Atari Revives 800XL 8-Bit Home Computer for 2027

The 800XL originally debuted 43 years before the reissue. Atari has previously revived recognizable consoles including the 2600 and Mattel's Intellivision, but the 800XL returns as an all-in-one personal computer rather than a dedicated game console. The new model keeps the original's built-in mechanical keyboard, allowing users to play games or write their own games and applications in Atari BASIC.

The reissued 800XL adds HDMI and four USB-A ports for connecting flash drives and peripherals. It also comes with a bundled recreation of Atari's classic joystick, upgraded with eight action and function buttons. The system includes a fully functional cartridge slot compatible with most Atari 400, 800, XL, and XE cartridges.

Beyond cartridge software, the reborn 800XL can run any software created for those older 8-bit systems, including when loaded from a flash drive, The Verge reported. For users who do not have a collection of retro cartridges, the computer ships with 25 built-in games, among them Asteroids, Centipede, Berzerk, Missile Command, and Millipede.

Atari's revival of the 800XL follows its recent retro hardware releases, which have focused on familiar console brands. The 800XL combines the original computer layout with modern ports and a modernized joystick while retaining compatibility with a broad library of Atari 8-bit software.

Preorders are open for the $219.99 system, and Atari expects it to begin shipping in April 2027.

Editor's Summary Atari will bring back the 800XL, an 8-bit home computer first released 43 years earlier, through a collaboration with Plaion. The $219.99 reissue is available for preorder and is expected to ship in April 2027 with HDMI, USB-A ports, cartridge support, and 25 built-in games. The release extends Atari's retro hardware lineup from consoles to a full keyboard computer.