Atari has officially revived one of gaming’s oldest rivalries by announcing the Intellivision Sprint – a reimagined version of the 1979 classic console that once stood toe-to-toe with the legendary Atari 2600. Known for tapping into its nostalgic roots through releases like the Atari 2600+ and Atari 400 Mini, Atari is now breathing new life into the console once considered its fiercest competitor. 
The new Intellivision Sprint promises to merge vintage gaming charm with modern convenience, arriving packed with 45 built-in titles and designed to connect seamlessly to any HDMI-equipped display.
Originally released by Mattel Electronics in 1979, the Intellivision sought to outshine Atari’s own offering with superior graphics and unique disc-based controllers that, for many players, became as iconic as the games themselves. Those who grew up during the early ‘80s remember the distinctive coiled controller cords – reminiscent of old telephone cables – and the way the controllers nestled neatly into the console’s top slots. Atari’s new version pays homage to that classic design while modernizing it: the Sprint includes two wireless controllers that recharge through a top-mounted dock, keeping the spirit of the original’s design intact.
The Intellivision Sprint comes preloaded with beloved classics like B-17 Bomber, Boulder Dash, Snafu, and Astrosmash. Although the console doesn’t support original game cartridges, it includes a USB-A expansion port that allows players to broaden their library in the future. Atari has even included backward compatibility options: two additional USB-A ports labeled “Port1” and “Port2” at the rear of the console can connect to authentic Intellivision controllers – with the help of adapters, for those lucky enough to still have them tucked away in a drawer somewhere.
Beyond nostalgia, the Sprint demonstrates how retro gaming continues to thrive in the digital age. Its HDMI connectivity ensures crisp visuals, while the power is handled through a USB-C port. Retailing at $149.99, the console is already available for preorder and will begin shipping on December 5th across the United States. Atari’s announcement video, accompanied by an electrifying track from Waveshaper and Oscillian, leans hard into synthwave aesthetics – an appropriate soundtrack for a system that blends ‘80s nostalgia with modern sensibilities.
For many fans, this release is more than just another retro cash grab; it’s a heartfelt resurrection of a machine that shaped their earliest gaming memories. Whether it was the challenge of Lock N’ Chase or sharing rounds of BurgerTime with family, the Intellivision represented the beginning of gaming’s golden age – and now, it’s ready to sprint back into living rooms once again.