Atari 800XL Returns as a Full-Size Modern Computer With Cartridge Support and 25 Built-In Games

Retro Games Ltd, Plaion, and Atari announce THE 800XL, a full-size replica of the 1983 computer featuring mechanical keys, working cartridge slot, HDMI, and 25 built-in games.

The Atari 800XL is coming back, and this time nobody needs to explain to their parents why a computer requires an entire television. Retro Games Ltd, Plaion and Atari have announced THE 800XL, a full-size recreation of Atari's popular 1983 home computer, scheduled to ship on April 23, 2027. The machine combines a mechanical keyboard, working cartridge slot, HDMI output and built-in Atari BASIC with modern conveniences including USB software loading, save states and up to thirty seconds of rewind. The manufacturers claim compatibility with software from the Atari 400, 800, XL and XE families, along with Atari 5200 titles. Twenty-five games are included, featuring classics such as Asteroids, Berzerk, Boulder Dash, Centipede, Crystal Castles, M.U.L.E., Missile Command and The Seven Cities of Gold. Two additional titles, Castle Crisis and Super Breakout, can be unlocked using an analogue controller. British pre-orders are listed at £199.99, while European pricing has been reported at €219.99. This is a recreation using modern technology rather than a newly manufactured original Atari motherboard, and the promised compatibility still needs independent testing. Nevertheless, a functioning keyboard and cartridge slot make it more interesting than another miniature box containing a menu of ROMs. The Atari 8-bit computers were important gaming machines but also genuine programmable computers, supporting an enthusiastic community of developers, musicians and hobbyists. Bringing back the complete computer experience is therefore the right approach. The only missing authentic feature is spending forty minutes persuading a cassette recorder to load something.