Atari Revives Intellivision Spirit: $149 Console with 45 Games
â–¼ Summary
– Atari has announced the Intellivision Sprint, a modernized console based on the Mattel Intellivision, which was its main competitor in the 1980s.
– The console comes with 45 built-in classic Intellivision games and includes modern features like HDMI connectivity and wireless controllers.
– It features a custom user interface for game browsing and includes all necessary keypad controller overlays for the bundled games.
– The Intellivision Sprint is available for pre-order at $149.99 in the U.S. and £119.99 in the UK, with shipping expected in early December.
– Atari acquired the Intellivision brand, trademarks, IP, and rights to over 200 games in May of the previous year, enabling this collaboration.
Atari has officially launched the Intellivision Sprint, a modern revival of the classic Mattel Intellivision console, now available for pre-order at $149.99. This unexpected move comes after Atari acquired the Intellivision brand, trademarks, and extensive game library last year, effectively merging two iconic rivals from the 1980s console wars into a single, nostalgic package. The new system includes 45 built-in games and features updated hardware designed for contemporary displays and wireless play.
The original Mattel Intellivision was celebrated for its superior graphics and audio compared to the Atari 2600, though its higher price made it less accessible at the time. Today, Atari’s promotional materials playfully reference that historic rivalry, framing the two brands as allies in the current retro gaming landscape. The included titles span a wide range of genres, from sports and strategy to action and puzzle games, preserving the essence of the Intellivision experience.
Key features of the Intellivision Sprint include HDMI connectivity for modern televisions, wireless controllers modeled after the classic Intellivision design, and a custom user interface for browsing and organizing games. Notably, Atari provides double-sided controller overlays for all 45 games, ensuring an authentic feel for players familiar with the original system. The console also supports USB-C docking for controller charging and includes a USB-A port for connecting original Intellelivision controllers via an adapter or for adding separately sold games.
Pre-orders are currently open in the United States and Europe, with a UK price set at £119.99. Shipping is expected to begin in early December, positioning the console as a potential holiday gift for retro gaming enthusiasts. While specific technical details remain limited, the emphasis is clearly on delivering a faithful yet refreshed take on Intellivision’s legacy, complete with the games and accessories that defined its era.
The built-in game library includes an Armour Battle. With its combination of heritage software and modern hardware upgrades, the Intellivision Sprint aims to capture the interest of both longtime fans and a new generation of players.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
