Atari Archives

BetaBeacon

March 22, 2026

I turned my old Pixel 7 Pro into a portable emulation handheld, and it actually works

- RetroArch is a popular software for hosting games on various consoles under one roof. - Daijisho's UI paired with RetroArch's power is a match made in emulation heaven. - Older phones, like the Pixel 7 Pro, can still perform well with 2D titles and games up to the GameCube era. - The Pixel 7 Pro may not be as powerful as modern flagship phones for emulation, but it can still breathe new life into older handsets.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

OpenTTD asks people to please stop being mad at Atari for forcing the game off Steam: ‘OpenTTD as a project retains its full independence,’ and you can still get it for free

The OpenTTD team issued a cautionary note about changes to their open-source remake of Transport Tycoon Deluxe due to the revival of the original game by Atari as a commercial offering. As a result, OpenTTD was removed from Steam and GOG, leading to dissatisfaction within the gaming community. The new Transport Tycoon Deluxe currently has a "mostly negative" rating on Steam. A compromise was reached allowing OpenTTD to remain free on its official website while limiting its availability on storefronts to those who purchase the new game. Atari has agreed to contribute to the maintenance of OpenTTD’s server infrastructure. Community reactions are mixed, with some players expressing gratitude for the update and others criticizing the move as greedy. The original Transport Tycoon Deluxe is available for purchase on Steam or GOG, while OpenTTD can still be accessed for free at openttd.org.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

Creator of Window’s Task Manager shows off ‘probably what Task Manager would look like if I were still around’ — Tempest AI’s retro-futuristic dashboard code shared to Github

Dave Plummer is developing a dashboard for an AI to play the Atari game Tempest and has shared it on X and GitHub. The reimagined Task Manager features a retro-futuristic design with RGB accents and speedometer-style dials, differing from the minimalist Windows 11 Task Manager. Users have reported issues with recent Windows updates, including problems with the Windows Recovery Environment and BitLocker. The dashboard is not meant for regular use and consumes about 75% of the GPU at 30 frames per second on Plummer's M2 Mac Pro. Plummer's work on the Task Manager began in his leisure time and led to its integration into Windows NT, with significant features introduced in Windows 2000. Microsoft updated the Task Manager in May 2024 to change RAM speed measurements and redesigned it for Windows 11 in 2022.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 23 to 27

- Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition - Developer: CAPCOM CO., LTD. - Price: .99 - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Towerborne - Developer: Xbox Game Studios - Price: Included with Game Pass - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere - Tales of Berseria Remastered Deluxe Edition Pre-Order - Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. - Price: .99 - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Bread & Fred - Developer: Atari, Infogrames - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 24 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Capy Spa - Developer: Afil Games - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 24 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Dark Farts: Parody Smell Edition - Developer: GamePoc LTD - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 25 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere - Deep Space Shooter - Developer: Valkyrie Initiative LLP - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 25 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Journey of Johann: Castle Crusade - Developer: Xitilon - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 25 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - WorldNeverland – Elnea Kingdom - Developer: althi Inc. - Price: .99 - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Winsage

February 19, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer says this is what Windows’ Task Manager would “probably” look like today — but it’s a “good thing” he stuck to his OS design lane

Dave W. Plummer, a former Microsoft employee, contributed to the Windows ecosystem, notably with the Task Manager, Calculator, and a classic pinball game. He left Microsoft in 2003 and recently expressed on Reddit that "there should be nothing that TaskMgr can't kill." Plummer shared a concept design for a modern Task Manager on his X account, inspired by his Tempest AI project, featuring a cyberpunk theme, various graphs, speedometer-style gauges, and music with a synthwave vibe. He selected Tempest for his AI project due to its challenging gameplay and holds the world record for it. The project utilizes about 75% of the GPU at 30 frames per second on his M2 Mac Pro.

BetaBeacon

February 10, 2026

My Arcade Atari Gamestation Go deal: Over 200 games, $50 off

A portable Atari gaming console with over 200 classic games is available for purchase for .99 on Woot. The device features a 7-inch screen, various controller elements, and an HDMI out port for TV connection. There is a limit of one unit per customer and a 90-day Woot warranty. The deal will be available for the next 21 days with limited stock.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Joystick Gaming Lounge has everything from board games to PC gaming!

Joystick Gaming Lounge in Dixon offers a variety of gaming options for all ages, including state-of-the-art PC gaming bays, classic retro consoles, 29 arcade games, and over 200 board games. The lounge provides a comfortable atmosphere with snacks, coffee, and meal deliveries. It features affordable pricing, including monthly "all you can play" passes and Legendary Birthday Party Packages that include a private party room, decor, a t-shirt for the birthday VIP, prizes, and food from local businesses. The lounge aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for gamers and fosters community connections.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

CLOWN Defends AI, Praises His Minecraft Server & Takes A Shot At RICK RUBIN All In One Interview

M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan, the percussionist and creative director of Slipknot, has launched a custom Minecraft server called Vernearth, driven by a spiritual and creative necessity rather than financial gain. His gaming history includes experiences with various platforms and genres, and he views Vernearth as a significant artistic creation that combines music, coding, and personal culture. Crahan respects Minecraft deeply, having purchased it on its release day and watched its updates, and he finds it therapeutic for processing grief, including the loss of a child. He is open to embracing artificial intelligence, seeing it as a creative ally that can enhance his work, and believes that AI is an inevitable part of societal evolution. He suggests that younger generations may not share the same apprehensions about AI as older ones, emphasizing that life is moving forward with or without resistance to technology.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Clown of Slipknot states that “AI is part of life” and talks about his passion for Minecraft

M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the percussionist and creative director for Slipknot, has launched a custom ‘Minecraft’ server called ‘Vernearth’, which he describes as a significant artistic endeavor reflecting his lifelong passion for video games. His gaming journey began with early consoles like Atari and Intellivision, and he views ‘Vernearth’ as a culmination of his creative exploration, influenced by various games including ‘Quake’, ‘Goat Simulator’, and ‘World of Warcraft’. Crahan has a personal connection to ‘Minecraft’, having introduced it to his children and used it as a means of coping with grief. He also shared his perspective on artificial intelligence, likening it to a personal assistant and suggesting its potential for enhancing creativity in music. Crahan believes that younger generations will embrace AI technology, contrasting their views with those of older generations who may be more apprehensive about its implications.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Slipknot’s Clown Calls His New Minecraft Server, “The Biggest Art Piece I’ve Made In My Entire Life”, Speaks On Embracing AI

M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the percussionist and creative director of Slipknot, has launched a custom Minecraft server called Vernearth, driven by a passion for creativity rather than financial gain. He has a long history with video games, starting with systems like Atari and Intellivision, and has engaged with various games that have influenced his creativity. Crahan views Vernearth as a significant artistic endeavor that combines music, coding, and community interaction. He has a deep respect for Minecraft, having followed its development since its release, and it has served as a therapeutic outlet for him. Crahan embraces artificial intelligence as a tool for enhancing his creativity, comparing it to a personal assistant that helps him express his artistic ideas. He acknowledges concerns about AI but believes it is an integral part of modern life and emphasizes the inevitability of technological progress.