Atari will soon release a brand new console – its first for many years. Formerly called Ataribox during a funding stage, it is now called the Atari VCS
Atari will soon release a brand new console – its first for many years.
Formerly called Ataribox during a funding stage, it is now called the Atari VCS – a throwback to the original name of the Atari 2600 in the 70s.
Atari has also confirmed that it will come with a Classic controller, that looks and feels like the original rubber joystick, plus a more modern gamepad.
Here then is what we know about the box so far.
The Atari VCS has a design inspired by iconic Atari products, a bit like the Atari 2600/VCS from the 70s and early 80s that is now shares a name with. It is slimmer and more set-top-box in stature, however.
We’re still awaiting full specifications, but it is understood that the console will bring a “full PC experience” to your TV – hence the adoption of the “Video Computer System” part of its name. It’ll offer apps and access to streaming, social, web browsing, music listening and more, including services such as Netflix and Spotify. A game streaming service is thought to be part of the system too, to give access to full, modern PC titles.
What we do know so far is that it will be powered by an AMD customised processor with Radeon Graphics. It will run Linux OS with a custom interface and, Pocket-lint was told by Atari directly, it will come with voice control. We don’t yet know whether that will be custom too or through a virtual assistant, such as Amazon’s Alexa.
That said, Atari confirmed in April 2018 that VCS will support 4K resolutions, HDR, and 60fps gameplay. It will also offer both internal and external storage, as well as built-in WiFi, USB 3, and Bluetooth 5.
When we took a look at the rear of a concept design version of the console, we clearly saw HDMI and USB ports, plus an Ethernet port and SD card slot. There will be Wi-Fi support too and a coaxial input on the back even suggests digital TV support, although we can’t be sure on that.
Atari VCS will launch with Atari Vault, a 100-plus game collection of classic Atari games like Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command. It will also support “current titles from a range of studios”. We’re not sure exactly how the latter will work yet but, because the operating system has an open nature, but Atari said players will be able to access and play games from other platforms.
“With Ataribox, we wanted to create an open system, a killer product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible. Atari games and content will be available as well as games and content from other providers,” said Fred Chesnais, Atari’s chief executive officer before the name was officially changed.
One game we have been told is highly likely to make it onto the box at launch is Tempest 4000 – the remake of the classic Atari arcade game.
Nearly a year after it was first unveiled, Atari announced you will finally be able to order the Atari VCS beginning 30 May 30 via an IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign. Atari will offer two versions of the gaming system. The first is a “time-limited” Collector’s Edition featuring the faux wood-front panelling. The second is an all-black Onyx Edition.
Weirdly, it doesn’t look like either of these, which start at $199, will include a controller. The announcement said “other packages will include the Classic Joystick and Modern Controller”. Anyway, after the IndieGoGo campaign has complete, Atari said it expects to begin shipping the VCS around springtime in 2019.
