Pac-Man: Double Feature is a compilation for the Atari 7800, originally released in 2025 by Atari. It is compatible with the modern Atari 2600+ and Atari 7800+ consoles, in addition to original Atari 7800 hardware. The game was released as part of the "Atari x Pac-Man" line, and comes bundled with the Atari 2600+: Pac-Man Edition console.
Overview[]
Pac-Man: Double Feature includes two games: the Atari 2600 version of Pac-Man, and a newly-created Atari 7800 port of Pac-Man, the latter being closer to the arcade original in design. The games can be switched between via a DIP switch on the back of the cartridge.
The game's cover illustration was created by Hiro Kimura, the original artist of the Atari 2600 Pac-Man artwork. The instruction manual includes text interviews with Kimura and Bob DeCrescenzo.[1]
Atari 7800 conversion[]
The Atari 7800 port was developed by homebrew developer Bob DeCrescenzo (also known as "PacManPlus"), who previously released various fan-made Pac-Man games for the Atari 7800.[1] The Double Feature port is based on the one seen in Pac-Man Collection: 40th Anniversary Edition, though it does not feature a scrolling maze like the released version.[2]
The 7800 port features two settings that are carried over from the Pac-Man Collection homebrew releases, and are otherwise not present in most official Pac-Man conversions:
- A "Random Mazes" mode is included, alternating between varied maze layouts. The maze designs are reportedly randomly-generated per stage; whereas the original Pac-Man Collection consists of predefined layouts, mostly sourced from bootleg arcade hacks.
- A "Speedup" option is included, replicating the "speed-up chip" for the original Pac-Man arcade game. The game does not include the option to hold down a button for turbo speed, as seen in the original Pac-Man Collection.
Additionally, the game features a two-player simultaneous mode, which is accessed by switching the Atari 7800 second-player difficulty switch to the "A" position (whereas the "B" position loads a standard, alternating two-player mode). In this mode, one player has partial control over Blinky, while the other controls Pac-Man (with both players alternating roles between turns). Blinky's AI is still dependent on his arcade-accurate patterns; the player can only control Blinky during "chase" mode, while he moves automatically in "scatter" mode and when Pac-Man eats a Power Pellet. This mode is seemingly derived from Dual Pac-Man, a 2005 homebrew hack by DeCrescenzo.
Secret mode[]
In addition to the somewhat-hidden simultaneous multiplayer mode, Pac-Man: Double Feature contains another secret game mode. On the Atari 7800 (or 7800+), this mode can be accessed by pressing the Pause button while on the main menu; on the Atari 2600+, it is accessed by flicking the Color/B&W switch to the downward position.
Upon enabling the secret mode, an additional "Version" select option is added to the menu, featuring "Arcade" and "Home" settings. Selecting the "Home" option loads a native Atari 7800 recreation of the Atari 2600 version of Pac-Man - entirely separate from the 2600 ROM included via the DIP switch setting - which can also be combined with the other menu settings (e.g. Random Mazes mode).
The secret selection menu is not mentioned in the game's instruction manual or in promotional material. It is rumored that Atari did not want to market the secret mode as a feature, though still allowed DeCrescenzo to implement it into the game.
Cartridge variants[]
A number of different cartridge variants of Pac-Man: Double Feature were produced. The game software is not known to differ between variants.
The standalone cartridge release of Pac-Man Double Feature, as well as the version bundled with NTSC Atari 2600+: Pac-Man Edition consoles, uses a "silver label" design, reflective of most original Atari 7800 games (though it is printed in full color, whereas many 7800 labels were printed in black-and-white). The PAL version of the Atari 2600+: Pac-Man Edition console, however, comes bundled with a Double Feature cartridge using a black, "picture label"-style design, modeled after some original Atari 2600 releases (while still using 7800 branding).
Three months before Double Feature's scheduled release, a limited-edition variant dubbed the "Gold Edition" was sold at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, which ran from July 24th to 27th. The Gold Edition comes in a golden, foil box, with a randomly-picked color for the cartridge shell; it also includes a bonus pin and a patch (reading "Nom Nom Nom" and "Chomp Champion", respectively). Only 1000 copies were produced of this variant.[3][4] A number of cartridges were left unsold following Comic Con, resulting in remaining stock being sold through the AtariAge Store.
Following the Gold Edition, a similar "Blue Edition" was produced for the Portland Retro Gaming Expo (PRGE). This variant, also limited to 1000 copies, has its cartridge shell and foil box colored in a Vulnerable Ghost-like shade of blue. It also features a unique pin and patch set (reading "Ghost Gang" and "Wafer Eaters Club") compared to the "Gold" version. Leftover stock was sold via the AtariAge Store and through Atari's main website.
An additional special edition variant of the game is included in the "High Score Collection" box set, which also includes reproduction cartridges of Galaga, Dig Dug, and Xevious for the Atari 7800. This version uses the cover artwork of the original Atari 2600 version of Pac-Man, and uses an orange cartridge shell rather than black.
Trivia[]
- While the cartridge features four DIP switches on the back, only the leftmost switch appears to function. It appears that the other switches are only present due to repurposing the mold of a "10 Games in 1" cartridge from 2023, which utilizes all four switches.
- While the Atari 2600 version is an unaltered ROM of the game, the cartridge is seemingly incompatible with the original Atari 2600 (even on the correct DIP switch setting) due to the pin layout at the bottom of the cartridge.
- The secret "Home" setting in the Atari 7800 port of Pac-Man was originally planned to be used in place of featuring the unaltered Atari 2600 ROM; this is likely why its inclusion is somewhat hidden.[5]
Gallery[]
Screenshots[]
Artwork[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "NEW key art and NEW full-color manual with exclusive content, including interviews with the key artist, Hiro Kimura, and game programmer, Bob DeCrescenzo." (https://atari.com/products/pac-man-double-feature)
- ↑ "It's the 40th Anniversary version I did, but the entire maze is on the screen. Pac-Man only." - AtariAge forum reply from PacManPlus
- ↑ "**Exclusive Gold Edition:** At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Atari will release 1,000 exclusive Golden BOX Editions of PAC-MAN: Double Feature, each priced at $99.99 and including a surprise color cartridge, patch, and pin." (https://www.retro8bitshop.com/atari-and-bandai-namco-entertainment-america-inc-unveil-atari-x-pac-man-collection-ahead-of-san-diego-comic-con/)
- ↑ https://x.com/atari/status/1948427607348764801
- ↑ AtariAge forum reply from PacManPlus
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