Atari Reenters Console Gaming with Atari VCS, arriving in November

As the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 prepare for the next chapter of the console wars, an old name returns to challenge them in the form of the Atari VCS.

The Atari VCS is a new version of the original introduced in 1977. This device, known as the video computer system, was renamed the Atari 2600 in 1982 and was one of the earliest examples of a dedicated video game console that could be played in people homes. There were classic games like Space Invaders, Pitfall! And Centipede in his library.

However, the 2020 Atari VCS has made the expected leaps in technology in the video game scene over the past four decades. It contains an AMD Ryzen CPU, an AMD Radeon GPU and 8 GB of RAM, which are expandable. In terms of graphics, games are also played in 4K HDR.

In terms of connectivity, the Atari VCS has USB 3.0, an HDMI and an Ethernet port for cable connections, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth.

In another nod to its predecessor, the Atari Classic joystick is similar to the one kids played with in the 1980s, but updated for 2020. On the other hand, the Atari Modern Controller has a D-pad and analog sticks that are more similar to the current video game controllers.

Over 100 classic Atari home and arcade classics are available via the Atari Vault on Linux. The Atari VCS will also have “current titles from a number of studios”, according to T3. With a dedicated storefront, players can download apps for streaming video, music players and web browsers, as well as additional video games.

The console also offers a dedicated PC mode that allows a secondary operating system such as Windows to be installed via a bootable external USB stick. This means that the Atari VCS can act as a home computer.

Speaking of aesthetics: The Atari VCS has the wooden panel and the rib effect that make the 2600 so different from any game console introduced afterwards. “It’s actually made up of individual slats and layers,” noted Dana Krieger, industrial designer at Atari.

“We found a way to put in a natural wood product, and it’s a beautiful finish, but it also becomes a really interactive part of the product. The interface shines through this material, ”added Krieger.

The Atari VCS is already available for pre-order for 389.99 USD directly from Atari. There are three different colors available: Black Walnut, Onyx Black and Carbon Gold.

November promises to be a big month for the company as Atari token is also launched, which is publicly sold and listed on Bitcoin.com.