# My Arcade’s “GameStation” Collaboration Brings Retro Gaming to Portability
In a gaming world primarily led by advanced consoles and PC-based handhelds, retro gaming still finds its foothold, driven by nostalgia and an eagerness for simpler, more hands-on gaming experiences. Introducing **My Arcade’s GameStation Go**, a fresh portable gaming gadget that claims to provide genuine retro gameplay, complete with classic control features like trackballs, spinners, and number pads. This collaboration with Atari aims to introduce timeless titles such as *Tempest*, *Missile Command*, and *Crystal Castles* to a younger audience while also catering to the appetites of retro fans.
## A New Chapter in Portable Retro Gaming
The GameStation Go sets itself apart in a saturated handheld gaming device market by prioritizing authenticity. While many retro reboots strive to modify classic games for modern joystick-and-button layouts, the outcomes often disappoint, leaving gamers longing for the authentic feel. The GameStation Go fills this void by incorporating unique control features that were integral to early arcade and home video game systems.
### Integrated Retro Controls
The GameStation Go is the first portable gaming console to showcase built-in **trackball**, **spinner**, and **number pad** controls. These features are more than mere novelties; they are vital for accurately reproducing the gameplay of cherished classics like:
– **Trackball Games**: *Centipede*, *Missile Command*, *Crystal Castles*
– **Spinner Games**: *Tempest*, *Arkanoid*
– **Number Pad Games**: *Star Raiders*, Intellivision sports titles
These specialized controls are designed to deliver an experience that feels as authentic as possible, a feat that modern controllers have often struggled to accomplish.
## The Hardware: An In-Depth Overview
Priced at $150, the GameStation Go features a **7-inch display**, positioning it as a mid-priced option in the handheld gaming sector. Its design highlights versatility and user-friendliness, with lighting accents to illuminate active controls for every game—a considerate touch for younger players or those new to the unique nuances of retro gaming.
### Additional GameStation Accessories
My Arcade is broadening the GameStation lineup with a range of related products:
– **GameStation Gamepad ($50)**: A wireless controller inspired by retro design.
– **GameStation Arcade Stick ($70)**: A joystick-and-button configuration for arcade aficionados.
– **GameStation Mega ($250)**: A tabletop arcade unit featuring a 10.1-inch display, ideal for home settings.
All these products share the same retro control features as the GameStation Go, ensuring a uniform experience throughout the range.
## Game Library: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary
The GameStation Go comes preinstalled with over 100 games, covering Atari’s 2600, 5200, and 7800 consoles, along with classic arcade gems. Key titles include:
– Legendary Atari games such as *Centipede*, *Asteroids*, and *Missile Command*
– Licensed NES and SNES-era titles from Jaleco, including *Bases Loaded*
– New retro-style games from Piko Interactive
– Virtual pinball tables from Atari’s *Balls of Steel* series
– Namco’s *Pac-Man*, a noteworthy inclusion despite its non-Atari roots
Furthermore, the device features updated versions of classics, like *Centipede Recharged*, with additional “Recharged” titles expected through downloadable firmware upgrades. An SD card slot is available for firmware updates; however, whether users can load their own ROMs officially is still uncertain.
### Notable Absences and Future Possibilities
Even with its extensive library, significant omissions exist, such as the absence of *Marble Madness*, a trackball favorite. Additionally, while the GameStation Go boasts a number pad reminiscent of Intellivision controllers, it currently does not include any Intellivision titles. Nevertheless, My Arcade has suggested that incorporating games from Atari’s recently acquired Intellivision library, as well as Atari Lynx and Jaguar games, isn’t out of the question for future updates.
## Retro Gaming Meets Contemporary Design
The GameStation Go’s focus on control authenticity could establish a new benchmark for retro gaming devices. By integrating specialized controls that respond to the unique needs of classic games, My Arcade is tackling a persistent gap in the gaming market. The device’s meticulously crafted design, coupled with its vast game library, presents a captivating choice for both retro lovers and newcomers alike.
### Wider Implications for the Gaming Industry
The GameStation Go’s model could motivate other companies to consider modular or specialized controllers for current consoles. Visualize a Nintendo Switch or its successor featuring modular trackballs or spinners for retro titles. The success of the GameStation line might pave the way for more groundbreaking control choices across the gaming landscape.
## Conclusion
My Arcade’s GameStation Go transcends being just another retro gaming device; it embodies a tribute to the legacy of gaming,
