3 Gaming Consoles That Will Let You Play Like It's 1979

By Jim Lenahan   En español Published October 20, 2021

Back in the day, if you got an Atari 2600 or Intellivision video game console, you ruled the neighborhood. And now, some 40 years later, those systems are making a comeback — in a way.

While online play, complex gaming and massive, immersive worlds rule today’s high-tech scene, powerful new systems that mimic the look and feel of old devices are tapping into a market for

pixelated nostalgia. “Retro is big right now,” says Ryan Burger, 49, publisher of Old School Gamer, a magazine and website. “The kids who grew up with these consoles are remembering their

days of playing games and have the money now to buy back some memories.

$300, plus $60 per controller

With its wood-grain front panel and old-school joystick, this unit screams ’70s. One key difference from the original Atari console, though: There’s no slot for cartridges. Instead, games

are streamed via apps or downloaded from the internet. More than 100 classic games, going back to Pong, are included, with more available for purchase. And if you’d rather play with a more

modern controller — the kind with a directional pad — you can get that, too. Also remember that this is modern technology. When you’re not in the mood to revisit the past, add a wireless

keyboard to the unit and use it as a PC.

​$100 and up (available January 14)​