Instead of apps, Wi-Fi, and constant notifications, a new watch from Atari switches out modern conveniences for retro gaming. And it sounds spectacular.
Play Four Iconic Games on the Atari 2600 My Play Watch
The Atari 2600 My Play Watch combines a traditional watch along with iconic games. You can play Centipede, Missile Command, Pong, and Super Breakout right on the screen.
To make play easier, the crown and button have been customized to look and feel like classic controller buttons. The rotating crown even operates like a paddle controller. For a complete package, original Atari 2600 sound effects are featured throughout the watch, like in audio for alarms, timers, and audio feedback.
While the watch is made for gaming, you can also track your daily fitness. The My Play 2600 can track your steps, measure calories burned, and even monitor heart rate.
The centerpiece of the watch is a 2.02-inch TFT touchscreen. A metal bezel surrounds the face for extra durability and screen protection. Thanks to an IP68 rating, the watch is dust-protected and can withstand water for more than 1 meter.
There’s no word on the battery life of the watch, but a charging cable is included. You can pre-order the Atari 2600 My Play Watch now directly from Atari for $79.99. Orders will arrive starting on June 10. Atari also includes three watch bands full of retro charm.
A Watch Just for Fun
I can’t get enough of my Apple Watch, but the Atari version looks spectacular. I’m definitely excited to order one. There are times when I need a watch, but don’t enjoy being bothered by the extra technology of a modern smartwatch. And I’m old enough to have owned a real Atari 2600, one of the best gaming consoles ever released.
The Atari watch isn’t the only blast-from-the-past wearable that has been announced this week. The original Pebble watch that launched more than 10 years ago, is back, sort of.
Instead of Pebble, the team behind that watch is back with two low-cost options—the Core 2 Duo and Core Time 2.
