Atari, the gaming giant of the late 1970s and early 1980s, is making a comeback with its first official cartridge for the Atari 2600 console since 1990. The cartridge named "Mr. Run and Jump," a 2D platformer, has been announced to hit the market.
Atari says this is the first 2600/VCS cartridge launch for a new title since 1990, despite an active DIY homebrew scene that has created plenty of its own retro carts in recent decades. The Mr. Run and Jump cartridge ships in a sealed box and comes with an actual instruction manual, a rarity these days. The cartridges are manufactured using all new parts and materials, with modern design cues like beveled edges to prevent pin damage and gold-plated connectors. Preorders for the physical release start on July 31st with a price of $60.
"Mr. Run and Jump" was designed and developed to demonstrate the "enduring capabilities of the 2600 hardware", even after four decades of its original release. The Atari 2600 cartridge will feature six worlds, 80 levels, five types of enemies, and a unique scoring system that deducts points upon collision with enemies. This retro version will be compatible with the original 2600 consoles and the newer VCS remakes. For modern gaming enthusiasts, a more advanced version of the game is also being developed for current consoles like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic.
Help Mr. Run and Jump, joined by his trusty pal Leap the Dog, defeat the terrifying Void and collect all the Power Gems from the Realms of Color! Venture through a dazzling and dangerous world, dodging countless enemies and conquering hundreds of fierce platforming challenges to save the day!
Mr Run and Jump draws you in with precise level design, free-flowing gameplay, and formidable challenge. Silky controls encourage players to run, jump, dash, double jump, and roll to clear levels with style, making it a speedrunner's dream. Collectibles hidden in tough-to-reach spots demand players use their wits as well as their dexterity. Dynamic Assistance options allow players to set the level of difficulty they want. No matter how you play, Mr Run and Jump offers engaging gameplay options to players of varying skill levels and approaches.
