Atari is proving that retro gaming isn’t just a nostalgic fling—it’s a full-on revival. In 2025, new cartridges for the Atari 2600 and 7800 are still being produced, fueled by the popularity of the Atari 2600+ and 7800+ consoles, a thriving homebrew scene, and third-party contributions like Opcode Games’ upcoming Popeye release.
Atari 2600+ and 7800+: Modern Consoles for Retro Souls
Atari’s 2600+ and 7800+ consoles are driving this resurgence, combining classic hardware support with modern conveniences.
The 2600+ plays both 2600 and 7800 cartridges, includes HDMI output, widescreen mode, and a redesigned cartridge socket for ease of use, according to Atari.com. It ships with a 10-in-1 game cartridge featuring titles like Adventure, Missile Command, and Yars’ Revenge, and runs on a Rockchip 3128 SOC with 256MB RAM and 256MB eMMC storage. The 7800+, launched in 2024, also supports original cartridges and offers updated connectivity, earning praise on forums like AtariAge for its balance of nostalgia and usability.
A Thriving Homebrew Scene: Indie Devs Keep It Fresh
The 2600 homebrew scene continues to evolve, with independent developers releasing new titles nearly five decades after the console’s debut. A report from Retrostack spotlights the top 40 Atari 2600 homebrew developers, including standout games like Intruders and Zarkstars IV. Jonh Peter Olioni of Olioni Games shared his appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the creative energy still alive in the community. These developers aren’t just revisiting the past—they’re pushing the 2600’s limits to deliver modern experiences on classic hardware.
Atari’s Latest Releases: New Cartridges and More
Atari itself remains active, recently releasing Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition with 39 additional games and a new 7800 cartridge for Bounty Bob Strikes Back, per Atari.com. The company is also expanding into modern platforms with games like Yars Rising. Meanwhile, third-party publishers like Opcode Games are preparing new physical 7800 cartridges, including Popeye and Moon Cresta, as reported by Atari I/O Forums. The cartridge format may be vintage, but the content is anything but dated.
How Modern Atari Came to Be: A Corporate Resurrection
Atari’s current form stems from decades of evolution. After its 1980s heyday, the company endured multiple splits and a 2013 bankruptcy before emerging as Atari S.A., focused on retro gaming and licensing. In 2023, Atari acquired the AtariAge community and digital storefront, blending fan culture with official strategy. While some fans question the pricing of new releases, community forums reflect strong support for Atari’s new direction and the popularity of the 7800+.
Enthusiast Reception: Retro Love with a Side of Critique
Retro fans are embracing the new hardware, with users on AtariAge calling the 7800+ a surprise success. The homebrew scene, including contributions from developers like Olioni Games, has drawn acclaim. Not everyone is sold on the pricing—new cartridges and the $129.99 cost of the 2600+ are sticking points for some—but overall sentiment remains positive. Atari’s blending of legacy hardware and modern accessibility is hitting the right notes for longtime fans.
What’s Next for Atari’s Retro Revival?
Speculation continues about future accessories, games, and cartridge reissues for the 2600 and 7800. Opcode Games’ upcoming titles are generating excitement, and the homebrew community shows no sign of slowing. With strong community engagement and consistent support for its retro platforms, Atari seems committed to ensuring these classics remain more than museum pieces.
News compiled by Derek Gibbs and Steven “Edgar” Bubbles / Published on May 7, 2025
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Sources:
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AtariAge Forums, “The 2600/7800/+ Platforms in 2025 – What’s next for the systems? Accessories, Games, Re-Issues – Speculation Thread,” March 24, 2025
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Atari.com, “Atari 2600+ – Official Atari Video Game Consoles,” accessed May 7, 2025
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Retrostack, “Top 40 Atari 2600 Homebrew Developers,” August 4, 2024
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Atari I/O Forums, “Opcode Games Announced First Two 7800 Releases,” February 15, 2025
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Atari.com, “Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition,” accessed May 7, 2025
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Atari.com, “Yars Rising,” accessed May 7, 2025
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Atari.com, “About Atari,” accessed May 7, 2025
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