Type: Handheld Console
Manufacturer: Blaze
Year: 2018
Platform: Atari 2600
The Atari Retro Handheld by Blaze is a portable system officially licensed to play a selection of Atari 2600 games, released in 2018. It was designed to provide a nostalgic experience by combining the look of the classic console with modern portability. The device comes preloaded with 50 Atari 2600 titles, including well-known games such as Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, and Pong.
In terms of appearance, the handheld echoes the design language of the original Atari 2600. It features a faux woodgrain finish, ridged black casing, and orange and red buttons reminiscent of the iconic joystick. The unit has a 2.4-inch LCD screen, built-in controls, and offers composite A/V output for play on an external television. It runs on four AAA batteries, as it does not include a rechargeable power source.
The system provides a straightforward menu to select games and start playing. While emulation generally works well, there are reported issues with audio stability, occasional visual glitches, and limited screen visibility in bright light due to reflections and narrow viewing angles. These aspects set it apart from the original hardware experience.
There are also notable compatibility limitations. The device lacks difficulty switches that many Atari 2600 titles originally required, and some games dependent on paddle controllers do not translate well to the built-in D-pad. Licensing restrictions also mean that many third-party titles, such as Activision releases, are absent. The selection of games is fixed, with no official option for adding additional titles.
