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{{System | {{System | ||
|name=Atari Flashback | |name=Atari Flashback | ||
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==Atari Flashback 2== | ==Atari Flashback 2== | ||
{{ | {{System | ||
|title = Atari Flashback 2 | |title = Atari Flashback 2 | ||
|logo = | |logo = | ||
|image = | |image = | ||
|manufacturer = Syzygy Company (formerly Legacy Engineering) | |manufacturer = Syzygy Company (formerly Legacy Engineering) | ||
|website = http://www.syzygycompany.com/portfolio-vcs.html | |website = http://www.syzygycompany.com/portfolio-vcs.html | ||
|type = | |type = | ||
|predecessor = Atari Flashback | |predecessor = Atari Flashback | ||
|successor = Atari Flashback 3 | |successor = Atari Flashback 3 | ||
|nolist=1 | |||
}} | }} | ||
The Atari Flashback 2, the successor to the original Atari Flashback console, was released in 2005. It has forty Atari 2600 games built-in. A few of the included games are [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew]]s which were created by enthusiasts in recent years, and two of the games (''Pitfall!'' and ''River Raid'') were originally published by [[Activision]]. | The Atari Flashback 2, the successor to the original Atari Flashback console, was released in 2005. It has forty Atari 2600 games built-in. A few of the included games are [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew]]s which were created by enthusiasts in recent years, and two of the games (''Pitfall!'' and ''River Raid'') were originally published by [[Activision]]. | ||
The appearance of the Atari Flashback 2 is reminiscent of the original Atari 2600 console from 1977. It is roughly two-thirds the size of the original, and much lighter in weight. The Flashback 2 console has five buttons (power, reset, left and right difficulty toggles, and select); on the back it has a color/black-and-white slider switch and two ports for the included joysticks. The joysticks bear very close similarity to the original Atari 2600 joysticks from 1977, and are compatible and interchangeable with them. The Flashback 2 does not come with paddle controllers, but original paddle controllers can be connected to it and used with its paddle-based games. | The appearance of the Atari Flashback 2 is reminiscent of the original Atari 2600 console from 1977. It is roughly two-thirds the size of the original, and much lighter in weight. The Flashback 2 console has five buttons (power, reset, left and right difficulty toggles, and select); on the back it has a color/black-and-white slider switch and two ports for the included joysticks. The joysticks bear very close similarity to the original Atari 2600 joysticks from 1977, and are compatible and interchangeable with them. The Flashback 2 does not come with paddle controllers, but original paddle controllers can be connected to it and used with its paddle-based games. | ||
Curt Vendel and Legacy Engineering returned to develop the Flashback 2. Unlike the original Flashback console, the Flashback 2 contains a single-chip version of circuitry designed by Vendel; it is a reproduction of the original circuitry in that of the original Atari 2600. Therefore, the Atari Flashback 2 runs games just as they ran on an original console. The Atari Flashback 2 project was [[project code name|codenamed]] "Michele", after Vendel's wife. Her name is printed on the [[motherboard]]. | Curt Vendel and Legacy Engineering returned to develop the Flashback 2. Unlike the original Flashback console, the Flashback 2 contains a single-chip version of circuitry designed by Vendel; it is a reproduction of the original circuitry in that of the original Atari 2600. Therefore, the Atari Flashback 2 runs games just as they ran on an original console. The Atari Flashback 2 project was [[project code name|codenamed]] "Michele", after Vendel's wife. Her name is printed on the [[motherboard]]. | ||
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*''Arcade Pong'' (exclusive to the Flashback 2), a version of ''[[Pong]]'' which can use paddle controllers if attached | *''Arcade Pong'' (exclusive to the Flashback 2), a version of ''[[Pong]]'' which can use paddle controllers if attached | ||
*''Asteroids Deluxe'' (exclusive) | *''Asteroids Deluxe'' (exclusive) | ||
*''[[Battlezone (1980 | *''[[Battlezone (1980)|Battlezone]]'' | ||
*''[[Centipede (arcade | *''[[Centipede (arcade)|Centipede]]'' | ||
*''[[Lunar Lander (arcade | *''[[Lunar Lander (arcade)|Lunar Lander]]'' (exclusive) | ||
*''[[Millipede (arcade | *''[[Millipede (arcade)|Millipede]]'' | ||
*''[[Missile Command]]'' | *''[[Missile Command]]'' | ||
*''[[Space Duel]]'' (exclusive) | *''[[Space Duel]]'' (exclusive) | ||
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*''Aquaventure'' (unreleased prototype) | *''Aquaventure'' (unreleased prototype) | ||
*''Atari Climber'' (homebrew), released in 2004 as ''Climber 5'' | *''Atari Climber'' (homebrew), released in 2004 as ''Climber 5'' | ||
*''[[Combat | *''[[Combat|Combat]]'' | ||
*''[[Combat 2]]'' (unreleased prototype) | *''[[Combat 2]]'' (unreleased prototype) | ||
*''[[Dodge 'Em]]'' | *''[[Dodge 'Em]]'' | ||
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*''[[Breakout (arcade game)|Super Breakout]]'' | *''[[Breakout (arcade game)|Super Breakout]]'' | ||
*''[[Warlords (1980 | *''[[Warlords (1980)|Warlords]]'' | ||
===Test screens=== | ===Test screens=== | ||
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There have so far been three revisions of the Atari Flashback 2. | There have so far been three revisions of the Atari Flashback 2. | ||
*Rev. 0X has a problem with the synthesized voice in ''Quadrun'' not working due to a problem with the emulation of the original console's audio output. (When play begins, the game should speak "Quadrun" three times.) It also contains a prototype version of ''Millipede'' programmed by [[General Computer Corporation]]; | *Rev. 0X has a problem with the synthesized voice in ''Quadrun'' not working due to a problem with the emulation of the original console's audio output. (When play begins, the game should speak "Quadrun" three times.) It also contains a prototype version of ''Millipede'' programmed by [[General Computer Corporation]]; this version has problems with the display losing vertical hold and appearing to "roll", making the game unplayable. This revision had the early delivery data to the chip fabricator and was not meant to be run into production. While this is commonly called Rev. A it is properly termed Rev. 0X | ||
*Rev. A Is the correct production revision of the chip which fixes the voice synthesis in ''Quadrun'' and also contains the Atari Inc. version of ''Millipede'' as well as a newer revision of ''Adventure 2'' that is easier to see on certain TVs that experienced too dark a color palette. This revision is sometimes referred to as Rev. B since it was the 2nd series of release. | *Rev. A Is the correct production revision of the chip which fixes the voice synthesis in ''Quadrun'' and also contains the Atari Inc. version of ''Millipede'' as well as a newer revision of ''Adventure 2'' that is easier to see on certain TVs that experienced too dark a color palette. This revision is sometimes referred to as Rev. B since it was the 2nd series of release. | ||
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*Rev. C features a reduced-size PCB, which was designed to simplify installing a cartridge port (as described below). There are no changes to the unit's functionality; the Revision C chip corrected some Hmove incompatibility issues, but still lacked several 65xx Illegal OpCodes and support for FE bankswitching. | *Rev. C features a reduced-size PCB, which was designed to simplify installing a cartridge port (as described below). There are no changes to the unit's functionality; the Revision C chip corrected some Hmove incompatibility issues, but still lacked several 65xx Illegal OpCodes and support for FE bankswitching. | ||
A few of the included games, such as ''Lunar Lander'', exhibit some [[flicker (screen)|flicker]]. This is due to limitations in the original Atari 2600 hardware, which the Flashback 2 reproduces accurately. Curt Vendel noted that the games exclusive to the Flashback 2 were programmed under a strict schedule, and later commissioned developers to tweak these games in order to reduce flickering. | A few of the included games, such as ''Lunar Lander'', exhibit some [[flicker (screen)|flicker]]. This is due to limitations in the original Atari 2600 hardware, which the Flashback 2 reproduces accurately. Curt Vendel noted that the games exclusive to the Flashback 2 were programmed under a strict schedule, and later commissioned developers to tweak these games in order to reduce flickering. Some of these revisions were included with the Atari Flashback 2+, released in 2010 (see below). | ||
Rev. D is the [[Atari Flashback Portable]] with support for all games with the exception of ''Pitfall 2'' and the Supercharger games. This new chip will also have built in LCD driver lines, and USB connectivity support and built in Flash RAM for games storage. No official word on when Atari Inc. will release this revision. | Rev. D is the [[Atari Flashback Portable]] with support for all games with the exception of ''Pitfall 2'' and the Supercharger games. This new chip will also have built in LCD driver lines, and USB connectivity support and built in Flash RAM for games storage. No official word on when Atari Inc. will release this revision. | ||
===Adding a cartridge port=== | ===Adding a cartridge port=== | ||
While the original Atari 2600 consoles had a cartridge slot, the Atari Flashback 2 does not include one. However, a hobbyist can easily modify a Flashback 2 to use Atari 2600 cartridges, and can even install a switch across certain points of the motherboard so that the console can be easily set to play the forty built-in games again. The motherboard is printed with several [[solder]] points and a guide to what contact points associate with which cartridge pinouts. | While the original Atari 2600 consoles had a cartridge slot, the Atari Flashback 2 does not include one. However, a hobbyist can easily modify a Flashback 2 to use Atari 2600 cartridges, and can even install a switch across certain points of the motherboard so that the console can be easily set to play the forty built-in games again. The motherboard is printed with several [[solder]] points and a guide to what contact points associate with which cartridge pinouts. | ||
==Atari Flashback 2+== | ==Atari Flashback 2+== | ||
In January 2010, Atari announced pre-orders for the Atari Flashback 2+, to be released on February 22, 2010. | In January 2010, Atari announced pre-orders for the Atari Flashback 2+, to be released on February 22, 2010. General Mills simultaneously announced a giveaway sweepstakes for the console, along with other Atari related merchandise, in conjunction with its Honey Nut Cheerios cereal. | ||
===Included games=== | ===Included games=== | ||
The bulk of the included games in the Atari Flashback 2+ are the same. However, Pitfall, River Raid, Wizard, Caverns of Mars, and Atari Climber have been removed. In exchange, a sports section was added that included the games Realsports Boxing, Realsports Soccer, Super Baseball, Super Football, and Double Dunk. | The bulk of the included games in the Atari Flashback 2+ are the same. However, Pitfall, River Raid, Wizard, Caverns of Mars, and Atari Climber have been removed. In exchange, a sports section was added that included the games Realsports Boxing, Realsports Soccer, Super Baseball, Super Football, and Double Dunk. A third 'hidden' game, Circus Atari, was added to the 'hidden' menu that features the paddle-controller only games Warlords and Super Breakout. | ||
===Console differences=== | ===Console differences=== | ||
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==Atari Flashback 3== | ==Atari Flashback 3== | ||
{{ | {{System | ||
|title = Atari Flashback 3 | |title = Atari Flashback 3 | ||
|logo = | |logo = | ||
|image = | |image = | ||
|manufacturer = AtGames | |manufacturer = AtGames | ||
|website = http://www.atgames.net | |website = http://www.atgames.net | ||
|type = | |type = | ||
|predecessor = Atari Flashback 2/2+ | |predecessor = Atari Flashback 2/2+ | ||
|successor = Atari Flashback 4 | |successor = Atari Flashback 4 | ||
|nolist=1 | |||
}} | }} | ||
In 2011, Atari licensed out Legacy Engineering's Flashback concept and name to AtGames for the "Flashback 3". | In 2011, Atari licensed out Legacy Engineering's Flashback concept and name to AtGames for the "Flashback 3". The Flashback 3 includes 60 built-in Atari 2600 games, 2 joysticks, and a case design that is similar to the Flashback 2/2+ design, except for front-based joystick ports, no B/W switch, and a different curvature. Internally the Flashback 3 system uses emulation running on an ARM-based processor instead of Legacy's "2600-on-a-chip" and is not hackable to add a cartridge port for reading original Atari 2600 cartridges. However, original 2600 joysticks and paddles will work on this system. | ||
===Included games=== | ===Included games=== | ||
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==Atari Flashback 4== | ==Atari Flashback 4== | ||
{{ | {{System | ||
|title = Atari Flashback 4 | |title = Atari Flashback 4 | ||
|logo = | |logo = | ||
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|manufacturer = AtGames | |manufacturer = AtGames | ||
|website = http://www.atgames.net | |website = http://www.atgames.net | ||
|predecessor = Atari Flashback 3 | |predecessor = Atari Flashback 3 | ||
|successor = Atari Flashback 5 | |successor = Atari Flashback 5 | ||
|nolist=1 | |||
}} | }} | ||
On November 13, 2012, the Atari Flashback 4 was released by AtGames. The console looks similarly like its predecessor, the Flashback 3; however, the noticeable change is that the joystick controllers are wireless. The console increased its library to 75 games, | On November 13, 2012, the Atari Flashback 4 was released by AtGames. The console looks similarly like its predecessor, the Flashback 3; however, the noticeable change is that the joystick controllers are wireless. The console increased its library to 75 games, 15 more than Flashback 3. The new additions are: | ||
*''[[Breakout (video game)|Breakout]]'' | *''[[Breakout (video game)|Breakout]]'' | ||
*''[[Crystal Castles (video game)|Crystal Castles]]'' | *''[[Crystal Castles (video game)|Crystal Castles]]'' | ||
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==Atari Flashback 5== | ==Atari Flashback 5== | ||
{{System | |||
{{ | |||
|title = Atari Flashback 5 | |title = Atari Flashback 5 | ||
|logo = | |logo = | ||
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|manufacturer = AtGames | |manufacturer = AtGames | ||
|website = http://www.atgames.net | |website = http://www.atgames.net | ||
|predecessor = Atari Flashback 4 | |predecessor = Atari Flashback 4 | ||
|successor = | |successor = | ||
|nolist=1 | |||
}} | }} | ||
The Atari Flashback 5 was released on October 1, 2014. Like the previous two, it was built by AtGames. It is the same as the Flashback 4 with the wireless joysticks, but it adds 17 more games, increasing the total to 92 games. New games are from [[M-Network]] and [http://www.gooddealgames.com www.gooddealgames.com]. | The Atari Flashback 5 was released on October 1, 2014. Like the previous two, it was built by AtGames. It is the same as the Flashback 4 with the wireless joysticks, but it adds 17 more games, increasing the total to 92 games. New games are from [[M-Network]] and [http://www.gooddealgames.com www.gooddealgames.com]. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||