CES 2025 showcased a plethora of gaming handhelds, but the Atari Gamestation Go stood out from the crowd with its unique retro appeal. Preloaded with over 200 classic Atari games, including multiple versions of Pac-Man, this device offers a portable version of the Atari Gamestation Pro, a mini home console, but significantly enhanced.
Developed by My Arcade, a company known for its expertise in recreating authentic retro gaming experiences, the Gamestation Go, like its Pro counterpart, carries the Atari branding. The handheld boasts a comfortable, lightweight design and features a 7-inch 16:9 display, which provides a satisfying gaming experience.
alt text: Close-up view of the Atari Gamestation Go's controller, showing the joystick, D-pad, trackball, buttons, and number pad.
The Gamestation Go’s control layout is its defining feature. While many handhelds simply emulate retro games, the Gamestation Go goes further to replicate the original arcade experience. It features a joystick, D-pad, trackball, four buttons, and a number pad. These diverse input options cater to various games within the extensive library.
The number pad, specifically designed for Atari 5200 games, illuminates when such a title is selected. Similarly, the trackball lights up when playing Millipede. This thoughtful design aids users in navigating the vast collection of classic games, some of which may be unfamiliar to modern players. This dedication to authentic controls truly enhances the retro gaming experience.
alt text: A person holding the Atari Gamestation Go, showcasing the handheld's comfortable grip.
In addition to internal storage, the Gamestation Go includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, although the capacity details are yet to be released. For multiplayer gaming, two USB-C ports accommodate wired controllers, allowing players to connect Xbox, PlayStation, or My Arcade’s retro-style controllers. The device also features HDMI output and a built-in kickstand for playing on larger screens.
alt text: The Atari Gamestation Go controller, highlighting the illuminated trackball for playing Millipede.
While battery life information is currently unavailable and some software is still under development, preventing all preloaded games from being tested, the brief hands-on experience with titles like Asteroids proved incredibly enjoyable.
The Atari Gamestation Go is slated for release in Q3 2025 with a price tag of $150. My Arcade also announced the Gamestation Retro at CES 2025, showcased as a non-functional prototype.
