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.
Quoting: sarmadDoes anyone know if this is still a GNU/Linux based OS, or is it like Android where the kernel is Linux but the rest of the stack is not a GNU/Linux?Pretty sure it's fairly close to a normal Linux. Re-doing everything from scratch like Android would be rather a lot of work for a small company. Anyhow, I feel like I remember hearing they've specified that you can swap in ordinary distros if you want.
Quoting: Purple Library GuyAnyhow, I feel like I remember hearing they've specified that you can swap in ordinary distros if you want.
If only someone would have written this in the article...! ;)
QuoteWill 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.Judging by the specs, the promising thing is this:
8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable)However, it's weird that it doesn't have "ac" wireless. I also wonder if it has any other storage expansion ports, like M.2 or SATA - although M.2 would be more plausible for the console's size. I really don't like eMMC memory, considering we can't easily replace it if/when it fails, and booting off of USB isn't ideal in long-term. So an M.2 slot would be a huge selling point for me, and if it's missing that would be a big demotivator.
All in all, the specs are pretty nice and all I have to do is wait until someone gets their hands on it, tears it down and shows us what expansion options we have. Or I could direct my question directly to Atari and hope for an answer. :D
slaapliedje Jun 16, 2019
Quoting: kneekooNot sure about the wireless, but I'm pretty sure I'd read that it does have an M.2 port.QuoteWill 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.Judging by the specs, the promising thing is this:
8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable)
However, it's weird that it doesn't have "ac" wireless. I also wonder if it has any other storage expansion ports, like M.2 or SATA - although M.2 would be more plausible for the console's size. I really don't like eMMC memory, considering we can't easily replace it if/when it fails, and booting off of USB isn't ideal in long-term. So an M.2 slot would be a huge selling point for me, and if it's missing that would be a big demotivator.
All in all, the specs are pretty nice and all I have to do is wait until someone gets their hands on it, tears it down and shows us what expansion options we have. Or I could direct my question directly to Atari and hope for an answer. :D
In theory since I backed it, I should be getting mine before Christmas? So I'll be sure to let everyone know if I got ripped off or not :P
Edit: https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/c1a6sk/knowing_that_the_atari_vcs_is_based_on_a_pc/erbtv28?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x
Last edited by slaapliedje on 17 June 2019 at 10:21 pm UTC
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