Intellivision Sprint: the return of the “intelligent” console in Europe

The end of the “First Console War”

The editorial operation has a particular historical value: in fact, it unites two realities that were bitter rivals during the era known as the “First Console War“. Intellivision Sprint is not configured as a simple mini-console, but as a system rebuilt for modern displays that intends to preserve the original tactility. The project is aimed at an audience of collectors and enthusiasts who “appreciate craftsmanship more than novelty”.

While the console retains its iconic brown and gold industrial aesthetic, the technical infrastructure has been radically updated to meet current performance standardsstarting with the integration of an HDMI output designed to ensure clean, low-latency images on modern displays. This technological evolution profoundly affects the user experience, since the famous full-size disk controllers have been transformed into wireless units equipped with rechargeable batteries, while maintaining operational fidelity thanks to the new overlays included in the package, essential elements to restore that peculiar physical interaction that characterized the original system. The overall design of the hardware, which sees the machine accompanied by its accessories and related graphic inserts for controls, acts as a support for a curated library that includes forty-five classic titles, among which some long-awaited official previews stand out.

But here is the video trailer released

The library: 45 classic titles and official previews

The integrated software includes 45 titles ranging from sports to strategy. Highlights include the first official release for this system Boulder Dash, alongside classics like Astrosmash, Baseball, Shark! Shark!, Utopia and Night Stalker. The selection reflects the identity of what was called the “smartest” console of the early 1980s, focusing on simulations and experimental designs.

The full list includes landmark titles such as Armor Battle, B-17 Bomber, Sea Battle, Space Spartans and the Super Pro series dedicated to sports disciplines and strategy.

Technical Support: Day One firmware

To coincide with the launch, Atari released a firmware update to expand the system’s capabilities. Key new features include support for saving high scores, the integration of QR codes to view manuals online, and an improved navigation carousel.

The update can be downloaded from the official website www.atari.com and installed via a USB stick formatted in ExFAT, inserting it into the front port of the console when turning it on.