Atari’s 1983 800XL is coming back with a real cartridge slot, and preorders are already open

One of Atari’s most recognizable home computers is getting a modern return. Plaion and Retro Games Ltd. have announced THE 800XL, a new version of the 1983 machine that aims to recreate the original while adding current-day conveniences.

The new release is being presented as a faithful recreation of Atari’s best-selling 800XL 8-bit computer. It keeps the look of the original hardware and includes a full-sized mechanical keyboard, a working cartridge slot, built-in Atari BASIC and HDMI output. Preorders are live now, the price is £199.99, and shipping is scheduled to begin on 23 April 2027.

For retro players and longtime Atari users, the biggest change is how broadly the machine is meant to work across the company’s older software library. Plaion says THE 800XL supports software from the original Atari 400, 800, XL and XE 8-bit computers, along with Atari 5200 titles. It also adds USB loading, save states and up to 30 seconds of rewind, features designed to make older games easier to revisit today.

The system comes with 25 built-in games. Titles named for the launch lineup include Asteroids, Berzerk, Boulder Dash, Centipede, Crystal Castles, M.U.L.E., Missile Command and Star Raiders II. Two more games, Castle Crisis and Super Breakout, are hidden on the carousel and can be unlocked by connecting an analogue controller.

Atari’s Matt Burnett said the original 800XL mattered because it opened the door to gaming, programming and creativity for a generation of home computer users. Retro Games Ltd. COO Stuart Chiplin said the goal was not only to reproduce the machine’s appearance, but also the sense of freedom it gave people to play, program and create, while updating the experience for current players.

The announcement makes THE 800XL the next retro hardware revival from Plaion, the company also behind the upcoming Neo Geo AES+.