Atari’s 7800+ retro console is out now

Bringing a little retro action to the Holiday Season is PLAION and Atari, with a modern re-creation of the classic Atari 7800.

Can’t beat a classic

A retro console that’s probably unlike most others you’ve played recently (unless you played 2023’s 2600+ that is), the Atari 7800+ is a re-creation of the system that landed on store shelves back in 1986. The console was the first to offer backwards-compatibility for the Atari range, meaning that cartridges released for the iconic 2600 would play on it, just as dedicated 7800 carts would.

That’s the case with this remake too, as it sports “Near perfect compatibility” with all of those original games, according to PLAION and Atari. But not to worry if you don’t have a collection that’s been packed away for decades, as there are modern re-releases on the way for key titles.

Also according to the press release, the Atari 7800+ includes a host of modern niceties. That’s a list that’s headed up by a revision for the original 2-button controller, with the Wireless CX78+ Gamepad. Rolling on from there is HDMI output, USB-C charging, and options for either widescreen or 4:3 viewing. We’d go with the latter, for the sake of authenticity, but it’s nice to have the option.

To get newcomers started, the Atari 7800+ even includes a game, with Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest packed right in. And naturally, unlike with pretty much every other console that sees release here in the modern age, that’d be a physical cart.

PLAION, a global leader in video games, and Atari, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce that the Atari 7800+ console launches today.  This new machine is a replica of the Atari 7800 from 1986, a pivotal year in Atari’s history given it was their first machine to enable backwards compatibility.  With modern quality-of-life features and access to a vast library of Atari 2600 and 7800 games, the Atari 7800+ offers retro fans an exciting new way to experience some true classics.

PLAION press release

The Atari 7800+ is out now, along with a sold-seperately controller option, in the single-button CX40+ Wireless Joystick. That’s in addition to extra CX78+ Wireless Gamepads, which are also available should you require. As for those games we mentioned too, aside from Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, there are eight available as of this writing.

Boxed titles include Space Duel, Asteroids Deluxe, BerZerk, Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Frenzy, Ninja Golf, Fatal Run, and Food Fight.