Atari Revives Its ’80s Rival, the Intellivision
▼ Summary
– Atari and Plaion have collaborated on the Intellivision Sprint, a retro console revival that blends ’80s aesthetics with modern gaming conveniences.
– The console resembles the original Intellivision with a gold and black case and wood-grain panel but uses a single HDMI cable and wireless controllers.
– It includes the original Intellivision’s controller overlays with updated artwork and comes with 45 built-in games, including classics and sports titles.
– The Sprint lacks cartridge support but has USB-A ports for additional games or connecting original controllers via an adapter.
– It is available for preorder at $149.99 and is expected to ship on December 5th, 2025.
Atari has teamed up with Plaion to launch the Intellivision Sprint, a modernized version of the classic 1980s console that once competed with the Atari 2600. This new hardware blends nostalgic design with contemporary features, offering a fresh take on the beloved Mattel Intellivision system originally released in 1979.
The Sprint retains the iconic look of the original Intellivision, featuring a gold and black case with a wood-grain front panel. However, the setup is far simpler, connecting to televisions with just one HDMI cable. The two included controllers mimic the classic dials and number pads instead of joysticks, but they are now wireless and recharge when placed on the console.
A signature feature making a return is the use of controller overlays, which are customized for each game included with the system. These overlays have been redesigned with clearer artwork, helping players quickly identify which buttons to use for different titles. The console comes pre-loaded with 45 built-in games, spanning fan favorites like Boulder Dash and Astrosmash, along with a selection of sports titles that contributed to the Intellivision’s original popularity.
While the Sprint does not support physical cartridges, it includes USB-A ports. These allow users to expand their library by adding more games or connecting original Intellivision controllers through an adapter.
Preorders for the Intellivision Sprint are now open, priced at $149.99. Shipping is scheduled to begin on December 5, 2025.
(Source: The Verge)
