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

[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/2019/0...eboot_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-...p-and-walmart/