[mirob]

Looks like Atari is trying to make a comeback.

Official images in the link at the bottom of post.

"Atari’s new Ataribox console will be like an NES Classic

Atari started teasing its Ataribox at E3 this year, promising a “brand new Atari product.” While we saw a 20-second YouTube teaser that hinted the Ataribox would be housed in wood like the 2600, the video game maker has not provided many details about the console until today. Atari is now teasing more, including what the Ataribox looks like.

In an email to Atari fans, the company reveals “our objective is to create something new, that stays true to our heritage, while appealing to both old and new fans of Atari.” The new Ataribox is clearly inspired by the classic wood found on the Atari 2600, and the new console features ribbed lines, a raised back, and a front panel that can either be glass or wood. Indicator lights glow through these materials, and Atari is including SD card support, a HDMI port, and four USB ports on the Ataribox. Two versions of the Ataribox will be released, one in wood, and one in black / red.

Atari plans to deliver classic games in the Ataribox, alongside “current content.” It’s not clear if that current content involves simply republishing Rollercoaster Tycoon, but it appears that the Ataribox will be similar to the NES and SNES Classic in providing access to old titles in modern retro hardware. While Atari has licensed its brand recently, the company is involved in the creation of the Ataribox. Hopefully that doesn’t mean Atari is just licensing its brand again for a partner to create and manage the hardware.

Atari isn’t providing any more information on pricing, release dates, game content, or even full specs right now. “We know you are hungry for more details; on specs, games, pricing, timing,” reads an Atari statement. “We’re not teasing you intentionally; we want to get this right, so we’ve opted to share things step by step as we bring this to life, and to listen closely to the Atari community feedback as we do so.”"

PER:

https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/17/1...specs-pictures

[stevenjohnson]

Great! It actually looks quite good! The wood paneling and ribbed top is immediately reminiscent of the old Atari aesthetic, but the shape and minimal branding is more modern.

[JamesWWIII]

Is it gonna come with sleek, updated wireless versions of these?



Ah, the 8-bit memories are flooding back.

[obert]

Depending on game content I will buy one. That would be awesome if they had an old school stick controller that was wireless.

My Dad traded some wheels and tires for a Atari when I was a kid lol

[Fender150]

Originally Posted by JamesWWIII

Is it gonna come with sleek, updated wireless versions of these?



Ah, the 8-bit memories are flooding back.

omg those controllers bring back childhood nightmares, they always broke at
the worst possible time

[shay2nak]

I had an Atari 2600 with a bunch of games. I traded it for a Sony WM-FX43 when I was in JHS. I regretted when I got older.

[adc100]

Any updates here?

[mirob]

Originally Posted by adc100

Any updates here?

These seem to be official specs but take with grain of salt...

Official name:
Atari VCS

Also known as:
Project Ataribox

Release date:
WW: July 2019

Preorder date:
Now

Introductory price:
US$199 (Onyx)
US$299 (Collector's Edition)
US$399 (Tribute Edition)

Operating system:
Ubuntu-based (Atari OS)

CPU:
AMD Bristol Ridge A10-9630P

Memory:
8 GB DDR4

Storage:
Internal flash memory: 32 GB
microSD
USB storage device

Removable storage:
microSD
USB storage

Graphics:
AMD Radeon R7

The Verge:
https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/30/1...e-date-pricing

"Atari is now letting fans preorder the retro-style VCS console. The Atari VCS includes a design inspired by the Atari 2600 Video Computer System, and two models will be available for preorder today. A “collector’s edition” with a wood-front finish is available for $299, and a black Onyx edition is priced at $199. Both models and classic joysticks or modern controllers are all available exclusively on Indiegogo, and Atari says it plans to ship the consoles in mid-2019.

Atari’s console is designed to look retro, but inside, it has modern hardware. Atari has partnered with AMD to create a custom processor for the VCS, and the console runs a variant of Linux to play both classic Atari games and some PC titles. The VCS will even support 4K resolution, HDR, and 60 fps games. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, a USB 3 port, and expandable storage. You’ll also be able to connect up USB game controllers, mice and keyboards, webcams, microphones, or speakers and headphones.

Atari is shipping the VCS with its Atari Vault, which includes more than 100 classic games. Asteroids, Centipede, Breakout, and Gravitar will all be playable on the VCS, alongside PC games that aren’t too intensive. You can preorder the Atari VCS on Indiegogo."

Here is a Q&A with the system architect...that I was too lazy to read...
https://medium.com/@atarivcs/atari-v...1-b2017894c15d

[shay2nak]

awesome

[Orange fever]

Can't wait.

[mirob]

Almost a year after last update and still nothing. Found this info on Wiki so take it with a grain of salt but seems like this project is a mess.

In March 2019, Atari announced that they would be delaying the launch of the VCS to the end of 2019 and announced that the system has upgraded to an unannounced embedded 14 nm AMD Ryzen processor with Radeon Vega-based graphics and two Zen CPU cores. The new AMD processor supports native 4K video playback with modern HDCP, has built-in Ethernet and a secure framebuffer.

In July 2019, Atari announced that they would be providing more information about the product's mass production and game content to be available for the system in summer 2019. By the end of summer 2019, no functional version of the AtariVCS meeting the product description has been shown publicly, and additional details of gaming content have not been forthcoming.

On October 4, 2019, lead architect Rob Wyatt stated that he resigned from the project in a statement to The Register. Wyatt cited non-payment by Atari as a key reason for his departure. In wake of this news, several of those that had backed the Indiegogo campaign took to the project's Reddit forum to ask about the state of the project, but Atari subsequently took down these posts.

[shay2nak]

This was never released?!

[Delta0311]

Nice, we can finally play ET in all its 4K glory.