Atari invites us to “Play Like It’s 1986” later this year with the Atari 7800+

If you passed on the Atari 2600+ game console release by Atari and Plaion last year, maybe its newer, more capable cousin will catch your retro-minded attention.

The Atari 7800+ has been revealed as the latest console in the Atari+ platform by the duo, and it seems like a well thought out successor to the Atari 2600+.  Retailing for only $129 (same as the 2600+), the 7800+ will play 7800+ games and 2600+ games and work will all of the accessories including a pair of great looking new controller options, the Wireless CX78+ (which is included, but also available for $34.99) and the CX40+ Wireless Joystick ($34.99). In other words, its fully backwards compatible.

Other than hardware, we’ll be treated to quite a few new software options, including popular homebrew games and a trio of multi-game 2600+ cartridges such as Asteroids Deluxe, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a new version of Berzerk and its sequel Frenzy and more! And if you weren’t aware, these will be available in physical editions, with cartridges, color manuals and everything.

Atari 7800+ Games:

Atari 2600+ Games:

See all the details below and at the official site (which is already accepting pre-order) along with the announcement trailer.

Atari 7800+ Announcement Trailer | Pre-Order Yours Today!:

Atari, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, and PLAION, a global leading publisher and developer of video games, recently announced the Atari 7800+ – a faithful recreation of the Atari home console originally released in 1986. Scheduled for a global release in winter 2024, the Atari 7800+ is now available for pre-order at $129.99 (€119.99 / £99.99).

The 7800+ is a scaled-down, compact edition of the console that seamlessly integrates into modern living spaces. Equipped with HDMI connectivity, it effortlessly links to contemporary TVs and devices. Each console ships with the CX78+ Wireless Gamepad and a brand new title, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest — a sequel to the classic Crystal Castles, presented on a specially designed 7800 cartridge.

Console Features:

• Plays both Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges
• Near-perfect compatibility with original and third-party Atari games
• Includes the new Wireless CX78+ Gamepad
• Widescreen or 4:3 window size
• USB-C charging cable (power adapter not included)

“Expanding the Atari+ platform with new games, new wireless controllers, and the 7800+ console is a perfect follow-up to last year’s successful launch of the Atari 2600+,” said Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari.

With the announcement of the Atari 7800+, Atari and PLAION are also adding two new wireless controllers to the Atari+ Platform, as described below.

CX78+ Wireless Gamepad
The CX78+ Wireless Gamepad ($34.99 / €34.99 / £29.99) is a recreation of the radical two-button controller Atari released with the original 7800 in Europe. The gamepad features a directional D-Pad and a removable thumbstick. It wirelessly connects to your new 7800+ and 2600+ and it works with original 2600 and 7800 hardware using the included DB9 wireless adapter. You can even connect it to a PC with the included USB-C adapter.

CX40+ Wireless Joystick
The CX40+ Wireless Joystick ($34.99 / €34.99 / £29.99) introduces untethered one-button gaming as an authentic recreation of the original CX40. It connects to the new 7800+ and 2600+, and it works with original 2600 and 7800 hardware using an included DB9 wireless adapter. The CX40+ Wireless Joystick is also PC-compatible with an included USB-C adapter.

Accompanying the release of the new Atari+ hardware are ten new game cartridges, including official Atari releases for popular homebrew games and three multi-game 2600+ cartridges. Every new game includes a color-printed user manual and will be available at mass retail for $29.99 (€29.99 / £24.99).

New 7800+ Cartridges

• Asteroids Deluxe expands upon the original with new mechanics and intense two-player modes that introduce competition and varied playstyles.
• Bounty Bob Strikes Back is a sequel to the cult classic Miner 2049er. For this port to a 7800+ cartridge, developer Robert DeCresnezo added 10 additional caves.
• In Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a popular homebrew sequel to Crystal Castles, you’ll find everything a platforming could possibly want…including one adorable bear.
• A brand new version of Berzerk brings the gameplay of the arcade classic to the 7800+. Evil Otto’s ominous grin definitely included!
• Charge your Phase Pistol and enter the fray in Frenzy, an Atari 7800+ version of the arcade sequel to Berzerk!
• Space Duel is the first-ever 7800 port of the original 1982 vector-based arcade game. The unique two-player mode tethers two spaceships together for interdependent action.

Robert DeCrescenzo, a talented member of the Atari homebrew developer community, programmed Asteroids Deluxe, Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, Space Duel, Frenzy and Berzerk.

New 2600+ Cartridges

• A 2600+ release of Caverns of Mars brings the Atari 8-bit classic to cartridge for the first time.  The adaptation by homebrew developer John W. Champeau adds new challenges to the original and an all-important save feature.
• The Epyx Game Collection combines the best EPYX sports games into one cartridge. Up to eight players can compete in multiple events in the Summer Games, Winter Games, and the California Games, which introduced Pacific Coast sports, including half-pipe, footbag, surfing, roller skating, BMX, and flying disc.
• The M Network Collection combines the fast-paced action of Armor Ambush™, Astroblast™, Frogs and Flies™, and Star Strike™ onto a single 2600+ cartridge. These four titles were adaptations of popular Intellivision games created for the Atari 2600 by Mattel Electronics.
• In 1982, Atari responded to competition from the rival Intellivision by releasing a new series of sports games, including RealSports Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, and Boxing. With the new RealSports Collection, they are available for the first time on a single 2600 cartridge, including the never-before-released RealSports Basketball.

For more information about the new hardware and software please visit: https://atari.com/products/atari-7800.