Atari is breathing new life into one of its classic gaming consoles from the 1980s by unveiling the 7800+, a modern remake of the beloved Atari 7800 Console. This reimagined version is priced at $129.99 and is already up for preorder, with shipments expected this winter.
Staying true to the original aesthetic of the 7800 Console, the 7800+ retains the vintage look while offering a sleeker, more compact form factor. However, this isn’t just a simple facelift—the console comes equipped with contemporary features, such as an HDMI port for seamless connection to modern TVs. Alongside the console, Atari is introducing the “CX78+” wireless gamepad, a redesigned version of the classic controller that accompanied the European release of the original 7800.
One of the most exciting aspects of the 7800+ is its compatibility with game cartridges from both the original 7800 Console and the earlier Atari 2600 console, the latter of which saw its own revival last year. Atari assures gamers that the 7800+ offers “near-perfect compatibility with original and third-party Atari games.” Additionally, the console will come bundled with Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a newly developed game that serves as a sequel to the classic Crystal Castles.
Originally launched in 1986, the Atari 7800 Console was intended to rival Nintendo’s NES during the height of the 8-bit console wars. Despite its ambitions, the 7800 struggled due to lackluster graphics and a slow rollout of games, leading to its commercial performance lagging behind the NES. However, the console still managed to sell over a million units by 1988, earning a loyal fanbase among retro gaming enthusiasts.
In a bid to further revive the console’s legacy, Atari is also releasing 10 new game cartridges. These include official Atari versions of popular homebrew games, as well as three multi-game 2600+ cartridges. Highlights of the new releases include Asteroids Deluxe, the first-ever port of Space Duel, and an updated version of Berzerk.
The CX78+ wireless gamepad is another standout feature, designed for versatility. It can wirelessly connect to both the new 7800+ and 2600+ consoles, and it’s also compatible with the original 2600 and 7800 systems using the included DB9 wireless adapter.
