Key information
Retro Games Ltd has opened pre-orders for THE 800XL, a modernized recreation of the classic 8-bit home computer. Priced at $219.99, the device aims to balance nostalgia with contemporary convenience, featuring a mechanical keyboard, HDMI connectivity, and four USB ports for controllers and storage. The unit is scheduled to ship on April 23, 2027.
The system includes 25 pre-installed games, such as Star Raiders II, Centipede, and M.U.L.E. Users can also access two additional titles, Castle Crisis and Super Breakout, by connecting an analog controller. The hardware supports original Atari 400, 800, XL, and XE cartridges, alongside software designed for 8-bit computers and the Atari 5200 console.
Reviewers note that while the design appears faithful to the original, the bundled THECXSTICK joystick retains the unergonomic CX40 design, which may cause discomfort. Modern enhancements include save states, a 40-second rewind feature, and display options like CRT filters and pixel-perfect modes. The system supports both PAL and NTSC standards.
Plaion’s Senior Product Marketing Manager, Namer Merli, stated that the device captures the experience of 1980s technology, including BASIC programming and physical media. Despite the lack of specific internal hardware details, the console allows users to load software via USB flash drives, supporting cartridge, disk, and cassette images.
