Atari revives its 800XL 8-bit home computer

Atari is bringing back the 800XL, an all-in-one 8-bit home computer that originally debuted 43 years ago. The new model is a recreation made in collaboration with game developer and publisher Plaion.

The 800XL retains the original’s built-in mechanical keyboard, and users can write games and apps with Atari BASIC. It is available to preorder for $219.99, with shipping expected to begin in April 2027.

The recreated computer adds an HDMI port and four USB-A ports. It also comes with a recreation of Atari’s classic joystick, upgraded with eight action and function buttons.

A working cartridge slot supports most Atari 400, 800, XL, and XE cartridges. The computer can also run software made for those older 8-bit systems when it is loaded from a flash drive. For people without a collection of cartridges, the 800XL includes 25 games, among them Asteroids, Centipede, Berzerk, Missile Command, and Millipede.