Atari Announces Atari 7800+ Game Console

Atari and PLAION have introduced the Atari 7800+, the official successor to the Atari 2600+ and the latest addition to the Atari+ platform.

The new console comes with wireless controllers and the games expand the Atari+ platform and are backwards compatible with games released in the past, which is really awesome.

The Atari 7800+ is described as “a faithful reproduction of the Atari home console originally released in 1986.” It is a “smaller, more compact edition of the console that fits seamlessly into modern living spaces.

“Featuring HDMI connectivity, it connects effortlessly to modern TVs and devices. Each console comes 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.”

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

Console features include:

• Plays both Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges

• Near perfect compatibility with original and third-party Atari games

• Includes the new CX78+ wireless gamepad

• Widescreen or 4:3 window size

• USB-C charging cable (power adapter not included)

The Atari 7800+, scheduled for a global release in Winter 2024, is available for pre-order now for $129.99.

CX78+ Wireless Gamepad

The CX78+ Wireless Gamepad ($34.99 / €34.99 / £29.99) is a recreation of the radical two-button controller that Atari released with the original 7800 in Europe. The gamepad features a directional D-pad and a removable thumbstick. It connects wirelessly to your new 7800+ and 2600+, and 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 one-button untethered gaming as an authentic recreation of the original CX40. It connects to the new 7800+ and 2600+, and works with original 2600 and 7800 hardware using an included DB9 wireless adapter. The CX40+ Wireless Joystick is also compatible with PC 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 2600+ multi-game cartridges. Each new game includes a full-color printed user manual and will be available at mass retail for $29.99 (€29.99 / £24.99).

New 7800+ Cartridges

• Asteroids Deluxe expands on the original with new mechanics and intense two-player modes that introduce different competition and playstyles.

• Bounty Bob Strikes Again It’s a sequel to the cult classic Miner 2049erFor this port on a 7800+ cartridge, developer Robert DeCresnezo added 10 additional caves.

• In Bentley Bear’s Crystal Questa popular home-made sequel to Crystal Castlesyou’ll find everything a platform game could want…including an adorable little bear.

• A brand new version of Berserk brings classic arcade gameplay to the 7800+. Evil Otto’s sinister smile is definitely included!

• Load up your phase pistol and enter the fray Frenzyan Atari 7800+ version of the arcade sequel to Berserk!

• Space duel is the first ever 7800 port of the original 1982 vector-based arcade game. The unique two-player mode links two spaceships together for interdependent action.

Robert DeCrescenzo, a talented member of the Atari homebrew developer community, programmed Asteroids Deluxe, Bounty Bob Strikes Again, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, Space duel, Frenzy AND Berserk.

New 2600+ Cartridges

• A 2600+ version of Caves of Mars brings the Atari 8-bit classic to cartridge for the first time. Homebrew developer John W. Champeau’s adaptation adds new challenges to the original and a vital save feature.

• THE Epyx Game Collection combines the best EPYX sports games in one cartridge. Up to eight players can compete in multiple events in the Summer Games, Winter Games, and 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™ on 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 rival Intellivision by launching a new series of sports games, including Real Sports Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, AND BoxingWith the new RealSports Collectionare available for the first time on a single 2600 cartridge, including the never-before-released RealSports Basketball.