Atari's peculiar comeback in the console market was announced a while back. During that time the console's name changed from Ataribox to Atari VCS but we had yet to hear about a release date. In a press release today, Atari lifted the veil from some questions.

Pre-sales of its new Atari VCS hardware platform will start May 30, 2018. The pre-sale is exclusive to Indiegogo and features the time-limited Atari VCS Collector's Edition featuring the special retro-inspired wood-front:

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In addition to the Collector's Edition, fans will have the option to pre-order the Atari VCS Onyx, a sleek black version. Early-bird Atari VCS packages will be offered, including the Onyx starting at $199 USD for a limited period of time.

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Other packages will include the Classic Joystick and Modern Controller. Initial Atari VCS shipments are planned for Spring 2019. Fans who have signed up for "insider" email alerts at AtariVCS.com before May 24, 2018 will be eligible for special purchase incentives during the pre-sale.

The company also announced that it has partnered with AMD who will provide the Atari VCS custom processor with Radeon Graphics Technology.

Other features of the console announced include:

• Support for 4K resolution, HDR and 60FPS content
• Onboard and expandable storage options
• Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0
• USB 3.0 support

A complete list of Atari VCS product specs will be posted with the pre-sale according to the press release.

Rather than being used solely for gaming, the Atari VCS aims to be a multimedia hub with access to other media and streaming options.

As an homage to the past, Atari VCS will cover the classics with the included Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games, including all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids, Centipede, Breakout, Missile Command, Gravitar and Yars' Revenge; a growing list of games, especially a full range of popular modern titles, will be announced at later dates.

"We continue moving forward on the Atari VCS project and are excited to see this pre-sale kickoff and to share more updates with our fans as we look toward the first shipments," notes Michael Arzt, Atari COO of Connected Devices. "We are building outstanding teams and forging alliances that will make this product great and truly worthy of the Atari VCS name. Expert hardware partners are helping make this project possible and we couldn't be more pleased with their contributions."

Do you think that there is a place for a fourth competitor in the gaming console market or does this feel like OUYA 2.0? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

SOURCE
Atari VCS Indiegogo Campaign Page

 

[x65943]

That thing looks nice. Was not expecting to be interested in this product, but it actually looks well done.

 

[snails1221]

The VCS looks like an interesting little thing, I might end up picking one up.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Can anyone name any good noteworthy games for this atari system?

 

[dpad_5678]

Wow, thought the specs would be shit. Hope this thing takes off.

 

[Prans]

Can anyone name any good noteworthy games for this atari system?

While we don't know about its specs yet, the press release states that "a full range of popular modern titles, will be announced at later dates." At least another Skyrim port, maybe?

 

[VinsCool]

Uh sounds actually nice compared to what I heard prior.
Too bad I already have my share of Atari classics with my 2600 and a flashcard, hehee.

Can anyone name any good noteworthy games for this atari system?

As an homage to the past, Atari VCS will cover the classics with the included Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games, including all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids, Centipede, Breakout, Missile Command, Gravitar and Yars' Revenge; a growing list of games, especially a full range of popular modern titles, will be announced at later dates.

 

[DeslotlCL]

Chances are this thing will be underpowered compared to base ps4/one, but still more powerful than the switch itself, although without the portable aspect and less games

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

While we don't know about its specs yet, the press release states that "a full range of popular modern titles, will be announced at later dates." At least another Skyrim port, maybe?

Sorry, I didn't know if this was some emulation of a old Atari console from 1980 or a current gen console just branded by atari and has modern games like nintendo xbox or playstation.

SO I was thinking if it's a classic emulation box compilation for atari games of 1980, if there was any good games for that system (The one with the joy stick and one read button) that is still worthy of playing today.

 

[rileysrjay]

This actually doesn't seem as bad as I initially thought it was going to be. The specs announced so far seem decent, but I'm still a bit wary and would like a few more details about what they mean by "modern games" and whatnot. Hopefully they'll announce what types/sizes of onboard storage will be available and the actual specs of the processor.

 

[MeowMeowMeow]

They gonna bring out new games? Or just cash on the classics? How cool would it be if they release a new exclusive. If not mehhhh its a nice looking brick.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

$199 for what, in practice, is a fancy Shield TV is VERY competitive, I'm actually really interested in this

 

[DeoNaught]

I realized the Abbreviation can also stand for "Atari Virtual console shit"....


Just saying

 

[TotalInsanity4]

I realized the Abbreviation can also stand for "Atari Virtual console shit"....


Just saying

"Video Computer System"

 

[BlueFox gui]

ULTRA HD 4K GWAPHICZ 666AFF PEE ASS
EYY EM DEE NEW GENERETIUM ULTRA FEST USB 33.0 WAI FAY CUMTROL

 

[DeoNaught]

"Video Computer System"

I realized the Abbreviation can also stand for "Atari Virtual console shit"....


Just saying

 

[Kourin]

Where's the vidya games?

 

[TotalInsanity4]

.

I know, I just don't get why you felt the need to call it that

 

[osaka35]

this thing...is an actual console, huh. Depends on the flexibility of the OS, but if it's better/speedier than a shield TV pro, I'll get it.

 

[ken95]

They´re just delaying the inevitable. It will be a flop anyways so why bother?