Atari and Plaion revive the 800XL with BASIC and cartridge support
Atari is relaunching the 800XL, its 8-bit home computer first released 43 years ago, in partnership with game company Plaion. The recreation retains the original’s mechanical keyboard and Atari BASIC, letting owners play games as well as write their own software.
Pre-orders are open for $219.99, with shipping expected to begin in April 2027. The computer has HDMI, four USB-A ports and a working cartridge slot compatible with most Atari 400, 800, XL and XE cartridges; it can also run software loaded from a flash drive. It includes 25 games, among them Asteroids, Centipede and Millipede, plus a recreated joystick with eight action and function buttons.
- Atari is bringing back the 800XL computer.
- It costs $219.99, with shipping due in April 2027.
- It supports cartridges, flash drives and 25 built-in games.
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The Atari 800XL was a home computer released in 1983 that became popular throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. It was prized for its graphics capabilities and game library, and it came with Atari BASIC, a programming language that let hobbyists and students write their own software. The computer was influential in introducing many people to personal computing.
In recent years, demand has grown among consumers keen to own and use vintage computers and gaming systems from their youth. Manufacturers have responded by creating updated versions of classic machines, retaining the original design whilst adding modern conveniences like HDMI connections and USB ports. These revivals appeal both to nostalgic older consumers and to younger people curious about earlier computing technology.
Atari has partnered with game company Plaion to produce a new version of the 800XL. The collaboration reflects consumer appetite for authentic versions of classic computing technology from earlier decades. Such projects help preserve computing history whilst introducing older machines to new audiences.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Atari is bringing back one of its earliest 8-bit home computers”.