Video game publisher Atari announced Atari XP, a new initiative that will see rare and never-released games finally make it into the hands of fans.
Designed for video game collectors and enthusiasts, Atari XP is launching a collection of cartridges for games that were never originally released. The first bundle includes a trio of sought-after titles including Yar's Return, Aquaventure and Saboteur. All three games are available in very limited quantities and come in two variations: Standard and Limited Edition which both ship in an iconic Atari 2600 box.
The Standard Edition of the above games comes with the respective cartridge while the Limited Edition offers a variety of extra goodies. These include a premium poster, a printed instruction manual with bonus material, a collectible pin and badge, a certificate of authenticity and a digital copy of the game for the Atari VCS. Fans wanting the most out of the Atari XP bundle will need to be quick on the draw as only 1,983 copies of the Limited Edition versions are being produced, paying homage to the originally intended release year for all three games.
“With our large catalog of classic games, we saw an opportunity to bring high-value, nostalgic, content to the very active community of hardcore Atari fans, collectors, and video game enthusiasts,” said Atari CEO, Wade Rosen. “We are confident that fans and collectors alike will be thoroughly impressed with Atari’s reemergence into cartridge production.”
Aquaventure, Yar's Return and Saboteur are just the first of many games planned to release through Atari XP. The publisher promises future drops that will take advantage of Atari's vast catalog of games and intellectual properties. These future drops will include "rare-and-hard-to-find Atari IP physical media, and improved versions of classic games." What these future titles may be is currently unknown but more information will likely be shared in the near future.
Atari is currently making a significant push to re-establish itself as a video game powerhouse. The company recently announced a remake of its classic arcade game Food Fight. Developed by Mad Cat studios, this reimagined take will feature "3D graphics, charming new characters, and updated gameplay mechanics with online multiplayer support." Food Fight will launch exclusively for the Atari VCS in early 2022 and will eventually be ported to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Source: Atari