Whatever Happened To the New Atari Console? A Discussion
In June 2017, retro-gamers around the world saw something they couldn’t believe. A small teaser, uploaded on Youtube, touting a new console from Atari. To those of you who didn’t know, Atari is the creator of the 1977 video gaming console: Atari 2600 VCS. It was one of those consumer products that brought gaming to the mainstream in the West, with classic titles that rekindle fond memories for many an old gamer.
Of course, no one had heard from this company in a long while. With the console gaming space dominated by Sony and Microsoft, therefore, it was quite a pleasant surprise when we found out that Atari was indeed back and about to release a new console under the same name of Atari VCS.
Details were scant at first, but eventually, we learned that it was going to be this revolutionary “hybrid” console that brings console and desktop gamers together. It would feature a dedicated “PC mode”, Atari had said. Instead of being just a retro-gaming homage, the console would be able to play current-gen games as well as classic retro titles.
But all that is old news. The question is: what happened to the Atari VCS? Is it ever going to be released? It is, in fact. And soon.
A Hybrid Console
In the words of Fred Chesnais, the current CEO of Atari, “We’re back in the hardware business.” And that conveys the gist of it. The Atari VCS isn’t just a retro-gamer’s fantasy, or even a modern console. Rather, it’s a complete desktop PC. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics, the device will feature an HDMI output, four USB 3.1 ports, and Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi.
Unlike most consoles, which need to be ditched completely whenever a new generation comes along, Atari’s VCS will support customizable hardware. That’s right, you will be able to pick and choose your processor, graphics, and memory configuration and change them on the fly!
Cryptocurrency Comeback
Atari Tokens, they’re calling them. ERC20 tokens based on Ethereum. Basically, they’re a form of cryptocurrency that will form the basis of trading video games on the Atari VCS. You will be able to buy them on Bitcoin.com in November.
The Atari Tokens (ATRI) have already raised $1.5 million via two pre-sales where each token sold for $0.08 USD. A third pre-sale is currently happening. The public sale is scheduled for November 2020. Unfortunately. US Citizens will not be able to take part in the sale in compliance with local regulations.
The idea here is to help small-scale indie developers receive more funding for their games through cryptocurrency. “We want to announce that we are going to be listed because I have done more than 3 billion euro of investments in games and game financing,” Chesnai has said. “And when I know that the token is listed, I will be able to propose some very innovative formulas for game financing.”
A Few Delays
Atari VCS was originally scheduled for a March 2020 release date. Unfortunately, it was delayed by quite a bit because of COVID-19. The current slated release is November 2020, although it appears that won’t pan out either. However, pre-orders have already started and we’re probably looking at a release date in 2021.
The Atari Vault
It wouldn’t be an Atari console without some retro-gaming fan service, and to that end, Atari VCS will support 100 classic gaming titles at launch, with the promise of more to come. These games were originally released for the Atari 2600 and will be re-released for the VCS.
You will be able to pick up these classic gaming titles in bundles, similar to the kind a lot of indie gaming marketplaces offer. You can also buy the entire collection for just $10 USD. The Atari Vault is already available for PC users on Steam.
Summing Up
With the latest releases of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, Atari VCS will probably not be a huge phenomenon. However, with a niche market brimming with thousands of loyal fans, it’s sure to pick up some steam. While the console will not be your first choice, or second for that matter, for playing massive console-exclusive titles for a while, there is a good chance that it will show up with some quality exclusives down the line, especially if they have success with ATRI.
The biggest selling point, however, is the idea of desktop gaming on a budget. For just $389.99, that’s the current listed price, you will be able to get your hands on a proper gaming PC. Not a bad deal at all, if you ask me!
Will you be buying the new Atari console? What are your thoughts on the return of retro-gaming? Let us know in your comments!
Originally published at https://www.bitnovella.com on December 1, 2020.
