Atari revolutionized the video game market in 1977 with its Atari VCS (Video Computer System), better known as the Atari 2600. A console that quickly gained great popularity and cemented what would be the beginning of a beautiful story for video games, a market that has never stopped growing.
In 1966 Atari stopped producing hardware but will soon make a Long-awaited return with its new Atari VCS. Yes, the console has the same name as the one they launched on the market more than 40 years ago, and the name has a lot to do with what the console is going to offer.
Despite having begun to be designed in 2016, it was in 2017 when they officially presented this 'new' console, which has a design inspired by the one seen on the 1977 console.
4K HDR at 60 FPS, an achievement for Atari
Atari wants to reach the market with an interesting bet, and has demonstrated it by indicating that this console will have support for 4K HDR resolution and that it will be able to run all games at 60 frames per second at that resolution.
That they achieve this goal is an important achievement and puts them on par with the most powerful consoles on the market. In addition to its resolution, it will also have internal and external storage, USB 3.0 ports, WiFi connection and support for Bluetooth 5.0. As for its processor, it seems that it will be provided by AMD and will enjoy a custom operating system based on Linux.
As for additional options, it is not only a console but also a multimedia center. Applications such as Netflix, YouTube and other video-on-demand services can be viewed. Let's hope that, in addition to VOD, other types of applications will also appear throughout its life.
But you will have to be patient to be able to enjoy the console. This can be reserved from next May 3rd through a campaign crowdfounding on Indiegogo. Once the campaign goal is reached, shipments will begin in spring 2019, so there will be a long wait to get your hands on the new Atari VCS.
Atari VCS will have classic and modern games
That they have renamed their console to Atari VCS –Initially it was called AtariBox– it has not been solely out of nostalgia. In addition to offering a design inspired by the original console, which will arrive in 'Collector's Edition' (with simulated wood panels) and 'Onyx Edition' (completely black) versions, this VCS you will enjoy classic games from the original console.
Players will be able to meet 'Atari Vault' preloaded on consoles, a collection of 100 classic Atari games. But don't worry too much because it's just a 'retro' console. Not only can these titles be played, but they have already assured that will be compatible with next generation games. They have also indicated that you will be able to enjoy “a wide range of popular modern titles”, although they have not made it very clear what they mean by this. Unfortunately they have not said if the 'Atari Vault' games will be emulated or if they have been adapted for the new resolutions supported by the console.
This is just the beginning of what can be an option to take into account in the video game console market. However, there is a lot of information missing. Especially regarding the game catalog and its price. No matter how much it is a recognized company in the world of video games, it has not been seen for more than 20 years, and that will not help them sell their console if they do not present it at a competitive price.
I have been glued to a monitor since a PC fell into my hands in 1997. Now I like to write about everything related to them.
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