The handheld gaming market has changed dramatically over the last three decades. From the dominance of Nintendo’s Game Boy in the 1990s to today’s wide selection of portable consoles such as the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and a range of emulation devices, gamers now have more choice than ever. Into this crowded space steps the Atari Gamestation Go, a new handheld console developed by My Arcade under official Atari licensing.
A new handheld with classic roots
Atari last competed directly in the handheld market in 1990 with the release of the Lynx, which attempted to rival the Game Boy but ultimately fell short. The company’s name is now returning to portable gaming, though this time through a licensing deal rather than in-house development. My Arcade, known for creating retro-inspired hardware, is responsible for the new Gamestation Go.
The console is designed to appeal to fans of classic gaming, offering a library of over 200 titles. Players will find well-known Atari hits such as Adventure, Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Centipede. However, notable franchises like Pitfall, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong are absent, most likely due to licensing restrictions. The game collection spans multiple Atari platforms, including the 2600, 5200, and 7800, as well as arcade releases. In addition, the device includes titles from the Atari: Recharged series and select games licensed from companies like Jaleco and Piko.
Unique design and features
The Gamestation Go is built with a 7-inch display, though My Arcade has not confirmed its resolution or screen technology. Battery life is estimated at between four and five hours of playtime per charge.
Its control system sets it apart from other handhelds. Alongside the standard d-pad and face buttons, the console incorporates paddles, a trackball, and a keypad, reflecting the varied input methods of classic Atari systems. To ease navigation, the device includes a feature called SmartGlow, which lights up the appropriate controls for each specific game.
This latest release is part of a long history of Atari-licensed consoles created by third-party manufacturers. Past examples include Jakks Pacific’s Atari TV plug-and-play controller and the Atari Flashback series, which has produced more than ten consoles resembling the Atari 2600. Handheld spin-offs have appeared before as well, including the Atari Flashback Portable and the Super Pocket Atari Edition. However, the Gamestation Go represents a more modern approach, offering a compact design with a wide range of built-in games.
Price and availability
For those eager to revisit or discover Atari’s back catalogue, the Gamestation Go provides a substantial library in a portable format. The handheld is priced at US$179.99 and will launch in North America starting in October. At present, there is no confirmation of international availability, leaving retro enthusiasts elsewhere waiting for further announcements.
