Atari Revives Intellivision: A Nostalgic Twist in Gaming History
For those who experienced the gaming scene in the 1980s, the intense competition between Mattel’s Intellivision and Atari remains a memorable chapter. Although the rivalry eventually paved the way for the Nintendo versus Sega saga, early gamers reveled in classics like Pong and Starship on Atari, or Tron and Utopia on Intellivision. Now, an unexpected revival of Intellivision is on the horizon.
A Surprising Turn of Events
It’s a fascinating turn of events that Atari, the victor of the original console war, is now resurrecting its former rival. The Intellivision Sprint is set to launch on December 5th for $150, marking a remarkable twist in gaming lore where the winner has a hand in shaping the comeback of its opponent.
Understanding the Historic Rivalry
For those unfamiliar with the First Console War—a term that accurately describes the fierce competition—Intellivision emerged in 1980 as Mattel’s direct challenge to the Atari 2600. This was not merely a case of copying a successful model; Intellivision offered innovative features such as enhanced graphics, more realistic sports simulations, and unique controllers equipped with numeric keypads and interchangeable overlays. This innovation made it a serious contender, leading many gamers to choose Intellivision over Atari.
Atari’s New Vision for Intellivision
Fast forward to 2024, and now Atari holds the rights to the Intellivision brand. Rather than letting it languish in obscurity, Atari has teamed up with Plaion to celebrate the 45th anniversary of this classic console. The design of the Sprint reflects a commitment to authenticity, showcasing the iconic gold and black color scheme along with a wood grain front panel. This retro look avoids the pitfalls of appearing overly gimmicky or like a mere replica.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Experience
What makes this revival particularly compelling is not just its visual appeal but also the content included. The Sprint features 45 built-in games, covering various genres from sports to strategy and arcade classics. Fans can enjoy beloved titles such as Astrosmash, Shark! Shark!, Star Strike, and Boulder Dash, alongside sports games that highlight Intellivision’s original offerings.
Innovative Controller Design
Atari demonstrates an understanding of what made the original Intellivision unique by incorporating controller overlays. These overlays, which fit over the numeric keypad, provided players with game-specific button functions, enhancing gameplay without the complexity of modern controllers. The updated Sprint also benefits from modern advancements: it includes two wireless controllers, HDMI output for contemporary televisions, and a USB-A port for potential library expansions.
The Balance of Preservation and Progress
In terms of design, the Sprint strikes a perfect balance between honoring its legacy and embracing modern usability. The team behind this revival has resisted the temptation to make the Intellivision appear trendy or edgy, instead allowing the original design to shine through while thoughtfully integrating contemporary features for 2025.
A Reflection on Gaming Culture
This release symbolizes a broader cultural trend where gaming history is being actively preserved and reimagined by the original creators. Rather than allowing Intellivision to fade into obscurity, Atari has positioned itself as a steward of gaming heritage, a role that VP Matt Burnett articulates as far more meaningful than merely producing nostalgic merchandise.
Appeal to Design and Gaming Enthusiasts
While the Intellivision Sprint may not appeal to everyone, it certainly captures the interest of design aficionados, tech enthusiasts, and those curious about the early days of console competitions prior to the rise of PlayStation and Xbox. This console serves as a tangible piece of gaming history that is both playable and collectible. Sometimes, exceptional design hinges not on radical reinvention, but on discerning what elements to preserve and which to enhance—something Atari appears to have successfully achieved with this release.
