Experience the Magic of '80s Gaming with the Atari 7800+
Design
The Atari 7800+ sports a snazzy new getup that sets it apart from its '70s ancestor. Gone is the woodgrain paneling, replaced by black angles and a chrome strip. It brings to mind an old VHS tape box, with its spectrum logo adding an undeniable '80s touch. Just like the 2600+, this new console is almost identical to the original in every way. It's smaller but retains its cart slot, making it a true console. Around the back, you'll find an HDMI out port and USB-C for power, while the process of hooking it up and playing remains similar to 38 years ago. The design choices are intentional, ensuring a seamless connection to the past.
Build quality is a mixed bag. While the 7800+ feels light and hollow like the original, its high-quality plastic shell and tactile front buttons give it a solid feel. However, you can tell that there's not much going on inside. The rubber feet at the bottom prevent it from skating around your desk, adding to its stability.
Features
The Atari 7800+ has some notable features and some areas for improvement. Its main goal is to provide the same functionality as the original console with HDMI support. While Stella and Prosystem emulators offer a wide range of settings, the console keeps visual settings relatively simple. To access the settings menu, you need to hold down the select and reset buttons without a cartridge inserted. This presents options like a 50Hz mode for European TV compatibility, bilinear filtering, and a "phosphor" filter that emulates the look of an old CRT. However, this filter is only available for 2600 games, which is a bit of a letdown.
One of the disappointments is that the 7800+ cannot run 5200 games, despite the original not being able to either. It would have been great to see this latest mini system offer a more comprehensive Atari experience. The Atari 400 Mini does support 5200 games, but it lacks a cartridge slot, highlighting the need for a better solution.
Performance
Modern emulation technology makes running games on the Atari 7800+ seamless. It solves modern connectivity issues effortlessly, making it a great option for those who find an old console in the attic and need a way to play it on a new gaming TV. I myself found my Atari 7800 in a dumpster 15 years ago, and it still works perfectly. Comparing its performance to the original system, it's clear how far the retro-gaming scene has come. Games like Bounty Bob Strikes Back and Frenzy look much crisper over a 720p digital signal than through an RF transmission. Atari claims near perfect compatibility with 2600 and 7800 carts, and I haven't encountered any issues so far. Playing releases like Asteroids Deluxe and homebrews like Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest on this system is a true joy, adding an extra dimension to the gaming experience.
Should You Buy the Atari 7800+?
The Atari 7800+ is a great addition to the console collection of '80s kids. It closely follows the physical formula of the 2600+ while offering a unique aesthetic and new wireless controllers. If you're looking for more features or the ability to play 5200 adventures, you may need to look elsewhere. But if you want to add something new to your console collection, this newcomer deserves a place on your shelf.
Over two weeks, I tested the Atari 7800+ using a variety of games and comparing it to the original system. The new wireless gamepads also performed well compared to the original CX78 controller. For more information on our testing methods, visit our full GamesRadar+ hardware policy.