In 2021, Atari launched the Atari VCS, an fascinating gaming console-PC hybrid able to taking part in basic Atari titles and fashionable video games. It additionally supported sport and video streaming, web searching, and different basic PC duties due to its Linux-based OS. You possibly can even customise the {hardware} due to an open M.2 SSD slot, upgradeable RAM, and help for various working methods, together with Home windows.
The Atari VCS is admittedly a distinct segment system that by no means actually caught on, however for those who’re an Atari fanatic or just like tinkering with {hardware}, the Atari VCS is a cool throwback system with extra versatility than your common mini-console. When you’re within the console, you may pick up the Atari VCS All-In Bundle that’s on sale for just $200 at Amazon, which saves you 50% off its unique $400 price ticket. That is the bottom worth ever at Amazon; the VCS sometimes sells for round $300. The bundle consists of the console, basic joystick wi-fi controller, and a modern-style wi-fi controller.
Out of the field, the Atari VCS runs the Linux-based Atari OS, which incorporates 100 pre-installed Atari video games and help for the Antstream retro gaming cloud streaming service. It’s also possible to stream video games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Luna, and different sport streaming providers. Atari OS additionally helps video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Plex, Twitch, and YouTube, plus the Chrome net browser.
The Atari VCS’ AMD chipset is able to first rate sport efficiency, particularly for retro video games and indies. Nonetheless, if you wish to increase the machine’s usability, it may possibly additionally run Home windows, Linux Debian, and quite a few different customized working methods by way of a thumb drive, which you need to use to obtain video games and use apps that are not native to the VCS. Atari sells a preconfigured flash drive for Linux for $30. You possibly can improve the console’s 32GB flash storage by way of exterior USB drives and/or the open M.2 SSD slot. The VCS comes with 8GB RAM (two 4GB sticks), however you may improve it as much as 32GB.
The VCS All-In features a wi-fi joystick controller that is based mostly on the basic Atari paddles, plus a typical wi-fi controller that resembles an Xbox controller. Nonetheless, for those who plan to play multiplayer video games, it’s possible you’ll wish to seize a further controller (or two). Each controllers can be found for $40 at Amazon.
Latest Atari {Hardware}
The Atari VCS is not the one new, official Atari {hardware} that has been launched lately. The most recent is the Super Pocket Atari Edition from Evercade, which has 50 pre-loaded Atari video games and appears like an enhanced GameBoy handheld. It might probably play Evercade sport cartridges. It launched for $60, and whereas it is at present bought out on the US Amazon website, you may import one for $65. The Tremendous Pocket Atari Version launched alongside the Technos Super Pocket.
For a budget-friendly Atari system that is nonetheless in inventory, there’s the Atari Game Station Pro from My Arcade. This console consists of 200 pre-installed Atari video games from throughout the Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 libraries and two wi-fi joysticks. You possibly can seize the system for $70 at Amazon (down from $100) or a renewed model for $43 (usually $69).
Atari 2600+ and 7800+
For individuals who need a modernized Atari machine with a extra conventional appear and feel, there’s the Atari 2600+ that launched earlier this 12 months, and the upcoming Atari 7800+ that launches November 29. Each consoles resemble the unique designs of their namesakes–including replicas of their controllers–but provide HDMI help, USB charging, and extra. Each gadgets may also play unique 2600 and 7800 video games, and include distinctive bonus carts. The 2600+ comes with a 10-in-1 cart, whereas the 7800+ comes with an all-new sport, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest. A handful of basic Atari 2600 and 7800 video games are additionally getting official reprints alongside new cartridge-based Atari video games.
