The Atari VCS console is up for pre-order and we finally get details on what's inside the box.
Up until now Atari has been quite vague with the exact specifications that power its new Atari VCS system, but the latest Indiegogo pre-order page reveals all. The Atari VCS is powered by a customized and tweaked 7th generation Bristol Ridge APU which combines a Radeon R7 GPU and an A10 CPU. The system also features 4GB of DDR4 RAM (likely 2400MHz) and 32GB of built-in eMMC storage. Atari VCS will be powered by a Linux-based Operating System (Ubuntu) and ports include 1x HDMI 2.0 and 4x USB 3.0, with support for 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet.
Atari has already confirmed the device will roll out with 100 built-in classic games, and the console is to be a kind of nexus for streaming, gaming, and social media interactions. Users will also be able to play some PC games on it to boot and download more classic titles and new/older indie games from a storefront.
ATARI GOES ONLINE
For the first time on an Atari device, access the Internet for updated Online Multi-Player experiences and to browse, download, or stream more favorites.*
The all-new Atari VCS Store promises a unique new experience. Atari is joining forces with a leading industry partner to be announced shortly, with the shared mission to provide exciting and diverse games and other entertainment content for the Atari VCS.
Browse countless new and classic games from both Atari and a host of partner studios and publishers. While we can't list all the great partners we will have just yet, gamers will be thrilled on day one.
By Spring 2019 when Atari VCS ships, we plan to have new and exclusive games for you to download* or stream, including reimagined classic titles from Atari and other top developers that are ready-to-play, with even more to come!
(*Subscription required for advanced services and cloud storage.)
Tempest 4000 will be there, along with other all-new, modern Atari games currently in development for VCS!
The cheapest Atari VCS will cost you $199 and the console goes all the way up to $339 with accessories included. So far as I can tell there's no real difference in specs between the Onyx and the more expensive Collector's Edition.
Atari hopes to ship the system by July 2019, and you can find more specs below.
Atari VCS Specifications
Specification* Measurement
Unit Dimensions 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6"
Unit Weight 3 lbs.
Materials Plastic, Metal, Wood
Operating System Linux OS based on Ubuntu (Linux Kernel 4.10)
Compatible Systems Linux
Power Low TDP architecture - Less Heat & Noise
Connections HDMI 2.0, 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4xUSB 3.0
External Inputs Classic Joystick, Modern Controller, Microphone
Storage 32GB eMMC, external HD, SD card
RAM 4GB DDR4 RAM
Memory 32GB eMMC
CPU Bristol Ridge A10
GPU Radeon R7
HDCP Integration HDCP 2.2
Second Screen (Screencasting) Yes
Cloud Storage Yes. Additional Service Offering
Required Internet Connection Not for classic gaming but required to access all features
Cross Game Chat Skype, Discord, etc.
Voice Commands 4-front facing mic array
Subscription Needed? No. Includes cloud and other services.
Live Streaming Yes with Twitch.tv
Mouse & Keyboard Support Yes
Classic Joystick Specs
Features Spec (US)
center joystick Yes
trigger button Yes
reactive LED ring Yes
Wireless Bluetooth
USB USB C
Battery Rechargeable
Approx. Weight 16 oz.
PC, Android Compatible Yes
Approx. Dimensions 4 x 4 x 4 inches
USB play/charge cable 4 foot
Headset Port No
Modern Controller Specs
Features Spec (US)
L/R joysticks Yes
L/R Triggers Yes
L/R Shoulder buttons Yes
Home/menu buttons Yes
D-Pad Yes
4 function buttons Yes
Ergonomic grip Yes
Wireless Bluetooth
USB USB C
Battery Rechargeable
LED charge indicator Yes
Approx. Weight 16 oz.
PC, Android Compatible Yes
Approx. Dimensions 6 x 4.5 x 2 inches
USB play/charge cable 4 foot
Headset Port TBD