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Atari 7800 Plus specifications and in-depth review

Atari 7800 Plus

Manufacturer: Atari

The Atari 7800 Plus is a retro game console that revisits classic gaming hardware in a modern form factor. Region-free by design, it accommodates players across different markets without restrictions, and its backwards compatibility means existing libraries of older titles remain accessible. The unit includes two controllers out of the box, one of which is wireless, giving players some flexibility in how they set up their play space.

On the connectivity side, the 7800 Plus features HDMI output alongside a USB Type-C port and a single additional USB port, covering the basics for display and peripheral connections. It runs on an internal power supply and has no optical disc drive, relying instead on other means of game delivery. The controller offers one analog stick and six buttons, without adaptive triggers, force feedback, or a touchpad. At 397 mm wide, 192 mm tall, and 81 mm thick, the unit weighs 1,310 g and occupies a volume of roughly 6,174 cm³.

Pros
  • Ships with two controllers, one of which is wireless, so two players can get started without additional purchases
  • Region free, allowing it to be used across different markets without restrictions
  • Includes HDMI output and a USB Type-C port, covering modern display and peripheral connections
  • Backwards compatibility means older titles from the relevant library remain playable
  • Supports access to high scores and achievements, adding a layer of continuity for returning players
  • Has an internal power supply, removing the need for a separate external power brick
Cons
  • No Wi-Fi support, meaning the console cannot connect to networks wirelessly
  • Only one analog stick and six buttons per controller, with no adaptive triggers or force feedback
  • No external memory slot or ability to connect an external hard drive, leaving no apparent storage expansion options
  • Cannot play games while they download, and quick resume is not supported
  • No 3.5 mm headset jack, limiting direct audio output options for players who use wired headsets
  • No optical disc drive, so physical disc-based media cannot be used
Who is this for?

The Atari 7800 Plus is well-suited to players who want to revisit older gaming libraries, thanks to its backwards compatibility and support for high scores and achievements that help preserve gaming history. Being region free, it also works well for collectors or enthusiasts across different markets who want a single unit without geographic restrictions. The inclusion of HDMI output and a wireless controller means it can be set up in a living room environment with minimal fuss, making it a reasonable fit for casual retro gaming sessions at home.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a connected gaming experience will find this console lacking, as there is no Wi-Fi support, no cellular module, and no network port, making online play or game downloads unavailable. It is also a poor fit for players who prioritize modern gaming conveniences such as quick resume, background downloads, or Discord voice chat integration. Those who rely on expandable storage will similarly find the console limiting, since there is no external memory slot and no ability to connect an external hard drive.

Performance:

supports ray tracing ✕
Is an NVMe SSD ✕
Can connect to an external drive ✕
uses multithreading ✕

The Atari 7800 Plus has a modest performance profile that reflects its retro console nature. It does not support ray tracing or multithreading, and there is no NVMe SSD on board. The unit also lacks the ability to connect to an external hard drive, meaning storage expansion through that route is not an option.

General info:

Type Retro
Hard drive is replaceable ✕
Has an internal power supply ✓
Is region free ✓
thickness 81 mm
width 397 mm
height 192 mm
volume 6174.144 cm³
Has an optical disc drive ✕
weight 1310 g

The Atari 7800 Plus is a retro-type console with an internal power supply, removing the need for an external power brick. It is region free, so it can be used across different markets without restrictions. The unit measures 397 mm wide, 192 mm tall, and 81 mm thick, with a total volume of 6,174.144 cm³ and a weight of 1,310 g. There is no optical disc drive included, and the hard drive is not user-replaceable.

Connectivity:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕
supports Wi-Fi ✕
is DLNA-certified ✕
USB ports 1
has an HDMI output ✓
has an external memory slot ✕
Supports connectivity between home and portable devices ✕
Has USB Type-C ✓
has a cellular module ✕
has NFC ✕
RJ45 ports 0

The Atari 7800 Plus keeps its connectivity straightforward, offering HDMI output for display along with a USB Type-C port and one additional USB port. There is no Wi-Fi support, no cellular module, and no NFC, so the console does not connect to networks wirelessly. It also lacks a 3.5 mm headset jack, an external memory slot, and DLNA certification, and it has no RJ45 port for wired networking. Connectivity between home and portable devices is not supported.

Features:

has voice commands ✕
backwards compatibility ✓
Can play games while they download ✕
supports quick resume ✕
supports Discord voice chat ✕
Supports 3D audio ✕
supports Dolby Vision ✕
supports VR ✕
Has a 4K Blu-ray drive ✕
has a touch screen ✕
Has optical tracking ✕
Has an autostereoscopic display ✕
Has a secondary screen ✕
Can play Blu-ray Discs ✕
has two sensors ✕
Access high scores and achievements ✓
has stereo speakers ✕
Supports 3D ✕
has a front camera ✕
Uses flash storage ✕
has a child lock ✕

The Atari 7800 Plus supports backwards compatibility and gives players access to high scores and achievements, making it a reasonable choice for those invested in preserving their gaming history. Beyond those two features, the console's list of supported capabilities is limited: there is no VR support, no 3D audio, no Dolby Vision, and no stereoscopic 3D or autostereoscopic display. It cannot play Blu-ray Discs or 4K Blu-ray media, has no touch screen, no front camera, no secondary screen, and no optical tracking. Modern conveniences such as quick resume, playing games while they download, Discord voice chat, and voice commands are also absent, and the unit does not use flash storage, include stereo speakers, or feature a child lock.

Controllers:

number of controllers 2
has adaptive triggers ✕
Compatible with a motion-sensing controller(s) ✕
Has a wireless controller ✓
number of analog sticks 1
has an integrated touchpad ✕
Has dual force feedback ✕
number of buttons 6

The Atari 7800 Plus ships with two controllers, one of which is wireless, giving players some setup flexibility from the start. Each controller features one analog stick and six buttons, keeping the layout straightforward. There are no adaptive triggers, no dual force feedback, no integrated touchpad, and no compatibility with motion-sensing controllers.

Final Verdict

The Atari 7800 Plus is a focused retro console that delivers on its core promise: giving players access to older game libraries through backwards compatibility, with the convenience of HDMI output, a wireless controller, and region-free operation built in. It does not attempt to compete with feature-rich modern hardware — there is no network connectivity, no storage expansion, and none of the software conveniences that contemporary players may expect. What it offers instead is a clean, straightforward retro gaming setup suited to enthusiasts who value simplicity and library preservation over connectivity and modern features. For that specific audience, the Atari 7800 Plus is a coherent and honest product; for anyone expecting a more versatile or connected experience, its limitations will be apparent quickly.

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