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Welcome to a blast from the past – in the best way possible. Today we’re taking a look at 10 modern gadgets that channel serious retro vibes and blasts from the past that have received serious tech upgrades. From cassette players with Bluetooth to revamped vintage consoles, these tech toys prove that old-school classics can come back new and improved. So grab your Walkman (er, phone) and let’s dive into the nostalgia!
Retro Suitcase Record Player with RGB Lights: Victrola Journey Glow
Specs
- Turntable Speeds: 3-speed belt drive (33⅓, 45, 78 RPM)
- Built-in Sound: Stereo speakers with bass boost port
- Lighting: GlowRGB™ Light Effects: 18-mode multicolor LED light ring (including sound-reactive modes)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth input & VINYLSTREAM Bluetooth output, RCA out, 3.5mm headphone jack, aux-in
- Design: Portable suitcase chassis, classic 80s style with modern flair
Looking to resurrect your vinyl collection with a modern flare? The Victrola Journey Glow is just the thing you’re looking for. This portable turntable combines classic looks with a colorful twist – an integrated light bar that pulses and glows in 18 different modes, including a few sound-reactive modes. Whether you’re spinning an LP or streaming via Bluetooth (you can stream to the built-in speakers from your phone or laptop), the built-in stereo speakers do the job for casual listening. Keep in mind this is an entry-level record player and while the built-in stereo speakers sound great, and the bass port helps elevate this beyond what you’d expect from old school built-ins, don’t expect audiophile sound. That’s one reason we love the bluetooth and wired output options: simply flip a switch and broadcast your vinyl to wireless headphones or your favorite bookshelf speakers – awesome! With RCA outputs and a headphone jack, you can also hook it up to your stereo receiver for even bigger sound or enjoy midnight vinyl sessions solo. For $129.99, it’s a retro record player that brings the party with it. If you’re looking to introduce friends (or teens) to the joy of vinyl, this flashy little suitcase is a stellar conversation starter that truly shines (pun intended).
As for form factor: the Glow is the perfect size to close up and stash when not in use, especially if you’re limited on space, or take it and your favorite LPs to a friends house or parties.
Final thoughts: We put this thing through its paces and ran through a good chunk of our vinyl collection and have zero complaints, especially at this price. Great sound with excellent versatility.
Retro, Portable Cassette Player with Bluetooth: We Are Rewind
Specs
- Format: Plays standard audio cassettes (Types I-IV), stereo playback
- Recording: 3.5mm line-in to record your own mixtapes (Type I tape)
- Connectivity: 3.5mm headphone out, Bluetooth 5.1 wireless output (connects to most BT headphones/speakers)
- Power: Rechargeable 2000 mAh Li-ion battery (≈10–12 hours playback)
- Design: Compact Walkman-style, aluminum body (inspired by the 1979 Sony TPS-L2), tactile buttons, volume dial
Meet the mix of the past and present in the We Are Rewind “Serge” [the orange model] portable cassette player – a blend of classic design and modern bluetooth innovation. This unit looks and operates like an the Sony Walkmans of old (complete with chunky buttons for fast forward, rewind, and a manual volume wheel), yet it’s been modernized in all the right ways. First off, no more AA batteries – it has a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 12 hours, so you can jam to your tape collection all day without digging for spares. It also packs Bluetooth 5.1, a world-first for cassette players, letting you stream your tape’s audio to wireless headphones or speakers. (Yes, that means you can walk around with a tape player in your pocket (or in their custom belt clip) and AirPods in your ears. For the purists, there’s still a headphone jack, and even a line-in to record your own mixtapes like it’s the good old days. We actually had some fun recording our LPs from the Victrola Journey Glow onto fresh Maxell cassette tapes and made mix tapes by connecting the cassette player to our PC via a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable (not included) and playing back a custom playlist.
The build quality is outstanding – the body is crafted from aluminum, not plastic, giving it a cool touch and sturdy feel reminiscent of the very first Sony Walkman. In fact, this device is unabashedly aimed at nostalgia buffs: from the satisfying click of the buttons to the minimalist retro look (the “Serge” comes in a bright orange that screams 80s pop). And it sounds surprisingly good – engineers tuned the mechanism for optimal wow-and-flutter, so your tapes play as smoothly as possible. No, it won’t rival a modern lossless stream, but it absolutely nails the retro cassette player experience. For anyone who still cherishes mixtapes or wants to create new ones, the We Are Rewind cassette player is a dream come true. Just be prepared for curious stares when you pull out a cassette in 2025 – and the ensuing conversations that start with “Whoa, is that a tape?!”.
80s-Style Wireless Headphones: JLab Rewind 2 Headphones
Specs
- Style & Drivers: On-ear retro foam earpads (orange & black pads included), 36 mm dynamic drivers (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.0 with Multipoint (connect 2 devices at once)
- Battery: ~20 hours playtime (50% vol) per charge, 2 hr charge time (USB-C), Quick charge: 10 min for ~1.5 hr
- Features: Built-in MEMS mic for calls, JLab App support for EQ customization, Wireless Share Mode (send music to another headset), Find My device compatible
- Weight: 57 g (super lightweight), Controls: On-ear buttons for volume, play/pause, track, voice assistant
If you have fond memories of the foam-padded Sony Walkman headphones, the JLab Rewind 2 will hit you with all the nostalgia. These lightweight wireless headphones are a love letter to the 1980s on-ear design – complete with neon orange ear foam (don’t worry, subtle black foams are in the box too) and a thin headband that sits effortlessly light. But while the look screams “1988 jogging outfit,” the tech is totally modern. Pair them via Bluetooth and you’ve got 20+ hours to play your favorite retro tunes. We were impressed by how comfortable and feather-light they felt (just 57 grams – you’ll forget you’re wearing them). JLab cleverly added Bluetooth Multipoint, so you can seamlessly switch from listening on your laptop to taking a call from your phone – a great touch for daily use. Speaking of calls, yes, there’s a microphone, so you can chat with these on. The sound quality is solid for the price – the 36mm drivers produce a punchy, warm sound that complements the old-school vibes. Purists will appreciate the JLab app’s EQ customization, letting you dial in that perfect “80s cassette” sound if you want. One of the coolest extras is Wireless Share Mode, which lets a friend with another JLab headset tune into your music simultaneously (essentially turning two wireless headphones into a shared experience). And if you misplace the Rewind 2 in your gym bag, they even work with Google’s Find My Device for locating them. In everyday use, the Rewind 2 headphones were a fun mix of old and new – you’ll get plenty of smiles and thumbs-up from folks recognizing the retro style. They’re perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Walkman-era cool with the convenience of modern wireless headphones. Just press play on Thriller and let the nostalgia wash over you.
Retro Boombox with Cassette and Lights: ION Audio Retro Glow
Specs
- Media: Plays cassette tapes (record & playback), FM/AM radio tuner
- Recording: Records to cassette from radio, built-in mic, or aux-in (make your own radio mixtapes!)
- Speakers: Dual full-range stereo speakers (rich bass, clear highs); twin analog VU meters for audio levels
- Lighting: Translucent housing with sound-responsive multi-color LED lights (built-in light show)
- Power: Rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 10 hours playtime) or AC power
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 streaming (wireless audio in), USB drive and SD card MP3 playback, 3.5mm aux input
- Controls: Separate bass and treble knobs for tone customization
The ION Retro Glow is basically a classic ’80s boombox on steroids. It has the bold look – a chunky handle, big speakers, and even analog VU meter needles dancing to the beat – but it’s also packed with modern tech to keep the music pumping. This thing will play your old mix tapes and stream Spotify from your phone via Bluetooth. In fact, the Retro Glow is all about bridging eras: it features a cassette player/recorder so you can rediscover (or record) tapes, and at the same time, its clear plastic shell lights up with a funky LED show synced to your music. Picture neon lights strobing inside the boombox while Take On Me plays – yep, it’s a vibe. It’s got two robust speakers for powerful audio with adjustable bass/treble knobs to tweak the sound. Not only can you tune to FM stations, you can even record off the radio onto a cassette just like the good old days. But if radio isn’t your thing, you have USB and SD card slots to play MP3s, plus an aux input for any device. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity means you can stream wirelessly from any modern phone or tablet. Perhaps the coolest feature for parties is the translucent design with built-in LEDs – dim the lights and watch the Retro Glow “dance” along with multi-color effects to your music. It’s instant retro ambiance. The unit runs on a rechargeable battery for about 10 hours, so you can actually carry it on your shoulder to your next retro picnic without needing a wall outlet.
Who is this for? The Retro Glow is perfect for anyone who misses the days of boomboxes and mixtapes, but also wants modern convenience. It’s a retro aesthetic showpiece that’s also a fully functional speaker system. Whether you’re reliving your glory days or just discovering cassettes for the first time, this boombox brings non-stop fun in a nostalgically cool package.
NES-Inspired Mechanical Keyboard: 8BitDo Retro 108 Keyboard
Specs
- Layout & Keys: Full-size 108-key mechanical keyboard (with numpad) + detachable Dual Super Buttons(giant A/B pad buttons)
- Switches: Clicky Kailh BOX White V2 switches (hot-swappable); NKRO support for gamers
- Keycaps: Thick PBT keycaps (dye-sublimated) in retro color scheme (NES gray/red theme)
- Connectivity: Triple-mode – Bluetooth LE, 2.4 GHz wireless (USB dongle included), or USB-C wired
- Battery: 2000 mAh rechargeable (≈ 200 hours use on a charge, ~4 hrs to recharge)
- Compatibility: Windows 10+ and Android 9+ (works with PC, laptops, tablets, etc.)
- Build: Weight ~1.35 kg (solid build), top-mounted steel plate, metal bezel accents; adjustable angle feet
The 8BitDo Retro 108 is a mechanical keyboard that looks like it fell out of 1989 and onto your desk. Designed by the retro gaming gurus at 8BitDo, this board’s NES-inspired aesthetic immediately evokes classic gaming memories – the keycap colors and overall vibe mimic the iconic Nintendo console. But beyond the nostalgic looks, it’s a fully modern, high-performance keyboard. You can connect it how you like: pair via Bluetooth, use the low-latency 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or just plug it in with USB-C. Those who love mechanical keyboards will appreciate that it uses Kailh BOX White V2 switches, which are tactile and clicky – every keypress sounds like a satisfying mini typewriter click. And if you ever want to change the feel or fix a switch, the PCB is hot-swappable, meaning you can pull out switches and swap new ones without soldering. The keycaps are high-quality PBT, so the legends won’t fade, and they have a retro font style that fits the theme. A fun bonus: it comes with “Dual Super Buttons,” essentially two gigantic red buttons (think arcade fire buttons) that you can program to any key or macro – they’re completely optional, but add a playful touch. Despite the throwback look, productivity isn’t sacrificed: it has N-key rollover (no missed key presses), and you can even use 8BitDo’s software to customize layouts or macros. The battery life is a whopping 200 hours, so you can game or type for weeks on end before recharging.
Who’s it for? Retro enthusiasts, gamers, or anyone who wants their desk setup to stand out. It blends nostalgia and performance beautifully: you get the look of a vintage keyboard/controller mashup, but the speed and precision of a modern mechanical. In short, 8BitDo knocked it out of the park – or should we say, the arcade.
Vintage Aesthetic Wireless Mouse: Lofree Touch PBT Mouse
Specs
- Design & Aesthetics: Ergonomic rounded shape with retro-inspired color schemes (e.g. off-white “Tofu” or blocky 8-bit style); features a tiny OLED display for status/DPI
- Buttons: 5 buttons (left, right, middle scroll click, side forward/back); main buttons use swappable mechanical keycaps for a unique feel
- Sensor & DPI: PixArt PAW3805 optical sensor, adjustable 5 DPI levels (800/1600/2400/3600/4000) – even tracks on glass surfaces
- Connectivity: 3 modes – Wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless (dongle), Bluetooth 5.0; can pair with up to 4 devicesand switch seamlessly
- Battery: Rechargeable (capacity not stated); up to 4 weeks use on a charge under normal use
- Materials: Oil-resistant PBT top shell and buttons (stays matte, resists shine); rubber scroll wheel for grip
- Size & Weight: Compact – ~108×69×43 mm, ~105 g (small-hand friendly)
The Lofree Touch PBT wireless mouse is where retro-futuristic design meets modern function. At first glance, it might remind you of a vintage computer mouse from the late 70s or a piece of a retro keyboard – it has a boxy yet cute shape and comes in nostalgia-tinged color options (the “Tofu” version is a creamy off-white that looks like it came straight off a Commodore 64, while the “Block” theme mixes orange, grey, and cream for a very 80s console vibe). The coolest visual feature is the tiny OLED screen on top of the mouse, which displays the current DPI setting and battery status – a modern touch that somehow blends right in with the retro style. In use, the Lofree Touch PBT is a versatile wireless mouse. It can connect to up to 4 devices (e.g., your laptop, tablet, desktop, and maybe a smart TV) – great for multi-taskers with multiple gadgets. The mechanical keycap-style buttons and decidedly retro color scheme give it a unique, charming aesthetic, as one reviewer perfectly noted. Despite the old-school look, it’s comfortable – though note, it is on the smaller side, so folks with large hands might find it a tad petite (on the flip side, it’s awesome for travel or smaller hands). The PBT material means it’ll resist the shiny wear patches that plague regular mice, so it stays looking new. With about a month of battery life per charge, you’re not going to be charging it often either. In sum, the Lofree Touch PBT mouse is all about style meeting substance.
It’s ideal for those who have curated a retro-inspired desk (it pairs great with a typewriter-style keyboard or a vintage PC setup) and want a mouse that’s as cool to look at as it is to use. Sure, it’s a bit of a conversation piece, but it’s also a fully capable wireless mouse for everyday work and play. Consider it the ultimate retro-cool mouse for the modern minimalistic geek.
Classic Instant Camera for Modern Snapshots: Polaroid Now+ (Gen 3)
Specs
- Film Format: Shoots Polaroid i-Type film (classic square format, 3.1×3.1″ images) and also compatible with 600 film
- Lens System: Dual-lens autofocus (automatically switches for portraits vs. distance)
- Apertures: Six aperture settings (f/11 to f/64) for creative control (app-enabled)
- Shutter & Flash: Custom shutter with precision step motor; built-in flash (optimized for natural skin tones)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth – pairs with the Polaroid smartphone app for advanced modes
- App Features: Aperture Priority mode, Manual mode, Remote trigger, Self-timer, Double exposure, light painting, and more via the Polaroid app
- Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (USB charging, lasts through several packs of film)
- Build: Iconic Polaroid OneStep-style design (smooth curves, big viewfinder), made with 40% recycled materials; tripod mount on bottom for steady shots
- Colors: Available in four bold retro colors (e.g. classic white, black, and playful hues)
The Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 is the instant camera that lets you party like it’s 1979 and 2025. It’s got that classic Polaroid look – the boxy body, big red shutter button, and rainbow-esque style (especially if you get it in white or one of the vintage-y colors) – but inside, it’s hiding a bunch of modern tech tricks. At its core, this is an analog instant film camera: load up a pack of Polaroid i-Type film and you’ll get those dreamy, soft, nostalgia-soaked photos that develop in your hand. But when you want more creative control, just connect the Now+ to the Polaroid smartphone app via Bluetooth and a whole world of options opens up. With the app, you can unlock features like Aperture Priority (letting you choose between depth-of-field settings from f/11 to f/64), do double exposures with ease, or even use your phone as a remote shutter trigger for group shots and selfies. The camera’s two-lens autofocus system means your shots come out sharper than the vintage models did, especially in daylight. Low-light indoors, the flash kicks in an attempt to balance things. Polaroid says it’s a “human-friendly” flash, and in the samples we’ve seen, people’s faces came out pleasantly lit. There’s also a handy tripod mount – combine that with the remote trigger and night-time long exposures become a fun experiment. Being a Polaroid, it’s entirely point-and-shoot if you want it to be: turn it on, frame your subject through the viewfinder, press the red button, and whirr – out pops a new print, ready to develop. The rechargeable battery means no buying packs of AAs (thank you), and you can shoot several packs of film per charge easily. Bonus points that Polaroid built it with 40% recycled materials, so it’s a bit more eco-friendly.
Who should consider the Now+? Anyone who loves the tangible joy of instant photos but also craves a bit of modern flexibility. It’s perfect for creative souls who want to experiment – you can do everything from long exposure light paintings to artistic double exposures of your friends without needing separate gear. At the same time, grandpa can use it at a family party in simple mode and get lovely snaps, just like the Polaroids of old. This camera truly is a “classic-look camera that’s full of modern tech” – a bridge between generations that turns moments into physical memories in a snap (literally).
Handheld Retro Gaming Console: RetroNanix “Nanix 2.0”
Specs
- Games & Systems: 20,000+ built-in games from 20 classic consoles (everything from NES, SNES, and Genesis to PS1-era titles)
- Storage: 128 GB internal memory holds the huge game library (no cartridges needed)
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS color screen (high-definition) for crisp retro graphics
- Controls: Handheld console form-factor with dual analog joysticks, L/R shoulder buttons, plus D-pad and all standard buttons (layout supports older 2D games and newer 3D games)
- Battery: ~8 hours of gameplay per charge (rechargeable battery)
- Outputs: (Likely) TV-out support via AV/HDMI adapter – play on the big screen (not confirmed, but many devices of this type include it)
- Size & Portability: Compact and lightweight – designed for portability so you can game on the go
- Extras: Save state functionality for games, and UI to choose and browse games by system (menu-driven interface)
Imagine having every game console of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s in your pocket. That’s essentially what the RetroNanix Nanix 2.0 promises. This device looks like a chunky Game Boy mixed with a PSP, and it comes pre-loaded with over 20,000 classic games spanning 20 different retro consoles. We’re talking all the Nintendo classics, Sega gems, arcade hits, even some PlayStation 1 favorites – all in one handheld. It’s a dream gadget for anyone who grew up feeding quarters into arcade machines or blowing on NES cartridges. The Nanix is small enough to carry anywhere, and with about 8 hours of battery life, you can enjoy extended gaming sessions on a single charge. The 3.5-inch display is a high quality IPS which is a nice touch. The RetroNanix interface lets you scroll through consoles and titles; it’s user-friendly with game cover art and lists, so finding that one game you loved in childhood is part of the fun. Legally, it’s a bit of a gray area how all these games are included, but from a user perspective it’s essentially plug-and-play nostalgia. It’s also a fantastic way to show younger gamers what Dad or Mom played “back in the day” – a true step back in time for family bonding over old high scores. Another bonus: because it’s an all-in-one device, you don’t need to lug cartridges or worry about downloads. Just switch it on and you have an entire retro arcade at your fingertips.
Who is Nanix 2.0 for? Retro enthusiasts, obviously – especially those who want a huge library without the fuss. It’s also great for long trips, since you’ll never run out of games to play (20,000 is more than anyone’s backlog!). In a world of modern mobile games, the Nanix brings back the pure, button-mashing joy of console gaming’s golden era. Play anywhere, anytime, like it’s 1995 – and yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds.
Atari 2600 Smartwatch (With Games!): Atari 2600 My Play Watch
Specs
- Display: 2.02-inch TFT color touchscreen (bright and responsive for games)
- Built-in Games: 4 classic Atari 2600 games preloaded – Centipede, Missile Command, Pong, Super Breakout
- Controls: Side-mounted rotating crown (acts like a paddle controller for Pong/Breakout) + a side button (both designed to mimic original Atari joystick controls)
- Smartwatch Features: Time/date, alarms, stopwatch, etc., fitness tracking (heart rate monitor, step counter, calorie tracking) with retro gaming-themed fitness interface
- Connectivity: No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (intentional “distraction-free” design – no phone notifications)
- OS: Custom MyPlayWatch OS (no frequent updates needed; runs the included apps/games out-of-the-box)
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistant (can withstand submersion >1m)
- Battery & Charging: Multi-day battery life (varies with game usage); charges via included magnetic cable
- Bands: Comes with 2 interchangeable bands (double-sided designs with Atari artwork) + bonus Missile Command-themed band for Atari.com pre-orders
- Extras: Classic Atari sound effects for notifications/alarms (8-bit style bleeps), several watch face options featuring Atari 2600 graphics
The Atari 2600 “My Play Watch” might just be the most playful smartwatch ever made. It’s a timepiece that doubles as a mini retro gaming console on your wrist. If the idea of playing Pong or Centipede during a dull meeting appeals to you, read on. Styled to pay homage to the 1977 Atari 2600 console, the watch features a sleek black bezel and even has a little orange stripe accent – a nod to the console’s iconic design. But the real magic is when you fire it up: this watch comes preloaded with four legendary Atari games that you can actually play on the watch using the crown and button. Pong with two players on a tiny watch screen? Yes, it’s as hilarious and fun as it sounds – you can theoretically hand the watch to a friend and each use a side of the crown to bounce the ball (or just play against the CPU) – we say theoretically because the watch is currently available for preorders only and ships June 10th.
Aside from games, this is a real smartwatch in terms of fitness basics: it will track your steps, heart rate, and calories. One refreshing thing the My Play Watch does not do is over-connect – in fact, it has no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi at all. That means it won’t buzz you with social media alerts or emails, and it doesn’t send your data to any cloud. Atari calls this “Selective Tech,” aiming to provide just the fun and useful features without the distractions. In an age of constant notifications, it’s actually nice to have a gadget that lets you disconnect; think of it as a digital detox with a side of Missile Command. The watch still handles timekeeping obviously (various watch faces are available, including some with retro pixel art), and basic functions like alarm, timer, and stopwatch – all with Atari-style graphics and sounds. It’s built well too: IP68 waterproof, so you don’t need to fear rain or even a swim. The included bands are easy to swap and feature cool Atari 2600 artwork (plus that exclusive Missile Command band if you snagged a pre-order). Battery life will depend on how much Centipede you play, but it’s advertised to last a couple of days on a charge, more if you’re just wearing it as a watch.
Who is this for? Undeniably, the Atari fanatics and retro gaming enthusiasts. It’s also a great conversation starter – you’ll get “Wait, you can play games on your watch?!” a lot. Importantly, it’s also for people who want a simpler smartwatch experience. By skipping the constant connectivity, the My Play Watch becomes a fun, low-stress gadget – something you wear to enjoy, not another screen sucking you into notifications. It truly blends nostalgia with modern features: one minute you’re checking your heart rate, the next minute you’re literally playing an 8-bit game from 40 years ago. In short, Atari’s My Play Watch is an awesome little slice of tech history for your wrist. Time to save the world from invaders – during your coffee break.
Modernized Atari Console Bundle: Atari 7800+ “Level Up” Bundle
Specs
- Console: Atari 7800+ system – a modern reissue of the 1980s Atari 7800 (backwards compatible with 2600 cartridges). Sleek, scaled-down design faithful to the original, with HDMI output for modern TVs.
- Included Controllers: 2× CX78+ wireless gamepads (modern Atari 7800 controllers, wireless); 1× CX40+ wireless joystick (classic Atari 2600-style stick, wireless); 1× CX30+ paddle controller set (pair of dial paddles for paddle games). (Enough controllers for every style of retro game, from platformers to Pong.)
- Games in Bundle: Comes with multiple game cartridges, including new releases and classics – e.g. Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest (new 7800 platformer) and a 4-in-1 classics cartridge (with titles like Breakout, Night Driver, Canyon Bomber, etc.) – plus additional game carts (bundle offers “Buy 4, Get 1 Free” on games).
- Output & Video: HDMI 720p video output (modern upscaling for crisp pixels on HDTVs); 16:9 and 4:3 display modes selectable. Also composite output for authentic retro TV experience (cable sold separately).
- Power: USB-powered (includes adapter) for convenience.
- Extras: Includes a physical instruction manual (throwback style!), and the console features a cartridge slot compatible with original and new Atari 2600/7800 game cartridges. Save states or onboard game selection UI for built-in titles (if any internal games are included).
Atari has leveled up its nostalgia game with the 7800+ Game On Mega Bundle, an all-in-one package for retro gaming enthusiasts. This bundle doesn’t just give you a console – it basically hands you an instant Atari game room in a box. At its heart is the new Atari 7800+ console, a loving remake of the classic 1986 Atari 7800 system. The console itself is a beauty: it maintains the timeless two-tone design (yes, even the faux woodgrain vibes) but is shrunken down to better fit your TV stand, and crucially, it hooks up to modern TVs via HDMI with ease. That means you can play all those old cartridges on your big flat-screen without any fuzz or hassle.
What truly makes this bundle “Ultimate” is the haul of controllers and games. Inside you’ll find every official controller type Atari has revamped. Prefer the retro joystick? There’s a CX40+ wireless joystick included, modeled after the iconic one-button Atari 2600 controller. Rather use a modern gamepad for longer sessions? They’ve packed in two CX78+ wireless gamepads, which have a more ergonomic design (akin to a NES/SNES pad with extra buttons) – perfect for 7800 titles that use two buttons. And for the true old-school arcade experience, the bundle even includes a set of paddle controllers (CX30+), so you can spin that dial for games like Breakout and Warlords with authentic precision. All controllers are wireless, which is a huge quality-of-life upgrade from the tethered originals.
On the games front, Atari loaded this bundle with a mix of brand-new and classic titles. The highlight is Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a new platformer made for the 7800 (featuring the character from Atari’s old Crystal Castlesarcade game). It’s legit new retro game – think Mario-esque gameplay with Atari-flavored graphics. Additionally, you get a multi-game cartridge packed with some 7800 versions of classics (we noticed Super Breakout, Missile Command, and Night Driver on one cart, among others). And remember, the 7800+ can play original 2600 and 7800 cartridges, so if you (or your parents) have a stash of old carts in the attic, those will work here too.
The 7800+ has a simple, modern setup: HDMI to the TV, power via USB, and offers up a clean menu. The interface lets you adjust a few settings (aspect ratio, scanline filters if you want that CRT look) and manage any loaded games. Insert a cartridge and it appears on the menu to launch. Sound is delivered through HDMI too, so those classic bleeps and bloops should come through your modern soundbar loud and clear.
Who is this bundle for? Hardcore Atari fans and retro collectors, first and foremost. If you want the full Atari experience in one go, this is it – console, multiple controllers, and a library of games. It’s also a fantastic family gift; the kids can enjoy the novelty of “old graphics” and simple pick-up-and-play games, while parents or grandparents relive afternoons from decades past. At around $400+, it’s an investment in nostalgia, but considering it includes essentially every accessory and a stack of games, the value is solid for what you get. Plus, there’s an undeniable cool factor in owning an Atari 7800 that’s been revived for the modern age. In an era of complex, high-budget video games, there’s something refreshingly pure about firing up an Atari and chasing high scores together. This bundle truly delivers everything you need to get your pixel fix – just add snacks and it’s 1988 again in your living room. Game on!
Whether you’re an audiophile, a gamer, or just a vintage tech aficionado, these products prove that what’s old can be new again. Modern tech with retro vibes is a match made in heaven – combining the charm of the past with the convenience of today. From vinyl and cassettes to 8-bit games and mechanical keyboards, we hope this roundup sparked a little nostalgia and showed that classic designs never go out of style – especially when they come back with more features!
