Atari seems to be just getting started with remaking its best retro consoles and microcomputer contenders from yesteryear, as it just filed a trademark for the 800XL. For those of you unacquainted with the brand's back catalogue of 8-bit systems, that's technically a variant of the Atari 400, and while we technically have a mini version of that Commodore 64 rival, I'm holding out for a machine with original cartridge support.
Highlighted by Bluesky user Powerdubs, the Atari 800XL trademark application covers the specific microcomputer model that hit the scene in 1983. While it ditches the iconic space-age look of the original 400 and 800 machines and adds a proper full-stroke mechanical keyboard, it boasts the same specs and cartridge compatibility as every other 8-bit system in the original lineup.
Frankly, Atari released an absurd number of 8-bit computer models back in the '80s. In addition to the systems I've already mentioned, I also personally own an original 600XL that effectively looks like a smaller 800XL with the same executive office vibe. Both of those variants happen to tie back to an earlier 1200XL machine that shares the same design DNA and hardware, but it was discontinued and swapped out for the aforementioned duo due to price issues and poor sales.
Atari's 8-bit ambitions would eventually give way to more advanced Commodore Amiga competitors like the Atari ST, but it still made room to release 65XE and 130XE systems that run the original carts. The tactic is similar to that of the C64C that'll be getting the Commodore 64 Ultimate treatment soon, since both look like slimline versions of the ST, but we're still talking about largely the same core hardware.
With all that historical hardware-release shenanigans in mind, I can't help but wonder why Atari hasn't re-filed trademarks for all its 8-bit microcomputers. Justia actually has a record spanning back to 1983 for the "1200XL" that is marked as "710 - Cancelled - Section 8", since it hasn't been in use. However, I wasn't able to find any filings pertaining to the 600XL, although there is curiously one for the "ATARI 800XL" complete with the brand's name.
I should stress that none of these trademark filings guarantee that an Atari 800XL remake is on the way. The application could be simple housekeeping, or tied to another collaborative project involving the games themselves on systems similar to the My Arcade Gamestation Go.
That said, the Atari 8-bit-loving dork in me is hoping we'll end up with an 800XL reimagining similar to the Atari 2600+, complete with original cartridge support, 9-pin controller ports, and HDMI output. Perhaps this could even mark the publisher's foray into FPGA remakes, with the microcomputer serving as an opportunity to create something similar to the C64 Ultimate in terms of accuracy and original features.
If Atari can simply take the emulation tech it uses for the 400 Mini, and add in ROM-dumping cartridge support, though, that would more than satiate my 8-bit needs. At the same time, I feel like such a system should also run Atari 5200 cartridges since that weird middle-child system features the same core architecture (and the company seems to be pretending its home console sequel doesn't exist).
As a side note, if your allegiances lie with a certain other microcomputer, you might want to check out what The Spectrum White Edition has to offer all of you ZX Spectrum fans.
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