[breaking] Ataribox renamed VCS, still no reason to buy one

[Futurdreamz]

via Engadget

Atari's retro Ataribox console has been more sizzle than steak since it was first unveiled last summer, with delays and a distinct lack of game announcements dampening the enthusiasm. And unfortunately, that trend is mostly continuing today. The company has announced that it's rebranding the Ataribox as the Atari VCS in a nod to the 2600's little-used full name, and plans to show prototypes of the system, the Classic Joystick and the Modern Controller at the Game Developers Conference this week. However, that's about all it's showing.

There's no mention of a game lineup, and Atari noted that its "objective" is to announce the pre-order date sometime in April. It could be well into the spring before you can even put money down on a VCS, let alone hook one up to your TV. We're still holding out some hope for the VCS, especially since it won't be limited to playing vintage games, but the proof will be in the pudding -- Atari needs to show a working device and playable titles for this to be more than another nostalgia cash-in.

It's like they simply read a headline saying the NES Classic sold like gangbusters and never stopped to look into what a NES Classic is or why it sold. Though realistically they probably tried but then pivoted once they realized getting the rights for the necessary games would be costly and difficult. Or it's a fraud scheme idk.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

This COULD be good. I'm not holding my breath but they could still redeem this.

The only way that'll happen though is if it's stronger than the Switch for less cost

 

[Eastonator12]

via Engadget
View attachment 118012


It's like they simply read a headline saying the NES Classic sold like gangbusters and never stopped to look into what a NES Classic is or why it sold. Though realistically they probably tried but then pivoted once they realized getting the rights for the necessary games would be costly and difficult. Or it's a fraud scheme idk.

really the redeeming factor would be its hackability, and what could be done with them. This could be the next Wii of emulation

 

[the_randomizer]

Big whoop, I'll take my modded Wii U over this any day.

 

[Futurdreamz]

really the redeeming factor would be its hackability, and what could be done with them. This could be the next Wii of emulation

By that logic the Ouya should've been the next Wii of emulation for it's time.

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This COULD be good. I'm not holding my breath but they could still redeem this.

The only way that'll happen though is if it's stronger than the Switch for less cost

Last I checked it had an AMD APU and was estimated to cost over $400

 

[KingVamp]

I like the name Ataribox better.

 

[hobbledehoy899]

It'll be fun to see if they fucking put Linux of all things on the thing like Valve did with their Steam machines.

 

[Bladexdsl]

LMFAO just get the shield tv instead of this POS

 

[dAVID_]

I like the name Ataribox better.

I like the name Official Atari Emulator better.

 

[Futurdreamz]

I like the name Official Atari Emulator better.

...cept it problably doesn't even play Atari games, except as an afterthought.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Last I checked it had an AMD APU and was estimated to cost over $400

Hm... Might not be awful, especially considering it's effectively an entry-level PC. They're pandering to a very niche audience, though; the cross-section of people who are technical enough to deal with hooking a PC up to their TV and dealing with all the kinks that brings with the people who either like wood grain, retro looks, or are nostalgic for old Atari consoles. Looking at what the Steam Machines were trying to

...cept it problably doesn't even play Atari games, except as an afterthought.

That would be a horrible oversight on Atari's part, and I somehow doubt that they wouldn't toss in a bunch of their classic games considering they're trying to make a huge comeback

 

[Futurdreamz]

Hm... Might not be awful, especially considering it's effectively an entry-level PC. They're pandering to a very niche audience, though; the cross-section of people who are technical enough to deal with hooking a PC up to their TV and dealing with all the kinks that brings with the people who either like wood grain, retro looks, or are nostalgic for old Atari consoles. Looking at what the Steam Machines were trying to

That would be a horrible oversight on Atari's part, and I somehow doubt that they wouldn't toss in a bunch of their classic games considering they're trying to make a huge comeback

this is as different Atari, and they haven't even made a peep about any included games. Plus most of the original games iirc came from third parties that would have to be negotiated with for licenses.

 

[AxlSt00pid]

inb4 the only games it comes with are atari 5200 games

 

[RustInPeace]

No ET, no sale.

 

[matthi321]

for 400 dollars it better be able to emulate up to wii u at 25-30 fps. and be able to play pc games

 

[DBlaze]

for 400 dollars it better be able to emulate up to wii u at 25-30 fps. and be able to play pc games

400 dollars won't get you very far with a normal PC with current PC games.
So unless you're talking years old games, better not hold your breath for that demand.
Nor the wii u emulation, a 400 dollar pc won't do you any good for that either.

 

[Sakitoshi]

That would be a horrible oversight on Atari's part, and I somehow doubt that they wouldn't toss in a bunch of their classic games considering they're trying to make a huge comeback

Most of the well known titles of the 2600 were made by activision and you know that dealing with them is worse than dealing with the devil.

 

[matthi321]

400 dollars won't get you very far with a normal PC with current PC games.
So unless you're talking years old games, better not hold your breath for that demand.
Nor the wii u emulation, a 400 dollar pc won't do you any good for that either.

you can build a ryzen mini pc for 250-300 dollars, that can play new pc games at low setting and can emulate up to wii u pretty well

 

[dimmidice]

What is this thing even? Did we ever find out what it's purpose is going to be?

 

[Futurdreamz]

What is this thing even? Did we ever find out what it's purpose is going to be?

It's an attempt to make money leveraging IP by a group that are so detached from the source material they do not understand what it is. So it has defaulted to a buzzword catchall that has every capability except the most crucial: Low cost and games.

That's pretty much all you need to know. It might be a good hacking platform, but it will be so rare that few people will be working on tools for it. if it ever meet the backing goal.