Atari VCS Looks Like A Hit: What You Need to Know

If you’re somewhere between the age of 35-45, you probably know the name Atari. It was an old gaming console that was all the rage with kids before Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Genesis or Playstation and XBox were a thing. Atari is attempting to re-enter the console business with the Atari VCS, a set-top device that will play classic Atari games but offer a whole lot more.

This system wasn’t always called the Atari VCS. It was introduced in 2017 as the “Ataribox” but was rebranded and reintroduced at the 2018 Game Developer Conference where Atari unveiled the final design, meant to marry the old console look with cool new features. Even one of the two new controllers were the same (the other looks like an XBox controller).  Atari wasn’t sure how the product would roll out, so it decided to take pre-orders exclusively through Indiegogo. So far, so good.

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Some were concerned this idea was Atari just cashing on the Nintendo’s retro gaming success which came with a revival of the original Nintendo system. That said, this project looks to be much more comprehensive. Would there be an audience for this? Could Atari peak people’s interest? The crowdfunding might be able to give a clearer picture as to where all this might lead. It managed to raise over $2 million in its first 24 hours so things have been looking up.

What Will It Do?

With the success of the crowdfunding, Atari will release two systems: one will go on sale for $199, while a Collector’s Edition model can be purchased for $299. Both should be available in the summer of 2019. Both systems will come equipped with over 100 classic Atari games and can be played with either style remote but the systems will also include streaming services and chatting features to play with other gamers.

Users will be able to download additional games and apps via a VCS storefront and all users will have access to basic connected features like the store and online multiplayer. There is going to be a subscription service and ability to customize the experience through Linux Sandbox, allowing owners to add more storage or add a USB to load whatever they want. It will be Bluetooth and compatible with most PC computers.

What Atari VCS Looks Like

The Atari VCS comes with a slim design with a glossy black front plate and the Collector’s Edition a wood paneling. The only thing that really makes it look like one of the Atari systems people came to know back in the 80’s is the logo.

The specs as listed on the Indiegogo campaign, are as follows: