In a move that has stunned retro gaming enthusiasts, Atari has announced it is bringing back one of its biggest competitors from the 1980s. The iconic Mattel Intellivision is being reborn as the "Intellivision Sprint," and it's available for pre-order starting today.
If you were around during the golden age of video games, this news might feel like a plot twist from a sci-fi novel. The console wars of the late 70s and early 80s were defined by the battle between Atari’s 2600 and Mattel’s more advanced Intellivision. Now, in an incredible turn of events, Atari itself is shepherding its former rival into the modern era.
The announcement of the Intellivision Sprint coincides perfectly with the 45th anniversary of the original console's 1979 release, marking a nostalgic celebration that bridges a decades-old rivalry.
A Faithful Reimagining with Modern Flair
Atari is promising a console that honors the distinctive look and feel of the 1979 original while integrating the conveniences today’s gamers expect. The Intellivision Sprint will largely mirror the classic design, complete with the faux wooden trim on the front fascia. However, it adds a touch of premium elegance with gold plates adorning the top of the unit.
The most iconic—and often debated—feature of the Intellivision was its unique controller: a flat, receiver-style disc with a numeric keypad. Atari is bringing this back, but with a crucial modern upgrade. Gone are the tangled wires of yesteryear. The new controllers will be completely wireless, featuring a built-in rechargeable battery that powers up automatically the moment you dock them into the console itself.
For those who want the full, authentic experience, Atari will include 48 double-sided overlays. These plastic inserts slide into the controller keypads, labeling the functions for each of the 45 built-in games, just as they did back in the day.
Connecting the Past to the Present
Understanding that the true value of a retro console lies in its library, the Intellivision Sprint comes packed with 45 classic games right out of the box. While the full list is yet to be confirmed, it's expected to include titles that made the system famous.
On the technical side, the console ensures easy compatibility with modern entertainment setups via an HDMI port, delivering a crisp, clean picture to your TV or monitor. In a nod to preservationists and hardcore collectors, Atari is also including USB-A ports. This will allow owners of the original Intellivision I and Intellivision II controllers to use their vintage gear with the new system, albeit with the help of a specialized adapter.
This blend of old and new seems to be a winning strategy for Atari, as they continue to find innovative ways to celebrate gaming history. This announcement comes hot on the heels of other nostalgic releases, like the recent celebrations for Pac-Man's 45th anniversary, showing a clear commitment to the retro market.
How to Pre-Order Your Piece of Gaming History
The Atari Intellivision Sprint is available for pre-order now exclusively through Atari's official website for a price of $149.99. The company estimates that the first units will begin shipping to customers by December 2025.
Each box will contain everything you need to start your retro journey:
- The Intellivision Sprint console
- Two wireless, rechargeable controllers
- 48 double-sided game overlays
- A USB power adapter
- An HDMI cable
This release strategy differs from Atari's other recent console, the GameStation Pro, which is also available for pre-order on major retailers like Amazon. The Atari GameStation Pro can be found on Amazon for $179.99 ahead of its October 31st release, making the Intellivision Sprint a slightly more accessible option for gamers looking for a dedicated retro fix.
The revival of the Intellivision by its former arch-rival is more than just a product launch; it's a symbolic end to one of gaming's oldest rivalries. It seems that in 2025, the ultimate winner of the console wars is nostalgia itself.
Post a Comment