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Ataribox officially renamed the Atari VCS

by: Sean Colleli - posted: 3/20/2018 10:16:00 AM
More On: Ataribox

Well, this is a thing. The suspicious mysterious Ataribox, Atari's ostensible revival of their past glories during the 70s and 80s, has been renamed the Atari VCS. Long-minded gamers will recall that VCS was the original name for the Atari 2600, and stood for Video Computer System. The new console will support both classic controllers based on the original CX40 Joystick, as well as a more modern gamepad that looks a lot like an Xbox One or Nintendo Switch Pro controller. Both controllers are apparently wireless. The freshly minted Atari VCS will go on pre-order in April...which you might remember was supposed to happen way back in December. If you're a member of the press you'll be able to get a closer look at the VCS at GDC later this month.

I'm still extremely skeptical of the Ataribox project. They're throwing around a lot of words like "legendary," "iconic," and "retro," which usually means very little substance and a lot of shameless nostalgia pandering. I want to know what this thing can do and why it will apparently cost around $300. Playing the entire 2600, 5200, 7800 and 800 series computer game libraries at a budget would be a good start--remember, most of these games are over 30 years old. Atari will have to cover the vast library of their classics at the bare minimum to make this thing an attractive purchase.

Beyond that, what else can it play? Why is it priced to compete with the PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch? Why pay the same amount as I would for modern day hardware? What's under the VCS hood? If it's another glorified Android box like the Ouya, I'd rather just plunk down for a PS4 and emulate dusty old Atari games on a Raspberry Pi, which I can do for pennies on the dollar. They might also end up competing with themselves and the Atari 2600 Flashback plug n' plays they've been cranking out for years.

Atari will have to start showing something of substance about this retro-modern console if they want anyone to take it seriously. Time and time again history has borne out the maxim that It's All About The Games, and any publisher ignores this stubborn fact at their own peril. It's been nearly a year since they announced Ataribox and facts are still very thin on the ground, and most of the people I talk to are just tired of hearing about the thing. Atari has a lot to prove at GDC. It's going to take a lot more than CG renders of faux-wood paneling to sell the VCS, that's for sure.

 

Atari® Officially Introduces the Atari VCS™, Its All-New Video Computer System Inspired by More Than 40 Years of History

Legendary Digital Pioneer Continues Development of New Hardware Platform that Honors Company’s Innovative Video Game Roots While Launching a New Era of Interactive Home Entertainment; Will Reveal Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller Prototypes at Game Developers Conference


NEW YORK, March 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atari® — One of the world's most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, today proudly announces that “Atari VCS” is the official name of its new retro-inspired gaming and entertainment platform, previously known by its working title “Ataribox.” The company also marks this important milestone by sharing the Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller prototypes with press at this week’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, with the objective to reveal the exclusive pre-order date for the Atari VCS during the month of April 2018.

Inspired by the iconic silhouette of the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System, the new Atari VCS has already generated considerable excitement within the gaming community. Its skillful blend of modern lines and reverential details, combined with contemporary content technology and new innovation, has evoked positive reactions from Atari fans both new and old. The Atari VCS will of course serve up lots of classic content, but it is so much more than a “retro-box.” It is a completely new Atari connected device designed for today’s living room.

The new Atari VCS logo, like the new hardware itself, combines past and present, and is inspired by Atari’s rich history of progressive graphic design. Countless highly-memorable game logos, illustrations, ads and packages were generated by Atari’s legendary in-house Industrial Design and Graphics department during the 1970’s and 80’s.

Industrial design and graphics are essential parts of the brand’s DNA and part of what makes every Atari game an adventure for the player. Today’s Atari design, engineering, software and marketing teams all endeavor to bring similar levels of care and attention to the new VCS. Atari intends its new video computer system to change the way you interact with your TV, just as the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System first did more than 40 years ago.

“Every person at Atari and every partner involved with the new platform is just as fanatical about the brand and its heritage as our biggest fans are,” explained Michael Arzt, Atari COO of Connected Devices. “With the Atari VCS name, we know how important it is to get everything completely right and that’s why we briefly paused an imminent launch late last year. It was a difficult decision with the countdown underway, but we weren’t willing to go forward with even one thing out of alignment. We hope that Atari’s fans appreciate our extreme attention to detail and are as excited about the Atari VCS as we are.”  

In addition to unveiling the official name and logo, Atari will be shifting all branding and communications channels to reflect the Atari VCS name. Fans and followers can sign up for email alerts at www.Ataribox.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller prototypes will be shown in-person at pre-scheduled press appointments during GDC 2018 on March 21 and 22, 2018. Please contact pr@uberstrategist.com to reserve your spot.

To stay up-to-date on all things Atari and retro-pop-culture, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Atari, and follow us on Twitter @Atari and Instagram.

 

ABOUT ATARI

Atari is an interactive entertainment company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong® and RollerCoaster Tycoon.® Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at www.Atari.com. To learn more about Atari’s rich art and design history, check out the best-selling book Art of Atari by Tim Lapetino, published by Dynamite Entertainment, at www.ArtofAtari.com. A level of uncertainty exists in the development of any project, in consideration to milestones, budget and financial planning, and the non-realization of certain conditions may impact value.

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