I’m thinking of replacing my Apple Watch with a new wearable device that’s launching in June. Atari has just announced a new smart watch that comes with an array of classic 2600 games like Missile Command and Pong. A retro gaming fan’s dream, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch is available to pre-order from the Atari website ahead of its June 10 release date. The Atari 2600 smart watch costs just $79.99 (£62 at the time of writing), which is a lot cheaper than the Apple Watch, and a big reason why I’m so tempted to invest.
READ MORE: Atari 2600+ REVIEW – A fabulous flashback to gaming’s golden age
The Atari device also comes with two interchangeable bands, complete with reversible designs. One of the straps replicates the look of the Atari 2600 console, another takes inspiration from Centipede, while my favourite has a Super Breakout theme. A third watch strap featuring a Missile Command design is also available while stocks last.
Elsewhere, the crown and button have been designed to look like classic Atari controller buttons. The rotating crown is of particular importance, serving as a paddle controller.
This brings me to the main reason why I’m thinking of ditching my Apple Watch in favour of the 2600 My Play Watch: the games.
The Atari device comes with four all-time gaming classics, including Pong, Missile Command, Centipede and Super Breakout. Centipede is my personal favourite, followed closely by Missile Command. Pong is one of the titles that put gaming on the map, while Super Breakout is as playable now as it was back in the late 1970s.
Outside of gaming, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch comes with basic fitness functions to just about justify the smart watch tag.
The Atari wearable monitors heart rate, steps, and calories burned. It’s also IP68-rated for complete dust protection and water resistance beyond 1 meter.
Unlike the Apple Watch and other more premium smart watches, the Atari device doesn’t come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality.
This means no email, WhatsApp or text message notifications, and you won’t be able to use it to control your music, answer calls and send messages.
This is undoubtedly the biggest drawback, and why Apple probably doesn’t have too much to worry about from Atari’s latest entry in the wearable space.
However, if like me you’re a sucker for old-school video games and love Atari, then you can pre-order the Atari 2600 My Play Watch from the Atari website.
(It looks like it will ship worldwide, although Daily Express has contacted Atari for confirmation, and about potential availability beyond the Atari website.)
