Atari VCS game console had initially been teased with minimal information a few years ago, then delayed, and even when they launched an Indiegogo campaign last year, the specifications were not set in stone, and although we knew the company planned to use an AMD Ryzen processor, the final choice was announced later in April of this year: AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 processor.
Indiegogo backers should get their console in December 2019, but if you’re prudent with your own money, you may have preferred to wait, it’s now possible to get Atari VCS in March 2020 by pre-ordering it now for $249 and up from Walmart, Gamestop, or Atari’s own website.
There will be two model with Atari VCS 800 and Atari VCS 400 sharing many of the same (preliminary) specifications except for the RAM capacity:
- SoC – AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 dual-core / quad-thread processor with VEGA 3 graphics
- System Memory
- VCS 400 – 4GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable)
- VCS 800 – 8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable)
- Storage – 32GB eMMC internal, unlimited external USB HD/stick, cloud (subscription required)
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0 up to 4K w/ HDCP 2.2 integration
- Networking – Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – 4x USB 3.1 ports
- External Inputs – Classic joystick, modern controller, microphone, others TBD…
- Dimensions – 29.5 x 15 x 4.8 cm (Approx.)
- Weight – 1.36 kg (Approx.)
- Materials – Plastic, Metal, Wood
The console runs Atari Custom Linux OS by default, but as an x86 platform it will be compatible with other Linux distributions, Windows, Steam OS, and Chrome OS.
The price list for the console and accessories can be found below.
| SKUs | Description | Ship Date | MSRP |
| 800 Onyx All In (Retail Exclusive) | 8GB RAM (upgradeable) Bundle | March 2020 | $389.99 |
| 800 Onyx Base | 8GB RAM (upgradeable) | March 2020 | $279.99 |
| 400 Onyx Base | 4GB RAM (upgradeable) | March 2020 | $249.99 |
| Classic Joystick | Accessory | March 2020 | $49.99 |
| Modern Controller | Accessory | March 2020 | $59.99 |
The Atari VCS 800 “All In” bundle is said to include an Atari VCS Classic Joystick and Atari VCS Modern Controller. Whoever came out with the pricing for the bundle may be math-challenged or hopes customers are, since purchasing those items separately come out at $389.97, so there’s no actual discount for the bundle.
It should be noted that AFAIK Atari VCS game console has never been showcased publicly, and I can’t find any video demo on YouTube.
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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I expected it to run on Android, not on “bare” Linux. The decision about the O.S. may limit its app offerings.
It’s a full-on, if basic, Ryzen SoC though, which means it can run any regular desktop OS. Even so, this seems a bit odd.
Alongside Atari World, the Linux based OS, it also has Atari Sandbox, allowing you to install any OS, such as Windows 10, to the system.
I have no idea why this got 2 thumbs down or why it is in this comment chain because i was responding to a comment from Jean Luc, haha. I guess what i tried to say didn’t come across nicely so it looks like its a double take on TLS.
On the contrary: There was never so much as a single reference that Atari VCS would be Android based, so to be frank, i have no idea how this could be your expectation.
If it can boot whatever OS (Linux, Windows, etc) I think this will be a perfect “Desktop PC replacement” or even a powerful media player: powerful enough for internet navigation, silent, small, with expandible RAM, 4K support, light playing, closing with a nice vintage look. This may be what an XBox or PS4 (both x86-based) don’t want to be.
I only suggest us to wait for a real review, bench, and so on.
Once again just more 3D renders.
Beware of this vaporware