# Retro Gaming Sound Systems The Atari 2600 Speaker Lets You Pump Music and Play Pong By Michael Hines | Published 2012-01-17 | Updated 2012-01-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-2600-speaker-dock References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2012/01/16/atari-2600-speaker-dock-itunes-goes-8-bit/) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/listing/90249782/recycled-atari-2600-portable-media-audio) As someone who grew up playing [PlayStation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-capsule) it is tough for me to truly appreciate the awesomeness of the [Atari 2600](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-go) Speaker Dock. From a DIY point of view the project truly is impressive. Daniel McLeod of [Black Mountain Audio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flux-ai) gutted a 30-year-old Atari 2600 and replaced its innards with two speakers. The dock is shown in the pictures connected to an iPod, but does not feature a 30-pin connector, using a 3.5mm jack instead. This is good news for those who don't own iPods (but bad for those who want their device to charge while listening to music). The Atari 2600 Speaker Dock also comes with an external sub-woofer that was too large to fit inside the console and sells for a cool $100. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **DIY Retro Gaming Speaker Systems:** There is a growing trend of DIY enthusiasts repurposing retro gaming consoles and turning them into unique speaker systems. - **Retro Gaming Nostalgia:** The popularity of retro gaming sound systems reflects a larger trend of nostalgia for classic gaming experiences among consumers. - **Customized Audio Accessories:** Consumers seeking personalized audio experiences are driving the trend of customized speaker systems made from vintage gaming consoles. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can capitalize on the trend of DIY retro gaming speaker systems by offering conversion kits and components specifically designed for repurposing old gaming consoles. - **Gaming:** The gaming industry can embrace the trend of retro gaming nostalgia by partnering with audio companies to develop and market officially licensed sound systems that cater to the growing demand for classic gaming experiences. - **Audio Equipment:** The audio equipment industry stands to benefit from the trend of customized audio accessories by offering a wider range of components and accessories that allow consumers to create unique and personalized speaker systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modernized Nostalgic Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-pro.md) - [Stylish Low-Tech Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-sound.md) - [Mobile Retro-Inspired Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation-go.md) - [Chic Retro Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-gamestation.md) - [Retro-Inspired Toy Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-atari-2600.md) - [Backwards-Compatible Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atari-7800-plus.md) - [Minimalist Art Piece Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/totem-rr231.md) - [Retro Audio Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-cube-2.md) - [Retro Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d32.md)