JetmanUK

@romanista Absolutely. I have emulators, the Spectrum from last year and original hardware, but using the Next feels like using original hardware, but with a cherry on top. 😊

As an owner of a KS2 model I can strongly recommend the Next, it is a wonderful machine and I've had a great deal of fun with it.

@RossoftheRobots

Thanks for confirming this

With most of the games being computer games I feel that they should have gone with blue, red makes less sense.

7 Computer
4 Console
1 Arcade

I guess this was a choice for the American market, the console games will have more love so they coloured the box for console. Ah well.

Finally, some Speccy love! And Ultimate games, excellent! It is odd that they threw the C64 version of Underwurlde in, it just being a Spectrum port, but maybe they wanted to throw Commodore fans a bone. In that case they could have made Sabre Wulf the C64 version too. Anyway, I enjoyed playing Underwurlde on my bro's C64 so I have nostalgia for that version too.

Hopefully we see a Rare Collection 2 (seems so with the name) and get the entire Ultimate catalogue from the Spectrum and C64.

Really pleased that they have completed the deal. Excited to try my C64U out later this year. 😁

Wow! I just looked at their website. It's sadly not that an attractive a watch for a high price, with some colours even more expensive too. For me not worth it, even with the 65% off. Oh yeah and 65% off? How much are they costing to manufacture? 🤣

Whilst this is cool, some key info is missing. Rare were actually Ashby computers and graphics trading as Ultimate play the game, the ultimate name being all over the game boxes and in game too. Its a shame that their more famous name isn't represented on the plaque.

@shgamer You mentioned the adjustable speed of the CPU, you can run the Z80 at 3.5, 7, 14 and 28mhz when playing original games too. I've found the 7mhz setting to be good for some slow Speccy games. For example River Raid suddenly becomes a very much more playable and smooth game. Many games it just runs too fast and obviously spoils sound and music too. For new games it's great that you have that much power to play with for sure.

@phillai The football game stretch goal mentions online play. I hope it's like a Sensible Soccer clone, could be fun.

@Crecca It plays Spectrum games, from all the models, a Next mode that offers performance similar to indie game experiences on Steam, there's a QL core, a C64 core, a BBC Micro core is available too. It has been stated that they are looking at an Amiga core too.

So if you like retro games and indie style retro games then it's a great machine.

@shgamer Condolences on your father's passing. Perhaps you can name a character in the game after him? Or maybe a shout out to him on the title screen? I look forward to playing it on my Next. 😊👍🏻

I'm really pleased that the Kickstarter is going so well. I have a KS2 Next and I have to say it's excellent. It's not an emulation box, it is a real Spectrum, but modernised. The design of the shell, the feel of using it, the licence/branding, it's a legit Spectrum. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the platform, it's far superior to using emulation on a PC, a totally different and authentic feel.

I have ordered the special edition magenta one on this KS3 campaign, did I need it? Nah, but it looks cool and they originally said that this is probably the last run they make... Although I bet it's not. Good! 😁

I have one from the second Kickstarter, it's a great machine and I am looking forward to the breadbin core too. I highly recommend it to any Spec-chums out there.

As a current VS owner I decided that now is the time to jump in on the EXP.

I am not a big handheld guy, my Switch is permanently docked, but the loss of the HDMI output and Capcom games has made me pull the trigger on the current model, plus I'll also be able to play the Namco games.

I'm looking forward to mine arriving from Amazon as I have no previous experience with the Atari computers. I was a Spectrum guy and also played on and later was given my brother's C64, so this will be a cool journey of discovery. 😊

The extra buttons on the controller are also intriguing.

I pre-ordered these straight away. Can't wait.

I am also happy to see the greedy eBay sellers having the rug pulled out from under their feet, who's gonna buy Ninja Golf for £150 now? 🤣🤣

Bubsy is a mascot no doubt about that... Not the most well regarded, but very recognisable.
I think he could be a useful acquisition for Atari, if used correctly. Perhaps a 2600 style demake or a Recharged game might be a good start for the IP.

A mini Jag would be really nice under my TV.
😁✌🏻

If they can manage to get licensed games included too it would be good, although we will all no doubt add them via USB anyway.

Ah the 2600 Plus, you have eaten lots of my time and given me great enjoyment. 😁

For those not following it, it has received some Beta and Experimental updates which have hugely improved the system so far. They are not done with it yet, further features have been discussed too. It's an exciting product, I've enjoyed collecting (far too many 🤣) old carts.

I don't actually own a VCS, I would if Atari shipped to the UK but ah well.

I have followed it's progress and it seems like a well supported and versatile machine, if I had bought one at launch I think I'd be happy with my purchase.

If it was available here right now I don't think I would buy one, not because it's a bad console, not at all, but because it's too late now. Also I am enjoying all things Atari on my Xbox and 2600 Plus anyway! 😊

I do agree that it's slightly outside of the current Atari product line, but credit to them for their continued support of it.

Great article, Atari content is always appreciated on here, thank you! I really should comment more, rather than being a silent viewer, so here I am. 🤷🏻😋

As someone who has enjoyed the Recharged series, other recent Atari releases, Atari 50 and most of all the 2600 Plus I am really happy with 'New' Atari, they are doing a fantastic job of not only revitalising the brand but also providing excellent content and products.

I've spent hours and hours on my 2600 Plus and have enjoyed collecting old carts that I didn't have back in the day. It's also been fun introducing my young daughter to the early era games first, just like I was. Welcome back Atari!