My Arcade has announced the upcoming release of the Super Retro Champ, a handheld console capable of playing original Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridges. First introduced at CES four years ago, the device is now set to launch later this year for $149.99, an increase from the originally planned $110.
Console Wars Over? (Credit: My Arcade)
The Super Retro Champ features slots for both SNES and Genesis cartridges, accommodating international versions like Super Famicom and Mega Drive. Its design includes a six-inch screen with substantial bezels, and while it can function as a handheld with a rechargeable battery, it’s more suited for tabletop use with its folding stand, connected controllers, and power adapter. Additionally, the console offers an HDMI port for TV connection, though it doesn’t support high-definition output.
Portable, kind of. (Credit: My Arcade)
This device caters to retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a versatile way to enjoy their classic game collections. However, its bulky design and lack of HD support may be considerations for potential buyers.
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The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 has once again proven to be a playground for retro gaming enthusiasts. My Arcade, a leading name in the retro gaming scene, joined forces with Atari to unveil the Atari Balls of Steel Pinball Player Pro, a cutting-edge pinball machine with a nostalgic twist. This collaboration is yet another testament to the undying charm of classic gaming in the modern tech world.
Credit: MyArcade
A Retro-Modern Marvel
For those who grew up in arcades, the Atari Balls of Steel Pinball Player Pro is like a time machine—but with a high-tech engine. The pinball machine integrates Atari’s classic gaming heritage with state-of-the-art features, offering players a tactile, immersive experience that pays homage to the golden era of gaming while embracing the future.
Designed for both seasoned pinball players and newcomers, the Pinball Player Pro features vibrant LCDs, immersive soundtracks, and lightning-fast mechanics. It’s a brilliant example of how timeless design and modern engineering can collide to create something truly unique. CES attendees were treated to hands-on demos, and early impressions suggest that this is more than just a pretty machine—it’s set to be a game-changer for pinball enthusiasts.
Credit MyArcade
Why It Matters
Pinball machines, once ubiquitous in the 70s and 80s, have seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to retro gaming’s growing popularity. Atari and My Arcade’s new creation doesn’t just ride the retro wave; it pushes it forward. With collectors and gamers alike clamouring for physical gaming experiences, this launch could spark a revival in home-based arcade setups.
It also taps into the wider nostalgia trend that has taken over pop culture. Whether it’s the return of vinyl records, remakes of classic films, or vintage gaming, people are looking to reconnect with simpler times. Atari and My Arcade have smartly positioned themselves at the centre of this cultural phenomenon.
A Sign of Things to Come?
This partnership hints at a potential revival for other Atari classics. Could we see updated versions of Pong, Asteroids, or Centipede next? If the buzz around this release is any indication, the retro gaming market is far from tapped out. Atari’s brand power, combined with My Arcade’s hardware expertise, is a promising formula that could pave the way for even more ambitious projects.
If you’re a retro gaming fan, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. The Atari Balls of Steel Pinball Player Pro promises to reignite arcade nostalgia while setting new standards for pinball enthusiasts.
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