This troubleshooting guide is for the Atari Flashback 2.

Released: 2005

Student-Contributed Wiki

An awesome team of students from our education program made this wiki.

The Device does nothing when turned on and plugged into TV

Please check if the Atari Flashback 2 is connected to a power source (power cable is securely plugged in to outlet).

If the power cable shows signs of excessive wear or if the power cable is showing bare wire, you may need to replace the power cable.

Inspect the power socket for broken components. If the power socket shows signs of being physically broken, you may need to replace the power socket on the device.

Nothing happens on the screen when the joystick is moved

Try reconnecting the joystick to the console.

The joystick may have been dislodged from the correct position or have something obstructing its movement. Inspect the joystick to confirm nothing is obstructing its movement.

Inspect the joystick for physical damage. If the joystick shows signs of physical damage, you may need to replace the joystick. Please see this guide to learn how to replace the joystick.

Nothing happens when the button on the joystick is pushed

The joystick button may have been dislodged from correct position or have something obstructing it’s movement. Clean the joystick button with compressed air to assure that it is not being jammed with debris.

Inspect the joystick button for physical damage. If the joystick button shows signs of physical damage, please see this guide to learn how to replace the joystick button.

Nothing happens when the button on the console is pushed

Make sure that the console is plugged into a power source securely. Try reconnecting power cable from the console to power source.

The console button may have been dislodged from correct position or have something obstructing it’s movement. Clean the console button with compressed air to assure that it is not being jammed with debris.

Inspect the console button for physical damage. If the console button shows signs of physical damage, please see one of the following guides to learn how to replace the console button.

Power Button

Reset and Select Button

Difficulty Button

Nothing is displayed on the TV screen or there is no sound coming out

Check that the TV is set to correct channel/input on your TV respective to the AV cable output.

Check that the TV volume is not muted or at too low of a volume to be heard.

Reconnect the AV cable from the TV to the console.

Inspect AV cable for corrosion/oxidation. If debris is present on the cables, clean the plugs and outlets with compressed air, ensuring all surfaces are free from debris.

If the AV cable shows signs of excessive wear or if the cable is showing bare wire, you may need to replace the AV cable.