After the crowdfunding campaign with lots of delays, more delays, a lawsuit and so on the Atari VCS will finally be released into stores (at least in the US) on June 15.
What Atari call a "console/PC hybrid" it runs a Linux-based operating system by default, with the option to use the PC Mode feature to run whatever other operating system you want. So you could turn it into a more traditional desktop-Linux based system if you wanted to.
Ports to the Atari VCS are also incredibly close to standard Linux desktop builds too. In fact, we've already seen the likes of Danger Scavenger and Jetboard Joust release on Steam for Linux after having a VCS build (along with others being available on Steam for Linux first, and then going to the VCS like Something Ate My Alien).
Atari said in their press release to expect new titles throughout the year, along with "free access to 100 arcade and Atari 2600 classics" and "free access to Antstream Arcade, the popular game streaming platform, which offers on-demand access to the world's largest collection of licensed retro titles".
Direct Link
There's also Google Chrome built-in, along with a mobile companion application for controlling Chrome and other apps with a virtual mouse and keyboard. They also mentioned it enabling access to all other streaming services like Stadia and more.
Purchase options for the Atari VCS will be made available on June 15, 2021 via Best Buy, GameStop, Micro Center, and the official Atari VCS website and there will be special "unique launch-day promotions" from each. Launch day pricing will be $299.99 USD for the Atari VCS Onyx Base system, with the Atari VCS Black Walnut and Onyx All-In system bundles (which include the classic and modern controllers) will be available for $399.99 USD.
Specifications - based on what Atari provide:
| Operating system | Atari Custom Linux OS (Debian based) |
| APU | AMD Raven Ridge 2 (RG1606G) |
| GPU | AMD Ryzen |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC fixed internal; internal M.2 SSD slot; unlimited external USB HD/stick; cloud (subscription required) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable) |
| Compatible Systems | Linux, Windows, Steam OS, Chrome OS |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4x USB 3.1 USB: 2x front, 2x rear |
| Dimensions | 11.6" x 5.9" x 1.9" (Approx.) |
See more on the Atari VCS website.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
ElectricPrism Jun 3, 2021
Quoting: elmapulworse than that, some people are already installing windows on it to get acess to more games. if most people do that, then supporting it will be useless to increase our marketshare
We've come full circle guys. Imagine, people who want to use Windows have to start from a device shipped with Linux XD. So funny.
I've been on the fence about this device for a while and set low-expectations imagining it would never come to fruition. But seeing as how they will be launching with some retailers like BestBuy, GameStop, etc... that's off to a good start. I guess I'll see you all in about 2 weeks to see what the verdict is from the Linux Sphere.
slaapliedje Jun 3, 2021
Quoting: ElectricPrismSadly this happened with the eeebooks (I think that's what they were called. Those little mini laptops from way back when). They came with Linux and most users would install WinXP on them.Quoting: elmapulworse than that, some people are already installing windows on it to get acess to more games. if most people do that, then supporting it will be useless to increase our marketshare
We've come full circle guys. Imagine, people who want to use Windows have to start from a device shipped with Linux XD. So funny.
I've been on the fence about this device for a while and set low-expectations imagining it would never come to fruition. But seeing as how they will be launching with some retailers like BestBuy, GameStop, etc... that's off to a good start. I guess I'll see you all in about 2 weeks to see what the verdict is from the Linux Sphere.
Quoting: ElectricPrismQuoting: elmapulworse than that, some people are already installing windows on it to get acess to more games. if most people do that, then supporting it will be useless to increase our marketshare
We've come full circle guys. Imagine, people who want to use Windows have to start from a device shipped with Linux XD. So funny.
I've been on the fence about this device for a while and set low-expectations imagining it would never come to fruition. But seeing as how they will be launching with some retailers like BestBuy, GameStop, etc... that's off to a good start. I guess I'll see you all in about 2 weeks to see what the verdict is from the Linux Sphere.
what i'm talking about have precedent.
the government of my country did an tax reduction to computers shiped with linux, what did happen? the marketshare grow? nope, people instaled an pirated version of windows.
catbox_fugue Jun 6, 2022
it entirely disappeared from comments and reviews
what happened? a year with no GOL news?
sure... its atari, cant be trusted
slaapliedje Jun 6, 2022
Quoting: catbox_fuguefunny how after this thing released with a linux OSThe thing is awesome. Also I think it is the only way to get a native Linux build of Tempest 4000? It supports DOSbox and Atari 7800 roms, though they have been doing Friday releases of 7800 games, and a bunch of other stuff comes out for it. Most games though are just the same as on Steam. I follow threads on AtariAge on it where the trashing of it has died down as it turns out it is a fairly capable box.
it entirely disappeared from comments and reviews
what happened? a year with no GOL news?
sure... its atari, cant be trusted
I keep meaning to boot into my Debian install and fix it up so it boots into the Deck interface. Then see how it performs in comparison to the Deck. Or may just install holoiso...
Quoting: catbox_fuguefunny how after this thing released with a linux OS
it entirely disappeared from comments and reviews
what happened? a year with no GOL news?
sure... its atari, cant be trusted
Glad you raised the question, I was wondering what's happening with the VCS. Is it still selling? Are there new updates and game releases going out for it?
slaapliedje Jun 8, 2022
Quoting: sarmadYup, new games are steadily being released (see above post about 7800 drops). The Recharged series are being released cross platform, but the VCS versions have some extra stuff to them.Quoting: catbox_fuguefunny how after this thing released with a linux OS
it entirely disappeared from comments and reviews
what happened? a year with no GOL news?
sure... its atari, cant be trusted
Glad you raised the question, I was wondering what's happening with the VCS. Is it still selling? Are there new updates and game releases going out for it?
https://atariage.com/forums/topic/315539-complete-list-of-games-released-in-the-new-vcs-store/
Quoting: slaapliedjeQuoting: sarmadYup, new games are steadily being released (see above post about 7800 drops). The Recharged series are being released cross platform, but the VCS versions have some extra stuff to them.Quoting: catbox_fuguefunny how after this thing released with a linux OS
it entirely disappeared from comments and reviews
what happened? a year with no GOL news?
sure... its atari, cant be trusted
Glad you raised the question, I was wondering what's happening with the VCS. Is it still selling? Are there new updates and game releases going out for it?
https://atariage.com/forums/topic/315539-complete-list-of-games-released-in-the-new-vcs-store/
Nice. Any idea how it's selling? Does it seem like it's going to be a successful business? I wish their games store is available in a web form so we can access it from any browser.
Patreon
PayPal
See more from me