What just happened? Atari continues to remake the brand’s iconic consoles and home computers with modern technology. This time around, the 800XL goes back more than 40 years, with the French holding company promising to fully support both classic and modern 8-bit gaming experiences.
Atari’s latest foray into retro gaming is the 800XL, a “faithful” replica of the original 8-bit 800XL computer, first released in November 1983. The 25 integrated games should provide enough excitement for Atari fans. The machine also offers greater compatibility and expansion options for both commercial and homegrown Atari software.
The 800XL is available for pre-order now, priced at $220, and is expected to ship in late April next year. It features a “full-size” mechanical keyboard like the original 8-bit device, while the HDMI output ensures TV compatibility in PAL (50Hz) or NTSC (60Hz) mode.
Although it works with modern TVs and technology like USB, the 800XL also has a “working” cartridge slot for running original game releases from the 1980s. The slot should work with most cartridges for Atari 400, 800, XL and XE machines. Customers can also add their own games and software in ROM format via USB flash drives.
Built-in games include fan-favorite classics like Centipede, Asteroids, The Seven Cities of Gold, MULE and more. Of course, the 800XL also ships with an updated “THECXSTICK” joystick – a modern replica of Atari’s iconic CX40 handle. The Atari BASIC interpreter is also integrated into the machine.
Aside from the retro features, the new device offers some modern refinements that make it easier to deal with the rough edges of classic gaming. Each game supports up to four save slots, while the rewind feature lets you skip back up to 40 seconds of gameplay. Finally, the four USB-A ports allow users to connect additional controllers and USB storage.
Atari notes that the 800XL was first introduced more than 40 years ago and bridged the gap between personal computing and gaming thanks to its “massive” 64KB of system memory and custom chips for managing graphics and sound.
Simply put, the 800XL was a transitional machine between the legendary Atari 2600 and the powerful Atari ST line of 16-bit computers based on the Motorola 68000 family. Whatever the case, Atari SA seems determined to turn every single device in the brand’s history into a modern plastic device until the end times.
