It seems the legendary console wars of the late seventies and early eighties have returned, but with a new angle… peace. In a move that would have seemed like pure science fiction all those decades ago, former rivals Atari and Intellivision have collaborated to launch the Intellivision Sprint across Europe today. This premium take on the retro consoles brings back both in one neat little package, just in time for Christmas; if you can get one delivered in time, at least, but perhaps you could treat yourself in the new year too.
The Intellivision Sprint
The Intellivision Sprint is more than just another “mini” console destined for a dusty shelf. It is a full-blooded recreation of a system that originally redefined home gaming with its unique controllers and more sophisticated tactical gameplay. Featuring 45 built-in titles, the system has been rebuilt for modern displays via HDMI, ensuring clean, low-latency visuals while maintaining that iconic brown-and-gold industrial aesthetic that collectors appreciate.
The most notable achievement here is the modernisation of the hardware. The original’s unique tactility is preserved through full-size disc controllers, which have been upgraded with wireless connectivity and rechargeable batteries. To ensure the authentic experience remains intact, every game includes newly designed controller overlays, restoring the physical interaction that was the hallmark of the original hardware.
Key Features and Specifications
- 45 built-in classic Intellivision games.
- Wireless full-size disc controllers with rechargeable batteries.
- HDMI output for modern television compatibility.
- Authentic physical controller overlays included for every game.
- Premium “Sprint” industrial design based on the original console.
- Day One firmware support for high score saving and digital manuals.
Tell me more
The curated library of 45 games covers everything from sports and strategy to experimental arcade titles. Notable inclusions feature the first official Intellivision release of Boulder Dash, alongside staples like Astrosmash and Utopia—often cited as one of the earliest examples of the god game genre.
Full Game List
- rmour Battle
- Astrosmash
- Auto Racing
- B-17 Bomber
- Baseball
- Body Slam: Super Pro Wrestling
- Bomb Squad
- Boulder Dash
- Bowling
- Buzz Bombers
- Chip Shot: Super Pro Golf
- Deep Pockets: Super Pro Pool & Billiards
- Frog Bog
- Golf
- Hover Force
- King of the Mountain
- Motocross
- Mountain Madness: Super Pro Skiing
- Night Stalker
- Pinball
- Reversi
- Sea Battle
- Shark! Shark!
- Slam Dunk: Super Pro Basketball
- Slap Shot: Super Pro Hockey
- Snafu
- Soccer
- Space Armada
- Space Battle
- Space Spartans
- Spiker!: Super Pro Volleyball
- Stadium Mud Buggies
- Star Strike
- Sub Hunt
- Super Pro Decathlon
- Super Pro Football
- Takeover
- Tennis
- Thin Ice
- Thunder Castle
- Tower of Doom
- Triple Action (Racing Cars / Biplanes / Battle Tanks)
- Triple Challenge (Chess / Checkers / Backgammon)
- Utopia
- Vectron
Firmware and Quality of Life
Atari has already released a Day One firmware update to refine the experience. This update introduces high score saving for supported titles and adds QR codes to the game menus, linking players directly to online manuals. The game carousel has also been tweaked so that descriptions and screenshots stay visible while you scroll through your library. To install the update, you will need to format a USB drive to ExFAT, download the file from the Atari support page, and insert it into Port 1 on the console before powering it on.
What we think
It is refreshing to see a retro revival that treats the source material with such respect. While the market has been flooded with “Flashback” consoles that often feel like cheap toys, a few each year to my recollection, the Sprint appears to be a piece of high-end kit for those who value the depth of early 80s game and console design. The collaboration between Atari and the Intellivision brand is a fantastic “full circle” moment for gaming history,given they were one main rivals, and at £99.99, it hits a sweet spot for enthusiasts looking for a nostalgia hit without the hassle of trying to source and maintaining 40-year-old hardware.
Where to buy
The Intellivision Sprint is available starting today across Europe and is priced at £99.99. You can find it directly through the official PLAION REPLAI store.
