Iconic gaming brand Atari announced Tuesday that it’s reviving its 1986 game console as the Atari 7800+, a modern recreation developed in collaboration with game publisher PLAION. But it won’t connect to any of Atari’s crypto initiatives, at least not initially.
The Atari 7800+ is a compact version of the original console that’s built to connect with modern televisions. Each console comes equipped with the CX78+ wireless gamepad and includes a new game, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, a sequel to the classic Crystal Castles. Set to release globally this coming winter, the console is now available for pre-order at $129.99.
Atari’s latest old-school revival follows last year’s Atari 2600+ console, and the two share some commonalities. Both devices run 2600 and 7600 cartridges, both from the original consoles and newly released games, and include support for 16:9 widescreen displays. But the Atari 7800+ has a different design and comes with a wireless gamepad instead of a joystick.
Alongside the console, Atari and PLAION are releasing two new wireless controllers, the CX78+ wireless gamepad and the CX40+ wireless joystick, each priced at $34.99. These controllers are compatible with both the new 7800+ and 2600+ consoles, as well as with original hardware.
Atari is also launching 10 new game cartridges alongside the hardware, including Asteroids Deluxe, Berzerk, and the Epyx Games Collection containing Summer Games, Winter Games, and California Games on a single cartridge. Each is priced at $30 and the cartridges play on the 7800+ and 2600+, as well as the original Atari 7800.
Like the Atari 2600+, the 7800+ has no crypto integrations. Atari has been actively building in the crypto world for years, most recently launching classic games like Asteroids and Breakout via Ethereum layer-2 network Base. Previously, Atari had launched its own crypto token, digital collectibles, and exclusive merch for token holders.
Following publication of this article, an Atari representative confirmed to Decrypt‘s GG that the 7800+ hardware is “not tied to any Web3 components for the time being.”
However, they noted that the Atari Club—which has membership based on NFT ownership—could potentially “get the community involved with ideating on new game ideas and such, which normally involve activations with crypto partners.” Ultimately, though, they added that “none of this is confirmed yet” and that it’s simply a “maybe” for now.
Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Andrew Hayward. This story was also updated after publication to include new details from Atari.
