Atari 2600 My Play Watch Lets Gamers Wear Nostalgia on Their Wrist
Older gamers likely got their first taste of video games thanks to playing Pong at home on the Atari 2600 console. Now, they and younger gamers can experience classic video game action on their wrists, thanks to the Atari 2600 My Play smart watch, with Pong already installed.
The Atari 2600 My Play Watch is currently available for pre-order, and ships in June 2025. It’s modeled after its namesake console, with a brown and gray main color scheme, although fashion-conscious gamers can swap the band out for something with a little more pizzazz.
“The crown and button have been customized to look and feel like classic controller buttons, and the rotating crown operates like a paddle controller,” said Atari on its official site. “Includes a durable, metal bezel face with two interchangeable bands, inspired by the look and feel of the 2600.”
The Future of Retro Gaming
The Atari 2600 My Play Watch comes with four classic Atari games: Pong, Super Breakout, Missile Command, and Centipede. The retro appeal also extends to the watch’s audio, as original 2600 sound effects can be used for alarms and timers.
Users can also customize the watch display, by choosing from a selection of Atari 2600 graphics and iconic artwork. The watch comes with three bands, including a snazzy Missile Command one that features pixelated explosions and an 80s-flavored color scheme of red, orange, gray and black.
It wouldn’t be much of a smart watch, though, if it didn’t let users monitor their health. The Atari 2600 My Play Watch includes the ability to track steps, monitor heart rate, and set calorie goals. Where most smart watches these days require companion apps and regular updates, this watch runs on its own OS which will never be updated, meaning it’ll never go obsolete.
History on Your Wrist
The ability to play games on a wristwatch was first introduced in the 1970s, although things really took off in the 80s with watches including built-in clones of Space Invaders. Games consoles were also taking off like space rockets, with Atari dominating 80% of the video game market at the start of the decade.
The Atari 2600 was launched in 1977 and by 1982 over 15 million units had been sold. It was succeeded by the Atari 5200 in 1982, but this console didn’t do nearly as well, partly due to not accepting games made for the 2600. However, Atari released the 7600 in 1986 and included backwards compatibility, and as such it did a lot better in terms of sales and player response.
The Atari 2600 My Play Watch might be retro-inspired, but it comes with a 2.02″ touchscreen, and is rated for complete dust protection and water resistance beyond 1 meter.
