Here comes additional details concerning Atari's big, ambitious comeback in the video game console market!

In an exclusive interview last week with GamesBeat, Ataribox creator and general manager Feargal Mac announced that Atari will begin a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo this fall and launch the Ataribox in the spring of 2018. The console will run Linux on an AMD custom processor with Radeon graphics, with a user interface customized for TVs and will cost between $250-$300.

The Ataribox will launch with a large back catalog of the publisher’s classic games. The idea being to be able to "create a box that makes people feel nostalgic about the past, but it’s also capable of running the independent games they want to play today, like Minecraft or Terraria". In addition to indie games, the console will run those that a mid-range PC can handle, but won't run AAA games that require higher-end specs. Mac added that it will also perform PC-worthy stuffs like streaming, running apps, browsing the web, and playing music.

“I was blown away when a 12-year-old knew every single game Atari had published. That’s brand magic. We’re coming in like a startup with a legacy,” Mac said in the interview. “We’ve attracted a lot of interest, and AMD showed a lot of interest in supporting us and working with us. With Indiegogo, we also have a strong partnership.”

“People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores,” he said. “We wanted to create a killer TV product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible, including accessing pre-owned games from other content providers.”

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“People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores,” Mac said. “Ataribox is an open system, and while our user interface will be easy to use, people will also be free to access and customize the underlying OS. We’ve chosen to launch Ataribox with Indiegogo given their focus on delivering technology products, and their strong international presence in over 200 countries, allowing us to reach and involve as many Atari fans around the world as possible.”

“It’s a very flexible product, and you won’t need to spend more money if you don’t want to,” he further added. “In some ways, you are buying some freedom.”

So what do you think of the Ataribox in the light of the new details? Are you considering backing it on Indiegogo? Or is it awfully reminiscent of the OUYA to you?

For more updates, you can signup on ataribox.com.

SOURCE

 

[the_randomizer]

You are comparing a raspberry pi to this that has a decent cpu and an dedicated gpu.... hardly the same kettle of fish to be honest.

Made with real wood" without showing what games are included is a pretty pathetic selling point.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Oh? Do tell me how this is better than a Raspberry Pi. This this is a bloody waste of 300 dollars that people can play the same Atari games on a device that's cheaper. How exactly am I wrong again?

That's what I thought.

I wasn't aware the Raspberry could "run (games) that a mid-range PC can handle". Did they release a new version? A Raspberry Pi 4 with a full fledge x86 CPU and dedicated GPU?

This isn't a NES Classic ripoff that just emulates old Atari games, it's a full PC "console".

 

[the_randomizer]

I wasn't aware the Raspberry could "run (games) that a mid-range PC can handle". Did they release a new version? A Raspberry Pi 4 with a full fledge x86 CPU and dedicated GPU?

This isn't a NES Classic ripoff that just emulates old Atari games, it's a full PC "console".

My point about "real wood" as a selling point, and not showing what games are included, is a pretty lame selling point. They could've at least listed what games will be included, what emulators can run, etc, no?

 

[Deleted-355425]

My point about "real wood" as a selling point, and not showing what games are included, is a pretty lame selling point. They could've at least listed what games will be included, what emulators can run, etc, no?

They are also doing a nice black one with a red logo, I will be buying that one.

 

[TheDarkGreninja]

This is absolute shite, looked pretty good but man is this thing useless. I think Atari forgot emulators exist.

 

[leon315]

Nha, if it will have open OS and the hw is powerful enough we can install psp PSX mame emulators etc.... In it and expand it via USB Hdd

 

[KingVamp]

Putting in some positively here. lol

Maybe if they make or get their own exclusives. Also, they can have free online. Maybe being the last console to have it.

funny how mini emulator consoles with only a few games people go crazy about them
but a console that is basically a computer in a console case capable of doing everything a computer can, no one wants thoose :C

I think it less that no one wants them and more of companies not doing a PC-like console right. If the Steam Machines wasn't so confusing, it could have turned out better.

It looks interesting but I don't think I will buy it. At least until Atari finds a way to compete with Sony and Nintendo.
I mean its good for this generation but what about years into the future until the PS5 Releases, new graphics cards, and CPU's. Then your basically screwed because you bought a 300 dollar console that's worth 50 now a days.

If the console is successful enough or simple don't want to just give up, they will just make another console. Like everyone else does.

Were Steam machines this cheap? IMO is a good price point if its got a decent GPU in it, but I'd probably be disappointed with how many of my Steam games can run on Linux. Wouldn't be in the market for something like this unless my all my PC components suddenly failed and I didn't have the money to replace it all. Especially since I bought Shield TV at half the price ($150) years ago.

If this is successful (or at least successful enough), that means more games for Linux.

 

[lordkaos]

When will I get my colecoVision box?, lol.

 

[weatMod]

So how much trade in value do you think Gamestop will offer me for my Atari Jaguar in trade for one of these babies?
It's mint cond, only been played one time

 

[petethepug]

Hmm I could rig this thing up as an HTPC, maybe. It's really cute.


This is easily solved by...learning about PCs. A wild concept, I know.

A simple course introducing how computers work will easily teach you everything you need. From starting computers with a screwdriver to using Windows PowerShell to force Windows 10 to have the same advanced features as Windows 7 before crying yourself to sleep.

All cellphones and video game devices are just subpar computers with proprietary software. Simply learning about standard computers will give you a new perspective, maybe even an appreciation, of the work that goes into them.

Community Colleges typically have these courses.

One problem, you can learn about PC's but then you have to build one (or find someone else to do it.) If you don't have any of the options then your screwed.
On paper it sounds easy but its not, and some people don't even want to deal with any screw up's or scams having no clue what they are buying.

That's just from my perspective though, and having people around being very careful on what they buy and don't want to jump into another market.

 

[Kioku]

One problem, you can learn about PC's but then you have to build one (or find someone else to do it.) If you don't have any of the options then your screwed.
On paper it sounds easy but its not, and some people don't even want to deal with any screw up's or scams having no clue what they are buying.

That's just from my perspective though, and having people around being very careful on what they buy and don't want to jump into another market.

Building a PC is like building a Lego set. A lot easier than it seems. Just read the instructions and take your time. My first build took about 4 hours.. But now I'm down to about 30 minutes to boot.

 

[Pacheko17]

It's interesting, I like stuff like this, but that price is too high.
It took me a while to save up for a Raspberry Pi 3, this is way out of my teen pocket budget.

 

[gnmmarechal]

Wouldn't mind having one.

 

[proflayton123]

Runs on Linux( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

 

[Deleted User]

Will get one as well, just loving videogames and consoles

 

[LightyKD]

I just want final specs. I'm really hoping this is on par with a decent 720p gaming rig. Match that with the size and it's a damn win!

 

[Amaljaa]

It looks nice, isn't huge and can run linux. Since it'll be open and I can run a regular desktop DE as well as programs I think I'll grab one just to have a nice looking machine for my TV.

Sounds like a good L4D, Minecraft and Emulator machine for my TV that isn't just my RaspPi in an ugly case.

 

[Xzi]

If this is successful (or at least successful enough), that means more games for Linux.

Well, it'll probably flop for the same reason Steam Machines did. Console players want things simple, a lot of 'em don't even know the ins and outs of Windows, and Linux is considerably more complicated than that. PC players already have a PC, so unless they're in the market for a secondary one, they won't be interested either. I wouldn't even be that surprised if the crowdfunding campaign fails, unless they've set the goal very low.

 

[Vieela]

Quite disappointed. I thought this was a new and interesting concept, but it seems just a normal computer? I don't know for sure tbh

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Well, it'll probably flop for the same reason Steam Machines did. Console players want things simple, a lot of 'em don't even know the ins and outs of Windows, and Linux is considerably more complicated than that. PC players already have a PC, so unless they're in the market for a secondary one, they won't be interested either. I wouldn't even be that surprised if the crowdfunding campaign fails, unless they've set the goal very low.

To be fair, if they have their own overlay UI that wouldn't be a huge issue, especially if they enable a desktop mode in settings