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.
slaapliedje May 30, 2018
Quoting: ShmerlQuoting: 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.
I think this was the downfall of the Steam Machine.
At the beginning of 2019 Linux 4.10 on a media PC will be quite outdated.
Last edited by silmeth on 30 May 2018 at 10:21 pm UTC
Quoting: slaapliedjeI think this was the downfall of the Steam Machine.
Steam Machines weren't ready. Far from it. I'd say to have a decent console, three things should come together. Vulkan, Wayland and OpenXR. Once that works in combined stack, there can be successful high end Linux consoles.
Quoting: ShmerlQuoting: slaapliedjeI think this was the downfall of the Steam Machine.
Steam Machines weren't ready. Far from it. I'd say to have a decent console, three things should come together. Vulkan, Wayland and OpenXR. Once that works in combined stack, there can be successful high end Linux consoles.
Vulkan is already here and well supported. Wayland is less important than you might think, and it's certainly less important for consoles than it is for desktops and laptops. OpenXR? How many PS4 gamers do you know who use VR? It's a new market and will continue to be a minority market for the foreseeable future.
Quoting: sarmadVulkan is already here and well supported. Wayland is less important than you might think, and it's certainly less important for consoles than it is for desktops and laptops. OpenXR? How many PS4 gamers do you know who use VR? It's a new market and will continue to be a minority market for the foreseeable future.
Wayland is the goal either way, since the whole stack is switching to it. The more raw state it is in, the more bugs there are. Things should be solid, and not "in transition" for years.
No idea about PS4, I've never used it.
Last edited by Shmerl on 31 May 2018 at 12:41 am UTC
yeah it won't run crysis but whatever it's atari and it's linux.
slaapliedje May 31, 2018
Quoting: ShmerlQuoting: slaapliedjeI think this was the downfall of the Steam Machine.
Steam Machines weren't ready. Far from it. I'd say to have a decent console, three things should come together. Vulkan, Wayland and OpenXR. Once that works in combined stack, there can be successful high end Linux consoles.
I agree, but the console needs to be standardized in it's hardware. Otherwise it's just a bunch of parts in a box. Developers like a target for performance, etc.
Can you imagine all the console users being pissed if there were a PS4 Pro+1? I know I'm already annoyed that a lot of games I have that I can't see in their full potential because I don't have an HDR TV or a Pro.
slaapliedje May 31, 2018
Quoting: Guestok so what happens when someone ports the atari vcs store to desktop ubuntu? since if there using ubuntu as a base it won't be very hard
Why would they care? One would think that'd make them happy, if people using Ubuntu could download their store and buy their games? They'd make far more money doing that then making games somehow exclusive to the Ataribox.. erm VCS2.
slaapliedje May 31, 2018
Quoting: silmethI really don’t get why they would aim for kernel 4.10 in 2019, while they make their system Ubuntu-based and current Ubuntu LTS is on 4.15.
At the beginning of 2019 Linux 4.10 on a media PC will be quite outdated.
My guess? They started development on Zesty (Ubuntu 17.04) which means the distro will be 2 years old by the time it's released. May as well have based it upon SteamOS in the first place...
Edit: Just checked, the current build of SteamOS is running 4.14.13 according to Distrowatch.
Last edited by slaapliedje on 31 May 2018 at 1:31 am UTC
slaapliedje May 31, 2018
Quoting: sarmadQuoting: ShmerlQuoting: slaapliedjeI think this was the downfall of the Steam Machine.
Steam Machines weren't ready. Far from it. I'd say to have a decent console, three things should come together. Vulkan, Wayland and OpenXR. Once that works in combined stack, there can be successful high end Linux consoles.
Vulkan is already here and well supported. Wayland is less important than you might think, and it's certainly less important for consoles than it is for desktops and laptops. OpenXR? How many PS4 gamers do you know who use VR? It's a new market and will continue to be a minority market for the foreseeable future.
I know at least one guy who bought a PS4 and PSVR solely for SkyrimVR, which of course eventually was released for the PC, plus you can mod the hell out of it for the PC...
But from what I understand VR is doing surprisingly well for being 'niche'. A lot of sales boosted from Ready Player One as well (not that I have seen that, I've given up on seeing anything by Spielberg).
Patreon
PayPal
See more from me