The Atari VCS will go for pre-sale on May 30th exclusively on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, Atari announced in a press release. The VCS is expected to begin shipping in spring, 2019.
From the Atari press release: “We continue moving forward on the Atari VCS project and are excited to see this pre-sale kickoff and to share more updates with our fans as we look toward the first shipments,” notes Michael Arzt, Atari COO of Connected Devices. “We are building outstanding teams and forging alliances that will make this product great and truly worthy of the Atari VCS name. Expert hardware partners are helping make this project possible and we couldn’t be more pleased with their contributions.”
The story behind the VCS goes back to last year, when the mysterious console was called the “Ataribox.” What is the VCS, one might ask. Summarizing the press release gives us some vital information. The VCS is a video game console, but will also feature media and streaming content. Those interested on the video game side should be set. The press release states that the system will feature over 100 built-in classic titles, with Asteroids, Centipede, and Breakout being among the games listed. Pong wasn’t listed, but one has to assume that Atari’s most famous game will be featured.
The system has impressive features, including support for 4k resolution and dual-band Wi-Fi. For the pre-orders at Indiegogo, the time-limited Collectors Edition will feature a “special retro-inspired wood-front,” according to Atari. Those who may not like the wood-front will be able to pre-order the Onyx, which is an all-black version. The early-bird price for the Onyx will be $199. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Atari without a joystick. The system will also feature a “modern controller.” According to the press release, “Both items (the Joystick and Modern Controller) will be available in select packages and as standalone purchases. " Interestingly, based on the wording, it appears some packages won’t come with the controllers. If so, that is a shame because every modern video game-related home console has come with at least one controller.
It is interesting that Atari would attempt to compete with modern entertainment systems now. With 4k players, the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, there are quite a few options for one’s entertainment fix. Of course, Atari has the biggest nostalgic name of the companies. Atari is one of the earliest video game companies. Many have fond memories of the Atari 2600, the most popular console until the Nintendo Entertainment System. Atari was also partly responsible for the video game crash of 1983. The infamous E.T. game was published on the 2600, and Atari’s version of Pac-Man has been called one of the worst games of all time. The Atari name faded in popularity after that, and names like Sony and Microsoft rose up in its place.
It should be fascinating to see how well the Atari VCS does. At the moment it seems like a niche product, but with so many high tech features (including a Linux operating system, according to the console’s indiegogo page), it appears the company wants to compete with the systems on the market. One more interesting note from the press release is that it states the VCS will support “a full range of popular modern titles.” Atari hasn’t been involved in many modern titles as of late, so it will be very interesting to see what the company is referring to.
Those interested in the VCS may want to sign up for insider e-mail alerts at AtariVCS.com, because Atari says those who sign up before May 24 “will be eligible for special purchase incentives during the pre-sale.” Time will tell if Atari will return to the market with a vengeance.
