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Atari 7800+: What Happened to Its Winter 2024 Launch?

The Atari 7800+ was announced for winter 2024 and is now listed as available. Here’s what it plays, what comes in the box, and what to check before buying.
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Atari and PLAION announced the Atari 7800+ on August 20, 2024, with a planned global launch in winter 2024. That launch window is now in the past: Atari’s current product page lists the console as available. It is a compact, HDMI-equipped system for playing Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges, not a newly manufactured copy of the original console’s internal hardware.

What the Atari 7800+ is—and when it launched

The Atari 7800+ is a scaled-down recreation of Atari’s 1986 home console. Atari and PLAION announced it on August 20, 2024, targeting a global winter 2024 launch. The announcement is historical; Atari’s current product listing presents the console as available. Availability, delivery estimates and price can change by storefront and region, so check the local listing before ordering.

Atari’s current US product page lists the 7800+ at $129.99 and says it ships in 3–5 business days. It also names Amazon as a retailer in the UK, Canada, Germany, France and Italy; those listings may have different prices and delivery terms. The 2024 announcement gave preorder prices of $129.99, €119.99 and £99.99, but the euro and pound figures are historical preorder prices, not confirmed current regional prices. Check Atari’s current product listing for the latest storefront details. Atari and PLAION’s August 2024 announcement set out the original launch plan.

What cartridges and displays does it support?

The 7800+ accepts original Atari 2600 and Atari 7800 cartridges, as well as new cartridges from Atari’s Atari XP program, according to Atari’s support FAQ. Atari says cartridge play uses emulation technology, so the system should be understood as a modern device that runs the cartridges rather than a reproduction built with the original console’s internal hardware.

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#1 Best Overall
Official Atari 7800+ Console & Wireless Controller - HDMI Output
  • TIMELESS ‘80s DESIGN. The 7800 console takes its place among other ‘80s design icons like shoulder pads, crop tops, and aviator sunglasses.
  • ATARI+ PLATFORM. Atari+ Platform games and accessories are backward and forward compatible. Consoles, accessories, and games work together and are also compatible with most original accessories and cartridges.
  • ARE YOU POWER-READY? Includes a USB-C power cable but does not come with a wall charging plug for your outlet. You’ll need to pick up a 1A USB power adapter if you don’t have an extra one at home.
  • Includes Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest Cartridge - In this brand-new sequel to Crystal Castles, you’ll find power-ups, hidden paths, a challenging variety of enemies…and one adorable bear. Everything a platforming fan could possibly want.
  • 2 Systems in 1 - Plays both Atari 2600 and 7800 game cartridges. HDMI-Ready - Connect to any screen via HDMI so you can enjoy every last pixel.

For a modern television, the console outputs video over HDMI and offers widescreen and 4:3 viewing options. Atari says the 7800+ is 80% of the original console’s size. Its FAQ also describes an enlarged cartridge socket intended to help reduce cartridges sticking. These are Atari’s product and support descriptions, not findings from an independent hardware teardown.

What comes in the box—and what you need to set it up

Atari’s current bundle listing includes the console, one CX78+ wireless gamepad, the Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest 7800 cartridge, an HDMI cable and a USB-C power cable. A wall power adapter is not included, so plan to use a compatible USB power adapter you already have or obtain one separately. The current package contents are listed on Atari’s product page; Atari’s FAQ confirms the adapter exclusion.

Rank #2
Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition Console, Game & Wireless Joystick
  • Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition: The iconic console, now in PAC-MAN yellow with illuminated character icons across the front.
  • Backward and Forward Compatible: Play retro games just like you remember them on a system upgraded for today. Play both Atari 2600 and 7800 games on this 2600+ console. Compatible with everything in the Plus Platform, as well as with most original accessories and cartridges.
  • New Arcade-Style PAC-MAN Game: Includes PAC-MAN: Double Feature 2-in-1 game cartridge. Featuring an all-new, arcade-style version, PAC-MAN 7800 and the very first home version of the game, PAC-MAN 2600.
  • Wireless Joystick: Also includes a PAC-MAN Edition of the Atari CX-40+ Wireless Joystick.
  • HDMI Output: Connect instantly to modern TVs with HDMI output and widescreen mode.

The CX78+ has a directional pad, two buttons and a removable thumbstick. Atari and PLAION said it connects wirelessly to the 7800+ and 2600+, works with original 2600 and 7800 hardware using the included DB9 wireless adapter, and can connect to a PC with an included USB-C adapter. Since the 7800+ bundle already includes one, another controller makes most sense for multiplayer or as a replacement.

Which games are available?

Included game

The bundled Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest is a new cartridge sequel to Crystal Castles. It gives the system a game to play immediately, assuming you have a way to power the console.

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Rank #3
Atari Flashback 5 Classic Game Console 92 Built-in Games
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box

Other Atari 7800+ cartridges

Atari and PLAION’s launch announcement named Asteroids Deluxe, Bounty Bob Strikes Back, Berzerk, Frenzy and Space Duel among the 7800+ cartridges. The announcement also listed three multi-game cartridges for the Atari 2600+ line. Cartridge compatibility is the central advantage for players who already own physical games, but check individual titles and cartridge condition rather than assuming every old game or accessory has been independently tested.

Later arcade-game releases

PLAION REPLAI announced on October 2, 2025 that four officially licensed cartridges—GALAGA, PAC-MAN Double Feature, Dig Dug and Xevious—would arrive on November 21, 2025 for the Atari 2600+ and 7800+. PLAION also said they were fully compatible with original 7800 hardware. That announcement establishes the intended release date and compatibility claim; it does not establish present stock or regional pricing. See PLAION REPLAI’s announcement for the release details.

Rank #4
XEVIOUS 7800 – Atari 7800 Game Cartridge
  • Arcade-Style Shooter: Released in 1986, XEVIOUS is a scrolling shooter with a wide variety of enemies to destroy. XEVIOUS 7800 is a faithful port of the 1972 arcade version.
  • Test your skills! Battle airborne and ground based enemies with a surprisingly deep lore for an early arcade game.
  • Two Powerful Weapons: Your Solvalou fighter is armed with two weapons – a Zapper to destroy airborne enemies and a Blaster that drops bombs on ground forces.
  • Original 7800 Launch Titles: Did you know? In 1986 DIG DUG, GALAGA, and XEVIOUS were all official launch titles for the Atari 7800 home console.
  • Atari Plus Platform: All Atari+ Platform games and accessories are backward and forward compatible. Consoles, accessories, and games work together and are also compatible with most original accessories and cartridges.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Who is the 7800+ for?

  • Owners of Atari cartridges: It offers HDMI output for original 2600 and 7800 cartridges, with widescreen and 4:3 display choices.
  • Players seeking a compact, modern-TV setup: The scaled-down system connects through HDMI, but still requires a separate USB wall adapter if you do not already have one.
  • Collectors of physical games: The bundle includes Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest, and Atari and PLAION have announced additional 7800-compatible cartridges.
  • Players who want a complete library in the box: The package includes one game, not a broad collection; additional cartridges are a separate purchase.

Wade Rosen, Atari’s chairman and CEO, described the system as part of a broader Atari+ lineup in the 2024 announcement: “Expanding the Atari+ platform with new games, new wireless controllers, and the 7800+ console is a perfect follow-up to last year’s successful launch of the Atari 2600+.”

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition Console, Game & Wireless Joystick
Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition Console, Game & Wireless Joystick
Wireless Joystick: Also includes a PAC-MAN Edition of the Atari CX-40+ Wireless Joystick.; HDMI Output: Connect instantly to modern TVs with HDMI output and widescreen mode.
$169.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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