The Atari VCS, the Linux-powered gaming box seems to be progressing on some more with some new store partners with exclusive models announced.
As a reminder, it's using a customised version of Linux they're calling "Atari Custom Linux OS". However, they are sticking to what they originally said and allowing it to boot any other operating system too. So, you could boot up Ubuntu on it if you wished which makes it quite an interesting unit.
They've announced that they're partnering with GameStop and Walmart in the USA, so you can order from there if you prefer. Both stores are getting "exclusive" models, with slightly different colouring on the panel (and it seems that's all that's completely different). They also re-launched their official website where you can also pre-order, although that seems USA only too right now. Here's a look at the different models they will now be doing (click to enlarge):
Walmart Exclusive Model
GameStop Exclusive Model
Atari Web Exclusive (their own store)
"Onyx" - Atari Web (their own store)
If you go for the base model Atari VCS 400 (4GB RAM) you're looking at $249.99, which shoots up to $389.99 for the Atari VCS 800 (8GB RAM) which includes both the Atari VCS Classic Joystick and Atari VCS Modern Controller which Atari teamed up with PowerA to make. All models seem to have upgradable RAM, with 32GB eMMC internal storage as standard and they're powered by AMD's "Raven Ridge 2".
Shipping no matter where you order, will now be in March 2020 so there's still quite a while to wait. However, original backers on IndieGoGo will get theirs starting December 2019. Hopefully there won't be any more delays now they've properly settled on the final design.
According to the latest info sent direct from Atari to us, they've now surpassed $4 million in "gross sales" which includes the $3M+ from IndieGoGo funding.
Will you be getting one? I'm still doing my wait and see approach, not that I have any choice since they're not currently shipping to the UK to give it a review.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
slaapliedje Jun 12, 2019
Last edited by kuhpunkt on 12 June 2019 at 8:05 am UTC
doomiebaby Jun 12, 2019
also on the price, not everyone can sell hardware at a loss with a certainty of making profit from millions of sales of $80+ games
Last edited by doomiebaby on 12 June 2019 at 6:17 am UTC
thelimeydragon Jun 12, 2019
slaapliedje Jun 12, 2019
Quoting: thelimeydragonThe people behind this device are not trustworthy in the slightest. I wouldn't give them a penny.There is a very long post about tacos and the Atari VCS (ex Ataribox) on Atari Age saying the same thing.
Though there is one of the moderators there that knows someone on the team making it, and says it's a legit project. Though I hadn't read his opinion on it recently, that was a ways back.
But yeah, it isn't like this is the 'old' Atari, or even the Tramiel Atari. It's what's left of Infogrames' Atari.
doomiebaby Jun 13, 2019
Quoting: antismokeI was eventually going to build something like this to stick in the living room anyways. I wouldn't mind dropping $400 on it, especially with that sweet wood grain. It's not like it's some locked down proprietary OS havin' console with a subscription fee tied to it. Worst case if it loses support from Atari I'll just reimage with something like GameDrift or the likes. Win/Win ;)
hear hear! i almost added something about this to my last comment. don't complain about the price til you try to build out your own version from what's available on the market. i've actually done so for people (not yet myself) but this would be a sweet lil go-to form factor, open so no risks if it's on shelves, like you said.
+1 on that real-fake wood =P'' i admit the aesthetics work on me. funny, too, as i couldn't wait for that woodgrain to disappear from consumer stuff when it was popular. damn market research
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