I’m thinking of replacing my Apple Watch with a new wearable device that’s launching in June. Atari has just announced a new smart watch that comes with an array of classic 2600 games like Missile Command and Pong. A retro gaming fan’s dream, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch is available to pre-order from the Atari website ahead of its June 10 release date. The Atari 2600 smart watch costs just $79.99 (£62 at the time of writing), which is a lot cheaper than the Apple Watch, and a big reason why I’m so tempted to invest.

READ MORE: Atari 2600+ REVIEW – A fabulous flashback to gaming’s golden age

The Atari device also comes with two interchangeable bands, complete with reversible designs. One of the straps replicates the look of the Atari 2600 console, another takes inspiration from Centipede, while my favourite has a Super Breakout theme. A third watch strap featuring a Missile Command design is also available while stocks last.

Elsewhere, the crown and button have been designed to look like classic Atari controller buttons. The rotating crown is of particular importance, serving as a paddle controller.

This brings me to the main reason why I’m thinking of ditching my Apple Watch in favour of the 2600 My Play Watch: the games.

The Atari device comes with four all-time gaming classics, including Pong, Missile Command, Centipede and Super Breakout. Centipede is my personal favourite, followed closely by Missile Command. Pong is one of the titles that put gaming on the map, while Super Breakout is as playable now as it was back in the late 1970s.

Outside of gaming, the Atari 2600 My Play Watch comes with basic fitness functions to just about justify the smart watch tag.

The Atari wearable monitors heart rate, steps, and calories burned. It’s also IP68-rated for complete dust protection and water resistance beyond 1 meter.

Unlike the Apple Watch and other more premium smart watches, the Atari device doesn’t come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality.

This means no email, WhatsApp or text message notifications, and you won’t be able to use it to control your music, answer calls and send messages.

This is undoubtedly the biggest drawback, and why Apple probably doesn’t have too much to worry about from Atari’s latest entry in the wearable space.

However, if like me you’re a sucker for old-school video games and love Atari, then you can pre-order the Atari 2600 My Play Watch from the Atari website.

(It looks like it will ship worldwide, although Daily Express has contacted Atari for confirmation, and about potential availability beyond the Atari website.)

Just a couple of months after the launch of Sniper Elite Resistance, UK studio Rebellion is back with another big new release for PlayStation, Xbox and PC.

Atomfall is a new narrative-driven survival game set in the English countryside. The Standard Edition of the game has a March 27 release date on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (via Epic and Steam). However, customers who pre-order the Deluxe Edition can actually begin their adventure three days early.

The Atomfall early access period has a March 24 release date and a 2pm GMT release time for fans living in the UK.

The Atomfall Deluxe Edition comes with a few additional in-game bonuses, including basic and enhanced supply bundles to make the early stages a little more manageable. That’s on top of an unreleased Story Expansion, titled The Wicked Isle. 

While the Deluxe Edition has a £74.99 price tag on consoles, PlayStation customers can actually nab some free store credit by visiting CD Keys.

At the time of writing, the online retailer is selling £80 PlayStation Store cards for just £74.99. This means you can get the Atomfall Deluxe Edition and have an additional £5 of PSN credit to put towards another game.

After purchasing a top-up card from CD Keys, the retailer will send you a link with the code that can redeemed on the PlayStation Store.

Once you’ve added the credit to your PlayStation account, you can pick up Atomfall Deluxe Edition, or use it to purchase another game.

If you’re playing on Xbox, then it’s worth noting that the Atomfall Standard Edition is launching as a day-one release on Game Pass Ultimate on March 27. 

Inspired by the likes of Fallout, Wicker Man and The Quatermass Experiment, Atomfall takes place five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England.

Your character wakes up in a bunker with no memory of how they got there and no idea how to escape. Players will need to explore the surrounding countryside for information, following leads and bargaining with other survivors for vital supplies.

Rebellion explains more: “A fictional reimagining of a real-world event, Atomfall draws from science fiction, folk horror, and Cold War influences to create a world that is eerily familiar yet completely alien.

“The picturesque British countryside, with rolling green hills, lush valleys, and rural villages belie the dangers that await you. Navigate cult-controlled ruins, natural caves, nuclear bunkers and more as you explore this dense, foreboding world.”

Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, was a man of eclectic tastes, and his musical influences spanned far and wide. Known for his unmatched vocal range and electrifying stage presence, Mercury drew inspiration from pop, soul, opera, and even the vibrant sounds of classic 1950s rock ‘n’ roll.

In a playlist compiled by his Queen bandmates, which sheds light on Mercury’s favourite songs, one classic stands out: the iconic Elvis Presley hit ‘Jailhouse Rock’.

The track, which Elvis Presley recorded in 1957, quickly became a defining anthem of early rock ‘n’ roll. Its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and undeniable energy made it a classic that captured the essence of Presley’s musical style – a blend of rebellion, charisma, and raw power.

Mercury was known for his larger-than-life performances, and his admiration for Presley was no secret. In 1979, the Queen frontman wrote ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’, a song which bandmate Brian May later confirmed is “Freddie’s tribute to Elvis in a way”. He added: “Freddie was very fond of Elvis.”

While Jailhouse Rock holds a special place in Freddie Mercury’s heart, it wasn’t the only song that shaped his musical identity. From ‘Kashmir’ by Led Zeppelin to ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin, Freddie’s tastes were anything but predictable.

Songs like ‘I Get Around’ by The Beach Boys and ‘Woman in Love’ by Barbra Streisand highlight his love for both upbeat pop anthems and more emotive ballads, while ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ by Elton John reflects his affinity for high-energy rock and roll.

Another Elvis classic, ‘Love Me Tender’, also earned a spot on Freddie’s list of favourites. Released in 1956, the ballad is an adaptation of the Civil War-era song ‘Aura Lea’ and has since been featured in at least 20 films.

Here are the top 25 of the 60 songs on the playlist of Freddie Mercury’s favourite songs, as selected by his Queen bandmates, his former PA Peter Freestone, and author and band friend Jim Jenkins:

• ‘Africa’ – Toto

• ‘Kashmir’ – Led Zeppelin

• ‘I Get Around’ – The Beach Boys

• ‘Careless Whisper’ – Wham!

• ‘Jailhouse Rock’ – Elvis Presley

• ‘Woman in Love’ – Barbra Streisand

• ‘Relax’ – Frankie Goes to Hollywood

• ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ – Elton John

• ‘I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself’ – Dusty Springfield

• ‘Respect’ – Aretha Franklin

• ‘Rock With You’ – Michael Jackson

• ‘Unchained Melody’ – The Righteous Brothers

• ‘Make It Easy on Yourself’ – The Walker Brothers

• ‘Carnival is Over’ – The Seekers

• ‘Please Don’t Tease’ – Cliff Richard

• ‘Love Me Tender’ – Elvis Presley

• ‘Imagine’ – John Lennon

• ‘Billie Jean’ – Michael Jackson

• ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’ – Mahalia Jackson

• ‘(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman’ – Aretha Franklin

• ‘Goin’ Back’ – Dusty Springfield

• ‘Vesti La Giubba’ – Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti, and Mehta

• ‘Little Red Corvette’ – Prince

• ‘Pull Up to the Bumper’ – Grace Jones

• ‘D’amore Sull’ali Rosee’ – Giuseppe Verdi.