Intellivision Sprint Revives Classic Rivalry, But Cartridge Support Would Make It Even Better
I have to admit, I’m a bit shocked that the Intellivision Sprint is actually a thing. It’s not that I don’t think Atari’s old rival deserves a revival or that there isn’t a dedicated fanbase eager to relive the glory of one of the best retro consoles from the late ’70s. I’m just surprised the brand managed to bounce back after the Amico debacle, but here we are with the original system making a comeback, complete with modern features.
Interestingly, Atari is the reason we have the Intellivision Sprint, having acquired the branding of its former competitor in 2024. Before that, the Intellivision name was tied to the ill-fated Amico, a console that aimed to capture the spirit of the Nintendo Wii, led by game music composer Tommy Tallarico. After a series of delays, cancelled pre-orders, and a whirlwind of controversy, the company pivoted to focus on a mobile app instead.
Atari SA opted not to carry over the Amico branding, instead centering the Intellivision name around the $149.99 / £129.99 Sprint. This new console is a compact version of the original, featuring HDMI output, 45 built-in games, and wireless versions of the original’s infamous TV remote-style controllers. Yes, it’s another plug-and-play remake, similar to the Atari 2600+, but it swaps out physical cartridge support for some fan-service features that might just hit the right nostalgic notes.
When it comes to plug-and-play consoles, the Intellivision Sprint is quite the package. It includes two wireless “disk” controllers, which is a step up from the Atari 2600+, which only comes with one wired joystick. This inclusion is essential, as it reflects the original design philosophy of the system.
Price: $149.99 / £129.99
CPU: Rockchip 3128
Resolution: 1280 x 720
Controllers: Wireless Intellivision gamepads (x2)
Ports: HDMI, USB-A (x3), USB-C controller connectors (x2)
Dimensions: 43 x 277 x 107 mm
Weight: 164g
What really caught me off guard was the inclusion of a fresh set of overlays for the numerical keypad controller. Back in the day, you’d get one with each game to guide you on which of the nine buttons to press, but this new system comes with 45 overlays—one for each built-in classic. These little plastic pieces add a special touch to the retro experience, and finding them in the box set the tone for my time with the console.
As expected, the Intellivision Sprint package also includes a USB and HDMI cable. Personally, I have a box of spare wires lying around, so I don’t find the extras particularly useful. However, it’s great that they’re included, as many players might keep the Sprint in its packaging, ready to pull out for some nostalgic gaming sessions.
If you’re a fan of retro aesthetics, you’ll appreciate the big woodgrain box with its delightfully tacky ‘70s gold accents. The remake is a slightly smaller version of the original console from over 40 years ago, but it’s not so tiny that it gets lost among the mini plug-and-play systems that were popular in the late 2010s.
A hallmark of a great retro console remake is how easily it can be mistaken for the original at first glance. Having picked up an Intellivision nearly two decades ago from a local dump, I had the rare opportunity to compare the two side by side. Despite the wear and tear on my original unit, there are very few distinguishing features that reveal the new version as a remake, aside from its size.
Once you get up close, the real game of “spot the difference” begins. The original’s Mattel branding has been removed from the left corner, and while adding an Atari logo might have reignited the console wars of 1979, you’ll find just the Intellivision name in its classic font. I do miss the “Intelligent Television” tagline, as it added a fun twist suggesting the console would make your fancy OLED TV smarter.
Most physical elements on top remain true to the original Intellivision. The reset and sliding power switch are still on the right side, and the woodgrain panels continue to charm. The most noticeable change is the narrower middle section, which accommodates the full-size wireless controllers that slide into the console’s shell.
In the early days of console gaming, hard-wiring gamepads to consoles was the norm. Even the original Nintendo Famicom had tethered controllers, so it makes sense that Intellivision would follow suit. The Sprint honors this design by replacing the coiled cords with USB-C docking connectors, allowing you to use the controllers just like in the ‘70s.
This docking feature is clever, even if it was initially pitched by the Amico. Atari opted for USB-C instead of contact pins, meaning you can charge and play simultaneously. The Sprint’s controllers slide into grooves for proper alignment with the connectors, a significant improvement over the original’s coiled cable setup.
The controllers themselves retain the same quirky design, complete with the vertical layout, membrane keypad buttons, and mushy d-pad that defined the original. For those who fondly remember using this pad, it’s a nostalgic trip, but if you’re after a more modern experience, you’ll want to take advantage of the console’s USB controller compatibility.
Speaking of which, the back of the console features three USB-A ports, an HDMI port, two sync toggles for the wireless controllers, and a USB-C for power. Unfortunately, the original cartridge slot is missing, as this console relies solely on built-in games. While I personally dislike this decision, Atari likely figured that most players picking up a Sprint wouldn’t have existing collections.
Returning to the console itself, I commend Atari for using quality materials for the Sprint. The textured plastics and metallic decals feel reminiscent of the original, and the woodgrain paneling seems slightly more durable than its ‘70s counterpart. It’s lighter, likely due to modern design choices, but it still has a satisfying heft.
The Intellivision Sprint has a straightforward mission: to provide easy access to a collection of games in HD. And it delivers right out of the box, with 45 classics ready to play via HDMI, allowing you to dive into retro gaming in no time.
Originally released in 1979 in the US and worldwide in 1980, Mattel’s Intellivision was one of the first home consoles to challenge Atari. While it shares a similar woodgrain exterior, it was marketed as an “intelligent television” device, featuring a more complex keypad controller and advanced add-ons like the Intellivoice for vocal synthesis. It’s also known for having a superior library of sports games, though it never quite dethroned the iconic 2600.
Keep in mind that the Intellivision launched during a time when tuning consoles into CRTs was standard, so HDMI output is arguably the Sprint’s standout feature. Sure, if you’re like me, you might have ways to play those vintage systems, but finding a clean 720p output without mods or emulation devices can be a challenge.
It’s worth noting that the Sprint is an emulation system. Despite its authentic appearance, it doesn’t house original hardware or a fancy FPGA chip. Instead, it runs on the Rockchip 3128 system-on-a-chip, similar to other plug-and-play consoles, with functionality hinging on the JzIntv Intellivision emulator.
JzIntv is a reliable Intellivision emulator, and Atari has streamlined everything for you with the Sprint, including a user-friendly interface for browsing games. However, the settings menu is limited to just aspect ratio options and language, so you won’t find any fancy effects like scanlines unless you use an HDMI scanline generator.
While the lack of visual settings is disappointing, the main library’s presentation is impressive. The home screen features box art, gameplay snippets, and synopses, creating an immersive virtual shelf experience. The firmware appears visually similar to the Atari 400 Mini, with a blue Intellivision backdrop and numbered button labels.
Alongside the 720p capabilities and sleek library UI are the wireless controllers. I appreciate that Atari has brought back the original gamepads, giving both new and old fans a taste of early controls, albeit without the cord. However, using them can be a bit painful, as navigating games with a calculator-like controller is less intuitive than using a set of Donkey Konga bongos.
Fortunately, the Intellivision Sprint supports USB controllers. While the JzIntv emulator retains some compatibility with Xbox pads and even the 8Bitdo N64 controller, mapping buttons to essential number keys can be tricky. This means that while some controllers work well, you might struggle with games that require numerical input at the start. Interestingly, keyboards are also compatible, offering another option for those feeling adventurous.
While I’m critical of the original controller design, sticking with it allows Atari to embrace a preservation opportunity. The inclusion of two sets of button overlays for the 45 built-in games is impressive. They may not be identical to the originals, but they provide a visual taste of what using instructional covers would have been like back in the day.
Focusing on those USB ports, you can also plug in a stick with your own backed-up games. Playing your own ROMs is a standout feature, especially since many titles are missing from the built-in list due to licensing issues. The only downside is that the firmware currently doesn’t combine USB and flash content, meaning you’ll only access your stick’s ROMs while plugged in. It’s a minor inconvenience, but I’m sure updates or fan workarounds will address it.
Firmware updates are a possibility with the Intellivision Sprint, meaning the software can improve over time. There’s even a day-one patch that adds support for games with high-score tracking, QR codes for online manuals, and “support for TutorVision,” which includes educational games for an unreleased version of the console.
Before diving into how the Sprint handles its 45 built-in games, let’s look at the collection you get by default. While it features a generous selection of titles that represent the original console’s offerings, many licensed releases from Activision and Imagic are absent, including classics like Pitfall.
Nonetheless, the Sprint includes plenty of excellent games, particularly sports titles that bolster the Intellivision’s reputation in that genre. Personal favorites like Boulder Dash, Night Stalker, and Frog Bog are present, along with titles like B-17 Bomber that showcase the Intellivoice’s capabilities.
Given that even basic devices can run Intellivision games, you’d think accurate emulation would be a breeze for the Sprint. However, as with every retro console remake I test, I wanted to see how it stacks up against the original hardware and whether there’s a reason to stick with the 1979 system.
To compare the OG Intellivision to the Sprint, I connected my original console to an “HDMI to RF” adapter. While I usually use an old VHS player for converting consoles without RCA or SCART outputs, I figured most players would opt for a converter box from Amazon if their TV can’t handle analog frequencies. This setup allows me to avoid upscalers like the OSSC, providing a more realistic contrast between the two systems.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any nice photos of the OG Intellivision running games because it decided to stop working during testing. I’ll be repairing it soon and will add side-by-side shots later.
The first thing you notice when powering on the Intellivision Sprint is how clean the visuals are. The classic block graphics are bold and sharp, even at 720p on a 4K TV, and the digital signal eliminates the interference and muddiness associated with the original system’s RF output. While some might argue that the latter adds to the original charm, if you prefer those fuzzy vibes, you’ll likely want to stick with a CRT.
The visuals are impressive, but the sound caught me off guard. I had forgotten how superior the Intellivision’s audio capabilities were compared to Atari’s, and the Sprint replicates those iconic bleeps and bloops beautifully. It even includes effects from the old Intellivoice accessory, adding a synthesized voice to compatible games like B-17 Bomber, giving you the benefits of a once-expensive add-on.
Typically, these retro remakes have minimal lag, especially compared to cheap upscalers. To ensure accuracy, I compared Frog Bog on the Sprint and the original hardware using both a CRT and the HDMI to RF tuner. I couldn’t detect any meaningful difference, with my on-screen frog leaping for bugs with similar precision across all setups.
Keep in mind that there may be more latency with the 2.4GHz wireless controllers, but I didn’t notice any significant lag. The gamepads are still a weak point for me; while they feel similar to the originals, they exemplify what a controller shouldn’t look or feel like.
That said, the spinning disc feels very close to my coiled pads, and while the buttons feel a bit off, they’re still accurate. Some users on forums have suggested loosening the controller screws if directional presses feel inaccurate, but the unit I’m testing has precise 360 inputs. Just remember that using a round disc instead of a gated d-pad or joystick can feel awkward.
For many players, the Intellivision Sprint will be the best way to experience the back catalog of Atari’s rival. It pays homage to the retro console’s original design while incorporating modern features like wireless controllers, 720p HDMI output, and the ability to run your own backed-up ROMs. It hits all the right notes for a plug-and-play system, but the absence of physical cartridge support is a letdown.
I understand why the Intellivision Sprint doesn’t include a cartridge slot. The original console was more common in the US, but players in the UK and Europe were more focused on the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 during the ’80s. Thus, it’s likely that only collectors will have cartridges on hand, and those enthusiasts may prefer modded systems over an emulation box.
If Atari had included both the 45 built-in games and a cartridge slot, the Sprint could have outshone the company’s previous remakes. However, in the world of classic console remakes, it seems you can’t have it all, resulting in a system that adheres to the plug-and-play formula. Still, it’s an accurate piece for your collection that provides easy access to Intellivision games, which is ultimately why you might want to consider picking one up.
To thoroughly review the Intellivision Sprint, I tested it alongside Mattel’s original console to compare graphics, sound, and potential input lag. I also assessed the remake’s build quality and details against the OG hardware to identify any discrepancies or differences in feel, particularly with the wireless controllers compared to the original wired gamepads.
