Atari Brings Back The 800xl Home Computer
The recreated 8-bit computer combines a mechanical keyboard and Atari BASIC with HDMI, USB ports and built-in games, with shipping expected in April 2027.
Atari is relaunching the 800XL, an 8-bit home computer that doubles as a gaming machine. The new version retains a mechanical keyboard and support for Atari BASIC while adding HDMI, USB connections and 25 built-in games. Preorders are open, with shipping expected in April 2027.
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A computer as well as a console
The 800XL was part of Atari’s home-computer line, rather than the better-known 2600 console family. According to Engadget, it was a refresh of a computer first introduced in 1979, and the line was discontinued in the early 1990s. The Verge describes the new machine as a faithful recreation of the 800XL, which originally debuted 43 years ago.
Unlike a console built only to run games, the relaunched 800XL has a full-size mechanical keyboard and gives users access to Atari BASIC. That makes it possible to write games or other programs on the machine, as well as play existing software. Engadget also says it can run homebrew content created for the original hardware.
Old software, new connections
Both reports say the computer has an HDMI connection for modern displays and USB ports for accessories. The Verge specifies four USB-A ports that can accommodate flash drives and peripherals. A recreation of Atari’s joystick is included; Engadget says it can be charged by USB, while The Verge says it has eight action and function buttons.
The built-in selection of 25 games includes Centipede and Millipede, according to both outlets. Engadget also names Crystal Castles and Missile Command, while The Verge lists Asteroids and Berzerk among the included titles.
Owners of older software have other ways to play. The Verge says the cartridge slot works with most Atari 400, 800, XL and XE cartridges, and that software for those 8-bit systems can also be loaded from a flash drive. Engadget likewise reports a cartridge slot for original titles, and says USB storage can be used to load games from other Atari systems, including the 400 and 5200.
Price and availability
The Verge lists the preorder price at $219.99 and expects shipping to begin in April 2027. Engadget rounds the price to $220 and gives a more specific shipping date of April 23, 2027. The Verge describes the release as a collaboration with Plaion; Engadget credits the hardware design to Plaion Replai.
Sources
This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.