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.
who cares, modern Atari is just awful shell of the old Atari, somehow people have forgot that Atari went bankrupt and Infogrames Entertainment bought it, so this new/modern Atari has nothing to do with the old one...nothing..accept the brand.You start saying "who cares" because the new Atari isn't the old Atari, you know what, i don't care.
also it seems this "modern Atari" is way more interestered about "political correct games" instead of making good games (like Ubisoft, EA and Activision)..at least that's how I interpreted this.
I can understand that you don't like "more inclusive games" (maybe you are one of those alt-right morons) but i can't respect it as you can see (yes, you can say i'm triggered, another thing i don't care). Your post is so ridiculous that you just said that Ubisoft, EA and Activision make good games, are you kidding me? In which universe?? (You actually made me laugh)
I'll try to prove you that Ubi, EA and Activision are doing some shitty games, but with the arguments of a braindead alt-right scum.
EA celebrates LGBT:
https://www.ea.com/news/ea-celebrates-lgbt-pride-month
Ubisoft trying to push liberal agenda:
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/09/25/assassins-creed-to-add-first-transgender-character/
And what can i say about Activision, Tracer from Overwatch is a lesbian so... I think that EVERY damn company does some PINKWASHING so they can clean their image.
I hope this Ataribox to have a great success, i don't care about Atari's games, i'm only thinking on Linux future right now, if the console sells only because it is "Atari" it's a good thing for all of us. Just like people is paying today for those MiniNES and MiniSNES, and Nintendo is so much different now.
I actully did mean that Ubisoft, EA and Activision also care more about making politically correct games than good games...it seems I wrote/edited little bit hastily (as I was in a hurry) and thats why it may look like I meant the opposite of what I actually wanted to say.
anyway, about the Atari thing, why I dont care about this new modern Atari is that I have really no trust in that company after they released those horrible remakes (and its shady background)...and I really could give less of a shit that they use Linux on their new gaming system ...if you do, more power to you.
i hate to say that, but i've seen this happening before, people asked for windows instead of linux, and i'm afraid that might happen again
I was skeptical of Steam Machines when they were announced in 2012 for the reason, it's a product filling a niche between a PC and a console but doesn't do either job as well as the respective platforms.
Looks to me Atari is just rehashing the same concept.
care to translate this line?
i really didnt had an atari-childhood but i played some of those games on other platforms.
sega on the other hand...
TheRiddick 27 Sep 2017
However there might be some issues getting titles like overwatch running on Linux, but who knows, maybe it will be able to do it. NOT a 4k gaming console at that price, but then again, its all about delivering the software correctly in the end. Linux will be a challenge for them, but MESA is up to snuff and with AMDGPU DRM coming, it will probably do ok.
charliebrownau 27 Sep 2017
Hmm, well if it has at least a RX560 equivalent GPU chip in it
then it should be a nice middle ground for those who don't want
to spend much and also don't want to detach too far away from PC titles.
I'm going to assume the online component and MP gameplay will be largely
free to access, which would be a good thing.
However there might be some issues getting titles like overwatch running on Linux,
but who knows, maybe it will be able to do it. NOT a 4k gaming console at that price,
but then again, its all about delivering the software correctly in the end.
Linux will be a challenge for them, but MESA is up to snuff and with AMDGPU DRM coming,
it will probably do ok.
Current consoles still cant do proper 1080p high 60fps at the same quality as PC
nor can they do ALL games at proper native 4k
In the latest release of AMD AM4 APU's all seemed rather lackbuster
from the benchmarks Ive seen NONE of them would do Unity/UE4 or
BF1 at LOW 1080p 60fps
It would be nice if the Ataribox used the next set of
AMD AM4 APU's instead of the current consumer stuff
I would like to see SteamMachines take off
New Atari console that runs my favourite OS and can play my current Steam games? SOLD!
This could be good for tux gaming though, Atari still has a whole (now old) generation who follow them loyally who would probably buy this console regardless of OS, which means more Linux compatible games if successful.
Good news all round in my opinion. Now if only Sony would do the same with the Playstation 5 - Can you imagine it? The three major consoles becoming "Atari (Linux), XBox 1440(Windows, boo!) and PS5(Linux)"? Instead of the current (somewhat fixed) market of PS4(Running custom BSD) and X720(Running Windows 10).
But yup, looking forward to the Ataribox!
slaapliedje 27 Sep 2017
New Atari console running locked down custom OS or windows? Meh
New Atari console that runs my favourite OS and can play my current Steam games? SOLD!
This could be good for tux gaming though, Atari still has a whole (now old) generation who follow them loyally who would probably buy this console regardless of OS, which means more Linux compatible games if successful.
Good news all round in my opinion. Now if only Sony would do the same with the Playstation 5 - Can you imagine it? The three major consoles becoming "Atari (Linux), XBox 1440(Windows, boo!) and PS5(Linux)"? Instead of the current (somewhat fixed) market of PS4(Running custom BSD) and X720(Running Windows 10).
But yup, looking forward to the Ataribox!
Judging by a lot of the reactions in the AtariAge forums that I have posted in (I was one of the first to suggest it sounded like a SteamOS or Linux based Machine..) most of the Atari fans are bitter about some Coleco Chameleon project that soured them from crowdfunding. I am certainly excited for it, but there definitely needs to be assurances that we won't get screwed like the Stormfly backers (apparently the guy who was behind that fiasco is also behind the AtariBox.)
Sega Next please!
i really didnt had an atari-childhood but i played some of those games on other platforms.
sega on the other hand...
Sega does have a decent library of Linux games thanks to Feral, so who knows...
walther von stolzing 27 Sep 2017
Mohandevir 27 Sep 2017
Edit:
Overwatch System requirements:
https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/65159
I think it isn't out of reach in the case of a zen based apu, if the goal is to run games at medium settings like many actual consoles do.
But it's just speculation. IMO, the day Blizzard port it's game catalog to Linux is the day Linux gaming has won. It's more a dream than a possibility. :)
This said, hardware needs exclusives to sell. That's why Steam Machines failed. There was nothing you couldn't get by other means or on "the other OS"... Let's see what Atari has in store, this time...
Last edited by Mohandevir on 27 Sep 2017 at 1:46 pm UTC
charliebrownau 27 Sep 2017
Would be great to see retro Atari stuff listed on PC Steam
charliebrownau 27 Sep 2017
Projectile Vomit 27 Sep 2017
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