Atari and Plaionhave announcedthat they’ll be following up on their Atari 2600+ console with another re-issue from their classic line. This one is the Atari 7800+, based on the 1986(ish) console.
Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what the point is. After all,the Atari 2600+already plays Atari 7800 games. While the Atari 7800+ comes with a wireless version of the CX78 gamepad, it doesn’t seem BlueTooth is a feature of the console. The controller connects to a wireless DB9 adapter, which means it also works with Atari 2600+ and even original hardware (and possibly other platforms that use DB9, such as the Commodore 64 and Sega Master System, but this isn’t confirmed). There were only 59 games released during the console’s original lifespan, and it isn’t nearly as ubiquitous as the Atari 2600. The best I can tell you is, why not?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Atari, it’s that it has a very passionate and dedicated fanbase. Tapping into and energizing that could pay off in expanding that scene and subculture.
Alongside the 7800+, Atari is also releasing a lineup of cartridge games. Rather than just reissues, these are largely homebrew ports by prolific developer Robert DeCrescenzo, includingAsteroids Deluxe,Bounty Bob Strikes Back,Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest,Space Duel,Frenzy,andBerzerk. They are also releasing an additional 2600 games,Caverns of Mars,Epyx Game Collection,M Network Collection, andRealsports Collection.
It’s hard not to feel excited about this. I mean, if I was rich and in charge of a company with a long history, I’d definitely revive their old platforms. Like, if I somehow landed as CEO of Smith Engineering or whoever now ownsthe Vectrexand had the pockets to do whatever I wanted, I would totally make a new Vectrex release happen.
On the other hand, this might be a tough sell for anyone who bought the Atari 2600+. If there are any differences aside from aesthetics, I can’t really locate them within the press information. However, it does come with the CX78 wireless gamepad andBentley Bear’s Crystal Quest. New cartridges are $29.99, while the controller is $34.99. The 7800+ itself is $129.99. So, if you wantedBentley Bear’s Crystal Questand a CX78 anyway, then the console itself is just roughly $65. Sorry, I’m just trying to justify this to myself in advance. I don’t really pull in “remake the Vectrex” money over here.
The Atari 7800+ will be available sometime in Winter 2024. Whether or not Atari will have the guts to re-release theAtari Jaguaror Lynx remains to be proven.
