Atari 7800+ Unveiled: A Modern Take on a Classic Console
Atari, a legendary name in gaming, has teamed up with PLAION to announce the Atari 7800+—a modern reimagining of the classic console from 1986. Slated for a global release in winter 2024, the Atari 7800+ is now available for pre-order at $129.99 (€119.99 / £99.99).
The Atari 7800+ is a compact and stylish update of the original, designed to fit seamlessly into contemporary living spaces. It comes equipped with HDMI connectivity, making it easy to connect to modern TVs and devices. The console includes the CX78+ Wireless Gamepad and a brand-new game, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest—a sequel to the classic Crystal Castles, presented on a specially designed 7800 cartridge.
Key Features of the Atari 7800+:
- Supports both Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges
- High compatibility with original and third-party Atari games
- Includes the new Wireless CX78+ Gamepad
- Widescreen or 4:3 display options
- USB-C charging cable (power adapter not included)
“Building on the success of last year’s Atari 2600+, the launch of the Atari 7800+ expands the Atari+ platform with new games, wireless controllers, and a refreshed console experience,” said Wade Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Atari.
New Controllers for the Atari+ Platform
Alongside the 7800+, Atari and PLAION are introducing two new wireless controllers:
CX78+ Wireless Gamepad: Priced at $34.99 (€34.99 / £29.99), this gamepad is a modern recreation of the original two-button controller from the 7800’s European release. It features a directional D-Pad, a removable thumbstick, and wireless connectivity to both the new 7800+ and 2600+ consoles, as well as compatibility with original 2600 and 7800 hardware via the included DB9 wireless adapter. It can also connect to a PC using the provided USB-C adapter.’
CX40+ Wireless Joystick: Also priced at $34.99 (€34.99 / £29.99), the CX40+ brings back the classic one-button joystick, now with wireless functionality. It connects to the 7800+, 2600+, and original Atari hardware using a DB9 adapter and is PC-compatible with the included USB-C adapter.
New Games for the Atari 7800+ and 2600+
To complement the new hardware, Atari is releasing ten new game cartridges, including official ports of popular homebrew titles and three multi-game 2600+ cartridges. Each game comes with a color-printed user manual and is available at mass retail for $29.99 (€29.99 / £24.99).
New 7800+ Cartridges:
- Asteroids Deluxe: An enhanced version of the classic with new mechanics and competitive two-player modes.
- Bounty Bob Strikes Back: A sequel to Miner 2049er, featuring 10 additional caves.
- Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest: A homebrew sequel to Crystal Castles with classic platforming action.
- Berzerk: A new version of the arcade classic, complete with Evil Otto’s terrifying grin.
- Frenzy: The Atari 7800+ port of the arcade sequel to Berzerk, complete with the iconic Phase Pistol.
- Space Duel: The first-ever 7800 port of the 1982 vector-based arcade game, featuring a unique two-player mode.
New 2600+ Cartridges:
- Caverns of Mars: A new cartridge adaptation of the Atari 8-bit classic, featuring new challenges and a save feature.
- Epyx Game Collection: Combines Summer Games, Winter Games, and California Games onto one cartridge, supporting up to eight players.
- M Network Collection: Packs Armor Ambush™, Astroblast™, Frogs and Flies™, and Star Strike™ onto a single 2600+ cartridge.
- RealSports Collection: Features RealSports Baseball, Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, and Boxing on one cartridge, including the never-before-released RealSports Basketball.
For more details on the Atari 7800+ and the upcoming games, visit the official Atari website.
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