Almost a year after introducing the 2600+, Atari has partnered with noted video game publisher Plaion to reveal the 7800+ — a modern take on the iconic console originally released in 1986.
Founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, Atari is a pioneering video game manufacturer that shaped the electronic entertainment industry from the 1970s to the mid-’80s. Bringing the excitement of the arcade into homes worldwide with the launch of its hugely popular 2600 in September 1977 (initially branded as Atari VCS), the company went on to build a legacy of hardware that included legendary systems like the 5200, the 7800, the Jaguar, and the groundbreaking Lynx — the first 16-bit handheld on the market.
Since 2003, Atari has refocused on video games, releasing the 2600+, the popular 400 Mini, and even celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special box-set featuring 10 classic cartridges like Adventure and Missile Command.
The Atari 7800+ is set to launch globally on November 29th, blending present-day technology with a nostalgic design. From the brushed metal strip to the sleek, angular edges, this compact console captures the high-tech vibe of its late ’80s predecessor while offering a host of modern features, including easy HDMI connectivity and a widescreen mode designed for today’s televisions.
Every 7800+ comes with a CX78+ gamepad, a wireless remake of the innovative two-button controller Atari introduced in Europe during the ’80s. Also included is Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a new action-adventure game and sequel to the 1983 classic Crystal Castles, where players guide Bentley through isometric mazes, collecting crystals and dodging enemies along the way.
Perhaps the most thrilling feature of the 7800+ is its backward compatibility with hundreds of original and third-party 2600 and 7800 games. That’s right! It’s time to dig out those old copies of Dig Dug and Pole Position that have been gathering dust since 1991 — you can finally play them again!
Six new Atari 7800+ games will also debut on November 29th, including Asteroids Deluxe, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, Berzerk, Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Frenzy, and Space Duel. Four new Atari 2600+ games – Caverns Of Mars, RealSports Collection, Epyx Games and M-Network Collection, along with the CX78+ gamepad and a CX40+ wireless joystick, will also be available on launch day.
The brand-new Atari 7800+, peripherals, and software will be available at Atari.com for North American customers and globally at major retailers beginning November 29th. Pre-orders are open now.
Are you ready to play like it’s 1986?
