Connect with us

Gadgets

Atari My Arcade Gamestation Pro: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

Published

on

Born in the 1980s, my gaming journey began with the iconic Atari 2600, which was originally launched in 1977 as the Atari VCS (Video Computer System). This gaming system holds a special place in my heart. Recently, Monster Middle East sent me the new Atari My Arcade Gamestation Pro for a test drive, which reignited my passion for retro gaming.

The Legacy of Atari
The Atari Gamestation Pro pays homage to the legacy of Atari, bundling over 200 licensed titles from the Atari 2600 VCS, Atari 5200 SuperSystem, Atari 7800 ProSystem, and arcade classics. This comprehensive library includes beloved titles such as Adventure, Asteroids, Missile Command, Tempest, Centipede, and Combat, offering a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of gaming.

Here’s what you get:

  1. Atari 2600 VCS Classics: A whopping 82 games from the 2600 era.
  2. Atari 5200 SuperSystem Gems: Seven titles that evoke memories of the ’80s.
  3. Atari 7800 ProSystem Selection: Ten games that bridge the gap between old and new.
  4. Arcade Hits: A collection of 39 arcade games—nostalgia served in pixels.
  5. Bonus Titles: These 8- and 16-bit arcade gems (63 in total) add extra flavour to the mix.

Despite the absence of certain iconic titles like Pac-Man and Space Invaders, the Atari Gamestation Pro delivers a diverse gaming experience. From arcade classics to Atari favourites, there’s something for every enthusiast. The inclusion of bonus titles adds further depth to the gaming library, ensuring hours of entertainment.

Unboxing and Setup
Setting up the Atari Gamestation Pro is a breeze, with all necessary components provided in the box, which include the game box, HDMI cable, USB-C to USB cable, and eight AA batteries. The Atari Gamestation Pro also ships with two wireless controllers, each operating at a zippy 2.4 GHz. Inspired by the original Atari joysticks, these controllers come with a few modern tricks up their sleeves.

The Original button is located in the upper-left corner, while the B button is mounted atop the stick. A C-Trigger button is front-mounted on the stick, while three other small buttons handle the Home, Select, and Start functions. There is also an upper-right control knob, which is perfect for paddle games such as Breakout and Pong. And on the front, you get an on/off slider, a Menu button, and a USB-C connection for one of the front chassis ports, which helps minimise controller latency.

The console’s compact design and intuitive interface make it accessible to users of all ages. Upon powering it on, a vibrant rainbow ring of LED lights illuminates the controller, setting the stage for an immersive gaming experience.

User Interface
Navigating the Atari Gamestation Pro’s interface is a seamless experience, with intuitive menus and options. From selecting featured games to adjusting settings, the interface caters to both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. The inclusion of original box art and game screenshots adds a nostalgic touch, enhancing the overall experience.

Controller Performance
While the controllers are inspired by the original Atari joysticks, they come with some added features that may take some getting used to. While suitable for basic games, the layout can feel awkward for titles requiring multiple button inputs.

Gaming Performance
Jumping into classic titles such as Combat and Asteroids evokes fond memories of simpler gaming pleasures. Despite the dated graphics, the sheer fun of gameplay shines through, especially when shared with loved ones. Whether battling tanks in Combat or racing down virtual slopes in the Snow Board Championship, the Atari Gamestation Pro delivers on the promise of nostalgic gaming.

The main screen loads in a 16:9 aspect ratio, offering Featured Games (all Atari titles), Bonus Games, and Settings. The on-screen guide clarifies button functions: A for selection, B for back, and C for toggling music. Within Settings, you can adjust the aspect ratio (keep it original with 4:3 for the true Atari experience), select bezel art to fill empty screen space, add scan lines for a retro CRT aesthetic, access controller information, and explore the About section with a QR code leading to My Arcade’s website.

Featured games can be browsed by category: All, 2600, 5200, 7800, Arcade, Paddle, Multiplayer, and Recent. Selecting a title reveals the original box art, a game screenshot, a brief synopsis, and a graphic depicting the required buttons. With some games boasting numerous variations (Asteroids has a whopping 66), check out the original user manuals, which can easily be found online at archive.org.

The chassis features two top-mounted buttons: one for power and another for home navigation. On the left side, you will find a slot that takes in Micro SD memory cards. As mentioned before, when you power up the Gamestation Pro, a mesmerising rainbow ring of LED light encircles the buttons and base of the controller. While you can’t turn off this dazzling display, holding the Menu button lets you cycle through various light options.

Verdict
The Atari My Arcade Gamestation Pro offers a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of gaming, wrapped in modern convenience. While it may have its quirks and limitations, its ability to evoke cherished memories and provide hours of entertainment makes it a worthwhile investment for retro gaming enthusiasts. Highly recommended for those seeking a nostalgic escape from the complexities of modern gaming.

Price: AED 575

Photography by Ryan Chris

Atari My Arcade Gamestation Pro AED 575
  • Final Rating
3.5

Summary

Setting up the Atari Gamestation Pro is a breeze, with all necessary components provided in the box, which include the game box, HDMI cable, USB-C to USB cable, and eight AA batteries. The Atari Gamestation Pro also ships with two wireless controllers, each operating at a zippy 2.4 GHz.

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Digital Cameras

Sony Launches RX1R III Full-Frame Compact Camera with 61MP Sensor and AI Capabilities

Published

on

Sony today announced the highly anticipated RX1R III, the third generation of its RX1R series, a premium compact camera featuring a fixed lens. This new model boasts a 61-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, and a ZEISS Sonnar T 35mm F2 lens.

The RX1R III’s combination of the 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XR image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, coupled with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface includes an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality. The integrated lens is optimized at the micron level, ensuring excellent image quality and high optical performance within a compact form factor.

To ensure accurate and effortless shooting, the RX1R III incorporates the latest AI processing unit, a feature valued in Sony’s top-of-the-line professional Alpha cameras. This AI unit can accurately recognize subject shape and movement, eye position, human bodies, and heads, allowing it to track subjects even when their faces are not visible, for both still images and videos. The image sensor’s capture area covers approximately 78% with up to 693 densely arranged phase-detection AF points.

Despite its fixed lens, the camera offers the versatility of three prime lenses through its Step Crop Shooting function, enabling users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in RAW format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production. The lens’s macro ring allows instant switching to macro mode, enabling close-up shots as near as 20 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.26x.

For creators seeking unique and personalized visuals, the RX1R III offers twelve built-in Creative Looks. Adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be applied to both still images and videos. Notable Creative Looks include FL2 for a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 for a more vibrant image.

Crafted from lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, the RX1R III balances aesthetics and functionality. Its design maintains excellent operability and expandability, with dials and the Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe embedded into the camera body, featuring a flat top surface. The grip design and surface texture provide a secure and comfortable hold.

The camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder boasting an approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED with high resolution and contrast, offering a magnification of approximately 0.70x. The RX1R III uses the rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, capable of capturing up to 300 still images. It also features a USB Type-C port for rapid charging with USB Power Delivery-compatible devices or for connecting external power sources like mobile batteries for extended shooting sessions.

In alignment with Sony’s ‘Road to Zero’ initiative, the RX1R III supports the company’s vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. Manufacturing facilities for Sony imaging products, including the RX1R III, operate on 100% renewable electricity. The camera’s packaging utilizes Sony’s proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material instead of plastic. The camera system also includes comprehensive accessibility options, such as a Screen Reader function and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items.

Optional accessories for the RX1R III include the TG-2 dedicated thumb grip , the LCS-RXL compact body case , and the LHP-1 lens hood. The RX1R III will be available in selected countries in the Middle East starting from September 2025.

Continue Reading

Gadgets

Nothing Unveils Flagship Phone (3) and Headphone (1) at Dubai’s Museum of the Future

Published

on

Nothing has marked a significant moment in technology and design with the official launch of its latest innovations, the Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), at the prestigious Museum of the Future in Dubai. Nothing became one of the first smartphone brands to host an event at this architectural marvel, showcasing its dedication to pushing boundaries and reimagining the future of personal technology.

The launch event, held in collaboration with Creators HQ, brought together a diverse group of local, regional, and global media, alongside leading content creators from across the Middle East and beyond. Against the futuristic backdrop of the museum, attendees experienced firsthand how Nothing’s new products blend cutting-edge technology with bold, expressive design.

Rishi Kishor Gupta, Regional Director of Nothing MEA, emphasized the significance of the venue, stating, “Hosting our launch at the Museum of the Future is symbolic of what Nothing stands for – innovation, creativity, and a relentless drive to shape the future of technology. With Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), we’re not just delivering devices; we’re delivering experiences that inspire individuality and empower people to connect, create, and express themselves in ways they never imagined.”

Alia Al Hammadi, Deputy Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office and CEO of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, highlighted Dubai’s growing role as a hub for innovation, “The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global hub for innovation and creativity. Hosting the launch of Nothing’s new products in Dubai further proves the attractiveness of our environment for creators and pioneering businesses alike. It enables a new generation of content creators to produce meaningful content at the intersection of creativity and technology”. She further added, “Creators HQ is a nurturing space for innovation, driving the growth of the creator economy and offering talented influencers world-class tools and a stimulating interactive environment.”

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, commented on the UAE’s leadership in future technologies, “The UAE has firmly established itself as a global leader in advancing future technologies and nurturing companies and talent in this space. Our infrastructure and digital capabilities uniquely position us as a key player in shaping the future of tech.” He continued, “Hosting this global product launch by Nothing at the Museum of the Future reflects the strong interest of global tech giants, startups, and entrepreneurs in being part of the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. From AI and digitization to the creator economy and new media, our country offers unparalleled opportunities across emerging sectors, especially advanced technology and communications. This reflects the UAE’s deep commitment to developing innovative solutions that accelerate progress and human prosperity.”

The event introduced attendees to the unique features of the Nothing Phone (3), Nothing’s latest flagship smartphone, and Headphone (1), its debut over-ear headphones. Both products showcase Nothing’s iconic design language, combining transparent elements, premium materials, and user-centric functionality.

The Nothing Phone (3) is designed to inspire creativity, featuring the all-new Glyph Matrix, a pro-grade camera system, and next-gen performance powered by Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4. It aims to be a device that sparks individuality and makes technology feel personal again. The Headphone (1), crafted for audiophiles and everyday listeners, delivers immersive sound engineered in collaboration with KEF, intuitive tactile controls, and a striking transparent design. Live demonstrations at the event highlighted the seamless integration of both devices into daily life and their potential to redefine user interaction with technology.

As part of the regional rollout, Nothing announced an exclusive #100Drops activation on July 17th at 7 PM at Sharaf DG, Dubai Mall. This highly anticipated event offers fans and early adopters the chance to be among the first to own the Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1). Both devices will be available in black and white variants, with open sales commencing on July 18, 2025, across key retail partners in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The Nothing Phone 3 (12GB+256GB) is priced at AED 2,999; the Nothing Phone 3 (16GB+512GB) is priced at AED 3,299, and the Nothing Headphone 1 is priced at AED 999. As part of the launch, customers purchasing the Nothing Phone 3 will receive complimentary Nothing Ear (a) with the 256GB variant and Nothing Ear with the 512GB variant. Additionally, for a limited time until August 3, 2025, customers buying the 12GB/256GB variant of the Nothing Phone (3) can avail a free upgrade to the 16GB/512GB variant and will also receive a complimentary Nothing Ear.

Continue Reading

Creator Tools

Logitech Intros Affordable Wireless Keyboards and Combos for Everyday Productivity

Published

on

Logitech has announced the upcoming availability of its most affordable wireless keyboard lineup yet: the Logitech K250 Bluetooth Keyboard and the MK250 Bluetooth Combo. These new products aim to make reliable wireless productivity accessible to everyone, offering easy Bluetooth connectivity, familiar comfort, and durable design at a budget-friendly price.

“At Logitech, we’re committed to making great design and reliable technology available to as many people as possible,” said Elza Ovsyannikova, Category Manager of Logitech’s Personal Workspace Solutions in the Middle East. “With K250 and the MK250 Combo, users can experience the freedom of wireless with the quality and durability they expect from Logitech, all at an affordable price.”

The Logitech K250 Bluetooth Keyboard proves that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It features a full layout with arrow keys, a numeric keypad, and predefined F-key shortcuts, providing a familiar and smooth typing experience for hours of uninterrupted productivity.

Designed for modern workspaces, the K250 has a slim, space-saving Graphite colored silhouette and includes adjustable tilt legs for a comfortable 7-degree typing angle. Its Bluetooth pairing ensures quick, reliable connections across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, and is certified to Work With Chromebook (WWCB), requiring no dongles or software. Built for durability, the K250 boasts a spill-resistant design, durable construction using recycled plastic, and an impressive battery life of over 12 months.

For users seeking an easy all-in-one solution, the MK250 Bluetooth Combo pairs the K250 Keyboard with the versatile M196 Wireless Mouse. The M196 mouse is designed for comfortable, ambidextrous use, featuring smooth optical tracking and fluid line-by-line scrolling for precise navigation. Together, the MK250 Combo offers a 12-month battery life for both the keyboard and mouse, seamless Bluetooth® connectivity, and Logitech’s trusted design quality, making it ideal for work, study, and daily multitasking.

Logitech continues its commitment to sustainable design with the K250 Keyboard and MK250 Combo. Both products incorporate post-consumer recycled plastic in their plastic parts to help reduce environmental impact, while their paper packaging comes from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources.

The Logitech K250 Bluetooth Keyboard and MK250 Bluetooth Combo will be available in Graphite with an Arabic keyboard layout starting in July 2025 at major retailers.

Continue Reading
Advertisement