Almost two years after its original unveiling during CES 2024, the long-anticipated Atari Gamestation Go handheld from My Arcade is now officially available for preorder at a retail price of $179.99 through the company’s online storefront. Shipments are projected to begin in October 2025, marking the end of a lengthy wait for retro gaming enthusiasts eager to purchase. This cost represents a modest increase when compared to the earlier projection of $149.99 revealed during CES 2025, yet the additional expense comes paired with a surprisingly robust package of entertainment value. The device ships preloaded with a library exceeding two hundred classic titles, drawing from recognizable collections associated with both Atari and Jaleco, while also including globally beloved icons such as Pac-Man.
The intent behind the Gamestation Go lies not merely in providing an affordable and convenient gateway for players who cherish the golden age of gaming, but in recreating, as authentically as possible, the original tactile experiences associated with vintage hardware. To achieve this, My Arcade has outfitted the system with an unusually diverse range of control mechanisms rarely seen on contemporary handhelds. In addition to the expected directional pad and responsive action buttons, the unit incorporates a paddle controller for games that demanded nuanced rotational input, a small integrated trackball designed for more precise cursor-style movements, and even a numeric keypad—an homage to the often unconventional controllers from the earliest Atari consoles. Each of these control methods illuminates when required, thoughtfully guiding players toward the proper interface depending on the demands of the current title.
Despite the wealth of features packed into the hardware, the Gamestation Go still manages to integrate a generously sized seven-inch display, making the on-screen action far more accessible and enjoyable than on many compact portable devices. While powerful handheld gaming systems often suffer from limited operational longevity, My Arcade has ensured that owners can expect approximately four to five hours of battery life per charge. This balance between screen size, specialized controls, nostalgic content, and portability positions the Gamestation Go as a device carefully engineered to recapture the sensations of Atari’s formative era while appealing to modern expectations of convenience and versatility.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/774305/atari-gamestation-go-retro-handheld-trackball-paddle
