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Atari revives Intellivision as a $149 plug-and-play retro console

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 12:46 GMT by Newsweek
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Atari Resurrects Intellivision with $149 Plug-and-Play Console

Atari has announced a revival of the classic Intellivision console, aiming to capitalize on the ongoing retro gaming trend with a new plug-and-play device priced at $149. The system, dubbed "Intellivision Lives!", seeks to offer a curated collection of both original and newly developed games accessible without requiring complex setup or online connectivity. This move marks a significant return for the once-dominant home console brand, which faced challenges in later years following its initial success in the early 1980s.

The Intellivision Lives! console is designed to be immediately playable upon unboxing. It connects directly to a television via HDMI and includes two classic controllers mirroring the original design. The system launches with 60 pre-loaded games, a mix of iconic titles from the original Intellivision library alongside modern adaptations and entirely new games developed specifically for the platform. The initial game list features recognizable names like Baseball, Air Hockey, Astrosmash, Demon Attack, Dark Tower, Fistful of Fury, Jumpman, Spacepong, Stratovox and Trick Shot.

Beyond the included games, Atari plans to offer additional titles through downloadable content (DLC). These DLC packs will be available for purchase and will expand the library with further classic Intellivision games and new experiences. The company has not yet detailed pricing or release schedules for these DLC offerings. The strategy of offering a base set of games alongside paid expansions is common in modern gaming, allowing Atari to generate ongoing revenue from the platform.

This isn't the first attempt to revive the Intellivision brand. In recent years, there have been various efforts to bring back classic games and experiences through digital platforms and other hardware iterations. However, this plug-and-play console represents a more direct return to the physical form factor that defined the original system. The previous iteration, Intellivision Amico, faced significant development delays and ultimately failed to launch. This new offering appears to be a streamlined approach, focusing on accessibility and ease of use rather than attempting a full-fledged modern console experience.

The decision to revive the Intellivision brand is rooted in the enduring popularity of retro gaming. Nostalgia plays a powerful role in consumer behavior, and many adults who grew up with the original Intellivision are now eager to revisit those classic experiences. The success of other retro consoles like Nintendo's NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edition demonstrates the market demand for readily available, curated collections of older games. Atari hopes to capture a similar audience with the Intellivision Lives!.

The console’s design emphasizes simplicity. Unlike modern consoles that require complex online accounts and constant software updates, the Intellivision Lives! is intended to be a straightforward entertainment device suitable for families and casual gamers. This aligns with Atari's broader strategy of targeting a wider demographic beyond hardcore gaming enthusiasts. The $149 price point positions it competitively within the retro console market, undercutting more elaborate systems while still offering a substantial library of games.

The development team behind Intellivision Lives! includes individuals with experience in both classic game preservation and modern game development. This combination aims to ensure that the original games are presented faithfully while also providing new content that feels authentic to the Intellivision legacy. Atari has stated its commitment to maintaining the spirit of innovation and creativity that characterized the original Intellivision era.

The launch of Intellivision Lives! is slated for later in 2024, with pre-orders now open on the official Atari website. The console will be available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, and white. While the initial offering focuses on the core gaming experience, Atari has hinted at potential future expansions that could include additional controllers or other accessories.

[ https://atari.com/us/shop/intellivision-lives/ ] - This URL leads to the official product page for Intellivision Lives! on Atari's website, where potential buyers can find more details about the console, its features, and pre-order information. The page highlights the ease of use, curated game library, and classic controller design. It also showcases images of the console in various colors and provides specifications regarding connectivity (HDMI).