Atari Revives 1983 Computer: THE 800XL Gets Mechanical Keyboard, HDMI, and Original Cartridge Support

Atari has unveiled THE 800XL, a modern version of its iconic Atari 800XL home computer originally released in 1983. The device retains the recognizable retro design and the ability to run original cartridges while adding HDMI, USB, and modern gaming features. Pre-orders are already open for $219.99, with shipments scheduled to begin on April 23, 2027.

The system was developed by the UK-based Retro Games Ltd., which previously released modern versions of classic Commodore and ZX Spectrum computers. PLAION REPLAI handles manufacturing and global distribution. THE 800XL was officially announced on October 8.

Original Cartridges and Authentic Atari BASIC

Unlike the compact Atari 400 Mini, THE 800XL features a full-sized mechanical keyboard and a functional cartridge slot. It supports most cartridges for the Atari 400, 800, XL, and XE, while games and programs can also be loaded from a USB drive as cartridge, disk, or cassette tape images.

Built-in Atari BASIC allows users to write, save, and run their own programs, making THE 800XL closer to a true retro computer than a standard mini-console with a fixed set of pre-installed games.

Atari 5200 software is supported as well, though those games must be loaded from an external drive—physical cartridges from that console do not fit into THE 800XL’s slot.

The built-in memory includes 25 games, such as Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Boulder Dash, Berzerk, Battlezone, M.U.L.E., Millipede, and The Seven Cities of Gold. Two additional titles—Castle Crisis and Super Breakout—are hidden in the menu and unlocked by connecting an analog controller.

HDMI and Save States Instead of an Old TV

Users won’t need to hook up the computer to 1980s hardware. THE 800XL outputs video via HDMI in 50Hz PAL and 60Hz NTSC modes, supporting the original 4:3 aspect ratio, pixel scaling, and CRT filters.

The case features four USB-A ports for controllers and storage drives, while power is supplied via USB-C. The package includes an updated eight-button THECXSTICK joystick.

It also brings features the original lacked: four save slots per game and the ability to rewind gameplay. These work not only with the built-in library, but also with loaded software and compatible cartridges.

On the official Atari website, the computer is priced at $219.99. In Europe, it costs €219.99, in the UK £199.99, and in Australia 349.99 Australian dollars.

THE 800XL is unlikely to appeal to those looking for just an inexpensive box to play retro games. What sets it apart from countless mini-consoles is an effort to recreate the authentic 1980s home computing experience: complete with physical cartridges, a real keyboard, and BASIC programming capabilities.