ATARI is on a roll this year, resurrecting the brand in a new, modern, and very aggressive way, which I couldn't be more thrilled about, in all honesty! To continue this momentum, today they have announced the new 800XL retro console, a recreation of its best-selling 8-bit computer, originally released in the 80s.
This console has been designed by Retro Games Ltd, in collaboration with ATARI, renowned for making many of their recent rereleases. The 800XL keeps its look and feel of the original, including a full-sized mechanical keyboard, a baked-in Atari BASIC, and a working cartridge slot, all while adding modern goodies such as HDMI out so that it works seamlessly with your HDTV.
Some of the 800XL's main features
- Faithfully recreated Atari 800XL™ design featuring a full-size mechanical keyboard.
- Includes 25 built-in classics, including Centipede®, Missile Command®, M.U.L.E. and Battlezone.
- Experience the complete Atari 8-bit legacy, with support for software created for the Atari 400™, 800, XL and XE computers, and the Atari 5200® home console.
- Rediscover your original cartridge collection with a working cartridge slot supporting most Atari 400, 800, XL and XE cartridges.
- Load your own games and software from USB flash drives with cartridge, disk and cassette image support.
- With the built-in games, side loaded software or inserted cartridges, save your game at any time in one of four save slots per game, and instantly rewind gameplay by up to 30 seconds.
- Write and save your own programs in Atari BASIC.
- Enjoy perfectly scaled HDMI output with PAL (50Hz) and NTSC (60Hz) support, authentic 4:3 and pixel-perfect display modes, plus optional CRT filters.
- Personalise your experience with a choice of 12 display frames.
- Includes a refined THECXSTICK, a modern recreation of Atari's iconic joystick, featuring eight integrated action and function buttons discreetly built into its classic design.
- Connect additional controllers and USB storage devices via four USB-A ports and connect power via the included USB-C cable.
The 800XL is already available to pre-order via Plaion Replai's official website, the guys that are manufacturing and distributing this device, again, like many of ATARI's modern consoles. It will cost $219.99/£199.99/€219.99, and shipping begins on April 23rd 2027.
“The 800XL represents an important moment in Atari’s history, when home computers were becoming a gateway to gaming, programming and creativity,” said Matt Burnett, VP of Strategic Operations at Atari. “It gave an entire generation the opportunity to discover what they could do with a computer, while offering an incredible catalog of games and software. That combination is what makes the 800XL such an important part of Atari’s legacy, and working with Retro Games Ltd. and Plaion we are excited to bring back this modernized version.” states ATARI.
Full list of 25 built-in games
- Airball™, Asteroids®, Basketball™, BattleZone™ and Berzerk™: Five classic arcade-inspired titles spanning action, shooting and sports.
- Boulder Dash®, Bristles, Capture the Flag, Centipede® and Crystal Castles®: A mix of arcade, puzzle and strategy classics.
- Elektraglide, Encounter, Flip and Flop, Henry’s House and Hover Bovver: A selection of driving, shooting and platforming games.
- Lee, M.U.L.E., Millipede®, Miner 2049er® and Missile Command®: More Atari 8-bit favorites featuring strategy, platforming and arcade action.
- O’Riley’s Mine, The Seven Cities of Gold, Star Raiders® II, Wavy Navy and Yoomp!™: A final selection featuring exploration, strategy, space combat and arcade action.
