THE 800XL: Atari makes its retro micro-computer revival official, pre-orders open for April 2027

After the rumors, it is official: Atari is reviving its iconic 8-bit micro-computer with THE 800XL. The machine is designed by Retro Games Ltd in collaboration with Atari, and manufactured and distributed by Plaion Replai. Pre-orders are already open on the Plaion Replai website at $219.99 (£199.99 / €219.99), with shipping announced from April 23, 2027.

True to the original, THE 800XL follows the Atari 800XL design with a full-size mechanical keyboard and built-in Atari BASIC. It has a working cartridge slot compatible with Atari 400, 800, XL and XE cartridges, HDMI output at 50 Hz (PAL) and 60 Hz (NTSC), 4:3 and pixel-perfect modes, plus optional CRT filters and 12 selectable display frames.

A catalog and modern features

The machine ships with 25 games, including Centipede, Missile Command, M.U.L.E. and Battlezone, and runs software for the Atari 400, 800, XL, XE and even the 5200. Cartridge, disk and cassette images can be loaded from a USB flash drive. You also get four save slots per game and a 30-second rewind. The pack includes the eight-button THECXSTICK joystick, and the machine offers four USB-A ports and USB-C power.

As always with this kind of product, check shipping terms for your country before pre-ordering: dates and prices may still change by region.

Source: Retro Dodo