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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Steve Cottam says a childhood fascination with games such as Manic Miner eventually led him from IT to game development—and later to Antstream Arcade, a subscription platform built around retro games. In a May 2024 interview with Stuff, he discussed that journey, the platform’s challenges and tournaments, indie developers, and his unease about AI-generated creative work.
Who is Steve Cottam?
In Rachael Sharpe’s interview, published by Stuff on 26 May 2024, Cottam is identified as Antstream Arcade’s CEO. He describes a route into games that began with playing them and an early interest in how they were made.
From ZX Spectrum games to development
Cottam recalls Manic Miner on the ZX Spectrum as one of the games that sparked his curiosity about game-making. He also remembers playing Konami games on MSX, including Gradius, known in some regions as Nemesis.
He says he could not get a job in games at first, so he worked in IT and put his spare money into starting a studio. His account of the beginning of that career is direct: “I couldn’t get a job in games, so I went and worked in I.T and used every spare penny I had to set-up my own games studio and then in 1994 we released a game called Nitro Racers and that was the start of my gaming career.”
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- MASSIVE 20,000 CLASSIC GAMES: Built-in 20,000 classic video retro stick with 4k hdmi, games and 23 emulators console for retro gaming, game emulators support arcade, tv game, video gaming nostalgia.
- ULTRA 4K HD EXPERIENCE: Retro gaming console 4k hdmi video game, hdmi tv game console, retro gaming console for tv in classic white, 4k hd hdmi tv retro stick design for gaming and console nostalgia.
- DUAL 2.4G WIRELESS CONTROLLERS: Wireless controllers for game console, 2.4g wireless tv game console with low-latency response, play video game console for tv with family, no tangled cables.
- EASY PLUG & PLAY SETUP: Plug and play video games for tv via hdmi tv gaming console with 4k hdmi game experience, connect the retro game console to hd hdmi tv in seconds, ideal for all ages.
- WHAT YOU GET: Retro wireless gaming console stick video retro stick built-in, console stick with 23 emulators, dual 2.4g controllers, hdmi cable, user guide, compact white retro stick for travel.
What is Antstream Arcade?
As described in the 2024 interview, Antstream Arcade is a cloud gaming platform with a subscription service focused on retro games. Stuff reported that its catalogue then contained more than 1,300 games, including titles associated with Atari 2600, Commodore 64 and Sega Genesis libraries. That is a figure reported at the time of publication, not a current catalogue count.
Cottam’s stated ambition was to make games easier to access: “I set out to make games as assessable as movies and music.” The interview presents Antstream’s competitive features as part of that idea. Cottam mentions leaderboards, tournaments and challenges, and says he plays R-Type on the service.
Rank #2
- 【Core Highlights】80s & 90s Retro Home Console, Arcade & Handheld Games; 20,000+ Classic-Era Games in 1 Console; Plug & Play on TV – No Downloads or Installation; 1080P HDMI Output for Crisp Retro Gaming; Dual 2.4G; Wireless Controllers for Multiplayer Fun
- 【Vast 20,000+ Preloaded Game Library & 23 Emulators】You can start enjoying nostalgic retro gaming right away. This retro gaming stick covers classic 80s–90s home console, arcade, and handheld titles. The library includes 10,000+ unique games, plus additional US, Japan, World, and Asia regional versions of many titles, bringing the total to 20,000+. It’s plug and play on your TV—no downloads or installation required. Great for retro gaming fans and kid- friendly for younger players
- 【Impressive HD HDMI Output for Immersive Play】Play vibrant, stutter-free 1080P video games via HDMI cable. Connect effortlessly to any TV and enjoy crisp retro gaming experiences on this game console. Great choice for retro players wanting enhanced modern visuals
- 【Dual 2.4G Wireless Controllers & Interactive Multiplayer Fun】Enjoy competitive and cooperative gaming sessions! Comes with two 2.4GHz wireless controllers offering responsive gameplay up to 40 feet away. Perfect for gatherings with this built-in game console
- 【Simple Plug & Play Setup】Power the game stick, plug it into your TV, and switch HD channel to load the game list. Easy 3-step setup: connect HD output to TV, insert TF game card, and connect power adapter. Controllers require 4 AAA batteries. (Note: Charging adapter and batteries are not included.)
What does Cottam say about indie developers?
Cottam says independent developers continue to create games for original hardware. In his account, some of those developers distribute their games through Antstream while also selling physical cartridges. The interview does not name a developer or a cartridge, so it offers an example of the model rather than a specific recommendation.
What platform plans did Antstream discuss in 2024?
The interview described a range of platform ambitions and availability claims at that time. It mentioned Xbox, PC, Mac and Android, with iOS described as planned. It also reported plans involving Mercedes cars and Samsung Smart TVs.
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Rank #3
- Retro game stick Pro – Plug & Play Fun: Enjoy endless gaming with 40,000+ pre-installed games and 23 emulators on a 64GB system—no downloads or setup required. Relive retro gaming nostalgia instantly with a simple plug-and-play experience
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- Stunning 1080P & 4K HDMI Output – Extended Cable Included: Immerse yourself in crystal-clear visuals with 1080P and 4K output support. The HDMI interface ensures seamless connection to TVs, projectors, PCs, and set-top boxes—bringing your favorite classics to the big screen
- Save & Load Game Progress – Play Without Limits: Never lose your progress! Our retro gaming console supports game saving and loading, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. Say goodbye to frustrating restarts and enjoy a smooth gaming experience
- The Perfect Gift for All Ages – Fun for Family & Friends: A great holiday or birthday gift for parents, kids, couples, and gaming enthusiasts! Whether for weekend fun, family bonding, or travel, this console delivers endless entertainment. Plus, we offer reliable customer support to ensure a worry-free experience
Those details are a record of what was discussed in May 2024; they do not establish which devices Antstream supports today, whether a planned launch happened, or where service access is available. For the historical account, see Rachael Sharpe’s interview with Steve Cottam in Stuff.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why is Cottam concerned about AI and creativity?
Cottam describes watching AI with both interest and apprehension. He accepts that technological progress cannot simply be halted, but worries that AI-generated art and sound could make creative work feel less meaningful to audiences if they know it was not made by a person.
Rank #4
- The YEBGMS Retro Gaming Console Stick isn't just a device — it's a time machine. Designed for gamers who remember the thrill of inserting a cartridge and for newcomers eager to discover where it all began, this sleek little stick packs decades of gaming history into one seamless experience
- With over 43,000 games and 28 emulators built right in, you'll never run out of adventures. From pixel-perfect platformers to button-mashing fighting games, every classic you loved is waiting for you — all at your fingertips
- Old games deserve new glory. Our 4K HDMI upscaling transforms vintage visuals into sharp, vibrant masterpieces on your big-screen TV. The pixels you remember have never looked this good
- Two wireless controllers mean you're always ready for company. Challenge a friend, team up with family, or enjoy a solo journey — the choice is yours. And when you're done, the compact design tucks away effortlessly until your next session
- Zero setup. Zero downloads. Zero subscriptions. Plug in, power on, and let the good times roll. Whether you're 8 or 80, the magic of retro gaming is just an HDMI connection awa
“I watch AI with an equal amount of fascination and terror – it genuinely does frighten me, but I do believe that you can’t halt progress, if we can call it that.”
He links that concern to the human craft he admires in games: “I think AI is taking away some of the magic of creativity – one thing that has always amazed me about gaming Is the quality of the visuals, the sounds and everything that goes into make it – but if AI starts doing that, I think it stops being impressive because it’s not a person who has created it.” These are Cottam’s views as expressed in the interview, rather than a claim that AI has already replaced game creators.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【50,000+ RETRO GAMES】Enjoy 50,000+ classic games with 48 built-in emulators and a 128GB TF card. This retro gaming console brings a wide variety of nostalgic games to your TV for hours of entertainment.
- 【4K HDMI OUTPUT】Connect the retro gaming stick to your TV via HDMI and enjoy clear 4K output with smooth gameplay and low latency. Its compact design makes it easy to set up and use at home.
- 【DUAL 2.4GHz WIRELESS CONTROLLERS】Includes two 2.4GHz wireless controllers for multiplayer gaming. Play classic games with family and friends and enjoy a fun, nostalgic gaming experience together.
- 【PLUG & PLAY SETUP】Simply connect the console to your TV via HDMI, insert the TF card, connect the included power adapter, and switch your TV to the corresponding HDMI input. The two controllers require 4 AAA batteries, not included.
- 【GREAT GIFT】A fun gift for adults and retro game lovers, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or relaxing at home. Enjoy classic gaming with family and friends or take the compact console with you while traveling.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
