Atari's Atari Box (2017) Atari VCS (2018)

[Nz17]

https://www.ataribox.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WNsmCpdhhY

https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/16/atari-ceo-confirms-the-company-is-working-on-a-new-game-console/

Atari CEO confirms the company is working on a new game console
Dean Takahashi

Atari CEO Fred Chesnais told GamesBeat in an exclusive interview that his fabled video game company is working on a new game console.

In doing so, the New York company might be cashing in on the popularity of retro games and Nintendo’s NES Classic Edition, which turned out to be surprisingly popular for providing a method to easily play old games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda in HD on a TV.

Last week, Atari began teasing a new product called the Ataribox.The video released on a non-Atari web site showed a picture of some kind of hardware product, but many people wondered if the teaser was fake. Others had no idea what the video was showing about a “brand new Atari product years in the making.”

After all, nobody makes a game console with wood-grain siding. But at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Chesnais told me that the rumors are true.

“We’re back in the hardware business,” he said.

Chesnais declined to describe a lot of details about the console. But he said it is based on PC technology. He said Atari is still working on the design and will reveal it at a later date.

Chesnais said that Atari’s revival is well under way. Atari filed for bankruptcy protection in 2013, but Chesnais bought it and pledged to make it great again. The company is now profitable, and it is engaged in making mobile games. It is licensing its brands more widely, such as licensing its Atari name for the upcoming Blade Runner 2049 movie.

[SparTonberry]

I thought I read Atari's "bankruptcy" was some kind of move to divorce itself of its French parent (the former Infogrammes).

[Nebagram]

So how will this be different to the many Flashback consoles?

[Greg2600]

I thought I read Atari's "bankruptcy" was some kind of move to divorce itself of its French parent (the former Infogrammes).

No, it was filed for the usual reason, couldn't pay it's bills. The Infogrammes name is gone, their French-based and NYC-based holdings are all labeled Atari now. The US-effort is helmed by ​Fred Chesnais.

[WelcomeToTheNextLevel]

This got me thinking about how LONG it's been since Atari was a successful company, although it's more recent than most people realize. (The modern "Atari" has been a third party publisher, and traces its roots to GT Interactive)

The original Atari hit its peak in late 1982; on December 7, 1982, Atari's earnings report came in weaker than expected, thus beginning Atari's slow decline. Atari's home computer lines helped it weather the video game crash, although the company was significantly weakened and ended up sold by Warner Communications to Jack Tramiel. One could say the "Golden Age" of Atari was about 1980-1982.

Atari staged a modest recovery in the mid-late 1980s, they were able to milk a few more sales out of the 2600, the 7800 was profitable, and they still raked in significant sales of computers including the ST and 8-bit line. Per Wikipedia, Tramiel-era (post-1984) Atari's profits peaked at $452 million in 1988. One could say the "Silver Age" of Atari was about 1986-1989. If I had to put an end date on Atari's success, it would be about 1990. The Wintel platform buried Atari's computer line. Both the 2600 and 7800 were discontinued after 1991. The Lynx pioneered color in portable consoles but couldn't compete with the Sega Game Gear which came out in 1991, let alone the Game Boy. After 1993 all Atari had was the Jaguar which sold 0 units (rounded to the nearest half-million).

With the Atari Box, the new Atari will become a hardware manufacturer like the old Atari was. Since we haven't had any successful Atari hardware in my lifetime, I really hope this thing becomes successful. Perhaps we could have a four-way console race with Sony, Microsoft, Atari, and Nintendo?

All four have done pioneering work in the video game industry; Atari made the first successful console (PONG) and first successful console with interchangeable cartridges (Atari 2600), Nintendo brought back the video game market with the NES; Sony greatly expanded its target audience with the PlayStation; and Microsoft made online gaming successful with the Xbox. Now all we need is Sega.

[SparTonberry]

Atari's last huge thing probably when they sued Nintendo in 1991 to break up their third-party monopoly. As much as I love my Nintendo consoles and Nintendo's games, I won't deny it was healthier for video gaming to not let them have practically free reign of the industry (as we saw with Kombat-gate only a couple years later).

[Nz17]

New data:

First look at the Ataribox design.

Thanks again for signing up to learn more about the Ataribox project!

We’ve been blown away by the feedback since the teaser release, and today, we’re excited to share an exclusive first look at the Ataribox design with you.

Our objective is to create a new product that stays true to our heritage while appealing to both old and new fans of Atari.

Inspired by classic Atari design elements (such as the iconic use of wood, ribbed lines, and raised back); we are creating a smooth design, with ribs that flow seamlessly all around the body of the product, a front panel that can be either wood or glass, a front facing logo, indicator lights that glow through the material, and an array of new ports (HDMI, 4xUSB, SD). We intend to release two editions: a wood edition, and a black/red edition.

As you can guess, those ports suggest modern internal specs. It also means that while we will be delivering classic gaming content, we will also be delivering current gaming content.

We know you are hungry for more details; on specs, games, features, pricing, timing etc. We’re not teasing you intentionally; we want to get this right, so we’ve opted to share things step by step as we bring Ataribox to life, and to listen closely to Atari community feedback as we do so. There are a lot of milestones, challenges and decision points in front of us in the months ahead. We’ll be giving you lots more information and status updates as we progress, and we are thrilled to have you along for the ride!

Hope you like where we are taking this, we’ll be in touch soon.

The Ataribox Project team.

PS: Please let us know what you think via our social channels; and also please like, follow, subscribe, and share as much as possible!

Source and mockup images:
http://us16.campaign-archive1.com/?u=514d5e8e2ca64b78c0c6f5a2e&id=ea638c05a4

[otaku]

good that they are profitable and doing things again we are getting some games which is nice and this could be cool even if its just a supped up flashback with some new titles but it needs to be cheap also if it doesn't sell well I wonder if they remain profitable... they are doing a smartwatch as well

[Greg2600]

Looks cool, but beyond that, one can only question the purpose of this?

[Greg2600]

Now the rumor is "Atari" wants to crowdfund this....:shameful:

[BlastProcessing402]

We intend to release two editions: a wood edition, and a black/red edition.

Why would anyone not go for the "wood"? Unless the models differ in more than deco, and wood was on a version that cost significantly more.

[OldSchoolGamer]

I am hoping the factor that wakes people to reality is over pricing and the Indigogo RED FLAG (to little actually comes of most Indigogo funding and many just bolt with everyone's money without delivering anything) , the fact that "ATARI" could not even use Kickstarter instead is very telling, we will have to wait and see, priced right I would consider it just for the case and styling (knowing full well support is likely to be lame) - overall ever since earlier talks about PC technology I have to say this is about EXACTLY what I was expecting, in other words a low powered PC hardware box with Linux core that streams with apps etc. THIS IS LIKE A THOUSAND OTHER STREAMING BOXES you can import from cheap Chinese sites like AliExpress / DX . com etc. It seems about the only thing that will set it apart (IF IT EVEN COMES TOGETHER AS THEY CLAIM) is the addition of bundled Atari games (emulated like on Android on I am guessing) and a 2600 theme / styling. Even just as that could have been a fun impulse grab at the right pricing level just for collectors purposes but it is sounding like that styling along with the logo / licensing and bundle of Atari games is exactly why they seem to feel they can waaaaaay over charge for this. If that is the case I think I will just get a similar device at a 3rd of the cost and simply slap on some woodgrain MAKtac, install my own emulated Atari games and call it a day. Sure it may not be "official" but it will be something likely almost as good if not better.


TRY TO REMEMBER FOLKS THIS IS NOT REALLY "ATARI" IT IS SIMPLY A NAME / LICENSE / IP acquired by people looking to bank on your love and nostalgia for the original company. Some, actually many people always seem to want to believe that it is something more, it really isn't. And hey that is fine, even I would buy into something like this merely for that Atari logo if it were priced at an impulse buy level but it does not look like that will be the case so imho buying into and supporting such crap tells these companies how gullible and accepting we are to buy into ANYTHING and ANY PRICE, vote with your dollars folks and send the proper message.

Just to add for those wondering about the integrity / history of those currently involved with "ATARIBOX" here is something to consider posted now by Larry Bundy on Facebook - Pasted exactly from his original post - CREDIT / THANKS to Larry Bundy!


Larry Bundy
2 hrs ·
Anyone who is thinking in investing in that AtariBox, I seriously recommend you have a long, hard think about doing so.
The project is run by a man with a track record of abandoned kickstarters and using either Chinese knock-offs or over the counter items you could easily build yourself.He screwed up his USB memory wristband Kickstarter so much, he ended up sending all the backers an email on how to build them themselves >.>
Anyhoo, here's a video on his previous projects:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujKxVNEHVS0

[Nz17]

New e-mail:


The pictures we're sharing today are of first prototypes. Everyone that has seen Ataribox first-hand loves it, feeling the Atari 2600 influence, while still being a modern design.

Ataribox will be powered by an AMD customized processor, with Radeon Graphics technology. It'll run Linux, with a customized, easy-to-use user interface. This approach means that as well as being a great gaming device, Ataribox is also a full PC experience for the TV, bringing you streaming, applications, social, browsing, music, and more.

Most TV devices have closed systems and content stores. Linux lets us be more open; you can access & customise the OS, & you can access games you've bought from other content platforms (if compatible with the OS and HW).
There will be tons of classic Atari retro games pre-loaded, & current titles from a range of studios (we'll start talking titles very soon, stay tuned).
We're launching Ataribox on Indiegogo this fall (read: pretty soon). To reiterate why: we want you, the Atari community, to be part of this launch. We want you to have early access, grab special editions (& pricing) and to have you as active partners in the rollout of Ataribox. We want you to be part of the story.

We plan on shipping late Spring 2018, with an expected price range of $249-$299 (depending on specific editions & memory configurations).

Hope you like what we are sharing today, and are ready for lots more in the weeks ahead.

The Ataribox team.
PS: To confirm what many of you have asked: the Wood Edition is made with real wood ;)
PPS: Please continue to let us know what you think via our social channels; and also please like, follow, subscribe, and share as much as possible!

Images here: http://mailchi.mp/ataribox/first-look-ataribox-design-36241

[YoshiM]

$249-299? I have a hard time believing anyone would part with that amount of cash for this. Where are the controllers? Also if shipping is in spring, what other games besides the classics will be available?

[Nz17]

Let the Games Begin
___________
It's Time!
Ataribox will be available for pre-order on December 14th, 2017.

You'll be the first to know before pre-orders go live.
Our team would like to offer our earliest supporters a chance to grab Ataribox at an exclusive discount, so keep an eye on that inbox.

These deals will be extremely limited. We'll tell you everything you need to know to get the best deal soon.

Source: http://mailchi.mp/ataribox/ataribox-pre-order-date-announcement?e=2b7481dc1c

[bb_hood]

So...
they want people to preorder a video game 'system' at around 200+$, they havent showed us any games.. and the supposed controller has only one button.

I really dont know what to say.

[Nz17]

We'll find out more today, I'm sure. It will definitely be interesting.

[Bojay1997]

We'll find out more today, I'm sure. It will definitely be interesting.

The crowdfunding campaign launch has been delayed indefinitely.

[OldSchoolGamer]

It's simple.......POWER GOES IN..............

10460

[Nz17]

They said there was "one thing" that has delayed their launch. I'd prefer a delay (or possible cancellation) instead of something badly made/released.

[Bojay1997]

They said there was "one thing" that has delayed their launch. I'd prefer a delay (or possible cancellation) instead of something badly made/released.

If you've been following the thread over on Atari Age at all, it's pretty clear that this isn't some minor thing. There is no evidence that a prototype has been created and all that the "insiders" familiar working with the creators of the project seem to have seen is video of the outer shell and the controller, but nothing with regard to the innards of the system itself. It's pretty remarkable how closely this has followed the Coleco Chameleon playbook.

[bb_hood]

So whats going on with this thing?

[Nz17]

If only we knew... :-/

[Nz17]

This sounds like the 2018 "Atari VCS" console is having an identity crisis:

GDC 2018: The Atari VCS Probably Isn't What You Think It Is
Who will actually be interested in the VCS?
By Tom Marks

At GDC this week, I got an up-close look at the Atari VCS. Atari’s upcoming home machine, originally referred to simply as the ‘Atari Box’, is very different from what I was expecting, and it’s likely not what you think it is either.

It’s not Atari’s version of the NES Mini, it’s not a console trying to compete with the Xbox One or PS4, and it’s not really an Atari-Ouya. Put as simply as possible, the Atari VCS is a Linux-based living room PC, similar to Atari’s take on a Steam Machine. The version I saw was just for display, but I got a rundown of what to expect in the final product.

Running a custom version of Linux, the VCS will have a console-like interface aimed at being accessible and inviting to a wider, non-gaming audience. It will also come with some classic Atari arcade games (though we don’t know exactly what) and have its own store to buy games that aren’t just retro, but modern titles as well.

Caption: Atari Connect COO Michael Arzt said 'I don't think it's as ambitious as a Steam [Machine].'

That said, the VCS is targeting a significantly lower price point than most modern PCs, between $250 and $300, and will have no dedicated GPU, meaning it will likely also be substantially less powerful. Atari Connect COO Michael Arzt compared it to “a good laptop without a keyboard” — though exactly how good is an unanswered question, and when it comes to modern games there’s a big difference between powering Into The Breach and Assassin’s Creed Origins.

Despite having its own streamlined interface, game store, media apps (like Netflix and Hulu), and internet browser, Arzt says they are more interested in calling the VCS a computer instead of a console. I asked if it was then closer to a Steam Machine than the NES Mini, and he said “yeah, but I don’t think it’s as ambitious as a Steam [Machine].”

Artz explained that “it’s a much more casual device.” Atari wants this to be a system that anyone can easily plug in, understand, and start using right away. He gave an example explaining that they want moms to be able to turn on the VCS and easily find Netflix, but they also want to attract a younger audience that might only know of Atari’s veteran reputation.

Caption: The Atari VCS likely won't have access to Steam, unless you install your own OS in its sandbox mode.

And for the more hardcore audience out there, there will be a sandbox environment built in that will allow you to run and modify the Linux operating system, making it a more traditional PC if you have the know-how to do so. Since it’s marketed as being usable for modern games too, I asked Artz if you could access your Steam library with it as well, and he said the sandbox mode would likely be the only place to do so unless they strike a deal with Valve.

Honestly, all these different factors have left me wondering who the heck the Atari VCS is actually for. It’s not trying to compete with consoles, but has features and a price point similar to them. It’s less hardcore and ambitious than Valve's already failed Steam Machines experiment, but invites PC gamers to control and customize its OS despite likely having an underpowered and unchangeable hardware configuration. And it wants to be a casual, easy to use entertainment system option for the masses like a ChromeCast or Roku, but is selling itself as a full PC under a gaming brand.

It’s hard to make any real judgments until we know the final specs of what will actually be inside the VCS' admittedly lovely shell. It could be that Atari manages to strike some miraculous balance of price and power that makes it a desirable living room PC, but that seems hard to believe. Even if they do, you’ll be beholden to whatever apps, games, and custom UI Atari has made available unless you install your own Linux OS, which isn't exactly a friendly process.

I’m left skeptical because I genuinely don’t know who the Atari VCS is being made for. There are stronger living room PC options, better consoles, and cheaper ways to get access to entertainment apps on your TV. Atari seems to be leaning into the nostalgia-factor while retreading the same ground as the Ouya and SteamOS, which aren’t exactly the most appealing footsteps to follow in, and the uncertainty of its last-minute cancellation and unfinished spec list don't instill much confidence.

Source with images: http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/23/gdc-2018-the-atari-vcs-probably-isnt-what-you-think-it-is

[Nz17]

From the official Atari e-mail newsletter at [ https://us16.campaign-archive.com/?u=514d5e8e2ca64b78c0c6f5a2e&id=1e7e3d30ed&e=2b7481dc1c ]:

10530


Atari VCS Pre-Orders Open May 30 Are you ready for a new high score?

Atari VCS™ Pre-Sale Opens May 30th on Indiegogo!
Featuring The Limited Atari VCS Collector's Edition
Special Retro-Inspired Wood Front and Certificate of Authenticity

Early Bird packages Start at $199 for Atari VCS Onyx
Updated Classic Joystick and Modern Controller Also Available to Order

Enjoy the Linux-powered Atari VCS to play, create or port your own games and multimedia content.

Many popular modern titles will be playable on Atari VCS.
As an homage to our past, every Atari VCS includes
the Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games.
Play all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Breakout®, Missile Command®, Gravitar® and Yars’ Revenge®

A completely modern connected device, the new VCS was designed in California by Atari. The company is partnered with AMD, who provides the VCS custom processor with Radeon Graphics Technology. The Atari VCS platform will offer support for 4K resolution, HDR and 60FPS content, onboard and expandable storage options, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as USB 3.0 support. A complete list of Atari VCS product specs will be posted at the time of pre-sale.

Atari appreciates your support and intense curiosity about VCS games and content, hardware specifications, production timelines and other key information. We're confident that we are putting the right pieces in place for a successful product and launch!

When the Atari VCS Pre-Sale goes live, access it here:

Pre-Order Link

Here's the Indiegogo link for future crowdfunding pledges / pre-orders (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/atari-vcs-game-stream-connect-like-never-before/x/70846/) for May 30th.

[mailman187666]

I kind of want to be excited for this, but I also want to know what it'll actually do first. I know there is a lot of skepticism surrounding this project, and with good reason. Especially since people have been burned in the past with crowdfunding and being dragged through big failed projects. If it just plays old Atari games, I already have about 200+ cartridges. If it plays indie games, I already have a PS4 and Switch for that. I also have more than enough streaming devices for pretty much anything I could want. It would really need some things that I wouldn't be able to get from anywhere else.

[jb143]

At least the controllers look kind of cool. It's still a wait and see item though.

[The S]

Why are they calling this the VCS? That came out 41 years ago.

[bb_hood]

Why are they calling this the VCS? That came out 41 years ago.

well... its kinda like... i dont know

[bb_hood]

"Many popular modern titles will be playable on Atari VCS."

So either we are getting another port of Skyrim... or Angry Birds

[InsaneDavid]

I'm actually starting to think freaking Mike Kennedy got further along with his project than these idiots.

[Nz17]

The newest newsletter - 10 hour countdown!


Let the Games Begin in...
countdownmail.com
Click When Timer Hits 00:00:00:00
IMPORTANT: Click the Red Bar above at exactly 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET to unlock a "Secret Perk" that will appear at the top of the right-hand column on the Atari VCS Indiegogo page.
Atari VCS Pre-Orders Open Tomorrow,
May 30, at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET
As one of our earliest supporters, you'll be among the first to know the moment pre-orders go live, so watch your inbox! The best discounts are extremely limited, so be ready to act quickly when the timer hits zero!
Everything Looks Better in Onyx

Clicking on the Red Bar when the timer runs out will reveal your "Secret Perk" and lock in your "insider" price for 7 days. You'll get a 33% discount off the sleek, futuristic Atari VCS Onyx, dropping the price to just $199.

Discount units will also be available to non-subscribers while supplies last, but your secret perk link guarantees a discount for a full week!
Click When Timer Hits 00:00:00:00
Collector's Edition with Wood Front

When the Pre-Sale goes live, you'll be one of the first to be able to purchase the Atari 2600-inspired Atari VCS Collector's Edition with wood front panel for just $299, exclusively available on Indiegogo.

Did we mention it comes with a FREE Classic Joystick to let you relive the glory days of classic videos games? Get ready!

Source: https://mailchi.mp/atari/pre-orders-open-tomorrow?e=2b7481dc1c

[Greg2600]

I find any product that needs this much pre-release hype is doomed. Just bring the thing to market and let the people decide if they want it.

[Nz17]

I meant to post this news early this morning when the goal was quickly met and the numbers were highly successful but still lower than they are now. Anyway, as of this post, here's the stats for this project:


$1,836,802 USD raised by 7014 backers
1837% of $100,000 flexible goal
A month left

This was also posted two hours ago:


Thanks to your extraordinary support and relentless passion for Atari VCS this morning, we actually crashed Indiegogo, an exciting (though briefly terrifying) feat we couldn’t possibly have imagined!

Thank you all for your patience while we work in tandem with the Indiegogo team to solve issues with load time, billing and more. We hear your comments, emails and messages loud and clear and are committed to resolving these issues with the Indiegogo team However, please note that as we were unaware this would happen, it will take some time to get back to everyone. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding - it means the world to us.

Now, on to the good stuff...

We’re so glad that you have joined us for the next generation of Atari gaming. This is just the beginning! A ton of community support has poured in after just the first 8 hours of the campaign going live. We’ve spent the last year developing the Atari VCS and will continue making sure it’s a video game and entertainment system that brings together the classic experiences you already know and the thrills of modern gaming you’ve come to love. We know you will treasure the memories you’ll make with this new platform, just as so many of you did with the original Atari consoles. We can’t wait to send it right to your doorstep next summer!

Game on,
Team Atari VCS

The project on Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/atari-vcs-game-stream-connect-like-never-before-computers-pc/

[Niku-Sama]

I smell an ouya...

[Tupin]

As someone who hasn't paid much attention to the whole bouncing around of the Atari name, what is even going on with Atari now?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s81mJ44KO_k&t=1057s

[bb_hood]

So they raised almost 3 million.

Im wondering, at this point, how much of the working system is actually designed.
Is the 3 million going to go to the actual production of the final product or will that be used to fund the development of the system and games?

[Bojay1997]

So they raised almost 3 million.

Im wondering, at this point, how much of the working system is actually designed.
Is the 3 million going to go to the actual production of the final product or will that be used to fund the development of the system and games?

I think it's pretty clear that nothing has been developed yet and there is no planned game development, other than Atari Vault and Tempest 4K (which has already been finished for other platforms and will need to be ported to Linux). They are hoping third parties will step up, but with under 10K consoles sold through the crowdfunding, I can't imagine anyone will take them up on it. I suspect that if they deliver anything at all, it will just be an off-the-shelf solution in an Atari branded case with no real proprietary interface.

[jb143]

I seem to remember reading somewhere they have been testing with linux games on Steam and GOG, so there is that. And with modern game development tools, you can simply change your build output checkbox from PC, mac, android, ps4, or whatever to linux, make a few changes as needed, and you've got yourself an Ataribox game. So it's not like third party developers are going to have to risk a lot of time and money on a doomed console.

[Bojay1997]

I seem to remember reading somewhere they have been testing with linux games on Steam and GOG, so there is that. And with modern game development tools, you can simply change your build output checkbox from PC, mac, android, ps4, or whatever to linux, make a few changes as needed, and you've got yourself an Ataribox game. So it's not like third party developers are going to have to risk a lot of time and money on a doomed console.

Your understanding of what it takes to make a game developed for another platform work on Linux is way off. There are many libraries and plug-ins that are specific to Windows and other operating systems that can't be covered easily over to Linux. There is a reason you can't find Linux versions of some of the biggest titles and that groups of enthusiasts spend a lot of time trying to make specific games work. Unity helps, but it's not as easy as just changing the target platform. In any event, the small install base if the thing ever even ships isn't going to be attractive to developers that already don't bother to support the much larger Linux base out there.

[jb143]

Compared to starting from scratch, which seemed to be the implication, then yeah, I'd say it's a lot easier. And while I admittedly haven't developed for Linux...in a game setting anyways, I have worked with Unity quite a bit. There has even been some speculation that Unity may support the platform directly as opposed to just being able to use it's existing Linux build support. But yeah, everything is just speculation right now since Atari has been very sparse with actual details.

[Bojay1997]

Compared to starting from scratch, which seemed to be the implication, then yeah, I'd say it's a lot easier. And while I admittedly haven't developed for Linux...in a game setting anyways, I have worked with Unity quite a bit. There has even been some speculation that Unity may support the platform directly as opposed to just being able to use it's existing Linux build support. But yeah, everything is just speculation right now since Atari has been very sparse with actual details.

Again, most indie developers and certainly large developers don't bother with Linux as it is. They aren't going to start supporting it on a console with a 10K install base that is literally 1/7 of what Ouya had after crowdfunding. This thing is DOA if it even makes it into the hands of backers.

[jb143]

I guess you're not counting Android. My point is, if it's relatively easy to port your existing game over, then I do see developers doing it...if the thing actually gets released that is. I know I have seen many indie developers asking questions about supporting the system.

[Nz17]

In news that will stun almost no one, the "Atari VCS" has been delayed. The new time-frame? Sometime before 2020.

Source: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/03/19/atari_reboot_delayed/

[bb_hood]

So is this thing still gonna come out?

[Nz17]

Ya! Here's the details courtesy of CNET.


Atari VCS 800 heads to preorder at GameStop and Walmart

The latest "Atari box" is seemingly nearing a release.

Eli Blumenthal

Craving some retro video games during the coronavirus pandemic? The Atari VCS 800 may be the system you were waiting for.

After first being revealed in 2018, and subsequently hit with delays, the Atari VCS 800 bundle has hit Walmart and Gamestop and is available for preorder for $390. Walmart lists the shipping date as Nov. 27, with the official Atari VCS Store stating the expected release date for the box is Dec. 14.

GameStop doesn't have a release date on its site but is offering a $10 discount for preorders with the system priced at $380.

Powered by 8GB of RAM, an AMD Raven Ridge 2 APU and Ryzen GPU the box allows for playing classic Atari games on modern big screens. The VCS 800 bundle includes "100 free Atari classic console and arcade games" as well as a wireless joystick and traditional controller in the box, with additional games being available through an online store.

Beyond playing games, you can upgrade the RAM or install different operating systems like Windows, Linux, Steam OS or Chrome OS to turn it into a PC. Videos can be streamed at 4K (60 frames per second), with the VCS Store promising that "many of your favorite TV/movie services" will be available in the box's app store.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 are built into the box, as are four USB 3.1 ports, gigabit ethernet and HDMI. There is 32GB of built-in storage, though more can be added through USB.

The Atari VCS 800 was offered on Indiegogo. The campaign for the video game box attracted 11,597 backers and raised over $3 million.

Source: https://www.cnet.com/news/atari-vcs-800-heads-to-preorder-at-gamestop-and-walmart/

[Gameguy]

Beyond playing games, you can upgrade the RAM or install different operating systems like Windows, Linux, Steam OS or Chrome OS to turn it into a PC.

There is 32GB of built-in storage, though more can be added through USB.
Does that last part seem like a problem for those intending on upgrading this for a PC functionality? That storage can only be upgraded as an external USB device? No options for an SD card or installing a hard drive? It really seems like a bottleneck if you wanted to use this for anything substantial, besides playing old Atari games or streaming movies.

[Aussie2B]

I would assume you could use an external hard drive.

[Gameguy]

I would assume you could use an external hard drive.
Probably, but it will look a mess if all that needs to be hooked up to it. It's a bit different with modded systems running games off external hard drives as they were never meant to be used that way, designing a system to use a hard drive like that for everyday use is just ugly.

[YoshiM]

It has multiple OS support, with only 32 GB of space? Sure you can add more space via USB, but as Gameguy said, that'd be pretty ugly and against the concept of having this machine in its tight package. If my quick Google-Fu is any good, that's pretty much an AMD Ryzen 3200G-like setup, isn't it? Or is the Atari Box better than that? I'd almost think, based on my own recent PC purchase of a Ryzen 2 3200g and such, for a little bit more you can get a working PC with a 256 GB SSD but just sans controllers and then get that Atari Vault or whatever it's called.

Still, "because you can"reason aside, why go through the trouble of installing a regular OS on it when one never knows if the hardware will be supported with driver updates through its life span? The thing I see with this is Atari is tossing together a sexy retro-nouveau based system with off-the-shelf parts that they toss their own setup of Linux onto. Then dangle the carrot to modders that it can "do more" out of the box and hope they get that money as well.

The controllers look kinda neat, though. Not sure about the regular controller-is that an actual D-Pad or are they aping that Steam controller? Out of the box, that controller is not going to be overly condusive to FPS style games.

[Steve W]

The MicroCenter computer store chain has a DIY kit called the Atari Retro Gaming Kit. It's a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ with a case, a USB controller that's basically a PS2/PS3 pad, and a Micro SD card licensed from whoever owns Atari nowadays and has something like 80 to 100 games on it along with the operating system and emulators needed to run it right away (after a 3 gigabyte download for the latest version, which takes forever it seems like). I bought one because I'd bought a Raspberry Pi 2b kit a few years ago but couldn't get any of the software packages downloaded onto the thing (I bought a couple Micro SD cards, neither of them would let me write to it). Had to eventually give up since I couldn't even get the first step worked out. I got this one so I could just get right to it. The PS3 controller is a bit crappy, but hopefully I can use some of the other USB controllers I have on it.

I think the Atari Raspberry Pi might be the better option. At least you know there's software for it, whereas we don't even know if anything's working on the VCS. They lied about Tempest 4000, trying to get people to believe in was in development for it. Who knows what else they're lying about.