THE 800XL brings back the Atari 800XL from 1983, with a mechanical keyboard, HDMI output and a working slot for original cartridges. Atari and Retro Games Ltd. unveiled it on 8 October 2026, with a release date of 23 April 2027. The recommended European price is €219.99.
The most interesting part of the announcement is how much you can do with this familiar home computer. Alongside cartridge games, you can load software from USB and write programs in Atari BASIC. For anyone who still has a box of old games tucked away, that cartridge slot will probably matter more than the familiar shape of the case.
What is THE 800XL, and who is behind it?
THE 800XL is an officially licensed modern recreation of the Atari 800XL home computer. Retro Games Ltd. developed it, while PLAION REPLAI handles manufacturing and distribution. Atari provides the licence and also helps launch the product.
The case follows the original’s recognisable design, with a light keyboard, a dark upper section and a cartridge slot. We have also been following the return of classic home computers through THEA1200 and its official Amiga status. For devices like these, the way they work matters just as much as their appearance.
A mechanical keyboard and the return of Atari BASIC
THE 800XL has a working, full-size mechanical keyboard with 57 keys. You can also use it for games that need keyboard input and for writing programs in the built-in Atari BASIC environment.
In Classic Mode, users can write, save, load and run their own programs. However, the famous games often overshadow this part of the home computer experience. Type a few lines, run the program and see what you have made.
For younger users, BASIC could offer an interesting first introduction to programming. For those who already know it, sitting down at a keyboard with that familiar shape may mean something quite different. However, we will have to wait until the finished device reaches users to judge the typing experience.
Does THE 800XL support original Atari cartridges?
Yes, although the official announcement says “most”, rather than all. The slot supports most original cartridges for the Atari 400, 800, XL and XE computer families. According to the manufacturer, you insert a cartridge and launch its game by selecting the cartridge icon in the menu.
However, the manufacturers have not yet published a complete compatibility list. If you own a particular cartridge, especially a modern flash cartridge or a multicart, wait for specific confirmation of support before buying. The Atari name alone does not establish compatibility. For example, the announcement does not list support for Atari 2600 or 7800 console cartridges.
Load Atari 5200 games through USB
The manufacturers also announced support for Atari 5200 console games that you load as digital files from USB storage. However, this does not mean the slot accepts physical Atari 5200 cartridges. Keep that distinction in mind if you already own a collection and hope to use it with the new device.
25 built-in games, USB loading and save states
THE 800XL comes with 25 built-in games. For example, the selection includes Boulder Dash, Centipede, Missile Command, M.U.L.E., Miner 2049er and The Seven Cities of Gold. The selection covers both quick arcade sessions and games that need a little more time.
Beyond the built-in selection, you can also load your own games and programs from USB storage, using cartridge, disk and cassette image files. These files represent the contents of those older media. However, loading a cassette or disk image does not mean you can connect an original recorder or disk drive.
The device also offers four save-state slots per game and a rewind function that lets you return to a recently played moment. PLAION says these features work with built-in games, games you load from USB and supported cartridges. That could be especially welcome because one mistake can bring a good run to an abrupt end.
Two extra games unlock with an analogue controller
Alongside the main 25, the announcement includes two hidden games, Castle Crisis and Super Breakout, which unlock when you connect an analogue controller. These extras therefore have a specific requirement; the standard joystick alone does not make them available.
THE 800XL versus the 1983 original: what has changed?
The original Atari 800XL had a 6502C processor, 64 KB of RAM and ANTIC, GTIA and POKEY chips for graphics and sound. The new model recreates its appearance and supports Atari software, while adding modern connections and extra features. However, the manufacturers have not yet published details of its processor, RAM and internal architecture.
| Feature | Atari 800XL (1983) | THE 800XL (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and BASIC | Working keyboard and built-in Atari BASIC | 57-key mechanical keyboard and Atari BASIC in Classic Mode |
| Video output | RF and analogue output for a television or monitor | HDMI, 4:3 and pixel-perfect modes, optional CRT filters |
| Games and software | Cartridges, disks and cassettes with the appropriate peripherals | 25 built-in games, supported original cartridges and files loaded from USB |
| Controllers and peripherals | Two controller ports, SIO and PBI interfaces | Four USB-A ports for USB controllers and storage |
| Saving and rewinding | Saving depends on the individual game; no equivalent system-wide rewind feature | Four save-state slots per game and rewind |
| Power | Dedicated power connector | USB-C; requires a 3 A power adapter |
HDMI, CRT filters and older peripherals
The HDMI output supports PAL display at 50 Hz and NTSC at 60 Hz. In addition, there are optional CRT filters and 12 decorative display frames. These options may appeal to anyone who misses the look of the CRT televisions we grew up with. The 4:3 mode also preserves the picture’s proportions without stretching it across a widescreen display.
However, the manufacturers have not confirmed support for older SIO and PBI peripherals. In other words, running software from USB and connecting an original disk drive are separate matters. The Commodore 64C Ultimate also illustrates how much connections and compatibility matter when a classic computer returns.
Price, release date and what is in the box
Pre-orders opened on 8 October 2026, and PLAION has announced a release date of 23 April 2027. Meanwhile, Atari lists shipping for the US market as starting in late April. Recommended prices are €219.99 in Europe, US$219.99 in the United States, £199.99 in the United Kingdom and A$349.99 in Australia. However, these regional prices do not establish the final delivered cost in every country.
The box contains the computer, an eight-button THECXSTICK USB joystick, an HDMI cable, a USB-A to USB-C power cable and a quick guide. The joystick follows the shape of the classic Atari controller. It also has extra buttons and modes for left- and right-handed users.
The package does not include a mains power adapter. The manufacturer specifies a 3 A adapter. Therefore, check that you have a suitable one before switching the computer on for the first time.
THE 800XL is likely to interest owners of old cartridges and Atari home computer fans who value the keyboard and BASIC. However, a final verdict will depend on practical tests. Those will show how many cartridges work, how more demanding games behave and what the keyboard feels like. For now, the announcement gives us a reason to follow its progress. The finished device will provide the answers.
Sources: PLAION’s official announcement of 8 October 2026, Retro Games Ltd., Atari, PLAION REPLAI and the Atari 800XL Field Service Manual. We checked this information on 11 October 2026.