Atari VCS throwback console attracts $2m in pre-orders

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Atari VCS throwback console attracts $2m in pre-orders

It's the latest attempt to cash in on gamers' nostalgia - a throwback console that promises "100+" classic games built in, with new online play.

Pre-orders for the Atari VCS went into overdrive on Wednesday, with a campaign on crowdfunding site Indiegogo raising more than $2m (£1.5m).

That's well in excess of the $100,000 the company was aiming for, and a remarkable endorsement of the long-lasting appeal of the Atari brand.

So, what do I get?

Powered by an AMD Bristol Ridge processor and Radeon R7 graphics alongside 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, the machine will be able to push 4K HDR graphics at 60 frames per second to play “the latest modern and indie PC titles” from a variety of developers. 

With Internet connectivity, it’ll also serve as a streaming set-top box for the living room and a web browser.

The design and branding are reminiscent of the Atari 2600, the 1977 console credited with popularising the use of game cartridges. Originally named the Atari VCS before a rebranding in 1982, the console was a sizeable mainstream success, and came to be seen as a mainstay of the video gaming industry at large.

There are two Atari VCS models now available for per-order, with the standard Onyx version taking orders at $199, and a classier Day One Collector’s Edition (with a genuine wood front) coming in at $299.

Both are marked as on sale for a limited time only.

They should be compatible with a wide range of peripherals and controllers, though anyone placing an order should receive a “re-imagined Classic Joystick” alongside a more contemporary “Modern Controller”, Atari says in a press release.

The console also differs from modern rivals by running on a custom Linux operating system, which apparently will allow users to add and customise their own software in some regard.

'Weakness for nostalgia'

The Atari VCS is a more ambitious effort, promising not only retro gaming but new titles and other entertainment features. According to a promotional video, the console will also offer a voice assistant.

But its primary selling point will be the chance to play some of the games that paved the way to the multi-billion dollar games industry we know today. "Despite the stereotype, gamers aren't all kids playing Fortnite instead of doing their homework," said Rachel Weber, senior editor at GamesRadar+.

"They're adults with serious disposable income and a weakness for nostalgia. Nintendo already proved there's a demand for an easy way to play older games with the NES and SNES Classic Editions, so it's no surprise that Atari wants to cash in too."

The console made a brief appearance at this year's Games Developers Conference - but attendees were only able to look at the console, not play it. But thousands of backers have decided to put trust in the team to hit their target of shipping the product by May 2019.
 

[Rædwulf 1,441]

this is just awesome.. i luv that they brought back the snes and genesis too..