Atari announces "Gamestation Go" handheld console

Atari announced the "Gamestation Go" this week with several posts on the X platform, including a video. The handheld console is set to be unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas in the next few days. Its organizer also shared and commented on the post, so we can assume that it is authentic. The console, still called "Gamestation Portable", was already shown at CES 2024, but not in operation.

In the current video, Atari briefly demonstrates the input devices and interfaces of the Gamestation and at the end also the front, but no games running on it. The logo of "My Arcade" can also be seen on the underside of the display frame (Atari's brand is at the top), so it appears to be a joint development. My Arcade already sells the Gamestation Pro stationary console, which comes with licensed games from Atari for the 2600 (VCS), 5200 and 7800 consoles as well as some arcade titles.

Neither Atari nor My Arcade have yet provided any concrete information on the Gamestation Go's game selection, its hardware, the emulation software that is obviously required or anything else. However, some unverifiable speculation assumes a 7-inch display and a price of 150 US dollars plus tax. Although the Gamestation Pro with two wireless joysticks only costs 100 US dollars, the unofficial price seems quite ambitious in view of other handhelds in this form factor, provided the battery life and display quality are right.

Many ports, but only one stick

The teaser video also shows that the console is quite well equipped with interfaces. There are two USB-C ports, a slot for micro SD cards, an analog headphone output and an HDMI port. It should therefore probably be possible to connect the Gamestation Go to a TV in a hotel with an external power supply, for example. It should also be possible to extend the battery life with a power bank connected to USB-C. However, there is a logo next to the USB ports that symbolizes a gamepad – If the ports are only intended for this, it would be disappointing.

It is not clear why Atari and My Arcade decided to have only one joystick on the left. If more modern games can somehow be made to run on the console, the second stick will soon be missed, at the latest since the Playstation 2 era. This is all the more confusing because the usual shoulder buttons have been available ever since. The D-pad (left) and ABXY buttons (right) are of course available, and there is also a numeric keypad under these buttons. The purpose of this in games for early Atari consoles is another mystery. The trackball on the left could be a highlight in the retro world, as many classic titles such as "Missile Command" or "Centipede" can be controlled much better with it – because it was also designed for the arcade.

(nie)