Atari 50 DLC announced, ‘The First Console War’ expands collection

I’m somewhere in the second half of the games of the original Atari 50 collection, and haven’t even thought about grabbing the first DLC. So to find we’ve reached the stage of the second DLC being announced has taken me by surprise, if I’m honest.

Get ready to dive deep into the early days of the video game console wars! Atari and Digital Eclipse have announced the second major expansion for Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, titled The First Console War.

This exciting DLC takes us back to the 1980s, when Atari faced its first major competitor: Mattel’s Intellivision. Through a series of video interviews with industry pioneers like Jane Terjung, David Crane, and Garry Kitchen, you’ll gain unique insights into the intense rivalry between these two gaming giants.

What’s included in The First Console War DLC?

19 Additional Playable Games: Experience a wealth of classic titles, including Air Raiders, Armor Ambush, and rare gems like Swordfight and Anteater, which are all added to Atari 50.

Full list:

• Air Raiders – 2600 M
• Network Anteater – 2600 M Network (unreleased, based on Stern IP)
• Armor Ambush – 2600 M Network
• Astroblast – 2600 M Network
• Frogs & Flies – 2600 M Network
• International Soccer – 2600 M Network
• Dark Cavern – 2600 M Network
• Star Strike – 2600 M Network
• Super Challenge Baseball – 2600 M Network
• Super Challenge Football – 2600 M Network
• Swordfight – 2600 M Network (rare, unreleased)
• Sea Battle – 2600 M Network (rare, unreleased)
• Tower of Mystery (unreleased prototype, recently rescued)
• Video Pinball – 2600
• Basketball – 2600
• Hardball – Atari 8-bit (XE)
• Final Legacy (prototype) – 5200
• Xari Arena – Atari 8-bit
• Desert Falcon – 7800

Also included:

• Historical Insights: Learn about the early days of the video game console market and the strategic moves made by Atari and Mattel.
• Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Discover the untold tales of game development, marketing, and the challenges faced by both companies.

The First Console War offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of gaming. You’ll witness the birth of iconic franchises, the rise of innovative game design, and the impact of technological advancements on the industry.

Release date and platforms

Release Date: November 8, 2023

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Atari VCS (free update in early 2025).

A physical Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition will launch on November 8 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, featuring the base game and both DLCs. A limited Steelbook edition for Nintendo Switch will also be available.

Check your usual digital distribution platform for pricing. You should be able to purchase the DLC as a standalone, or with the original Atari 50 collection, and you can learn more at Atari.com.

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