Atari has taken a unique approach to the smartwatch market with the launch of the Atari 2600 My Play Watch, a device that prioritizes fun over functionality. Instead of competing with the likes of Apple Watch, this retro-themed smartwatch focuses on nostalgia, featuring classic Atari games like Pong, Super Breakout, Centipede, and Missile Command.

The watch's user interface is customizable with Atari 2600-themed artwork and sound effects, allowing users to relive the nostalgia of their childhood. The device can play the four classic games using the touchscreen or the watch's crown dial, which functions as a paddle controller. This feature is likely to appeal to longtime gamers who are willing to spend $79.99 on an elaborately themed fitness tracker.

The Atari 2600 My Play Watch is not a traditional smartwatch, lacking Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. This means it won't receive notifications from your smartphone, but it also won't be able to download new games or apps. Instead, it focuses on providing a fun, retro gaming experience on the wrist.

The watch is based on the Space Invaders My Play Watch, which was launched last September through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. It features similar limited smartwatch capabilities, including swappable watch faces and fitness tracking capabilities like step tracking, calories burned, and a heart rate monitor.

There are some upgrades on the Atari 2600 My Play Watch, including a slightly larger 2.02-inch touchscreen compared to the 1.86-inch screen on the Space Invaders watch. The device also features a beefier and more industrial-looking metal case, as well as a button located beneath its crown dial. Additionally, it comes with three swappable bands featuring retro graphic designs, although these will only be available for a limited time.

The Atari 2600 My Play Watch is available for preorder now through Atari's online store and is expected to ship by June 10th, 2025. While it may not be the most functional smartwatch on the market, it's certainly a unique offering that will appeal to gamers who want to relive their childhood memories.

In a market dominated by functional smartwatches, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch is a breath of fresh air. Its focus on fun and nostalgia rather than functionality sets it apart from the competition, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more lighthearted wearable device.

As the wearable market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how devices like the Atari 2600 My Play Watch fare. Will they appeal to a niche audience of gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts, or will they struggle to find a place in a market dominated by functional smartwatches? Only time will tell.