Atari revives the 800XL 8-bit computer

Together with Plaion, Atari has produced a modern recreation of the 800XL, one of the company's oldest personal computers, according to SweClockers. The original arrived in 1983 as the third version of Atari's 8-bit computer. It had 64 KB of main memory and the same components as the Atari 400 and 800, but in a smaller case with a better keyboard.

The new version looks almost identical to the original, including the mechanical keyboard. Inside are modern components, and at the back are connections such as USB and HDMI. The included joystick is an updated version of Atari's classic model and has eight quick-fire buttons.

The machine comes with 25 classic games, including Asteroids and Centipede. Original cartridges for the Atari 400 and 800 should run directly through the built-in connector, programs can be loaded from a USB stick, and you can still write your own programs in BASIC.

Pre-orders cost 220 dollars, roughly 2,750 Swedish kronor, and deliveries are expected to start in April 2027. I like that they chose to keep the keyboard and BASIC instead of simply releasing yet another mini console. For anyone who remembers home computers from the 80s, it feels like a nostalgic but still practical comeback.

Source: SweClockers