Party Like It’s 1986: Atari 7800+ Brings Retro Gaming Back

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Party Like It’s 1986: Atari 7800+ Brings Retro Gaming Back

As a gamer who’s been around since the days when Atari ruled the roost, I can tell you that this news about the Atari 7800+ has sent me back to my younger years with a rush of pure, unadulterated excitement! Growing up, the Atari 2600 was the heart of our family’s gaming universe. Now, here we are in 2024, and I’m getting the chance to relive those memories with a modern twist!

Party Like It’s 1986: Atari 7800+ Brings Retro Gaming Back
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Pasha Besharaty

1986’s gaming charm is back for retro enthusiasts with the Atari 7800+! In partnership with global video game publisher PLAION, Atari has released this new console. Similar to the successful return of the Atari 2600+ in 2023, the Atari 7800+ offers a nostalgic trip while incorporating modern features that cater to contemporary gaming environments.

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As announced by Atari, pre-orders for the Atari 7800+ have commenced at a price point of $129.99 (equivalent to €119.99 or £99.99). It is set to be launched worldwide during winter 2024. Retro gaming enthusiasts are already buzzing with anticipation, as the stylish and compact build of the console is expected to infuse a contemporary feel into their existing game collections.

Atari 7800+: A Modern Console with Retro Roots

The Atari 7800+ provides a modernized, compact iteration of the 1986 Atari 7800 console. Featuring HDMI compatibility, it seamlessly connects to contemporary high-definition televisions, simplifying the gaming experience for retro enthusiasts by eliminating intricate setup processes.

Each console includes the CX78+ Wireless Gamepad. This controller is a reimagined version of the two-button controller from the original European 7800. Furthermore, it is now made wireless for modern convenience.

Furthermore, the system offers “Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest,” which is the latest installment of the iconic “Crystal Castles” series. This game has been carefully crafted and encased in a unique 7800 cartridge as a tribute to Atari’s heritage, offering fans of retro gaming something new and exciting.

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According to Wade Rosen, Atari’s CEO, it makes perfect sense to extend the Atari+ platform by adding new games, wireless controllers, and the 7800+ console. This strategy aligns well with the successful launch of the Atari 2600+ last year.

New Wireless Controllers for the Atari+ 7800+ Platform

In addition to the Atari 7800+, Atari and THQ Nordic (PLAION) unveiled two fresh wireless controllers specifically crafted for the Atari+ system. These controllers successfully merge contemporary ease with a classic feel.

  • CX78+ Wireless Gamepad ($34.99 / €34.99 / £29.99): This gamepad, modeled after the original 7800 controller, includes a D-pad and a removable thumbstick. Besides compatibility with the new 7800+ and 2600+ consoles, it also works with original Atari 2600 and 7800 hardware via an included DB9 wireless adapter. Furthermore, it connects to PCs using a USB-C adapter.
  • CX40+ Wireless Joystick ($34.99 / €34.99 / £29.99): If you love the simplicity of one-button gaming, this joystick is for you. A faithful recreation of the original CX40 joystick, it wirelessly connects to both the 7800+ and 2600+, as well as older Atari consoles using the DB9 adapter. Similarly, it works with PCs via USB-C.

Fresh Cartridges for an Authentic Experience

10 brand new game cartridges, featuring both Atari and PLAION releases, are being unveiled to excite nostalgic gamers. These cartridges encompass official Atari adaptations of well-liked homebrew games as well as three multi-game cartridges tailored for the Atari 2600+. Each cartridge arrives with a full-color, printed user manual, mirroring the delight of opening an old-school game cartridge box.

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Here’s a sneak peek at some of the new 7800+ cartridges:

  • Asteroids Deluxe: This enhanced version of the arcade classic adds new mechanics and two-player modes for competitive action.
  • Bounty Bob Strikes Back: The sequel to Miner 2049er comes with 10 new caves, designed by homebrew developer Robert DeCrescenzo.
  • Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest: This sequel to Crystal Castles is a fan-favorite homebrew platformer, featuring everything a platformer needs—plus a lovable bear.
  • Berzerk and Frenzy: The classic villain Evil Otto returns as Berzerk and its sequel Frenzy have been ported to the 7800+, delivering hours of nostalgic chaos.
  • Space Duel: The first-ever 7800 port of this vector-based arcade game includes a two-player mode that links two spaceships for exciting cooperative play.

As a devoted fan of the legendary Atari 2600+, I’m thrilled to share that we’re about to see three fantastic multi-game cartridges making their way onto store shelves soon! These collections, such as the M Network Collection, RealSports Collection, and Epyx Game Collection, are brimming with classic titles from Atari’s golden era. Each cartridge offers a thrilling mix of fast-paced sports, action, and competitive gameplay that will take us back to those good old days!

Keeping Retro Gaming Alive

The growth of the Atari+ system by Atari underscores their dedication to preserving retro gaming experiences. The 7800+ console, capable of playing both Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges, gives players an opportunity to revisit or further enjoy timeless games from yesteryears.

For fans who can’t get enough of Atari’s nostalgic games, the latest hardware and software collection provides an ideal mix of old times and modernity. You can engage in combat with adversaries in ‘Asteroids Deluxe’ or collaborate with a friend in ‘Space Duel’, making the Atari 7800+ a must-have for retro gaming fans across the globe.

Hey there fellow gaming enthusiasts! Exciting news for us all – preorders for the new Atari 7800+ have just gone live! This bad boy’s going for a cool $129.99. If you’re curious about what this console, its controllers, and game cartridges are all about, head on over to Atari’s official site to get the lowdown. Let’s make our gaming experiences even more epic with the Atari 7800+!

Are you prepared to journey back to 1986 and relive the essence of gaming as it once was, but with some contemporary enhancements? The legendary era of Atari gaming is making a comeback this winter, tailored for today’s gamers.

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2024-08-21 01:00