Ataribox project

[Lord Ba'al]

Not sure whether any of you are already aware, but Atari has been working on a new project named Ataribox. Here's where you could find out more about it. (although obviously not a lot yet)

https://www.ataribox.com/

Here's some social media links.

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

I looked into it a while back but was reminded because I just received an email from them. I shall copy it below.



Ataribox: More pics and news!

Thanks for your patience & support so far.

Today we're sharing brand new pics, more on what's inside, & more info on launch.

The pictures we're sharing today are of first prototypes. Everyone that has seen Ataribox first-hand loves it, feeling the Atari 2600 influence, while still being a modern design.

Ataribox will be powered by an AMD customized processor, with Radeon Graphics technology. It'll run Linux, with a customized, easy-to-use user interface. This approach means that as well as being a great gaming device, Ataribox is also a full PC experience for the TV, bringing you streaming, applications, social, browsing, music, and more.

Most TV devices have closed systems and content stores. Linux lets us be more open; you can access & customise the OS, & you can access games you've bought from other content platforms (if compatible with the OS and HW).
There will be tons of classic Atari retro games pre-loaded, & current titles from a range of studios (we'll start talking titles very soon, stay tuned).

We're launching Ataribox on Indiegogo this fall (read: pretty soon). To reiterate why: we want you, the Atari community, to be part of this launch. We want you to have early access, grab special editions (& pricing) and to have you as active partners in the rollout of Ataribox. We want you to be part of the story.

We plan on shipping late Spring 2018, with an expected price range of $249-$299 (depending on specific editions & memory configurations).

Hope you like what we are sharing today, and are ready for lots more in the weeks ahead.

The Ataribox team.
PS: To confirm what many of you have asked: the Wood Edition is made with real wood
PPS: Please continue to let us know what you think via our social channels; and also please like, follow, subscribe, and share as much as possible!

 

[PussyGalore]

Looks interesting. Regarding gaming, did they mean they are going to be making their own original titles or did they mean that they will simply carry universal titles that are available on other systems? Also, I find the wood grain finish on that one model to be too much of a 70's throwback, lol.

 

[Lord Ba'al]

I don't think they'll be making their own games but leave that to the specialists. Looks like they are intent on getting themselves a piece of home entertainment center hardware pie.

 

[PussyGalore]

I don't think they'll be making their own games but leave that to the specialists. Looks like they are intent on getting themselves a piece of home entertainment center hardware pie.

Tough market to crack. PS4 and Xbox can do pretty much the same thing as the Atari except for maybe the Linux thing. But that only appeals to people who know what Linux is to begin with. It will be interesting to see how they market it.

 

[Lord Ba'al]

Tough market to crack. PS4 and Xbox can do pretty much the same thing as the Atari except for maybe the Linux thing. But that only appeals to people who know what Linux is to begin with. It will be interesting to see how they market it.

Don't underestimate the appeal for people who used to own Atari consoles and computers back in the day. If the product performs well I think they can get a fair share of the market and grow from there.

 

[Lord Ba'al]

​

Atari VCS™ Rebooted:
Game. Stream. Connect. Like Never Before.
We've been busy these last few months further refining the home gaming and entertainment system we have always wanted.

Welcome to Atari VCS.

Check out some of the great press coverage, including new images of the VCS, plus its Classic Joystick and Modern Controller.
"Atari revealed the system's new name alongside the start of this year's Game Developers Conference, where the company will show off the Atari VCS along with prototypes of its classic-style joystick and more modern controller.
- Gamespot

"The first controller is a joystick reminiscent of the Atari 2600's, while the second resembles a modern Xbox controller,complete with asymmetrical analog sticks and ABXY buttons."
- IGN

"...the device will not only play classic Atari titles,
but it will also play modern PC games."
- The Verge
Just like the original VCS, we’ve packed this system with all the power needed to bring a new kind of home computer experience right to your living room - while staying true to the classic entertainment heritage that Atari was built on.

We will be announcing our exclusive pre-order date for the Atari VCS during the month of April 2018. Just stay on the list - you're already signed up for the latest announcements about Atari VCS. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Game on.
- The Atari VCS Team

 

[PussyGalore]

I'm not sure what they mean by "it will also play modern PC games". So it will play the PC version of games? I guess that makes sense in that they won't have to market their own separate brand for the most part. I might be interested in getting one depending on the price point compared to the competition.

 

[Overmind One]

Interesting how reboot-mania is going across product lines and media at the same time.

 

[PussyGalore]

Interesting how reboot-mania is going across product lines and media at the same time.

Well Atari definitely has the nostalgia factor going for it. I just don't know how well a console will do unless it has something unique about it to stand apart from the competition. (I'm not a fan of the way this thing looks I have to admit, but if it's reasonably priced and works well I can overlook the aesthetics.)

 

[Overmind One]

Well Atari definitely has the nostalgia factor going for it. I just don't know how well a console will do unless it has something unique about it to stand apart from the competition. (I'm not a fan of the way this thing looks I have to admit, but if it's reasonably priced and works well I can overlook the aesthetics.)

I have many Atari classic games, and also just about every stand up console (cabinet) game which was released. But I play them on my PC using an Atari emulator and MAME. I don't see any reason to purchase a console.

 

[PussyGalore]

I have many Atari classic games, and also just about every stand up console (cabinet) game which was released. But I play them on my PC using an Atari emulator and MAME. I don't see any reason to purchase a console.

You definitely have a point but keep in mind you're not the average person. Atari knows the average person is more likely to buy a console solely for ease of use. I think a lot of people are eschewing standard PC's these days in favor of their phones and tablets so there is sort of a niche there for a console to fill. Plus TVs have gotten huge in size as opposed to PC monitors. Yes, a PC can be connected to a TV but I think the average person doesn't want to bother with that because they perceive it as being more complicated than simply plugging in a console.

So what I'm saying is that it's a perception problem mostly. People perceive a PC connection to be more complicated than a console connection to their TVs. In actuality you're hooking up a computer to your TV in both cases. One is just perceived to be easier to use than the other one is.

As it is I think the "Smart TV" revolution will eventually impact console usage and render them obsolete. Gaming will be integrated right in the TV itself (games stored in a cloud) and there will be no need for a console. Obviously accessories like game controllers will be external but the console itself will be a moot point.

 

[Lord Ba'al]

You definitely have a point but keep in mind you're not the average person. Atari knows the average person is more likely to buy a console solely for ease of use. I think a lot of people are eschewing standard PC's these days in favor of their phones and tablets so there is sort of a niche there for a console to fill. Plus TVs have gotten huge in size as opposed to PC monitors. Yes, a PC can be connected to a TV but I think the average person doesn't want to bother with that because they perceive it as being more complicated than simply plugging in a console.

So what I'm saying is that it's a perception problem mostly. People perceive a PC connection to be more complicated than a console connection to their TVs. In actuality you're hooking up a computer to your TV in both cases. One is just perceived to be easier to use than the other one is.

As it is I think the "Smart TV" revolution will eventually impact console usage and render them obsolete. Gaming will be integrated right in the TV itself (games stored in a cloud) and there will be no need for a console. Obviously accessories like game controllers will be external but the console itself will be a moot point.

That would add a significant amount of hardware in the TV driving up the cost. I suspect some would buy it but that would be the niche market. Most people would prefer the flexibility of being able to switch out the TV or console, or to connect various consoles.

 

[Overmind One]

That would add a significant amount of hardware in the TV driving up the cost. I suspect some would buy it but that would be the niche market. Most people would prefer the flexibility of being able to switch out the TV or console, or to connect various consoles.

Most people do not know that there is a GINORMOUS divide between the capabilities of a PC for games vs a console. Consoles sell because certain games are intentionally reserved for them. The reality is that there is not a console in existence that can compare to a gaming computer (or even a mid range personal computer). With the right emulator, you can take your game disc and put it right in the computer and run the game. You can run the output to a large monitor or TV or even both.

I do like consoles for several reasons. They are portable, they are standardized (which means your friends can come over and expect the same experience they have on their console. The best controllers are made for consoles, although you can get adapters to use them on PC. But I still much prefer the PC for gaming than a console.

 

[PussyGalore]

That would add a significant amount of hardware in the TV driving up the cost. I suspect some would buy it but that would be the niche market. Most people would prefer the flexibility of being able to switch out the TV or console, or to connect various consoles.

I can see the price of TVs going up but I don't think it will be that much of a hit to be honest. They are becoming full computers now replete with wireless options, controllers, speakers, etc. It only makes sense for external "plug & play" devices to go away over time because they will be built into the TV itself. (And let's not forget the cloud for retaining data, games, movies, etc.)

Case in point: How many actual game discs do you buy anymore? People download and stream that stuff now. Shoving a disc into a console to play a game isn't as important as it used to be.

 

[PussyGalore]

Most people do not know that there is a GINORMOUS divide between the capabilities of a PC for games vs a console. Consoles sell because certain games are intentionally reserved for them. The reality is that there is not a console in existence that can compare to a gaming computer (or even a mid range personal computer). With the right emulator, you can take your game disc and put it right in the computer and run the game. You can run the output to a large monitor or TV or even both.

I do like consoles for several reasons. They are portable, they are standardized (which means your friends can come over and expect the same experience they have on their console. The best controllers are made for consoles, although you can get adapters to use them on PC. But I still much prefer the PC for gaming than a console.

You're right, PC gaming is far superior. But console gaming seems to be more popular in terms of marketing. Consoles are simple to operate that's why people gravitate towards them.

 

[Lord Ba'al]

​

Atari VCS™ Pre-Sale Opens May 30th on Indiegogo!
Featuring The Limited Atari VCS Collector's Edition
Special Retro-Inspired Wood Front and Certificate of Authenticity

Early Bird packages Start at $199 for Atari VCS Onyx
Updated Classic Joystick and Modern Controller Also Available to Order

Enjoy the Linux-powered Atari VCS to play, create or port your own games and multimedia content.

Many popular modern titles will be playable on Atari VCS.
As an homage to our past, every Atari VCS includes
the Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games.
Play all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Breakout®, Missile Command®, Gravitar® and Yars’ Revenge®

A completely modern connected device, the new VCS was designed in California by Atari. The company is partnered with AMD, who provides the VCS custom processor with Radeon Graphics Technology. The Atari VCS platform will offer support for 4K resolution, HDR and 60FPS content, onboard and expandable storage options, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as USB 3.0 support. A complete list of Atari VCS product specs will be posted at the time of pre-sale.

Atari appreciates your support and intense curiosity about VCS games and content, hardware specifications, production timelines and other key information. We're confident that we are putting the right pieces in place for a successful product and launch!

 

[Overmind One]

​

Atari VCS™ Pre-Sale Opens May 30th on Indiegogo!
Featuring The Limited Atari VCS Collector's Edition
Special Retro-Inspired Wood Front and Certificate of Authenticity

Early Bird packages Start at $199 for Atari VCS Onyx
Updated Classic Joystick and Modern Controller Also Available to Order

Enjoy the Linux-powered Atari VCS to play, create or port your own games and multimedia content.

Many popular modern titles will be playable on Atari VCS.
As an homage to our past, every Atari VCS includes
the Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games.
Play all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Breakout®, Missile Command®, Gravitar® and Yars’ Revenge®

A completely modern connected device, the new VCS was designed in California by Atari. The company is partnered with AMD, who provides the VCS custom processor with Radeon Graphics Technology. The Atari VCS platform will offer support for 4K resolution, HDR and 60FPS content, onboard and expandable storage options, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, as well as USB 3.0 support. A complete list of Atari VCS product specs will be posted at the time of pre-sale.

Atari appreciates your support and intense curiosity about VCS games and content, hardware specifications, production timelines and other key information. We're confident that we are putting the right pieces in place for a successful product and launch!

Are they even aware that the MAME emulator (free) will play all of those games on any PC or even a phone from a single folder?

 

[PussyGalore]

I know it will play a slew of classic arcade style games but what new(er) titles will be available for it?

 

[Overmind One]

I know it will play a slew of classic arcade style games but what new(er) titles will be available for it?

That is the question I want to ask Atari.

They mention: As an homage to our past, every Atari VCS includes
the Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games.
Play all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Breakout®, Missile Command®, Gravitar® and Yars’ Revenge®

All of those will play on MAME.

 

[PussyGalore]

That is the question I want to ask Atari.

They mention: As an homage to our past, every Atari VCS includes
the Atari Vault of more than 100 classic games.
Play all-time arcade and home entertainment favorites like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Breakout®, Missile Command®, Gravitar® and Yars’ Revenge®

All of those will play on MAME.

Exactly. If they think people are going to buy this thing just to play old ass games they're mistaken. Sure it's fun to do on occasion but it's 2018 and people primarily want to play modern games when they plunk down the money for a console. I'm not demanding that the Atari match Xbox or PS4 but it does have to offer something more substantial, so what is it?