What if SEGA, Atari, Coleco and a bunch of other former consoles makers decided to re-enter the console business today? To once again compete with the likes of Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo? They’d set out to release contemporary hardware that wields an unmistakable identity and persona unique to their company.

That is what the Consoles Reborn series will theorize. A what-if look at modern-yet-retro consoles released by the console makers of yesteryear.

First up is Atari, the first major player in the console business. Atari hasn’t released a new console since 1993′s Jaguar - a pretty machine though a complete misfire in execution. The Jaguar would be among the many console casualties of the 90′s. Atari still releases throwback 2600 consoles (with a large selection of games built-in), but currently the company is content to publish gaming software.

I only made the controller for this post (matching console to debut later in the series), and as you can see it takes many design cues from the 2600. The rubber-reinforced analog sticks, toggle switches, and bright orange buttons. The controller has an intentionally boxy look, another trait of the 2600′s joystick. This shape could work every bit as well as the Wii U’s tablet controller.

This controller would feature a layout similar to the Dualshock3. I probably could have added triggers (just pretend I did!), but otherwise this is a typical modern-era controller.

Look for more consoles and controller design concepts as the Consoles Reborn series continues.

BONUS IDEA: I think it would be cool if peripheral companies like Mad Catz released retro-themed controllers for modern consoles. I’d love to get a Dreamcast or Atari style controller for the 360. Unfortunately the console makers would forbid such a crossover.