Another Linux-based gaming system is coming, this time from Atari. The Ataribox [Official Site] will run on an AMD processor and it sounds quite interesting.
It will use an AMD customized processor, with Radeon Graphics technology. This likely means a proper CPU for a desktop and not an ARM chip like found in other devices. It runs Linux, but they will be customizing the interface as it's mainly aimed at using it like a console on a TV. Even so, they say it will give a "full PC experience for the TV". You will also apparently get full access to the underlying Linux system, so there might possibly be a proper Linux desktop included to achieve this.
It sounds like it's going to remain quite open too, as they say you will be able to access games purchased from other "content platforms" as long as it's Linux-compatible. So, it sounds like installing Steam will be possible for example.
It will come pre-loaded with classic Atari games too and even some current titles from a range of different studios. It will be interesting to see if these current titles are games already on Linux, or games they will get ported. If they are new ports, I hope they continue to be open with them and not do some kind of exclusive "Ataribox store" deal. They say we will learn more about the titles soon, so I will keep you updated.
It will launch on Indiegogo soon, they say "this fall". It might seem strange for a bigger company to go to crowdfunding, but they say this is because they want the community to be part of the launch. Honestly though, it's mainly so there's less risk involved for them, but it's also a good way for them to gauge real interest in it.
As for the proper launch, that will be in "late Spring 2018" with a price between $249-$299. That depends on what edition and configuration is purchased.
The wood edition, pictured above, is made with real wood. Now that I would love to sit next to my TV! That's a real unit, not a render.
This is something that could help push Linux gaming further. Especially if it really will be as open as they claim, it could help Linux gain even more support from developers. I don't want to overstate how well it will help though, since it's not going to be massively powerful. Even so, it's hard not to get excited about the possibilities here. Another big name pushing Linux gaming can only be a good thing for us.
While Valve's Steam Machines didn't do as much as some people hoped, it did open up Linux a lot more to game developers and we've now got thousands of games on Linux as a result of Steam coming to Linux and later the SteamOS announcement. Perhaps this small kick from Atari will help continue progress, but who knows.
What do you think to this? Exciting or not? I will likely grab one, the price seems good and it sounds like a fun platform. It also looks pretty awesome!
Update: For those curious if it's really real (there's been a few comments about it across our various social groups). Here's the press email, also the official Atari Twitter account even linked to it, as did the official Atari Facebook. On top of that, it seems the AMD CEO is excited by it.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: MohandevirMicorsoft Surface with Windows 10S. Their hardware, their OS. They will try to convince gamers to use the Xbox One X to stream to the Surface. That's Microsoft's vision of the future. Not sure it's going to happen but it's heading this way.Windows 10s is Microsoft's answer to ChromeOS. In essence it's the next Windows RT. A lightweight, stripped down Windows with very limited software compatibility and application base, enforced Bing etc. It's an example of a new platform instead of trying to close down an existing one. I certainly don't see it as a threat.
Mohandevir Oct 3, 2017
Quoting: tuubiWindows 10s is Microsoft's answer to ChromeOS. In essence it's the next Windows RT. A lightweight, stripped down Windows with very limited software compatibility and application base, enforced Bing etc. It's an example of a new platform instead of trying to close down an existing one. I certainly don't see it as a threat.
Atm, no, but Windows 10S will have the side effect of making people to integrate and use the Windows Store. Games may be found in the Windows store too... Why not use it on my gaming rig then? No need of Steam anymore.
It's not going to be an overnight change. Creating habits they call that? Think about the kids at school that will have their first experiences on computer on Win10S machines...
This said, I really hope that you are right, but do not underestimate Microsoft.
Edit: Problem with quote.
Last edited by Mohandevir on 3 October 2017 at 4:31 pm UTC
Quoting: MohandevirThis said, I really hope that you are right, but do not underestimate Microsoft.Hard to underestimate a company that scrapes the bottom of the barrel so regularly. I gave up with them and their products about 16 years ago and they haven't yet made me regret my decision.
Microsoft can struggle all they want, but they're simply not the only big fish in the pond any more. They're still the biggest in the desktop computing space, but that simply means anything they do to push others off the playing field is considered anticompetitive.
slaapliedje Oct 4, 2017
Quoting: MohandevirQuoting: stretch611As for a Half-Life 3 exclusive on Linux... it isn't going to happen. Valve is a corporation seeking profit. While the numbers of linux users is increasing, it is dwarfed by windows gamers. They will not annoy the majority of their market by making them wait even longer.
Half Life 3 isn't going to happen... End of discussion. Didn't I specify that HL3 is an example in my previous comment? I was just stating the fact that Steam Machines would have been much more successfull if Valve had released them with an exclusive game. I know the official position of Valve about exclusives. It was all hypothetical to show that if Steam Machines had been a success, all the issues about compatibilty and performances would have been taken care of a long time ago. Larger player base = Better support.
This said, there is a nuance to make: Steam Machines and SteamOS are 2 diffrent things. The failure of the Steam Machines doesn't mean that SteamOS is a failure. SteamOS still has a lot of potential. Like you said, it's an awesome tool to prevent Microsoft from doing something foolish. But yeah, Valve could put a lot more of it's weight behind it.
I've been spouting this out at people for so long, but they just keep saying "SteamOS is a failure" or "Valve dropped all support for it." Come on, we all know the 'Valve time'. The fact they already have a release based on Debian Stretch is amazing on how much resources they have dedicated to it. Steam Machines... well it's arguable how much of a failure they are since Dell did do a hardware refresh on them a while back. But I'm still not sure if that was just bleed down from them updating essentially the same system with Windows. I think all the other ones have been stopped for production.
But it kind of sounds like Ataribox (hope they change the name, please change it...) will be SteamOS-ish. So not sure what the deal is there though. My hopes are kind of meh on that...
I think Valve isn't really in the hardware business. While yes they created the Link and Controller, they're both simply physical accessories to Big Picture Mode. It's kind of the same case with SteamVR how anyone can make a headset that complies with the API, while Valve themselves don't manufacture the hardware.
Mohandevir Oct 4, 2017
Quoting: slaapliedjeQuoting: MohandevirQuoting: stretch611As for a Half-Life 3 exclusive on Linux... it isn't going to happen. Valve is a corporation seeking profit. While the numbers of linux users is increasing, it is dwarfed by windows gamers. They will not annoy the majority of their market by making them wait even longer.
Half Life 3 isn't going to happen... End of discussion. Didn't I specify that HL3 is an example in my previous comment? I was just stating the fact that Steam Machines would have been much more successfull if Valve had released them with an exclusive game. I know the official position of Valve about exclusives. It was all hypothetical to show that if Steam Machines had been a success, all the issues about compatibilty and performances would have been taken care of a long time ago. Larger player base = Better support.
This said, there is a nuance to make: Steam Machines and SteamOS are 2 diffrent things. The failure of the Steam Machines doesn't mean that SteamOS is a failure. SteamOS still has a lot of potential. Like you said, it's an awesome tool to prevent Microsoft from doing something foolish. But yeah, Valve could put a lot more of it's weight behind it.
I've been spouting this out at people for so long, but they just keep saying "SteamOS is a failure" or "Valve dropped all support for it." Come on, we all know the 'Valve time'. The fact they already have a release based on Debian Stretch is amazing on how much resources they have dedicated to it. Steam Machines... well it's arguable how much of a failure they are since Dell did do a hardware refresh on them a while back. But I'm still not sure if that was just bleed down from them updating essentially the same system with Windows. I think all the other ones have been stopped for production.
But it kind of sounds like Ataribox (hope they change the name, please change it...) will be SteamOS-ish. So not sure what the deal is there though. My hopes are kind of meh on that...
I think Valve isn't really in the hardware business. While yes they created the Link and Controller, they're both simply physical accessories to Big Picture Mode. It's kind of the same case with SteamVR how anyone can make a headset that complies with the API, while Valve themselves don't manufacture the hardware.
Valve time... Yeah, so true. This is why we haven't seen the advertised UI overhaul yet and it's not Linux related. ;)
slaapliedje Oct 4, 2017
Let's just say right now I use the Steam Link, and my brother and I played through Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite last weekend, and it was a blast. Granted that is a Windows game, but think of all the great fighting games supported by MAME.
Can't do that on the PS4, though arguably you can do it on a raspberry Pi. I've said before, I would be all for this, but at the same time I don't think I want to back it on crowd funding, since it's done by some rather shady individuals. Brian Fargo gets my crowd funding money, because he's delivered already two games that I wanted (Wasteland 2 and Numera.) But this Feargal Mac guy has already had some fishy results.
Atari has a name, but I don't think this little machine will be a gamechanger for itself. It might be a financial success, it may become something we want in our living room, but from a mainstream-gamer perspective, it will most probably "fail" as only dominance is a win for those.
AMD and Nvidia getting their Vulkan-Drivers into Mesa. Atari and Sega releasing new consoles. An semi-exclusive startup by valve, sega and atari. All at the same time. That might really change things drastically.
slaapliedje Oct 4, 2017
All I know is I want a fully ASCII version of Adventure! (okay, you can use ANSI colours).
SteamVR = acessory.
Nintendo didnt made all their acessorys, they outsourced some of then, that dont mean they arent into HW business.
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