Retro Video Gamer

I got this on email today and I'm curious as to what it is.  Looks like Atari has some new piece of hardware being released.  It's anyone's guess as to what this will be.  I doubt it'll be a console but looks like they are trying to emulate the design of the 2600.

Wow. I wonder what this is ?. Could be unveiled at E3?

Would be interested if it plays multiple Atari home/arcade games not just 2600 games we have enough of those already!

I've subscribed to get more information on it.  We'll see what they've come up with. 

Well that's pretty cool! Can't wait to find out what it is!

Omg that looks awesome.


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There is a lot of speculation going around about it. They have clearly succeeded in generating the noise they wanted to generate with the announcement. 

This article has some interesting info:  New Atari Hardware Inbound (http://retrogamingmagazine.com/2017/06/10/new-atari-hardware-inbound/)

Here is a video from @nosweargamer talking about this device...

Saw this and wanted to share it:  Atari wants to get back into hardware, but not with a console (https://www.gamespot.com/articles/atari-wants-to-get-back-into-hardware-but-not-with-a-console/1100-6419745/).

My guess from what is being said is a handheld console? That would take a lot of guts but with the 3ds being slowly phased out by Nintendo for the hybrid switch it does leave a place on the market for a more affordable handheld.

At this point it is anyone's guess but it does seem that whatever they decided to release will not a be a big console.

Here's another article about it:

https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/16/atari-ceo-confirms-the-company-is-working-on-a-new-game-console/

I want to know more!

This now seems to be a PC-Based system.  I guess we'll have to wait and see what it is they have in mind. 

Interesting, not sure there is a need for this though??


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I think you have a valid point there fella, but it begs the question, what would all of us want to see here?, a official machine carrying a cross all the Atari platforms with the posiblity of an App Store to which you could purchase these games yet again, with a posiblle addition of classic Atari coin-op games, like Marble Madness , pit fighter, paper boy that type of thing?

Also I'm tire of seeing the Atari 2600 taking preference on these concepts, what about the 7800, 5200 , jaguar, Lynx and A8 systems getting a look in now? Thinking outside the box..especially the AtariBox has to be more than just another updated Atari flashback number, I've being thinking here what possibilities could they captivate here?

Well, this may not be retro at all from what I've been reading.  Seems like this will be a modern system; however, it would be cool if it had the ability to play games for the various Atari systems.  I think that would bring appeal to the system for retro gamer and modern gamers alike. 

I hope you are both right. I am intrigued by this new box but very much on side with Greyfox regarding past titles. Just waiting to be blown away, though I doubt it. The Jaguar is a prime example of hype from Atari. Good console, bags of potential, under supported.

Cracking ideas GF, if they follow those lines I will be all over this at the right price.

Well, we now have our first looks at the Atari Box!  You can read about it here:   First look at the Ataribox design (http://mailchi.mp/fe72ea5be6f5/first-look-ataribox-design?e=%5BUNIQID%5D).

Just in case, here is one of the pictures.  Looks like they are trying to emulate the Atari 2600...

I like the look of it, now we just need to know what it does!

There's a black on black with red logo and lights also.  They both look cool.  Really curious about more details!

Does look pretty damn awesome.


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What's the speculation about what this thing will do then?


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They are saying that it will play classic games and modern games but things are not very clear right now. 

Yeah it's the modern aspect that's interesting. I guess the retro stuff is a straight forward question of what systems are emulated. Is this some sort of Android based stuff or more bespoke, I wonder. I reckon it will be fed from the web at least.


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I wonder if Atari will develop any new games based on their classic franchises for it.  That's what I'm hoping for.

I guess we'll have to wait to find out. 

Don't wait.......SPECULATE!!
Is it a Netflix style system? Will it be like the OUYA and fail just as spectacularly? Do Atari even know what it is, or what it wants to create? Is that why they're 'holding back' information in the hope that we'll speculate and they can gauge what we want as consumers? 4K Pacman!



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LOL  It'll be a uberpowered Atari 26,000 capable of 3D virtual reality gaming, 4K resolution, CD/DVD/BD playback, with online capablities that include multimedia (video, music, and streaming services).  How's that for speculation?  :)

I got this email today:

Ataribox: Coming Soon!

The buzz on Ataribox continues to grow, and we can’t wait to share more news in the weeks ahead.

Ataribox will first be made available via a crowdfunding campaign this Fall 2017 with shipments planned to start in Spring 2018.

Why Crowdfunding? Amazing brands are driven by amazing communities. Coming back to hardware is an important step for Atari, and something we intend to do carefully, hand-in-hand with the Atari community that loves our brand as much as we do. Crowdfunding is the ultimate community approach to bring great products to life; and for Atari, it allows us to reward our community with exclusive access, special editions, and include them as active participants in the rollout of the Ataribox.

Sign up now at www.ataribox.com to join our community and be among the first to get news and updates!

Cool, sounds like we should know more about it soon.

More info! http://www.pcgamer.com/amp/ataribox-will-run-linux-and-amd-custom-processor-will-cost-300/

Definitely more expensive than I thought it would be, and at that price I just don't know who this is for.

That is pricey indeed!  Why would anyone with a PS4 or XboxOne need this?

This will be a massive fail b


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Right idea. Horrible execution:/

Quote from: Shadowrunner on September 29, 2017, 01:25:34 AM
More info! http://www.pcgamer.com/amp/ataribox-will-run-linux-and-amd-custom-processor-will-cost-300/

Definitely more expensive than I thought it would be, and at that price I just don't know who this is for.

Ha, this sounds awesome. I'm in 8)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DYrTY4QU8AAPBnL.jpg)

New look and they are now calling it the Atari VCS. Supposed to be announcing pre-order date next month.

Hmm, I wonder if the change is in response to feedback. 

Looks really nice.


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I have to agree.  I do like the look of it.  Let's just hope it performs well.

I love that controller... on the left (http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx267/Saturn025/wub.gif)

Not attracted to the charming retro look of the one in the right?  ;)

Looks great. Hope it works as well and performs ok

Quote from: TrekMD on March 20, 2018, 03:03:09 AM
Not attracted to the charming retro look of the one in the right?  ;)

Ha, not as much.. :D

Quote from: Saturn on March 20, 2018, 02:24:19 AM
I love that controller... on the left (http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx267/Saturn025/wub.gif)

It is pretty cool seeing the Atari logo on the controller.

Just saw this:  In theory, this new Atari console is going to be awesome (https://www.androidcentral.com/theory-new-atari-console-going-be-awesome).

That actually sounds pretty good. Interested to hear what the price will be.

I like the Linux OS and the proposed capabilities. Definitely looking forward to this.
Full support...... like I was planning with the Coleco Chameleon.. :P

Time will tell what this thing will actually do.  I do love the look of it and it is really cool how the joystick lights up...

That joystick does look pretty cool! Though dont like the name, there was already a VCS pretty stupid to call it the same unless the hardware is just based on it which its not.

Price wise, the joystick alone looks premium cant see it being too cheap, as with the system being PC based rather than mobile ARM, so i guess it a minimum it would be mid-range pricing but have to wait and see.

That stick is very cool looking..

What confuses me is why is there no real chat on the specs and what they are aiming for this, again Atari or who ever these are need to look at the Spectrum next idea and invite homebrewers on board as lets face it the Atari HB scene is so vibrant.

I got an email from them and this is all they are saying about it right now:

Just like the original VCS, we’ve packed this system with all the power needed to bring a new kind of home computer experience right to your living room - while staying true to the classic entertainment heritage that Atari was built on.

We will be announcing our exclusive pre-order date for the Atari VCS during the month of April 2018. Just stay on the list - you're already signed up for the latest announcements about Atari VCS. Stay tuned.

I guess we'll find out next month what the system can really do.

Hardly revealing is it lol.


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Yep, a lot of words that amount to nothing!  LOL

I know the link was in the first post but I just joined the waiting list.
Can't wait to preorder! 8) 8)

Great video :)
Not like this one where guy seems extremely negative on the whole matter. Writes it off as an Indie box but to me, I'm glad it is. I don't share the same view. Kind of a downer on all the excitement:

Oh yes, I have that one saved to watch later.  It's been interesting seeing the mixed reaction to this new VCS.  Some people are offended by the name, some hate it because it is an indie box, some hate it just because it is this new "Atari" company trying to cash in.  Other people see it as something with great potential, think it is a great idea, like seeing Atari bringing this to the market.  People being people.  :)

You can’t please everyone sadly. I’m intrigued enough to want to know more.


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More speculation about the new VCS...

Sure doesn't sound like there's much to go on LOL.
Target demographic is "Atari moms" lmao. I must be one of those :p

Just leaving this here:  Rumor: First Games For Atari VCS Possibly Revealed (http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/04/09/ataribox-atari-vcs-first-games-revealed/).

If true it's good that they are getting support from Activision. If you're doing updated 2600 games you really need them.

Yes, I guess time will tell how true all of that is.  It's cool by me if it is.  :)

Interesting developments.. Wonder what level these updates will be, hopefully 16bit style.

Well, hopefully they honor the original titles.

Just saw this: Fresh Atari VCS Retro Console Details Revealed In Latest Atari Interview (https://hothardware.com/news/atari-vcs-details)

Hardly news lol, they wanted to put the vapour ware rumours to bed, ok I understand that but targeting two groups with one product seems a disaster to me, its been tried and failed many times before.

Exactly, its more no news than news, tbh unless something concrete comes up i’d rather treat it as vapourware which it currently is.

Looks like Atari is making a thing..apparently now has a landing pad on the 29th of May for the pre-order, early bird pricing at $199.99, so already they are out pricing the casual pick up and play the crowd, versus the cheap and cheerful Android alternatives .. I think this is for the die-hards to which there are many, but not enough to potentially justify the production costs IMO.

http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/04/30/1490222/0/en/Atari-Announces-Atari-VCS-Pre-Sale-Begins-May-30th-on-Indiegogo-With-Exclusive-Wood-Front-Collector-s-Edition-Onyx-Model-and-Accessories.html

I hope they have something real to announce about this box before that date.

Won't be interested personally at that price.

Yeah that's just too expensive, plus the fact that they are using crowd funding doesn't sit well with me. If they believe in the product then put up the money and produce it. They should be taking the risk, not the people buying it.

The price, the crowdfunding and the lack of details about it do not help. 

I WANT ONE!(http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/8.gif)

You would. You are banned from buying any of this stuff until we give you permission. Lol.


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Lmao
You rock 8)

I got an email earlier that pre orders will go live Wednesday :D
Details:

Click When Timer Hits 00:00:00:00
[insert big red button here]
(http://i.countdownmail.com/2ozur.gif)

Once the timer runs out, click on the red bar above to unveil your exclusive discounted Atari VCS Onyx.
Atari VCS Pre-Orders Open Next Wednesday,
May 30 at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET
You thought ahead to join this list, so we're making sure you'll be among the first to know as soon as your exclusive discount link goes live.

Plus: Even if the limited-quantity early bird deal runs out for the general public, you can be assured we've reserved these units for a week so you can still pre-order.
Click When Timer Hits 00:00:00:00
Start sharing your excitement today:
   Share on Facebook
   Tweet all about it
   Email to a friend

CAN'T WAIT!(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx267/Saturn025/wub.gif)

So, we have a week to preorder?  Because I'll be in the operating room when this goes live.

Looks like the specs have leaked.  See them here: Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/AtariVCS/comments/8mtuko/full_specs_of_the_atari_vcs_are_viewable_in_the/)

Quote from: TrekMD on May 29, 2018, 00:35:18 AM
Looks like the specs have leaked.  See them here: Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/AtariVCS/comments/8mtuko/full_specs_of_the_atari_vcs_are_viewable_in_the/)

It's getting hammered pretty hard in the comments. Makes no difference to me tho, still buying in. :D
Wish I had some extra money, I'd send one to zapiy's house(http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s603/SaturnRVG/Misc/Emoticons/laugh_zpsqfgqldgz.png)

I can see why.  The storage is really low if this is meant for modern gaming as well.  You can eat through 32 GB in no time.

Well, not only has this gotten funded in minutes, it is at 700% of goal as I write this.  I guess there is a bit of interest for it.  :)

Well here's the link to the Indiegogo campaign. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/atari-vcs-game-stream-connect-like-never-before-computers-pc#/?ref=pr

It's only been up for a few hours and they are sitting at almost $800,000! Looks like you're not alone Saturn!


Edit: Whoops, completely missed your post above Trek. Anyway it's now over 1.7 million!

I guess Atari fans have jumped on this looking at target already! Not sure there is enough content to warrant other people jumping this early, bar some old games and Tempest 4000 which is already out, hardware and joystick looks nice, but needs more software to stand out from and give a real reason to put money down.

Ugh, I've been on the road all day. About to order now, almost 9 hrs late...

Proceed with caution, the Vega scenario really puts me off I’m afraid.


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Well, let us hope that doesn't become the issue with this.

This video may be of interest...

Preorders are still going strong, apparently:  Atari VCS campaign almost at $3 million, adds 'Tribute Edition' option (https://www.cnet.com/news/atari-vcs-campaign-almost-at-3m-gets-new-tribute-edition-preorder-option/).

That's quite impressive given the negativity online via so many experts! ;D

Ex-what?!  People who used to be perts?  LOL

...............(http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/21.gif)

There is some drama going on:  Atari accuses El Reg of professional trolling and making stuff up. Welp, here's the interview tape for you to decide... (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/06/21/atari_interview_in_full/)

Always drama..

Sadly, yes. 

Will be interesting if this affects the long term prospects of this?

I guess it will depend on them and whatever they end up releasing.

I got this update today:

Tin Giant Officially Joins the Atari VCS Team

We’ve had lots of questions about the software developers, system architects, and designers working with us to bring the Atari VCSâ,,¢ to life. We have sourced the best of the best to work alongside our team at Atari to create our new hardware system. We are excited to finally pull back the curtain and introduce a team member who has been a “behind-the-scenes” contributor until now.

Rob Wyatt, the system architect of the original Xbox®️ console and a designer of graphics architecture for Playstation®️3 and other systems has been consulting with the Atari VCS team for many months and today we can officially welcome Rob and his company Tin Giant to the team.

Tin Giant has been engaged with Atari, plus AMD and lead hardware engineer Joe Moak, since last year to help define the Atari VCS product requirements, use cases, hardware, operating systems and more. For Atari’s backers and fans, it means that the VCS operating system and final system architecture are in some of the most capable and expert hands on the planet!

Having one of the best in the business help steer Atari VCS through our ongoing product development as we prepare for full production has been one more step forward on our journey to bring backers and fans the very best gaming and entertainment platform we can. We’re excited to dive deeper with you -- now with Rob’s official help -- into what’s had us so excited from the beginning.

Check out the full press announcement below and watch for an upcoming Q&A with Rob Wyatt. Please send your questions for Rob to HelloVCS@atari.com with the subject line: “Q&A Question For Rob” and we will pick the best and most popular ones for him to answer in an update next week.

Thanks for your continued support as we work to make Atari VCS the very best it can be!

That sounds good but I still don't trust them after the whole thing with the reporter.

I suppose time will tell.

Here is an interview with Kieren McCarty, "the journalist that Atari attacked." 

Here is the other side of the coin, courtesy of Atari:  Atari VCS Product Q&A #1 (https://medium.com/@atarivcs/atari-vcs-product-q-a-1-b2017894c15d).

It's a fascinating situation all this, so much drama lol.

Seems to be the theme of "the day."  Everything has to be surrounded by drama. 

Some of this does remind me of that Coleco Chameleon or whatever that was with fake video, the way Tempest 4000 was originally shown as running on early Atari VCS dev kits, later they said after people called them out it was just the PC version, and Jeff Minter didnt even know about the VCS let alone start to code anything for it, does make you wonder about anything else todo with the whole project.

Certainly not got to a good start in terms of trust.

It's been a while since anything got posted here about this.  I got an update today so I'm sharing it here:

Atari VCS 2019: More Power is Coming to the Atari VCS

Hello Backers!

The team entered the year 2019 with a lot of great momentum and excitement around the Atari VCS project, confident in our direction and progress. Atari is working with some of the top talent and companies in the business, all helping to implement the vision for both the product and all the elements that go into it.

This project’s integrity and backers’ emotional and financial investments are and will always be our top priorities. Today’s new Atari VCS blog, linked below, discusses our recent decision to upgrade to an all-new AMD chip, and its impact on the product’s delivery which is now end of 2019.

When reading the blog (https://medium.com/@atarivcs/more-power-is-coming-to-the-atari-vcs-20c02f3aefc2?r=slt-eml-bck-a2e0), we hope you all appreciate the reasons why we decided to make this upgrade and why, when given an opportunity to improve the product in exchange for a new delivery date, we chose to upgrade. Working together with project partners and stakeholders, we took the time to fully-mature this important decision before making it public. The team is listening to your comments and questions and are confident that this change positively reflects many of our fans’ and backers’ feedback.

We also acknowledge your requests for more frequent updates, but please bear in mind that Atari and its partners are constrained by mutually-agreed approval processes and other restrictions that may be legal, self-imposed, regulatory and/or some combination of these. Details about the product(s) and strategies of both Atari and its partners can and will be shared only when all stakeholders agree.

We cannot thank you enough for your support!

The Atari VCS Team

On the info I've just read it looks like to me just another games console emulator on a chip but I could be wrong.
Let's wait and see. 😀

Oh here it is. Www.atarivcs.com

I guess we'll find out towards the end of the year.

This is just too slow to market, by the time it comes out it will be superseded.

That's likely why they chose to upgrade the CPU even if it meant delaying the release.

Here is another update:

Hello Backers!

With the March AMD Ryzen upgrade announcement still fresh, the Atari VCS team spent four days at GDC in San Francisco where we met with numerous content providers and creators, distributors and others, before heading south to spend a full day with our engineering team to review and discuss the latest project developments, manufacturing schedules and status updates for the VCS.

Now that the AMD news and broader schedule change has been revealed, there is other news that we can now start sharing!

First up today is an all-new Official Atari VCS blog entry featuring a comprehensive overview of the updated industrial design architecture of the Atari VCS. The team is incredibly excited about the design and feature changes that have been made to prepare the VCS for final production. As we provide additional updates over the next few weeks and months, we think that fans and backers will appreciate all the thought and care that went into shaping our decisions.

One important thing to clarify for everyone right now is that all Atari VCS products are on the same timeline. Joysticks, Controllers and VCS systems ordered through the Indiegogo campaign and Backerkit platform will all ship to backers on the same schedule, regardless of whether they are standalone units or part of a bundle. This also applies to the rollout of retail product what it happens.

Thanks again for the ongoing support, kind words, and to the many new contributors to the Atari VCS campaign in recent months. It’s truly humbling that so many Atari fans around the world are not only excited about our first new game and entertainment system in decades, but willing to get behind it and help make it a reality. We appreciate all our passionate fans and are grateful to have each and every one of you on this journey with us!

Cheers for the update.

People are still saying nothing but negative stuff and turning the updates into something bad.

Here's the latest updates:

Hello Backers!

In case you missed it: AMD has now officially announced its new Ryzenâ,,¢ Embedded R1000 SoC in a press release on April 16th, 2019. They proudly mention the Atari VCS partnership and included the following quote from Atari:

“With the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 powering the Atari VCS, we can support the 4K 60fps HDR content that users expect from a modern, secure gaming and entertainment system.” said Michael Arzt, COO of Atari Connected Devices. “AMD’s new Ryzen Embedded SoC will also help protect the VCS’ environment and content as we support an unprecedented open-access model that allows Atari’s highly-creative community to install any other operating system side by side with the Atari OS.”

We are thrilled to be among the first companies to utilize this exciting new AMD product. We are also honored to be partnered with AMD and incredibly pleased with how well everything is proceeding with the Atari VCS project thanks to their assistance.

The team really appreciated all the great feedback regarding the updated design of the Atari VCS after our last update! Stay-tuned for a deep-dive into all the details of the final Classic Joystick and Modern Controller designs in our next Medium blog coming soon.

Thanks again!

â€" The Atari VCS Team

Cheers for that mate.


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Yes, I get the emails also. I agree Trek, it is amazing, given how much support has been shown, that a number of sites and individuals still bash the VCS. There are many arguments to have over originality, Atari of old and the competition. However, this is a new product which, admittedly has been annoyingly delayed, should be judged as such. Something new on the market. I say, let’s go with it and see what we get when this thing is finally released.

We have another exciting update today and will be sharing the latest news from the world of Atari VCS peripherals. Our latest Atari VCS developer blog showcases the improvements and final designs of the Atari Classic Joystick and Atari Modern Controller, the first two all-new Atari input devices designed specifically for the VCS that will be shipping to our Indiegogo backers, alongside the system itself; and then to the world.

These two awesome input devices have come a long way and benefitted from a number of iterations and enhancements since we first showed them last year. We think you will like what you see and learn. Speaking of Indiegogo, in case you still need to order an actual VCS system, and/or have fallen hard for these sweet new Joysticks and Controllers after reading the new blog -- all the products are currently still available via Indemand on our Indiegogo campaign page.

Why wait any longer to see them? Jump over to the latest Atari VCS Medium blog and learn all about the cool things that the Atari VCS and PowerA teams have been working on for you!

Link to the latest Atari VCS project blog at Medium.com (https://medium.com/@atarivcs/peripherals-update-designed-for-atari-vcs-in-partnership-with-powera-252685b0f2f1)

Based on an update posted today, we have an official launch month for the system:  March 2020.

The Atari VCS team is pleased to make some exciting announcements at the dawn of the 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

The Atari VCS campaign on Indiegogo has officially come to a close and the Atari VCS Official Online Pre-Sale has now begun! Shop now for Atari VCS systems and accessories in the USA at GameStop.com, Walmart.com and of course, the relaunched AtariVCS.com.

New models and configurations can now be viewed and ordered for products that will start shipping in March 2020. Additional retailers and international markets will be announced.

I hope this ends up being successful but I think the price could be a big problem for most. The basic unit for $250 is quite a bit already but the deluxe version with more ram and both controllers is going for $390!

That's quite a bit of $$$ for the full package. 

Have just seen this on a social media and I have to say I'm quite concerned for those that paid and backed this project as Atari seem to be ignoring their audience, understandably things change direction and rarely do they actually ever arrive on time, but Atari aren't doing themselves any favours here..

Have a look : https://www.theregister.co.uk/AMP/2019/09/25/atari_retro_console/

Oh boy.  That keeps looking worse and worse. 

I'm afraid I don't have a lot of sympathy for anyone who coughed up money based on what evidence was available.

I hope it works out for people but I really don't see it at this point unless they pull a magic rabbit out of a hat.

Shocking state of affairs to be honest.

It's really unfortunate because this drags the Atari name further down the drain.

Holy crap, glad I didn't buy in!

Looks like Atari knows what's going on and they've posted an update...

The whole thing is a mess and doesn’t show any promise now 😐

The above of what Trek has posted is collateral damage control with liaising the premise for the money investment which diverts from for what the actually specifications of the machine and it UI it will use, if they truly had any real progress of the hardware they would have retroactively promoted across all social media and news portals, the above is simply a diversion while they conduct additional fire control while they progress with development. I know they are working on real hardware it's just it could be a case of Atari thinking that this is still the nineties where R&D and cost of chips etc. are at the same price ranges 😆

When it arrives, I'm sure it's going to be lambasted for not having this or that..and is the way of he general public these days.

There's a phrase there that makes you wonder what the heck they've been doing: "Funds have been allocated to Atari VCS development..."  When?  Now?!?!?

And now there is an official update sent by "Atari."


Hello Backers, Fans, and Followers!

Ready for some exciting new Atari VCS news? After a bit more radio-silence than we’d planned, we’re now ready to talk about something you’ve all been wanting to hear a lot more about: games!

And it’s not just a few games either. We’re talking about thousands of games, ready for you to play, at the launch of the Atari VCS. As you are reading this, we have dropped a press release announcing our exclusive partnership with Antstream Arcade to deliver the entire retro Atari games back catalog to the Atari VCS, along with thousands of other fully-licensed classic games available on the Antstream service. So, along with beloved Atari classics like Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command, there are thousands of additional arcade, desktop, and console titles available, such as Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja, Double Dragon, Jumpman, Metal Slug and many others.

Please check out the full Atari VCS / Antstream Arcade PR announcement here. (https://atarivcs.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=514d5e8e2ca64b78c0c6f5a2e&id=fe689bd72a&e=51d8404f59)

Then check out the latest Atari VCS Medium Blog here, for additional details about this exciting partnership. (https://atarivcs.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=514d5e8e2ca64b78c0c6f5a2e&id=8c1cb0bc88&e=51d8404f59)

You can find all the previous Atari VCS developer blog posts here. (https://atarivcs.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=514d5e8e2ca64b78c0c6f5a2e&id=0609f188e1&e=51d8404f59)

Once again, please complete your BackerKit survey as soon as possible. There are still more than 300 backers who need to do this. Check your spam filter for the address you used on Indiegogo if you have not seen the emails from BackerKit or go to https://atari-vcs.backerkit.com/ and request a survey. This survey and your backer profile is the best way to ensure that you will get all the right products sent to the right place at the right time.

As always, thanks again to every backer for your ongoing support. Things are heating up!

⁠â€" The Atari VCS Team

Okay..nicely done by Atari..but back catalogue isn't exactly lighting the world on fire here, that can be played on a ton of other devices before this so this is a snooze update. It great that they've announced a partnership with them but what is there coming that sets the machine apart? Where are the exclusive? Even BitmapSoft have those? 😆

Nothing about release, nothing about specs very late in the game now, nothing about upcoming games, nothing about the outlined plans going forward for the future? I get it that they are committed to this been a possible long term entity but I think they and the name can be used to sit tight and operate off the strength of the brand f alone, not really feeling obligated to it's users base with the simple questions I've posted above. And I firmly believe the pricing is far fetched too. I would have purchased one of these if it had been the 120-150 mark, but I guess that should be a reality when people no longer want them anymore and I'll end up getting it for that price longterm. 🥳

And I read that owners of the Atari Box will still have to pay for the subscription to that service! 

Piss poor but I guess it was never going to be free.

It's free for one month.  Then, you've got to pay.

It’s all becoming a bad dream. I am losing faith in this project, fast.

I already lost it mate.

Such a shame.

Here's is another update:

Hello Backers, Fans, and Followers!

Things have gotten really exciting around the Atari offices and in the Atari VCS engineering lab. We know people are talking about our big Antstream Arcade announcement, but the PCB board photo we shared triggered plenty of its own conversation and speculation as well. While we definitely have plans to follow-up the Antstream partnership with more news about games and content, we will now shift the conversation back to the status of the Atari VCS hardware. Jump over to Medium and check out our newest Atari VCS Developer Blog (https://medium.com/@atarivcs/atari-vcs-plastics-thermals-and-internals-f72e61897b81) to find the latest on the development process as we rapidly approach mass production. We have lots of new photos and illustrations to share, and hope that you find the latest peek behind the scenes interesting.

That's good to see...but...this is not good...not good at all? Again Atari have fallen on one bad decisions one after the next here..

On side they are taking flight and on the other they are bombing like a lead balloon 😖

Read on.. https://www.theregister.co.uk/AMP/2019/10/08/atari_architect_quits/#click=https://t.co/BoVVchqyMw

Lovely.  From bad to worse.

This is going down the pan, fast.

Here is a video from John Hancock about this whole mess...

Immortal? More like dickhead.
If you cut out all the times he said frustrating, train wreck and disaster, his report would've been about 2 minutes long lol.

I believe it's not going to happen or will be a farce, at best. So happy I opted not to go all in.
Sounded so nice over a year ago when it was first announced that preorders were available. Who knew it
would crumble this hard...
He mentioned the Chameleon, this sounds a lot worse! Damn shame.

And here is another video that does a "deep dive."  This situation goes from bad to worse.  Very sad as it is smearing the Atari name more and more.  Someone who cares needs to buy the name back and save it.

Yikes, he picked it apart in detail! Scary stuff..

Yep, he sure did!  Very informative precisely because he goes into detail. 

And here we have Atari's rebuke of all this stuff:  Atari disputes reports that its retro-inspired console is doomed (https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/10/20907755/atari-vcs-troubled-development-architect-operating-system-crowdfunding-campaign?fbclid=IwAR0cyS3pNfTjev_Ixqvhrq3vEsHo15qvh5sNrs1pNvL7hOIFIRx3M9Kqzvw).

When someone wants money up front to develop a prototype - that sends me a message that they do not believe in the project.  Someone who believes in it would invest some time and money to build a prototype. Then see if it can be productised - THEN look for funding.

The whole thing smelt bad to me. $300? pre-order with the info they gave? Thanks but no thanks.

And this goes from worse, to much worse:  Atari's retro console project appears to be completely falling apart (https://mashable.com/article/atari-vcs-development-hell/?fbclid=IwAR2v2yVpUYRh8KfgFY7Nae5P1hqdTFgPoPSqfenrC4yOjv8OXV6t9T-4ha0).

Well, while it's falling apart over there, it seems to be coming together over here lol.
https://medium.com/@atarivcs/atari-vcs-q-a-with-coo-michael-arzt-645c1a6d3e0

And reality is somewhere in the middle?

Crazy set of circumstances.

It sure is!

That's actually looking a lot better.

I may have to eat my words. Will see.

A lot of people may find themselves eating their words!  Only time will tell.

This looks very promising and it might the case Atari will have the haters retreating back to their caves. 😆

https://medium.com/@atarivcs/the-latest-from-the-atari-vcs-factory-its-all-in-the-details-now-6c8ed3365231

Well, they sure aren't quiet themselves any more.

Very interesting 🤞

Latest email showed this...

I am very excited about the bottom right corner picture 🤞❤️😎😁🎉

Oh, that does look like something special!

Quote from: TrekMD on January 17, 2020, 23:51:33 PM
Oh, that does look like something special!

Indeed and for modern gamers, apparently they have shown off the box playing “Fortnight” without fault - https://www.bleedingcool.com/2020/01/18/apparently-you-can-play-fortnite-on-the-atari-vcs/?utm_source=most_popular&utm_medium=widget&utm_campaign=most_popular_mobile

That's cool. 

I found this interview on YouTube about the new Atari VCS.  Interesting to listen to what is said about the project and what the plans are...

Another delay, though this one is quite plausible and not their fault if true:  Atari VCS console delayed, report blames Coronavirus outbreak (https://us.blastingnews.com/gaming/2020/02/atari-vcs-console-delayed-yet-again-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-003063581.html).

I’m sure this will struggle big time now anyway.

That's a real shame. I've had items delayed that I ordered, but they are saying it's got to do with their Chinese New Year lmao...i never thought that ordering online interfered is somebody packing it up and handing it over to the carrier? Lol

God knows how long it will take..probably the same length of time this Atari VCS will take to come out? I hope they can get through their issues and release sooner rather than later.

Chinese New Years closes down all business in China. Now with the coronavirus, all the factories are not even at full capacity.  This is affecting the Evercade as well (delayed ~2 months) and it is even affecting Apple.  Apple is losing millions of dollars daily because the factories are no manufacturing the iPhones for the very same reason.  So, it affecting Atari shouldn't come as a surprise. 

Apple Signals Coronavirus’s Threat to Global Businesses (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/17/technology/apple-coronavirus-economy.html)

I got this on email today and thought I'd share it (I've even kept the formatting!).  Excited or not, here you go...


________________________________________________________________________________

The Atari VCS will ship in the following order:

    1. Original Indiegogo backers who have prepaid for Atari VCS (sold out)
    2. Individuals who have pre-ordered via AtariVCS.com or one of our retail partners.
    3. Individuals on the Atari VCS waiting list

The price is outrageous as far as I am concerned.

Hell hath frozen!

(https://i.imgur.com/hyD4vLT.jpg)

Atari VCS Production Officially Begins

Today’s update marks an important event as we “Flip the switch” on Atari VCS mass production!

That’s right; this week, mass production on the first new Atari VCS systems is underway. Our Indiegogo campaign page header has changed to show that Atari VCS is officially in the “Production” stage.

This is the batch of approximately 500 pieces as mentioned previously. These important Atari VCS Onyx systems are mainly earmarked for additional content developers, merchant and distributor samples and other critical business uses such as standard reliability testing, in advance of the full 10,000 unit run of Collector’s Edition and Onyx units going to our valued Indiegogo Backers, and then more units for our following customers.

Technically, we have been in various phases of “Production” for many months, but the team always felt that it wouldn't be right to change the header until we enter mass production.

We and our partners continue fighting hard to overcome the ongoing supply chain obstacles to the full Indiegogo run, and are doing everything in our power so that you backers -- being first in line -- can actually be playing with your Atari VCS as soon as practicable. As always, we'll provide more updates as we are able.

The entire Atari team hopes you, your family and friends all stay safe and healthy during these unprecedented times, and send our sincere gratitude and well-wishes to all the medical and front-line workers around the world.

More soon…

â€" The Atari VCS Team

Another update from Atari...


We hope that each of you, your families, and your friends are staying safe and healthy during the quarantine. This unusual period has presented many challenges, but also afforded some opportunities for the Atari VCS team to capitalize on the extra time that comes with staying put. May 30th, 2020 marks the two year anniversary of the Atari VCS campaign on Indiegogo, and while to some it may feel like it's been even longer, we know it's all been worth it. The Atari VCS has come a long way and it’s almost here! Still, we ask that everyone please remember that to successfully make these final steps, as short as they are, the Atari VCS remains fully-dependent on the China supply and manufacturing chain returning to normal conditions.

Despite the ongoing travel restrictions, we continue working closely with our manufacturing partners to finalize the production and delivery of the Atari VCS system and accessories this year. The team is spending more time than ever on trans-continental video conferences to make up for the lost factory visits. The first batch of ~500 Atari VCS has made steady progress to completion, with some key discoveries along the way that have allowed the teams to further refine the production processes.

Atari VCS team members and a closed test-group have been putting the hardware and software through their paces over the past several weeks. Head over to our newest Atari VCS Developer Blog on Medium (https://medium.com/@atarivcs/an-anniversary-production-updates-and-home-testing-underway-1061dc880703?source=friends_link&sk=58478ca593a0feff48ed1d253322f8e2&utm_source=Subscribers&utm_campaign=e51d4441f3-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_22_05_00_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7859bb25ac-e51d4441f3-16669793) to read our latest update. We think you will be pretty excited when you see some of the games and apps that testers have been running on their Atari VCS units.

Looks like Atari has announced some "exclusive" titles for the VCS...

Hey, at least they have a cool animated GIF for the VCS...

OMG, there's an official launch date for the VCS!  Atari VCS Launching November 27th for $389.99  (https://realotakugamer.com/atari-vcs-launching-november-27th-for-389-99).

Nice to see an actual date but wow that is expensive. Atari has their fans who will buy this but I don't see the average person buying one at that price.

I don't either.  That is too costly and we really know very little of what the console offers.  It'll be very hard to compete with Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo!

Who is the target market for this?

Quote from: zapiy on July 12, 2020, 17:58:21 PM
Who is the target market for this?

Good question.  I think only Atari can answer that right now, particularly with the price tag they have given this thing.

New interview with Atari's COO: Atari VCS July 2020 Q&A with COO (https://medium.com/@atarivcs/atari-vcs-july-2020-q-a-with-coo-381f121f664c)

I just read this article, which has an interesting take on Atari's new console:  Forget Chromeboxes, Atari’s VCS 800 May be My Next Chrome OS Desktop (https://chromeunboxed.com/forget-chromeboxes-ataris-vcs-800-may-be-my-next-chrome-os-desktop/)

They make some good points. I've already said I don't think this is for the average person, but maybe it doesn't have to be. Atari made a niche product that will appeal to their fans and tech people that have to have everything. From what I've read about it now it sounds like it's going to be a good little device. If the price came down a bit I'd be tempted to get one.

Yes, I figured it was a good article to share.  I'm very curious to see what happens with this system once it is actually released. 

Well, looks like these are finally ready to ship for backers...

QuoteHello Backers!

We hope everyone had a safe and happy summer, despite the ongoing pandemic, and was able to enjoy some time with friends and family.

With the official arrival of fall, we are excited to report that much of the Indiegogo production run is already well on its way, crossing the ocean and headed to Atari’s fulfillment warehouse in California.  As long-promised, Indiegogo backers will be the world’s first customers to receive their Atari VCS systems and accessories!

It was an incredibly busy summer at the Atari VCS and PowerA factories as the various teams worked hard to deliver the units. Mass production is almost complete, only the Wireless Classic Joysticks remain to complete.

The biggest mission-critical element to assure smooth shipping is making sure every backer has the correct addressand contact information in their Backerkit account. Amazingly, more than 200 backers still have not done this! Please visit https://atari-vcs.backerkit.com to confirm your info and avoid frustrating delivery hassles! This is a self-serve function that cannot be done on Indiegogo and the very best way to assure a trouble-free delivery of your VCS.

In the meantime, please check out our newest Medium blog post for behind the scenes information and tons of great photos from the factory loading docks and assembly line, including backers’ first chance to see a finished Atari VCS 800 Collector’s Edition.

More updates coming soon!

-- The Atari VCS Team

Interesting, look forward to seeing peoples views on it as it lands.

So, then there is this:  Unboxing Atari VCS - Guntech is coming! (https://www.janipenttinen.com/post/unboxing-atari-vcs)

It does look nice. I'm interested to see how it does.

It looks lovely but the price is still no good for me.

I agree, although for me that has more to do with the timing than the actual cost. This is basically a mini PC and for everything it's supposed to do I don't think it's that bad a price. If it came out a couple of years earlier or later I would probably get one but coming out at the same time as next gen consoles I just don't have the money to spare right now.

DO THE MATH probably won't work for a slogan this time ;D

If they had just produced that casing for the Pi with a nice bit of software to load onto it then it would have sold pretty well.

That may have been easier!

Rerez posted this video talking about Atari, the old and the current one...

Well, I got a notification today asking me to make sure I had my order info and address up to date.  It seems that these are going to be shipping soon for real.

Quote from: TrekMD on November 12, 2020, 02:53:09 AM
Well, I got a notification today asking me to make sure I had my order info and address up to date.  It seems that these are going to be shipping soon for real.

Great! After all the delays and bad press, can't wait to hear what you think after spending some time with it.
I'm still in for an Onyx but waiting for 'actual' feedback. That may be tricky as a lot of people will probably be negative intentionally as pay back to Atari for making them wait. :P

Yeah, I'm sure it will get negative reviews just to spite "Atari."  We'll see how it actually performs.

Got this update today:

Happy Thanksgiving Atari VCS Fans!

We are thankful to be on the verge of shipping out the first batches of Atari VCS units and wanted to give you all a brief update.

A small number of the Classic Joysticks we have been waiting for were finally released by customs and delivered to the fulfilment center. While there are no guarantees, we anticipate the balance will be released and arrive very soon so that the sorting and packing may begin. Yes, for the first time, finished VCS units, controllers and joysticks are all in the same place at the same time!

We hope that everyone has had a chance to check out some of the recent Atari VCS game news that Atari and our partners have been putting out. Head over to our Atari VCS blog on Medium to learn about the Atari VCS Vault, Missile Command: Recharged, The Spirit of the Samurai, Neko Ghost, Jump!, and SuperMash. Or visit developer Jani Penttinen’s YouTube channel for a deep dive into Guntech, his upcoming launch title and the Atari VCS hardware itself.

There will be many more game and partner announcements and reveals on the way soon!

Until next time... have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

  -- The Atari VCS Team

Some of these area shipping and here is a video that has been posted looking at it. 

Cool to see it shipping. Sounds like it still needs a bit of work but I'm sure it will improve over time.

Mine is coming!  I got my tracking info today.  I'll get it Christmas Eve! 

Nice! Probably been a long time since you got a brand new Atari console for Christmas. ;)

Quote from: Shadowrunner on December 18, 2020, 02:14:09 AM
Nice! Probably been a long time since you got a brand new Atari console for Christmas. ;)

Oh, a decade or two.  Give or take.  LOL

Just learned of these games that are coming to the VCS...

Here is the unboxing video by John Hancock covering the Atari VCS.  It was just posted today.  Check it out...

Does it only come in the Darth Vader color scheme? Hahaha!

Quote from: onthinice on January 08, 2021, 16:20:29 PM
Does it only come in the Darth Vader color scheme? Hahaha!

No, I have the woodgrain one.  The Vader one is the standard version.

I set up mine.  I was reminded this is a modern console when it started with the famous updates, including a BIOS update.  The console is surprisingly hefty.  The thing is completely upgradeable.  You can change the hard drive, add RAM, etc.  Not sure that is something I'll venture doing myself.  Time will tell. 

The console itself looks cool.  I like how the logo lights up.  The controllers are not hefty.  The joystick controller looks quite cool with the LED's but you do have to used to it for navigating menus, etc.  The modern controller is better for navigating.  The joystick works well for playing the retro games, though. 

Right now the online store doesn't have a lot of games, so I would hope that changes.  The Atari Vaults are there and it includes some arcade games that don't really have any home ports (like Black Widow).  The games do play well and it is rather cool being able to play these games on the system.  I know there are some exclusives being worked on by independent developers, so I'm looking forward to see where things go.  Whether the VCS succeeds or not, the system is a bit of video game history.

Just watched this video.  For anyone wondering if the system can be hacked and what sort of emulation can be played with it...

Thanks for the info Trek. :) I hope it does succeed.

Agree. Thank you!

It's been a while since anything has been said about the VCS, so here's a video from John Hancock looking at some games and his thoughts on the future of the console...

Looks like Atari is making a modernized version of Food Fight for the VCS. Developed in partnership with Mega Cat Studios, Food Fight will unleash a storm of sloppy joes and juicy lucys in frenetic multiplayer action.  Food Fight will launch as an exclusive on the Atari VCS in early 2022, and be added to PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch later in the year.

Read more here:  Food Fight (https://atarivcs.medium.com/charley-chuck-is-coming-to-the-atari-vcs-in-a-remake-of-the-classic-arcade-and7800-title-food-fight-7f4e42053cf4)

That's cool. Food Fight is a lot of fun. If it turns out good I'll get it on Xbox.

I hope they don't screw it up!

Mega cat are flying.