Tag Archives: gaming console

Retro-modern Atari 2600+ console plays classic game cartridges in high definition

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Atari’s first-ever game console has now been reincarnated for modern gamers’ needs without sacrificing the nostalgia of the cartridge era. No this is not a concept design, but rather an official release by the company who’s revolutionized the gaming scene. They’ve teamed up with publisher Plaion to bring the iconic gaming console back to life.

Dubbed the Atari 2600+, the console pays homage to the four-switch model from the 1980s. This trimmed-down version (80 percent scale) of the original slated for the November release can play both 2600 and 7800 cartridge games. Keeping in mind high-definition output requirements, the 10-in-1 game cartridge console comes with HDMI and USB ports.

Designer: Atari and Plaion

This is not the first time Atari has cashed in on the trend of faithful recreations of classic models, as Atari VCS released in 2021 very well proved. Yes, the combo console and TV streaming box with the price equivalent to an Xbox Series S. After the initial success, the console failed to attract prospective buyers and was eventually discontinued. The Atari 2600+ should have a chance of gaining stable popularity with the Gen-Z given the compatibility with old game cartridges and widescreen output support.

Out of the box, the retro-modern console will come with titles including Adventure, Combat, Dodge ‘Em, Haunted House, Maze Craze, Missile Command, RealSports Volleyball, Surround, Video Pinball and Yars’ Revenge. Other than these titles, if you’ve got the Pac-Man, Frogger, Space Invaders or Pitfall cartridge somewhere in the closet, you’re good to go. Atari has enlarged the cartridge socket size to eliminate the cartridge sticking issue and the logo lights up to enhance the gaming feel.

The console comes with a revamped CX40+ joystick which is again a modern take on the classic Atari CX40. Support for two-player mode is there, so you’re in for a fun time with your millennial buddies. Surprisingly you’ll get only a single stick bundled with the purchase, and for the second one, you’ll have to shell out $25. Atari also promised a revamped CX-30 Paddle Controller for a price tag of $30.

Powering the retro-mini gaming console is a Rockchip 3128 processor mated to 256MB DDR3 RAM and 256MB internal storage. Atari 2600+ will launch worldwide on November 13 with pre-orders starting right now. A price tag of $130 should give it the strategic advantage in the arcade gaming arena going neck to neck with Nintendo Switch.

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Legion Go handheld with Joy-Con-like controllers and AR Glasses could be a desirable game changer

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The renewed interest in handheld gaming consoles has got me excited as I observe the setting trends and evolution of mobile gaming beyond the smartphone platform. Steam Deck should get all the credit for streamlining the handheld gaming ecosystem and prompting competitors to up the ante.

Closest competitors to the Valve’s portable gaming system are the ROG Ally handheld, AYANEO, and now Lenovo wants to get a share of the pie with its iteration. This is the Legion Switch handheld under development with the characteristics of a Deck and Nintendo Switch given the JoyCon-like freedom.

Designer: Lenovo

This fresh leak comes courtesy of Windows Report who’ve got exclusive images and a trickle of information about the device under wraps. Legion Go wants to get over some of the inherent drawbacks of the current handhelds, and that’s an exciting development for people who love on-the-go gaming. The handheld device has removable controllers and an HD screen (with much smaller bezels) measuring 8 inches for an immersive experience. It’s got a button layout quite closely resembling that of the ROG Ally and a trackpad inspired by the Steam Deck.

Interestingly, the gadget will be powered by Windows 11, making it a compact PC for most of your tasks. According to the leak, Legion Go powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor will be able to play triple-A titles on the go, giving you the freedom to game anytime, anywhere with no strings attached. There are big air vents on the top rear side and a stand lets you pair the handheld with another controller. There are shoulder buttons and side triggers which don’t surprise us but on the detachable Joy-Con (with Hall Effect joysticks hopefully) there’s a hidden mouse wheel most likely to enhance the user experience while navigating the Menu.

Lenovo Legion Go is rumored to be released at IFA 2023 along with other gaming gear for enthusiasts. According to industry insiders, the handheld could come with AR glasses for next-generation immersive gaming to shun the competitors. That said, there is no word on the pricing or availability of the handheld device thus far. It would be safe to guess, the handheld gadget will arrive during the holiday season.

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Steam Deck 2 concept truly reflects what Valve’s next-gen handheld should be

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Valve bemused mobile gamers with the 7-inch display Steam Deck at the beginning of 2022, having the ability to run Windows apps and games. Loaded with a custom AMD Zen 2 + RDNA 2 APU, and up to 512GB of storage the handheld plays a variety of games from the Steam platform – including AAA titles, indie games, and emulators.

A fair choice for gamers who want to enjoy PC games on the go, while not missing out on the option to be productive with web browsing, document editing, and coding options. The handheld comes with nuances like average battery life, availability for purchase and price. With all the leaks and speculations around, a Steam Deck 2 is poised to take on the likes of Asus ROG Ally, Razer Edge, Ayaneo Geek and Nintendo Switch.

Designer: Carota Design

According to Valve lead designer, Lawrence Lang “A true next-gen Deck with a significant bump in horsepower wouldn’t be for a few years.” That signals a release that could be far off than imagined. Realistically speaking a 2026 release, or if Steam finds a major bump in hardware compared to the current generation Deck, we are looking at a 2025 timeline.

This gives concept designers at Carota to muster up the probable design of the second generation of the successful Deck. Better display, battery life and a performance-oriented core that can outshine the competition will be on the agenda. Having no stick drift assisted by the Hall Effect sensor, even after years of usage will be the major selling point of the new-age handheld. Since gamers will invest in this gaming console considering a long-term horizon, premium Hall Effect sensors are a certainty in the upcoming handheld.

This concept iteration of the Valve’s handheld carries the DNA of the current generation Deck both in form and ergonomics. The dual trackpads look even better, grip buttons reassure better positioning, D-pad is now well poised and the main buttons like power and volume toggle are repositioned. The handheld has a slightly contoured shape at the edges and the display protrudes somewhat from the main body frame.

From one render of the Deck 2 concept, the wireless charging capability with the official dock can also not be counted out. Would I personally get Deck 2 if it’s this one? Most certainly, yes!

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8bitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard turns an old iconic console design into a fun-looking keyboard

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When you talk about video games, most people will probably think of game controllers immediately, even if a large chunk of these aren’t played that way. Even disregarding mobile games that only use touch screens, many are actually played with good, “old-fashioned” keyboard and mouse. There are, of course, keyboards made for gaming, with noisy mechanical switches and bright RBG lights, but most of these are designed to match the aesthetics of most computers, which is to say they almost always come in black, a few in off-white. Nothing screams “gaming,” however, more than a keyboard that’s designed to look like a gaming console. Ever the masters of making old things new, 8bitDo is coming out with its very first keyboard, one that pays homage to a gaming classic in an endearing and tasteful way.

Designer: 8bitDo

8bitDo is a brand best known for its multitude of game controllers catering not just to console owners but also to PC gamers. Although many of these look like your typical gamepads, the company has a penchant for applying the design language of past gaming controllers to present products, giving an ode to the rich history of video games. Its portfolio, however, has been growing recently to cover other accessories and gadgets, including a wireless charging pad, a wireless speaker, and a computer mouse. For the first time, it’s dipping its toes into keyboard territory, and what better way to start that venture than with one of the most iconic consoles in history?

Launched in the 80s, the Nintendo Entertainment System or NES, which was called the Family Computer or Famicom in Japan, kickstarted Nintendo’s own journey from making playing cards to the gaming giant it is today. Although it is hardly the first home gaming console to be launched to the masses, it is one of the few to have gained worldwide acclaim to the point of being an icon. The new 8bitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard pays tribute to this landmark gaming device but does more than just get a paint job to match the gray or red themes of the NES and Famicom, respectively.

The retro keyboard is filled to the brim with details that will really give you that old-school vibe, from the fonts used on the keycaps to the analogy dials for volume and for switching between Bluetooth or Wireless modes. There’s even a classic power light that thankfully uses a more modern LED. The package also includes two giant programmable red buttons in the style of the A and B buttons of the original NES controller. You can connect up to four of these pairs via a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a pretty old-school connector by now.

As for the keyboard itself, it’s a tenkeyless keyboard, which means you don’t get a numeric keypad on the side. Like with many mechanical keyboards, you have the option to change not only the keycaps but even the switches to your liking. It can connect via Bluetooth, the included wireless RF receiver, or a USB cable. Unlike most gaming keyboards, however, there is no backlighting at all. The 8bitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard costs $99.99 and will ship starting in September. If you really dig the NES motif, you might be tempted to also grab the brand’s N30 wireless mouse which was also inspired by the classic console.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Console Renders Hint At Smaller Bezels and Redesigned Joy-Cons

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Even when the folks at Nintendo don’t say anything, they say a lot! The rumor mill has been ABUZZ with speculation about the Nintendo Switch 2, which many people close to the matter say should arrive in 2024. While Nintendo has been extremely tight-lipped about the release of its highly-anticipated next-generation handheld console, it’s rumored that multiple studios have gotten access to the developer kit, confirming that the Switch 2 is, in fact, coming. This would be big for Nintendo too, as they’ve never released a ‘2nd edition’ of any of their consoles – the name has always changed ever so slightly, but the number 2 hasn’t featured in this new name. Take the Wii and WiiU for example, or the Nintendo DS and 3DS, or the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance if you want to look even further back.

The Switch 2’s reputation precedes it, following a 1st gen console so infamous, it remained sold out through multiple production runs and still is the most popular handheld console today, even though it was first unveiled six years ago. This Switch 2 concept, designed and envisioned by Salvo Lo Cascio and Riccardo Cambò Breccia, embodies everything we fans expect from Nintendo, peppered with a few healthy leaks and rumors. Let’s dive in!

Designers: Salvo Lo Cascio & Riccardo Cambò Breccia

Outwardly, the Nintendo Switch 2 concept embraces and really highlights its predecessor’s black, red, and blue color scheme. The format remains entirely the same too, with a few pretty visible tweaks, but all in all, it’s as unabashedly Nintendo as it gets.

We start with the Joy-Cons, which now sport a slightly chunkier, more rounded design that has a playful appeal to it. The controllers are a pleasure to hold as a part of the console as well as independent units, and come with a sliding panel built into its design – but more on that later. The main unit, on the other hand, is significantly different too, with drastically slimmer bezels than on the original Nintendo Switch. Rounded corners give the display unit a cutting-edge tablet appeal, although the only thing missing to make it a tablet is the presence of cameras!

A comparison between the old and new Joy-Con design

The new Joy-Cons’ strange sliding panel has an incredibly clever utility to it. Although designed to be used as a standalone unit, the Switch originally boasted of being able to handle two-person gaming too. All you needed to do was pop the Joy-Cons out and they would transform into dedicated handheld controllers. The problem was that these controllers weren’t designed to be symmetrical when held horizontally. Salvo and Riccardo’s clever design workaround fixes that problem entirely, creating a set of handheld controllers that feel ergonomic and comfortable to use even when held on their own. The GIF below explains how this works.

The designers also hid an easter egg in the Nintendo Switch 2’s speaker grill by shaping it into the waveform of the iconic Super Mario Bros. theme!

The rumor mill has been going on and on about Nintendo probably launching two Switch 2 models together. The second, according to Bobby Kotick (CEO of Activision) is suspected to be as powerful as a PS4, shattering through all benchmarks to make this new Switch model Nintendo’s most capable one yet. Dubbed the Nintendo Switch 2 MAX, Salvo and Riccardo gave this a significantly upgraded design too, in the form of an all-black colorway, and a larger screen sans the lower chin seen in the Switch 2. According to Kotick, the developer kit of the Switch 2 MAX was allegedly powerful enough to handle Triple-A games without breaking a sweat. Most Switch users have complained that the console’s graphics are its biggest limitation, and the Switch 2 MAX may just be exactly what they need.

The Nintendo Switch 2 MAX has a much larger, edge-to-edge display

The all-black controller on the Switch 2 MAX is a deviation from Nintendo’s Blue and Red color-way, but after all, a beast needs its camouflage! The Switch 2 MAX controller also has backlit XYAB keys, allowing for low-light high-octane gaming.

The last part of the Nintendo Switch 2 to receive a redesign is the hub, which docks the screen. Designed to both charge as well as work as an HDMI pass-through for the console, this new dock has an almost smart-home-like quality to it. Its design is soft and pebble-like, and accepts the Switch 2’s screen with absolute ease, mirroring its display onto a larger screen like a television, monitor, or projector.

Salvo and Riccardo’s design couldn’t come at a better time, with gaming technology in a bit of a lull given the uncertain future of E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), the biggest exhibition in gaming. Although the actual device isn’t due till next year, this concept feels like a perfect culmination of fan requests and legitimate rumors. Let’s hope Salvo and Riccardo’s design is on the money, because if the Switch 2 looks anything like this, it’s sure to be a winner!

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This SEGA handheld gaming console doubles as pocketable digital calendar

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Handheld gaming propped up in the form of Merlin console with interchangeable cartridges way back in 1978. The trend for handheld gaming consoles was later sparked by Nintendo Game Boy in 1989. Then SEGA jumped into the bandwagon with Game Gear, its first ever handheld in 1990 and followed it up with the Genesis Nomad released in 1995.

Almost a decade later Sony changed the dynamics of handheld gaming with the highly popular PSP in 2004. Fast forward back to the current era and ultra-powerful handheld gaming consoles like Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch bring high-octane action to the small screen.

Designer: WooJin Shin, Nahyun Kwon, JiHoon Park and Seungmin Hong

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The portable freedom to gaming can consume hours without you ever noticing and lead to procrastination. This can push you into missing important calendar notifications. To keep you abreast of all the latest notifications without missing out on the fun gaming sessions in retro style, a team of designers has penned this SEGA handheld that revives old memories of pixelated arcade gaming. Called the SEGA-DBS, this pocketable gaming gadget doubles as a calendar to get rid of your constant smartphone addiction.

By adding the fun element of retro arcades to change the way we all perceive the boring calendar notifications, the concept intends to freshen up things. It’s like your minimalist organizer with the option to play the odd Sonic dash run. Don’t expect high-end gaming on this handheld though, and only three titles will be pre-loaded into the gadget. Remember, we are talking about decluttering stuff and keeping things simple, so this makes complete sense!

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PlayStation-inspired foldable console is the all-in-one entertainment system everyone deserves

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The video gaming landscape in the past years has changed considerably. We’re seeing a rise in “portable PCs” designed specifically for gaming purposes, while traditional consoles have become as powerful as or even more powerful than our desktop computers. For all intents and purposes, these home gaming machines can meet almost all our digital entertainment needs, though they have one design peculiarity that makes them a little less convenient for that. Most gaming consoles need to be hooked up to a display and a speaker, which puts some limits on how and where you can use them. That’s why there have been both concepts and actual mods that transform consoles into more standalone and sometimes even portable entertainment machines, but this PlayStation Capsule definitely takes the cake by mashing gaming, video, and audio entertainment together in a single, innovative form.

Designer: Alisher Ashimov

Right off the bat, this machine looks like no other console, not even those modded consoles that masquerade as very hefty suitcases. The foldable pyramid form might look alien to most people today, but more seasoned designers and tech pundits might be familiar with the JVC Video Capsule from 1978. Similar to that vintage appliance, the PlayStation Capsule concept encapsulates, pardon the pun, everything you’d need to immerse yourself in your favorite digital content. You don’t even need to plug anything in, except the PlayStation controllers, of course.

When the capsule is closed and the pyramid is whole, the device functions as an eye-catching speaker, a refreshing break from the cylinders and rectangles of today’s breed. Beyond just the unique shape and 360-degree audio, however, the PlayStation Capsule’s most notable feature in this Speaker Mode is its controls on its front. It has a touchscreen panel that acts both as a way to display visuals like album art as well as an interface for the speaker’s functions. That said, the capsule also features two physical knobs that give better tactile feedback and pay homage to the physical dials of the video capsule of old.

Swing the top upward, and you’ve switched to Console Mode, which can also be Video Mode if binge streaming is the name of your game. It reveals an integrated display so that you can start gaming or watching right then and there, removing the middle man of navigating the TV first. What makes the PlayStation Console special is the built-in mechanical keyboard, the type that gamers love for their tactile feedback and sound, as well as a MacBook-like Touch Bar for instant access to often-used functions. This is especially useful for games that require you to chat with others or to quickly toggle features on or off without having to dig through menus.

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Although it’s not something you’d carry with you on your travels, the PlayStation Capsule’s compact and integrated design still makes it portable to some extent. It doesn’t prevent you from hooking it up to a larger TV or more powerful speakers, but it can also function completely on its own when the circumstances call for it. More importantly, it gives the gaming console a striking and memorable design, one that looks to the future while paying respects to past innovations and creativity.

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Xbox revives iconic Porsche liveries on Xbox Series X consoles and accompanying Controllers

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In a thrilling news that brings together the stalwarts of gaming and automotive excellence, Porsche has partnered with Xbox to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

This momentous occasion is being celebrated with the release of a highly exclusive collection of custom Xbox Series X consoles and accompanying Wireless Controllers, each adorned with vibrant colorways inspired by six iconic Porsche motorsport liveries.

Designer: Porsche and Xbox

The limited-edition Xbox Series X consoles and controllers collective starts with the colorway of the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans winning Porsche 911 GT1. The iconic livery captures the essence of speed and power. This is followed by the deep blue and bright green “hippie” colors of the Porsche Hippie.

The eccentric and daring race car, the Pink Pig inspires the third colorway, while the appreciators of Salzburg livery, which marked Porsche’s first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, can now rejoice in timeless red and white theme on Xbox consoles and controllers. Next up is the Porsche Racing Edition, a livery representing the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the collection is wound up by the most current race livery on the Porsche 963, which is a testament to the marque’s relentless pursuit of automotive greatness.

This unique fusion of automotive heritage and gaming prowess is sure to captivate the hearts of Porsche enthusiasts and gaming aficionados alike.  Over the course of this summer, these six limited-edition console designs will be unveiled at major automobile and gaming events around the world. The events will serve as a platform for fans to witness the harmonious blend of Porsche’s motorsport heritage and Xbox’s cutting-edge gaming technology.

Unfortunately, these consoles will not be available for retail. Fans will, however, have the opportunity to enter sweepstakes over the next four months for a chance to win one of the consoles and controllers. Porsche’s 75th anniversary celebratory collection is a timeless convergence of two worlds and a cherished possession for all.

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This thin handheld gaming console comes with motion detection sensors for deeper immersion

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Handheld gaming consoles are making a strong comeback, by the looks of things. While Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch already have a stellar presence in the market, Sony is also jumping on the bandwagon with Project Q handheld. The gaming console is not exactly a full-fledged handheld (what everyone would have actually loved) that can play titles, rather a gadget to stream games from PlayStation 5. Strange but true!

Since handhelds are trending more than ever, a concept gaming console that brings more features for gamers is long due. Meet Nova, a minimalist handheld for gamers who demand equal dexterity with offline as well as purely cloud-based gaming.

Designer: Elbar Nasraddinli

The handheld concept is designed specifically for the Azerbaijan gaming community, but we find its ergonomic design to be pitchable for a wider audience too. It’s got motion sensors to enhance the in-game experience for titles where a deeper immersion is desired. Elbar has kept the form factor quite thin from the middle and a bit beefy from the sides, where the gamers need a superior grip.

Nova will be available in three color options – Black, White, and Karma. The Karma being the flashiest, with a cool combination of black and white. The D-pad and the input buttons are quite subtle, with a matte finish for better control while profoundly sweating during longer sessions. Those shoulder buttons are also precisely positioned for precise input. The wide screen of the handheld console holds merit for titles that are tailored for wider screen ratios.

While we wished the joystick could have been more profound, after all, as a gamer, you don’t want to seek out tactile input in the middle of a shooting frenzy. But the thin design for the handheld is a great advantage when stacked against the likes of Switch, Deck, or ROG Ally.

 

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Miniature Handheld game console the size of credit card is a nostalgic Game Boy dupe

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Nintendo, Valve and Asus are keeping the handheld gaming niche intact, encouraging new entrants to come up with their own versions. The average screen size for these gaming monsters is anywhere around 7 inches, but when a handheld measures no more than a credit card, it’s bound to grab our attention.

This is the RG Nano ultra-portable mini-game console by ANBERNIC all set to land in the hands of busy gamers who want an option to kill time on their evening transit. The Chinese company has already created ripples in the portable gaming industry with offerings like the RG35XX emulator that plays retro games as smoothly as it could get.

Designer: ANBERNIC

Measuring just 68 x 42 mm, the gadget is smaller than the SEGA’s Visual Memory Unit (VMU) designed for Dreamcast. It is ideal to hook up with your keychain since the miniature handheld comes with an offline clock function. It can even slot in a microSD card to store music files for audio playback. The ability to play high-fidelity lossless files will make you skip the high-resolution audio player when space is a premium. The only downside is, it doesn’t have a dedicated headphone jack and you’ll have to connect to the USB-C charging port with a USB-C adapter.

The build quality is impressive since the 2.5-inch handheld is made from a textured aluminum alloy body. Given the small form factor, don’t mind the missing analog joysticks which give way to the single D-pad with four action buttons. Thankfully a pair of shoulder buttons means you’ll be able to play 16-bit games with ease.

The mini handheld’s screen has a 1:1 aspect ratio perfect for playing all-time classic titles from the Game Boy Color, NES, SEGA, SNES or even the Genisis games. Playing Game Boy Advance titles won’t be recommended though, since the aspect ratio won’t match and the viewable screen area will be shrunk down even more.

Allwinner K3S chipset-powered RG Nano is loaded with a 1050mAh battery which should be enough for a few hours of non-stop playing. There’s no word on the pricing yet but it should come for less than $65 which stacks it right in the impulse-buying domain.

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