HardwareThe Atari 7800 is back, and the retro console now has HDMI and wireless controllersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareThe Atari 7800 is back, and the retro console now has HDMI and wireless controllersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Atari)
Available topre-order now for $129.99 / £99.99, the Atari 7800+ is slightly smaller than its 1986 ancestor but leaves enough room for that full-sized cartridge slot. Described as a “faithful recreation” of the historic home console, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was just an old system that’s been kept in really good condition. As a retro collector myself, I can see why that’d be appealing, as while it’s anything but cheap, original hardware can be pricey.
No, you’re not experiencing a niche wave of deja vu – I did review anAtari 2600+last year that has a lot of the same features. I also found it slightly odd that the company’s VCS re-release also boasted support for 7800 games at the time, as I figured we might end up with a separate system for that. That said, rather than just simply remaking the sequel console’s gamepad, they’ve cut the cord like it’s 2024, and there’s also a wireless joystick for those of you intothat.
This one’s for the ‘80s kids
(Image credit: Atari)
Say what you like about Atari, but it has a knack for getting with the times. Just like the OG console, the Atari 7800+ gives a distinct ‘80s vibe thanks to its black and chrome getup, and the rainbow stripe on the front is just frankly iconic. The latter adds just enough playfulness to the design to prevent it from feeling like part of your dad’s Hi-Fi stack, which is exactly how I like my antiquated hardware.
Why am I telling you this? Well, unlike the beloved NES, the OG 7800 lacks composite output. I suspect that’s why mine ended up in a skip in the first place, as the average player would likely struggle to tune in its RF signal using a moderngaming TV. So, the fact the new revamp is armed with HDMI is invaluable, as you’ll be able to instantly play old cartridges at 720p.
Look mom, no wires!
(Image credit: Atari)
I know I’m meant to be more excited about the main Atari 7800+ dish, but I can’t quite get over the fact its controller is getting a wireless remake. Better still, the CX78+ gamepad comes with a DB9 to USB-C adapter, meaning you can technically use it to play Steam games. I saytechnicallyas, while I have strange admiration for the pad, it’s slightly ghastly to use thanks to its rather flat D-pad and mushy buttons. The new version even comes with the same optional removable thumbstick, which very much feels like a dastardly ancestor to today’s comfortable thumbsticks.
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Despite all that, I have a lot of respect for the CX78, so much so that it’s been sitting in my office throughout this year. The reason? I just like looking at it and thinking about how far controllers have come. I’ll naturally need to get my mitts on the new controller to see how authentic it feels. Even if Atari does make some nice improvements to its buttons, I love the fact that players will be able to experience it for themselves even if they just use a PC.
If you’ve already got a 2600+ or you prefer to use original hardware, Atari still has you covered with a bunch of new cartridges. Asteroids Deluxe, Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, Space Duel, and a 7800 version of Berzerk are all getting a physical re-release, so you’ll be able to expand your ‘80s Atari collection without going thrifting.
We’re also getting three new collections for the 2600, including Epyx Game, M Network, and Realsports compilations. However, the release I’m most excited about is Caverns of Mars, as my personal favorite vertical shooter is joining the fold. I’ve been using theAtari 400 Minito get my fix recently, but if I can get my hands on this new addition, I might ditch using ROMs and soak up all the cart compatibility goodness.
Today’s best retro gaming dealsLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAtari 2600+$96.60ViewSee all pricesTHE400 Mini$117.59ViewSee all pricesAtari 400 Mini$119.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro gaming dealsLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAtari 2600+$96.60ViewSee all pricesTHE400 Mini$117.59ViewSee all pricesAtari 400 Mini$119.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro gaming dealsLow StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAtari 2600+$96.60ViewSee all pricesTHE400 Mini$117.59ViewSee all pricesAtari 400 Mini$119.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best retro gaming deals
Low StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all pricesAtari 2600+$96.60ViewSee all pricesTHE400 Mini$117.59ViewSee all pricesAtari 400 Mini$119.99ViewSee all prices
Low StockHyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
Low Stock
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket$31.99ViewSee all prices
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket
$31.99View
$31.99
$31.99
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Atari 2600+$96.60ViewSee all prices
Atari 2600+$96.60ViewSee all prices
Atari 2600+
Atari 2600+
$96.60View
$96.60
$96.60
See all prices
THE400 Mini$117.59ViewSee all prices
THE400 Mini$117.59ViewSee all prices
THE400 Mini
THE400 Mini
$117.59View
$117.59
$117.59
See all prices
Atari 400 Mini$119.99ViewSee all prices
Atari 400 Mini$119.99ViewSee all prices
Atari 400 Mini
Atari 400 Mini
$119.99View
$119.99
$119.99
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
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Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
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1
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2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
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3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”