The day has finally arrived, the Linux-powered Atari VCS games console can now be pre-ordered and they finally have the specifications up too. As I was hoping, they've released a lot of the hidden details, so it seems they were saving it to make a big splash.
Seems like IndieGoGo is currently under a lot of strain thanks to this too, quite hard to get it to load. After reading it through and taking it all in, I have to say my excitement for it has increased once again. Although, I'm still remaining cautious in my optimism for it (especially as their timeline shows they're still in the prototype stage - with the second prototype due in Q3). It's already a huge success, at time of my last refresh of their page it's already hit over $550K in pre-orders!
They finally revealed that the system they're using is based on Ubuntu, specifically with the 4.10 Kernel. It has a Bristol Ridge A1 CPU, with a Radeon R7 GPU so it's not exactly a powerhouse. It will come with 4GB DDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC, with support for SD cards and external drives too. Naturally, it will also support most of what Ubuntu does including Bluetooth and USB devices, mouse, keyboard, Twitch streaming support, webcams and so on. Their classic joystick ($29) and modern controller ($49) are optional accessories, they don't come as standard.
As for the size of it, the dimensions are 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6" (approx 36.83cm x 13.46cm x 4.06cm) with a weight of 3 lbs (approx 1.36kg). So it's small, light and it looks pretty good. Honestly wouldn't mind one of those sat next to my TV.
It will come with 100+ classic Atari games pre-loaded and they will also have their own 'Atari VCS Store'. They say they've teamed up with a 'leading industry partner' they're going to announce shortly. Sounds exciting, but I will stop short of saying it's Valve (which I'm sure a few of you are thinking). It would make sense to be Valve though, given their massive Linux catalogue of games, but who knows maybe even GOG?
They're saying by the launch in Spring 2019, that they're planning to have 'new and exclusive games'. I really do hate exclusives, because that wording would mean you could only get them through the Atari VCS Store. While they're still saying you can access the full Linux system:
Access the Linux Sandbox, add more storage via cloud or USB, run multiple operating systems at once, load Homebrew games or customize your own unique platform.
They might lock the actual games behind a wall, which would be a shame. Although, that wouldn't be too different to buying games directly on SteamOS. They are also saying it will support Linux games from Steam and other platforms, as long as they meet the hardware requirements.
Find it on IndieGoGo. The cheapest option for the console itself is the "Onyx Early Bird" at $199, which goes up to $349 for the "Collector's All In" bundle which includes both the classic stick, modern gamepad and the wooden-styled front.
An interesting question remains in my mind though, is this still "Linux Gaming" as we think about it or is this a whole new thing? Would readers be interested in us covering future Atari VCS news if we picked one up?
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
PublicNuisance May 30, 2018
Quoting: PublicNuisanceI would be interested in GOL covering it ut I have to agree in pausing to call it Linux gaming. For me the big thing will be if you can install any game you want onto it or if you will be locked to their store. For me part of Linux is freedom and being locked down kind of goes against that. I would also be interested in whether I could load a different OS. See this is why consoles aren't for me: the first thing I try to do with them is make them into something other than a console.Well, as we quoted them, you can still access the Linux system and add other games in from Steam and so on as long as it supports Linux. Seems pretty open.
"Will you be able to play Steam Games on Atari VCS? Yes. Linux-based games from Steam and other platforms that meet Atari VCS hardware specifications should work."
Quoting: tmhorneOn the indiegogo page, it does mentions steam, but not as a partner. It is under the "Playing Games On Atari VCS" section.Yes, this is mentioned in the article :)
"Will you be able to play Steam Games on Atari VCS? Yes. Linux-based games from Steam and other platforms that meet Atari VCS hardware specifications should work."
This device will be a major disappointment to everyone who will buy it to play Steam games in Linux... I wouldn't buy it for any other use as your phone can already do better all the other tasks (including Atari emulation). And yes, I did try to use Steam Link from my phone. :)
Haven't had any issues at all with Kickstarter so far, I hope Indiegogo support will solve this. Grml.
QuoteAs for the size of it, the dimensions are 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6" with a weight of 3 lbs. So it's small, light and it looks pretty good. Honestly wouldn't mind one of those sat next to my TV.
Would you mind using international metric system, and not this nonsens empiric not-scientifically-based mesures ?
Quoting: TcheyUh...sure. Added kg in.QuoteAs for the size of it, the dimensions are 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6" with a weight of 3 lbs. So it's small, light and it looks pretty good. Honestly wouldn't mind one of those sat next to my TV.
Would you mind using international metric system, and not this nonsens empiric not-scientifically-based mesures ?
Quoting: liamdaweQuoting: TcheyUh...sure. Added kg in.QuoteAs for the size of it, the dimensions are 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6" with a weight of 3 lbs. So it's small, light and it looks pretty good. Honestly wouldn't mind one of those sat next to my TV.
Would you mind using international metric system, and not this nonsens empiric not-scientifically-based mesures ?
Im guessing he'd like you to add 36.8 cm × 13.4 cm × 4.1 cm ^^
I like how the Onyx / Classic Joystick bundle costs $1 more than buying the Onyx and Classic Joysticks separately. Good deal on that bundle!
Jewgeni Filippowitsch Iwanowski May 30, 2018
Nevertheless this console is outdated. I'm surprised AMD still delivers these APUs. Nothing for me - I'd rather have an NUC from AMD. That would be great.
" It will come with 4GB DDR4 RAM"
half of what an ps4 have, and looks like sony is already planing for an ps5.
" 32GB eMMC"
and not enough space for more than 1 triple A game, great, just what we need another indie box...
" It will come with 100+ classic Atari games pre-loaded"
also know as Atari Vaul, 10 dollars on steam.
" They're saying by the launch in Spring 2019, that they're planning to have 'new and exclusive games'."
considering that they needed an crowdfunding to raise a few bucks for porting rollercoaster tycoon, i wonder what kind of exclusive they can pay for.
but at least they will do exclusive titles.
" I really do hate exclusives,"
i hate to say that, but there isnt a world without exclusives, there is either an world with thousands of windows exclusive titles and a few multiplatform titles, or a world where everything is multiplatform except for a few exclusives.
Last edited by elmapul on 30 May 2018 at 4:22 pm UTC
Quoting: propertySure, done. Doesn't bother me, but if it bothers others I'm more than happy to accommodate.Quoting: liamdaweQuoting: TcheyUh...sure. Added kg in.QuoteAs for the size of it, the dimensions are 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6" with a weight of 3 lbs. So it's small, light and it looks pretty good. Honestly wouldn't mind one of those sat next to my TV.
Would you mind using international metric system, and not this nonsens empiric not-scientifically-based mesures ?
Im guessing he'd like you to add 36.8 cm × 13.4 cm × 4.1 cm ^^
However 4GB sounds like way too little. I have 8, and I'm finding that even games which used to work perfectly are coming out with updates that leave them grinding to a halt as they hit swap. 32GB of storage ain't much either, even if you can add to it. The system alone will swallow a third of that, if not more.
I wouldn't say it's definitely doomed yet, but they really need to at least double the RAM and storage.
Last edited by Shmerl on 30 May 2018 at 4:48 pm UTC
Quoting: tuubiQuoting: ShmerlWhy not Ryzen + Vega?Because of the cost, obviously.
Not sure if it makes it worth the lower power though. I get the tradeoff, but then they should consider different tiers with more powerful components.
As for covering this on GOL: it's a Linux system and it runs games, I'm in.
ElectricPrism May 30, 2018
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