Atari is ready to step back into the video game business with its new console, the Atari VCS, which will play classic Atari games and also surprise a new generation of players with new titles. Here's everything you need to know about Atari's new console.
At last year's E3, Atari revealed the design of its next console. Initially announced as Ataribox, the console has now been renamed Atari VCS and has just been funded through a successful Indiegogo campaign, surpassing the $100,000 goal in just 30 minutes. At the time of writing, it has already raised a little over $2.2 million.
Technical Specifications
With a look that clearly pays homage to the classic Atari 2600, the Atari VCS has the following technical specifications:
- Dimensions: 368.3 x 134.6 x 40 mm
- Weight: 1.36 kilograms
- Materials: Plastic, metal, and wood
- Operating system: Linux on Ubuntu (Kernel 4.10)
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4 x USB 3.0
- Controllers: Classic Joystick and Modern Controller
- Storage: 32 GB internal and compatible with external hard drives, SD cards
- RAM: 4GB DDR4
- CPU: AMD Bristol Ridge A1
- GPU: Radeon R7
- Cloud storage: Yes, but with an additional cost
- Voice commands: 4 integrated microphones
- Live streaming: Via Twitch
For the first time on an Atari device, users will be able to access the internet to download games and applications. All users will have access to basic features when connected, such as access to the store and online multiplayer, but there will be a subscription service for advanced features like cloud storage and game streaming.
Games
In terms of games, the Atari VCS promises to delight fans of retro titles with classics like Asteroids and Missile Command, among others. In fact, the console includes a collection of 100 built-in games called Atari Vault where you can enjoy all these titles in their original format.
But any new console worth its salt can't leave out the new generation of players. So you'll also be able to enjoy modern releases, whether playing solo or online, like the eye-catching Tempest 4000, a remake of the classic Tempest and the first exclusive game for the Atari VCS.
Controllers
Undoubtedly, the most striking thing about the console is its controllers: the Modern Controller is very similar to the Xbox One's, while the Classic Joystick consists of a lever and a button, based on the Classic Controller of the Atari 2600, which any veteran gamer will appreciate fondly. Both controllers are wireless and rechargeable via USB-C.
Price and Availability
Right now you can get the console at two prices: the basic $199 price includes only the console in black plastic, and the collector's edition at $339 comes with the console with a wood finish and both controllers. The Atari VCS will be available during July 2019 to all those who purchased the console on Indiegogo.
