Frequently Asked Questions
Is this real?
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Strangely, yes.
What began in 2017 as a simple question — “How good were the Atari 2600’s graphics?” — turned into an unexpected side quest, with nearly 900 units sold across nearly 20 countries.
Check out these YouTube reviews:
What began in 2017 as a simple question — “How good were the Atari 2600’s graphics?” — turned into an unexpected side quest, with nearly 900 units sold across nearly 20 countries.
Check out these YouTube reviews:
- Atari Network: Atari 2600 Movie Cart is Pretty Neat!
- Retro John Hancock: Full Length Movies Playing on the 2600? It is Now Possible!
- Spacetime Junction: Play An Entire Movie On An Atari 2600?
- Retrogamer Brasil: I transformed my Atari into a VCR using the Atari Movie Cart.
Can I put my own videos on it?
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Absolutely, MovieCart comes pre-loaded with a full-length feature film, but you can put whatever you like on the microSD card using free software.
You'll need a Mac or PC to encode the files, as well as an microSD card reader to transfer the files.
Check out these instructional videos to encode your own content.
What do I need to start watching a movie?
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Just a working original Atari (see the list of supported consoles below). Each MovieCart comes pre-loaded with a full-length feature film ready to watch.
You don't need the plastic shell either. If you purchased the DIY option, the bare PCB can be inserted directly into the Atari console. Just make sure the component side is facing the TV. Or simply place the PCB in an old cartridge shell..
You don't need the plastic shell either. If you purchased the DIY option, the bare PCB can be inserted directly into the Atari console. Just make sure the component side is facing the TV. Or simply place the PCB in an old cartridge shell..
How does it work?
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The secret is in the cartridge, designed from the ground up to squeeze every last cycle from the original console. Each movie plays at 80 × 192 resolution with 15 kHz mono audio. Each second of video requires the equivalent of 75 Combat cartridges. That works out to about half a million cartridges in a full-length movie!
MovieCart supports any microSD card formatted as FAT32, for a maximum capacity under 32 GB. Individual files must be under 4 GB, which still allows for nearly 40 hours of captivating lo-def viewing (10 hours with the included 8 GB microSD card).
Check out the GitHub for full details, including schematics and source.
MovieCart supports any microSD card formatted as FAT32, for a maximum capacity under 32 GB. Individual files must be under 4 GB, which still allows for nearly 40 hours of captivating lo-def viewing (10 hours with the included 8 GB microSD card).
Check out the GitHub for full details, including schematics and source.
Which consoles does it support?
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The following consoles have all been confirmed:
- Atari Heavy Sixer
- Atari Light Sixer
- Atari Vader
- Atari 2600 Jr
- Atari 7800 Pro
- ColecoVision Atari Adapter
- Coleco Gemini
- Modded Flashback 2
- PAL Atari 7800 Pro
- PAL Atari 2600 Heavy Sixer
- PAL Atari 2600 Light Sixer
- PAL Atari 2600 Jr
- Intellivision II using System Changer
I live outside North America. Will my Atari work?
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Yes. MovieCart supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM systems. You just need an original Atari 2600–compatible console, and to ensure that any files you load are formatted for your region-specific Atari.
Check International Downloads to find the correct sample movie for your region.
Do you ship internationally?
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Absolutely. If your particular region is not listed, please contact us.
