A computer from 1983 with a 40-second rewind: THE 800XL opens reservations for 219 euros
Atari has just presented a very peculiar product. In line with what the brand has in its catalog, THE 800XL is based on a 1983 computer and adds functions that did not exist then, such as rewinding the game to 40 seconds. This is the true recreation of Atari’s 8-bit computer.
As the brand informs, it already accepts reservations by 219 euroswith shipments scheduled for the end of April next year. It includes 25 built-in games, a full-size mechanical keyboard and HDMI output to connect to your 2026 TV.
It must be remembered that the original model came with 64 KB of memory and its own chips for graphics and sound, and this version retains its appearance, the keyboard and the integrated Atari BASIC language. The pack also includes THECXSTICK, a recreation of the classic joystick that now has eight buttons.
THE 800XL technical sheet
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Mechanical, full size |
| Integrated games | 25 |
| Cartridges | Most Atari 400, 800, XL and XE |
| Ports | 4 USB-A |
| Video | HDMI, with PAL (50 Hz) and NTSC (60 Hz) |
| Picture modes | Original 4:3 and pixel perfect, optional CRT filters and 12 frames |
| Software | Integrated Atari BASIC |
| Remote control included | THECXSTICK, eight buttons |
| Price and shipping | 219 euros, at the end of April 2027 |
From the cartridge of the 80s to the pendrive of now
One of the key points of this console is that the cartridge slot really works. Wow, it’s not there for decoration. Therefore, it supports most of the Atari 400, 800, XL and XE. But you can also load your own games and programs from USB sticks, with support for cartridge, disk and cassette images, that is, digital copies of the original media.
This includes software designed for 8-bit computers and the Atari 5200 console. The four USB-A ports also serve to connect more controllers.
Among the integrated titles, we have the following:
- Asteroids
- Missile Command
- centipede
- Millipede
- Berzerk
- BattleZone
- boulder dash
- Miner 2049er
- MULE
- Star Raiders II
- airball
- Basketball
- bristles
- Capture the Flag
- Crystal Castles
- Elektraglide
- Encounter
- Flip and Flop
- Henry’s House
- Hover Bovver
- Lee
- O’Riley’s Mine
- The Seve
- Cities of Gold
- Wavy Navy
- Yoomp!
As we said, each of these games has four save slots and is compatible with rewinding, which allows you to go back up to 40 seconds after an error.
There is no doubt that brands are knowing how to take advantage of users’ nostalgia very well to sell current products and THE 800XL is nothing more than another example of that trend. We’ve already seen this in PC hardware, with Thermaltake’s Retro 260 and 360 TG cases, which combine old form factor and current hardware. Also in the world of portable consoles, with the AYANEO KONKR Pocket BLOCK, a retro design console in the Game Boy style. In all three cases, the claim is that retro design that usually works so well.
