The Atari 2600 is a fascinating device. For many gamers it was their first exposure to interactive digital entertainments, or as the kids say these days, vidya games. While the Atari has been overtaken by stunningly superior machines, the little console that could has two great things going for it. A bottomless well of nostalgia, and an immensely simple programming structure. Hacky gamers have used both to great effect, for example, lashing the Atari’s sound chip to a custom software controller and transforming the thing into Frankenstein’s robot Atari guitar. Here’s an article about the gAtari, along with concert video of the device in action. It’s magical. Gizmodo has the story.
Atari sounds are unique, distinct, and burned into the soul of any gamer over 30. Yeah, sure, we married the NES, but damn, the Atari was our first love.