Ben Heck's latest: Atari VCSp Revision 7

What does Ben Heckendorn do when he's not modding up consoles for Engadget? Why, mod up consoles on his own dang time, of course. His latest is another Atari 2600 portable, this time aping the DS lite almost too well -- Nintendo just looks bad now. Sure, the processor requirements of the 2600 aren't substantial, but that cartridge sure is. Unfortunately, after inital tests, it seems touch screen input is a no go. Read on for some more pics, including a straight up DS comparison shot.

Maybe Rev 8.


It wasn't quite a fair fight.


Sexay.

[one1082 @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:39PM]

makes me want to play frogger

[Michu @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:44PM]

Modda, I wanna child from you! ^u^

[Greg @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:00PM]

The original '2600 was "transistorized" and solid state. Nothing new here.

[Andir3.0 @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:38PM]

He keeps modding the original to the point that it's not original anymore. When do we get to the point where he just etches the entire system on silicon and makes a keychain out of it? When does it become a non-mod?

[The Jeremy @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:44PM]

Atari (ahem, Infogrames USA) should actually contract with him to do stuff like this. He's keeping the brand far more interesting than what they do with it currently.

[The Jeremy @ Dec 22nd 2006 2:46PM]

Matter of fact, how about you guys at Engadget pay Ben to make something like this and present it to Nolan Bushnell and post the video online?

[Charles R Hamilton @ Dec 22nd 2006 3:27PM]

Ben Heck, electronic god. I wish I had half the knowledge.

[Kevin H @ Dec 22nd 2006 5:00PM]

How about adding a legacy 2600 joystick port. I miss those old 2600 joysticks!

[gadjitfreek @ Dec 22nd 2006 5:04PM]

I want one!!!! I have dozens of 2600 cartridges with my original 2600 unit, and I WANT ONE OF THESE!!!

[Andrew @ Dec 22nd 2006 5:43PM]

He is amazing but he needs to start working with and industrial designer to make them a little more pretty. even if he just buys a vacuum moulder it would be an improvement.

[Sir Loin @ Dec 22nd 2006 6:48PM]

I also have dozens of original carts (with original, working 2600!) and would totally buy one of these. *COUGH*

[jimbo @ Dec 26th 2006 1:34PM]

Can you mod an intellevision portable?

[Jeremy @ Jan 30th 2007 6:16PM]

He's lucky infogrames doesn't sue him.