Atari THE 800XL: 8-Bit Computer Recreation

THE 800XL is a new full-size modern recreation of the classic 1983 Atari 800XL 8-bit home computer.

Designed by Retro Games Ltd. (the team behind THEC64, THEA500, THE400 Mini, and similar recreations) in collaboration with Atari, and manufactured/distributed by PLAION REPLAI, it aims to capture the look and feel of the original while adding modern conveniences.

Key Features

• Full-size mechanical keyboard (57 keys)
• Working cartridge slot supporting most Atari 400, 800, XL, and XE cartridges
• HDMI output (PAL 50Hz / NTSC 60Hz) with authentic 4:3 and pixel-perfect modes, optional CRT filters, and a choice of 12 display frames
• 25 built-in games
• Support for loading your own software via USB (cartridge, disk, and cassette images); also supports Atari 5200 software
• Built-in Atari BASIC (with a Classic Mode that behaves like the original machine)
• 4 save slots per game + rewind feature (up to ~40 seconds)
• 4 USB-A ports (for controllers, storage, etc.)
• Includes the THECXSTICK, a modern 8-button recreation of the classic Atari joystick

Built-in Games
Airball, Asteroids, Basketball, BattleZone, Berzerk, Boulder Dash, Bristles, Capture the Flag, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Elektraglide, Encounter, Flip and Flop, Henry’s House, Hover Bovver, Lee, M.U.L.E., Millipede, Miner 2049er, Missile Command, O’Riley’s Mine, The Seven Cities of Gold, Star Raiders II, Wavy Navy, and Yoomp!.

(Two extra titles, Castle Crisis and Super Breakout, can reportedly be unlocked by connecting an analog controller.)

Price & Availability

• $219.99
• Pre-orders are open now
• Shipping begins late April 2027 (around April 23)

What’s in the box: the computer, THECXSTICK joystick, HDMI cable, USB-C power cable (3A adapter not included), and a quick-start guide.

Official pages: atari.com/pages/800xl and retrogames.biz/products/the800xl.

It’s a proper full-size computer recreation (not a mini) with a functional keyboard and cartridge slot—more in the vein of their full-size C64 or Amiga-style machines than the earlier 400 Mini.