The Atari VCS, previously known as the Atari Box, probably isn't what you think it is. IGN got a hands on with the new device at the Game Developers Conference, and it isn't an Atari version of the NES Mini, or a new console to compete with the PS4 or Xbox One. Instead, to put it simply, it's a Linux based living room PC, similar to a Steam Machine.
Atari Connect COO Michael Artz compared it to “a good laptop without a keyboard,” and said “it’s a much more casual device.” The VCS don't have a dedicated GPU, and will come bundled with some classic Atari arcade games, at a price point between $250 and $300. IGN asked if the VCS was closer to a Steam machine, Arts said “yeah, but I don’t think it’s as ambitious as a Steam [Machine].”
I dunno on this. Everyone old enough has a lot of nostalgia for Atari, but with the brief description we get of the VCS, at even the low end of $250 it seems like it's asking a little too much for the nostalgia. Thanks to cageymaru for the story.
Atari wants this to be a system that anyone can easily plug in, understand, and start using right away. He gave an example explaining that they want moms to be able to turn on the VCS and easily find Netflix, but they also want to attract a younger audience that might only know of Atari’s veteran reputation.
Atari Connect COO Michael Artz compared it to “a good laptop without a keyboard,” and said “it’s a much more casual device.” The VCS don't have a dedicated GPU, and will come bundled with some classic Atari arcade games, at a price point between $250 and $300. IGN asked if the VCS was closer to a Steam machine, Arts said “yeah, but I don’t think it’s as ambitious as a Steam [Machine].”
I dunno on this. Everyone old enough has a lot of nostalgia for Atari, but with the brief description we get of the VCS, at even the low end of $250 it seems like it's asking a little too much for the nostalgia. Thanks to cageymaru for the story.
Atari wants this to be a system that anyone can easily plug in, understand, and start using right away. He gave an example explaining that they want moms to be able to turn on the VCS and easily find Netflix, but they also want to attract a younger audience that might only know of Atari’s veteran reputation.