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A project log for Pitari: A Raspberry Pi Atari 2600 HAT

A Raspberry Pi HAT for Atari 2600 cartridges with joystick support, exposing classic switches and buttons for a neo-authentic experience.

vincentVincent 06/04/2025 at 12:300 Comments

We’ve just received our first PiTari PCB samples! Holding these purple boards in hand is a thrill: the reproduction of the original Atari 2600 buttons and joystick ports looks and feels incredibly authentic. Combined with the Raspberry Pi’s standard HDMI output and crystal-clear audio, it’s like capturing the look and feel of vintage electronics with the convenience of modern-day hardware.

Next Steps & Improvements

We’ve already compiled a list of tweaks and enhancements (stay tuned for detailed notes on PCB revisions). One open question: how best to house the cartridge itself? We’d love your suggestions on enclosures or mounting approaches that hold cartridges securely without sacrificing that retro aesthetic.

Although we’re juggling a few other ventures right now, we’ll soon dive into driver and software development. Expect updates on PiTari’s Linux kernel modules, Stella emulator integration, and (fingers crossed) Bluetooth controller support later this summer.

Join the Conversation
If you have experience with Atari 2600 hardware design, enclosure ideas, or driver development under Linux, please share your thoughts!




#PiTari  #Atari2600  #RaspberryPi  #RetroGaming  #StellaEmulator  
#DIYHardware  #RetroTech  #OpenSource  #HardwareHacking  #professionaleyecandy

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