Atari just breathed new life into a legendary console from back in the 1980s that went head to head with the original Atari 2600. Behold the Intellivision Sprint, a redesign of the classic brought into the modern age. Its history is a well known one – it battled it out with the 2600, and now four and a half decades later, Atari is reviving the brand, teaming up with Plaion to launch this latest incarnation.
Preorders went up this morning, with prices starting at $149.99 and an arrival date of December 5 – which is roughly in line with previous retro revivals we’ve seen, such as the Atari 2600+ last year. But here’s the kicker: this machine comes preloaded with 45 built-in games, eliminating the need to rummage through old cartridges or the attic for those hard-to-find discs. With these 45 titles, you can get all the action – feverishly smashing asteroids in Astrosmash or frantically trying to escape underwater as sharks close in on you in Shark! Shark! – with the click of a button.
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The Intellivision controllers were always a topic of discussion in the original experience; those famous disc-shaped pads and numbered buttons were difficult to adjust to in the heat of the moment. The Sprint retains that style while eliminating cords to make things simpler. Each of the two wireless controllers will connect to the console without difficulty and then simply click back into place on the unit itself to charge. And, of course, the all-important overlays return – those small clear plastic sheets that cover the buttons to show which key accomplishes what in each game. Each of the 45 loaded games will include a set of overlays printed on both sides with great artwork that will guide you through each one without the use of a manual.
The Sprint connects to your TV with a single HDMI connection, no adapters required. The console also connects via a regular USB setup; however, to save on shipping costs, the box doesn’t include a wall brick. For those who still have the old gear, there’s a USB slot on the side that allows you to connect original Intellivision controllers – or load up new games from digital files that may be purchased later on.
Sports titles were a key part of the original Intellivision’s appeal, since they translated button pushes into actual plays on the field. Baseball allows you to swing for the fences with timed button taps, whereas Super Pro Football requires strategy when calling audibles and blocking runs. Tennis has the back-and-forth rhythm of a real match, with lobs and volleys that seem thoughtful and satisfying. These games shine on the Sprint, with smooth animations and a great gameplay experience. Beyond sports, strategy draws gamers in for lengthier sessions—in Utopia, you manage island resources and defend against enemies, a gradual burn that unfolds across numerous plays.
Fans can try the Sprint out this weekend at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, where Atari will have a booth from October 17-19. Seeing the disc controllers in person, feeling the wireless freedom, adds a layer of appeal that specs can’t match.
