Atari announces new VCS game console
2020 is an interesting year for game consoles. Microsoft launched the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, while Sony heralded the launch of the PlayStation 5. But it seems like they aren’t the only one’s busy developing a next-gen console.
Turns out that Atari is joining the fray too by creating its own cutting edge gaming hardware, according to reports from US-based tech portal T3.
That new console is called the Atari VCS, and is scheduled to launch in November alongside the PS5. But unlike its competitors, the new version of the classic Atari VCS has pre-installed more than 100 games, including classic Atari retro games and current titles from a range of studios.
Specs-wise, the 2020 Atari VCS is powered by an AMD Ryzen CPU, AMD Radeon GPU and expandable 8GB of RAM that can pump the games out in 4K HDR. It also has a USB 3.0, HDMI and Ethernet port, for wired connections, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
The Atari VCS also comes with the Atari VCS Modern Controller and Atari VCS Classic Joystick. Both controllers are Bluetooth-compatible, wireless, and rechargeable.
The Atari VCS runs on a Linus-based OS but can also double as a home computer via a dedicated PC Mode. Users can install a secondary operating system like Windows via a bootable USB drive.
The Atari website describes the console as “A completely modern gaming and video computer system, blending the best of consoles and PCs to delight a whole new generation of gamers and creators.”
According to a report in Tom’s Guide, Atari hopes to have a built-in crypto currency system in the VCS, which allows players to access special ‘Atari tokens’ to be used in purchasing games and in-game content. The report also said that Atari VCS has already sold more than 11,500 pre-orders and earned more than $3 million via crowdfunding platform Indiegogo.
The Atari VCS is available for pre-order now directly from Atari for $389.99 (P18,872) in three different colors: Black Walnut, Onyx Black and Carbon Gold.
(Images from Atari)
