Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
