Atari VCS (2021 console)

Atari VCS
Atari VCS 800 Onyx, controllers, and accessories
Atari VCS 800 Onyx, controllers, and PC USB
Also known asProject Ataribox
DeveloperAtari
Manufacturer
TypeHome video game console
GenerationNinth
Release date
  • Backers: December 14, 2020
Lifespan2020–present
Introductory price
  • US$299 (Onyx Base system)
  • US$399 (All-In system)
Units sold10,000+ as of Q4 2020[5]
Operating systemDebian-based (Atari OS)
CPU14 nm AMD R1606G Zen processor with 2 cores and 4 threads @ 2.6 GHz (up to 3.5 GHz)
Memory
  • 8 GB DDR4 (800 model) (upgradeable)
  • 4 GB DDR4 (400 model) (upgradeable)
StorageInternal flash memory: 32 GB
Removable storageInternal (user upgradeable) M.2 SSD, or external USB-based storage
DisplayHDMI 2.0
GraphicsRadeon Vega 3 APU architecture with up to 4GB shared graphics memory
Controller inputClassic joystick, modern controller
Connectivity
Online servicesAtari VCS Store
Dimensions11.6 in × 5.9 in × 1.9 in (29.5 cm × 15.0 cm × 4.8 cm)
Mass3 lb (1.4 kg)
Websitewww.atari.com/pages/atari-vcs

The Atari VCS is a home video game console produced by Atari VCS, LLC, an affiliate of Atari, Inc. part of the Atari SA group.[6] While its exterior encasing design is intended to pay homage to the Atari 2600, the new Atari VCS plays modern games and streaming entertainment via a Linux-based operating system called AtariOS that allows users to download and install other compatible games, including those compatible with Windows 10. The system shares a name with the original Atari's 1977 Video Computer System, usually shortened to VCS, which was renamed to the Atari 2600 in late 1982.

The system was first revealed as Ataribox in June 2017 and partially crowdfunded starting in May 2018.[7] After several delays, the console was expected to ship in March 2020, but was delayed again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] Initial units for backers were shipped in December 2020, while the console had a general release in June 2021, in Australia, New Zealand and then in North America; shipping was initially restricted to the United States only by Atari and official distributors before it was expanded to include Canada by October 2021. The VCS has not been released in European, African or Asian territories.[9]

  1. ^ "Atari: April 2018" (PDF). atari-investisseurs.fr. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  2. ^ Palumbo, Alessio (May 31, 2018). "Atari VCS Specs Unveiled – Bristol Ridge A10, Radeon R7, 8GB DDR4 RAM, Mouse & Keyboard Support". wccftech.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  3. ^ "Atari VCS Finally Launches This Month". June 2, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  4. ^ "Atari returns with the new Atari VCS on 10 June". Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  5. ^ "November 30, 2021 - Annual General Meeting" (PDF). Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "Terms of Use". Atari®. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Atari® Announces Atari VCS™ Pre-Sale Begins May 30th on INDIEGOGO with Exclusive Wood-Front Collector's Edition, Onyx Model and Accessories". Atari. April 30, 2018. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  8. ^ "Atari VCS console delayed, report blames Coronavirus outbreak". February 5, 2020. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  9. ^ "The Atari VCS retro-inspired console is finally available to buy". June 16, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2022.