold globally" This statement from Atari clearly indicates that the 2600+ is a continuation of the original Atari 2600 series. I understand the importance of maintaining the accuracy and integrity of Wikipedia. Therefore, I want to open this discussion to ensure that all perspectives are considered. The intention is not to mislead or provide false information but to accurately represent the evolution and continuation of the Atari 2600 series. Given that the 2600+ is described as an "updated version of the iconic Atari 2600," it seems fitting to consider it within the same lineage, much like how updated or "slim" variants of other consoles are still considered part of their respective series. I welcome feedback and insights from the community. If there are additional sources or perspectives that should be considered, please share them. Together, let's ensure that the Atari 2600 page accurately reflects the rich history and ongoing legacy of this iconic gaming console.

Sources:

[1]https://discord.com/channels/866714430208213002/866715614687789056/1143534227820916897

[2]https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus?_pos=1&_fid=6a6b44687&_ss=c

[3]https://forums.atariage.com/topic/354609-atariage-atari/ ItIsNERD (talk) 14:58, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

• It's marketing copy attempting to build brand continuity. It is not factually a 2600; it emulates the original hardware. We don't count Atari Flashbacks or NES Classics or Genesis Minis as continuations of the consoles they emulate, and we don't do so with the 2600+ either. Indrian (talk) 19:26, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

  Thank you for bringing up the Atari Flashbacks, NES Classics, and Genesis Minis. However, there's a crucial distinction between these systems and the Atari 2600+. While those systems are essentially "plug and play" devices that come pre-loaded with a set number of games and cannot use original cartridges or accessories, the 2600+ is specifically designed to be compatible with both original 2600 and 7800 cartridges, as well as the original joystick and paddle controllers. This capability positions the 2600+ not as just another emulation device but as a true continuation of the original 2600 experience, updated for modern times.

  It's this unique blending of old and new—providing a platform for original software and accessories while introducing modern conveniences like HDMI—that makes the 2600+ a genuine successor in the 2600 lineage. ItIsNERD (talk) 20:36, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

  It is NOT the Atari 2600 architecture in any way or form, in contrast to say the 2600 Jr. which had nearly equivalent internals to the 2600. The 2600+ is a modern microprocessor system that happens to also read 2600/7200 carts, but it is not a new version of the 2600. Masem (t) 22:05, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

  I appreciate the emphasis on the internal architecture differences between the Atari 2600 and the 2600+. While I understand that the 2600+ doesn't replicate the original hardware architecture, its design purpose is clear: to offer a modern platform that retains the functional and experiential essence of the original Atari 2600. By supporting original cartridges, controllers, and delivering an experience reminiscent of the original console, the 2600+ serves as a bridge between the Atari 2600's legacy and modern technology.

  Given the advances in technology since the Atari 2600's inception, a direct hardware replication may not be feasible or practical. Instead, the 2600+ offers a blend of nostalgia and modern conveniences. While the internals differ, the user experience and functional continuity place the 2600+ within the broader Atari 2600 lineage.

  ItIsNERD (talk) 22:11, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

  All of that means, this is not a continuation of the Atari 2600, simply a means to Atari 2600 carts on a modern remake of the console. We are not going to treat the 2600 as having a lifetime to 2023 for this purpose. Masem (t) 22:25, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

  I wanted to take a moment to apologize for any confusion or disruption I may have caused regarding the edits and discussions related to the Atari 2600 page. My intentions were rooted in a genuine desire to provide accurate and comprehensive information based on the sources I had encountered. After receiving clarification from an Atari employee, I understand that the Atari 2600+ is not a direct continuation of the original 2600.

  I'm truly sorry if my persistence came across as disruptive or confrontational. Wikipedia is a valuable resource, and I deeply respect the work that each contributor invests into maintaining its integrity. I hope to continue being a part of this community and to learn from this experience. Thank you for your patience and understanding. ItIsNERD (talk) 23:33, 1 October 2023 (UTC)

quick question

Where is the launch model from 1977? 2600:1700:3680:8B70:B8C8:9B22:6D2F:626E (talk) 05:02, 19 December 2023 (UTC)

Laminate or wood veneer?

Is that beautiful wood grain finish made of laminate or is it made of wood veneer? 195.32.65.198 (talk) 00:49, 6 January 2024 (UTC)

1992

Discontinuation is said to be Jan 1st 1992. But does it specifically refer to strictly production of the hardware, or support for software?

Dreamcast for example was discontinued, in terms of hardware, in March 2001, but Sega continued supporting it in terms of software by releasing new games themselves and giving licenses to third parties.

They are two distinct things. This article states at the end that "production ended" in '92 but it's unsourced and may be wrong. Sceeegt (talk) 01:10, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

On a hardware article, the lifespan field/discontinuation date would refer to hardware. Sergecross73 msg me 17:13, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

Right, but is it really accurate? There is no source given in the paragraph and I haven't been able to confirm yet from research that Jan 1st '92 is the date. Sceeegt (talk) 17:22, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

It's sourced to Racing the Beam in the infobox, which should be duplicated in the body if not there. Racing the Beam is very much our best source for anything 2600 related. Masem (t) 18:13, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

Yeah, the source should be in the body, not the infobox, but otherwise it's a good source. Sergecross73 msg me 14:20, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

Unsurprisingly, that is not quite what Racing the Beam says. On page 137 (not 150, though if one has a pdf of the book, that is the 150th page of the file), the book says "models were manufactured from 1977 through 1992." The specific, and highly suspect, date of January 1 is not mentioned. I will go ahead and update the article to reflect what (and where) the source actually states. It would still be nice to come up with a better source for the 1992 discontinuation such as a contemporaneous announcement (Bogost and Monfort do not cite their source of information), but it will have to do for now.