Great Nostalgia Alert: Atari to Re-Release a Classic Console

Gotta get away, but you're all out of Snickers? I suggest video games. A recent study found that up to 3 hours of daily video gaming can be good for your brain health. I wish I had 3 hours to game every day; but, alas, I'll game when I can.

For those gamers who grew up with non-football shoulder pads and leg warmers, this is big news: a classic Atari video game console is getting a re-release, with modern-day upgrades!

Atari Will Re-Release the Classic 7800 Console

Atari 7800+ (Capture via Atari.com)

The Atari 7800 ProSystem was originally released in 1986 as the successor to the Atari 2600 and Atari 5200. It was one of the first video game consoles with backward compatibility (the ability to play games from the Atari 2600 on the new console, in addition to the new games).

The price at the time of initial release was $79.95 ($229.45 in 2024 dollars).

The Modern-Day Version of the Classic

The Atari 7800+ supports cartridges from the classic 2600 and 7800 consoles (screw the 5200, amirite?). The controller is a wireless version of the original European edition of the 7800. A wireless version of the iconic controller from the Atari 2600 is also available.

The 7800+ will ship with Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest, which is a sequel to the old Crystal Castles game from the 2600 console.

The 7800+ console will connect to screens via HDMI.

You can choose widescreen or 4:3 viewing options.

The controller can be charged via the included USB-C cable (wall plug not included).

Do you have a favorite game from the old Atari series? Let me know!