Reviving the Classics: Atari's Intellivision Sprint Brings '80s Gaming Magic to Modern Screens
, by Patrick Hetherton, 13 min reading time
In the ever-nostalgic world of retro gaming, few stories capture the thrill of resurrection quite like Atari's latest project: the Intellivision Sprint. Announced just last month, this sleek reimagining of Mattel's iconic 1979 console isn't just a throwback—it's a full-throttle sprint into the future, blending the charm of yesteryear with the conveniences we've come to expect in 2025. If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to blast asteroids or outmaneuver sharks on your 4K TV without a tangle of cables, this might be your ticket back to the golden age of gaming.A Storied Rivalry Finds Common GroundTo understand the Sprint, you have to rewind to the dawn of the video game console wars. Launched by Mattel in 1979, the original Intellivision was Atari's fiercest competitor to the Atari 2600. While the 2600 dominated with its arcade ports and joystick simplicity, Intellivision countered with superior graphics, deeper strategy games, and those quirky disc-based controllers that felt like a mini flight simulator in your hands. Sports titles like Football and Baseball showcased fluid animations that were light-years ahead, earning the system a cult following among gamers who craved more than just pixelated Pong.Fast-forward to 2024: Atari acquired the Intellivision intellectual property, turning a decades-old rivalry into a collaborative triumph. Partnering with Plaion (a powerhouse in game development and distribution), Atari has dusted off the old blueprints and engineered the Sprint—a console that honors its roots while dodging the pitfalls of pure emulation. It's not a mini replica or a software clone; it's the "first Intellivision console," reimagined for HDMI-era living rooms.Design That Honors the Past, Upgraded for TodayUnboxing the Intellivision Sprint feels like stepping into a time machine with a modern upgrade kit. The console sports the classic gold-and-black chassis accented by that unmistakable faux woodgrain panel—a nod to the '70s furniture vibes that made early consoles feel like high-end hi-fi equipment. But gone are the bulky power bricks and RF modulators; in their place is a clean HDMI output for crystal-clear playback on any HDTV.The real stars? Those legendary disc controllers. The original Intellivision's 16-button pads with directional discs were revolutionary for their time, allowing precise control in games that demanded strategy over twitch reflexes. The Sprint's version takes it wireless and rechargeable—simply dock them into the console's top slots when you're done playing, and they're ready for the next session. No more hunting for AA batteries or dealing with interference. Atari sweetens the deal with 96 one-sided overlays (those colorful stickers that guided your button-mashing), updated with fresh artwork to make navigation a breeze. Even if you're rusty on the layout for B-17 Bomber, you'll know exactly where to press.Around the back, you'll find thoughtful ports: a USB-C for power (AC adapter not included, so grab your favorite wall wart), two USB-A slots for original Intellivision controllers (with adapters, naturally), and another USB-A for future library expansions. Yes, Atari hints at additional games sold separately via USB—imagine downloading rare titles or homebrew gems straight to your Sprint.A Library Packed with Timeless TreasuresWhat good is a retro console without the games? The Sprint launches with 45 built-in classics, handpicked to showcase Intellivision's strengths in sports, action, and strategy. This isn't a haphazard dump—it's a curated celebration of the system's 45th anniversary, including long-lost gems like Boulder Dash in its official Intellivision debut (previously a Commodore 64 exclusive) and the pulse-pounding Shark! Shark!. Sports fans will geek out over the lineup: Baseball, Football, Basketball, and more, all rendered with that signature Intellivision flair for realistic playcalling and scoring.Here's a quick taste of the included titles to get your joystick (or disc) itching:
With such variety, the Sprint appeals to solo adventurers, family game nights, or anyone missing the era when "multiplayer" meant passing the controller on the couch.The Buzz: From Reddit Rants to Preorder FrenzyThe gaming community hasn't been quiet about this revival. On Reddit's r/Intellivision_Amico (a forum born from the ashes of the much-maligned Intellivision Amico project), fans are hailing the Sprint as the "end to the Amico saga"—a no-nonsense alternative to vaporware promises. YouTubers are already hyping unboxings and gameplay footage, while forums like ResetEra debate whether it's a better value than the Atari 2600+. Preorders kicked off in October at $149.99, with Amazon and AtariAge shipping units starting December 5 in the US (December 12 elsewhere). At that price, it's an impulse buy for retro enthusiasts, especially compared to pricier FPGA recreations.Critics? A few purists grumble about no cartridge support (it's all built-in or USB), and the light-on-specs press release has some speculating about the internals—likely a modest ARM-based board emulating the original General Instrument CP1610 CPU. But for most, the Sprint's plug-and-play simplicity outweighs any nitpicks.Why the Intellivision Sprint Matters in 2025In a market flooded with subscription services and hyper-realistic blockbusters, the Sprint reminds us why we fell in love with gaming: unpretentious joy, shared screens, and that "just one more level" pull. It's a love letter to the console that proved home gaming could be sophisticated, not just chaotic. Whether you're introducing kids to Astrosmash or reliving teenage rivalries in Football, this little box bridges generations without a single loading screen stutter.If Atari's track record with the 2600+ is any indication, the Sprint could spark a mini-revival, maybe even inspiring third-party devs to craft new Intellivision exclusives. Preorder yours today and join the sprint—before these units dash off the shelves.What’s your favorite Intellivision memory? Drop it in the comments below. And stay tuned for our hands-on review once we get our Sprint in December!
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Category
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Highlight Games
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Why It Rocks
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Action
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Astrosmash, Night Stalker, Snafu
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Frenetic space battles and dungeon crawls that defined arcade-style fun.
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Sports
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Baseball, Football, Golf
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Ahead-of-their-time simulations with depth that still holds up.
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Strategy
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B-17 Bomber, Auto Racing
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Tactical depth for planners, not just button-mashers.
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Arcade Gems
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Boulder Dash, Shark! Shark!, Lock 'n' Chase
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Puzzle-solving and survival horror, '80s style.
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