It’s 2021 and I’m not playing on Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. Instead, I play Atari.
It’s not an old Atari 2600 that used to collect dust in a closet, nor an emulator I found online. It’s a new home video game console: the Atari VCS.
After spending time playing Atari VCS, it’s easy to get caught up in the nostalgic feelings of jumping into my “Asteroids” or “Missile Command” cartridges. However, the VCS offers plenty of modern touches such as wireless rechargeable controllers and Wi-Fi support for downloadable games.
The Atari VCS is available for pre-order for $399.99 and includes the console, a modern wireless controller, and a classic wireless joystick.
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The design of the VCS is inspired by older Atari consoles, including the 2600 and Atari 7800. No more analog switches to reset or start games or choose whether you’re playing on a color or black-and-white TV. Instead, you have two front USB ports for charging controllers, an HDMI port for your TV, more ports for USB and Ethernet, and the power button.
The classic controller also has a 21st century twist. There’s now a second button that sits on the back of the controllers, right next to the standard red button that Atari fans remember. The stick itself spins, a nod to old-school paddle controllers with a dial. There are also LED lights and rumble technology, so the controller vibrates as you play.
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If you’d rather use something more modern, the VCS also includes the standard controller you’ll find on other current video game consoles. It is lighter and above all as comfortable as PlayStation or Xbox. Biggest knock: you have to manually power down the VCS to turn it off. There’s currently no option to do this through the controller like you can on PlayStation or Xbox.
When it comes to games, Atari VCS is clearly going for an arcade-style vibe with its collection. The device itself comes preloaded with a variety of classic Atari titles, such as ‘Asteroids’, ‘Centipede’, ‘Missile Command’, ‘Millipede’ and ‘Pong’. But there are also other interesting downloadable games available, including a space-themed arcade shooter called “GunTech”.
Here’s where Atari VCS gets interesting: you can also download other apps like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube. And the console is available in PC mode, so owners can install their own operating system and use the device as a “mini-PC”.
The big concern that stands out is whether this console might feel too niche. Its library is heavily skewed towards older arcade games. Of course, there’s also the nostalgia game here. Is it enough to spend the same money on a VCS that you would ditch for a PlayStation or an Xbox? That’s the big question Atari will have to grapple with when it launches the VCS this spring.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.
How much did Atari cost in 1977?
On October 14, 1977, Atari VCS and Sears Video Arcade were released to the general public at a retail price of $199.99 ($757.32 today), with nine games available.
Was Atari the first game console?
Atari didn’t make the first home video game system – that honor belonged to Magnavox Odyssey. But Atari was the company that really popularized this form of gaming. Atari first entered the home market with its 1975 electronic table tennis game Pong.
How much did an Atari cost in 1985?
| Console | Year | Original Price |
|---|---|---|
| Atari 5200 | 1982 | $269 |
| NES | 1985 | $199 |
| Sega Master System | 1986 | $199 |
| TurboGrafx-16 | 1989 | $199 |
What is the most expensive video game?
A sealed copy of Nintendo’s “Super Mario Bros. 3” has become the most expensive video game ever sold, fetching $156,000 at auction on Friday.
Is the Atari VCS real?
The Atari VCS has been in the works for some time now, having first been announced in 2017. The console was originally set for a spring 2018 launch, but the crowdfunded system has only been in between. players’ hands until the end of 2020.
Who owns Atari 2020?
| Atari brand logo used by Atari SA and its subsidiaries since 2012 | |
|---|---|
| Country | UNITED STATES |
| Introduced | June 27, 1972 |
What does Atari VCS mean?
The system shares a name with Atari, Inc.’s 1977 Video Computer System, commonly abbreviated as VCS, which was renamed the Atari 2600 in late 1982.
What was the last Atari console?
The final Atari-licensed release is the PAL-only version of the 1990 arcade game KLAX. of the family of personal computers.
Can Atari VCS play PC games?
As Kenson explains, the Atari VCS is actually a custom PC running a form of Linux. Obviously, it wouldn’t work as well with typical PC builds, so Kenson installed Windows 10 instead – an operating system capable of playing AAA PC games like Cyberpunk 2077.
Can the Atari VCS play modern games?
However, the VCS offers plenty of modern touches such as wireless rechargeable controllers and Wi-Fi support for downloadable games. The design of the VCS is inspired by old Atari consoles, notably the 2600 and Atari 7800.
What year was the Atari released?
Atari console, video game console released in 1977 by North American game manufacturer Atari, Inc. Using a cartridge-based system that allowed users to play a variety of video games, the Atari console marked the beginning of a new era in home gaming systems. .
How much is an old Atari console worth?
It’s true that prices vary wildly for Atari 2600 consoles: we’ve seen used units range between $15 and $1000. The value of your system will depend on the version you have (there are several), its general condition and the rarity of the games included.
Which Atari is worth the most?
Most Valuable Atari 2600 Games
- Air raid. Used price: $13,900 | IPC Price: $33,400 | See current prices. …
- Crossing the Red Sea. Used Price: $13,800 | IPC Price: $NA | See current prices. …
- Birthday Mania. Used price: $6,500 | IPC Price: $NA | See current prices. …
- Gamma attack. …
- Karate [Ultravision] …
- Pepsi invaders. …
- Mangia. …
- Eli’s ladder.
What is an Atari 2600 worth today?
If you have a Four Switch Woodgrain console, an Atari 2600 Jr, or a “Darth Vader,” they are worth around $30-50. A Heavy Sixer is probably worth over $60, while a Light Sixer will cost around $40 to $50.
What is the most expensive console?
Intellivision – $299 ($1070 in 2020) Console prices are always a controversial topic, and the latest generation of PlayStation and Xbox are no exception. The good news is that even if you outflank the Big Bucks, there’s always a micro-transaction lurking around the corner.
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