The unique Atari has been gone for many years, however the present proprietor of the identify and model launched a brand new dwelling console lately, known as the Atari VCS 800. After a comparatively brief life, it’s now on its manner out.
The trendy Atari VCS, also referred to as the Ataribox, is a console that was revealed all the best way again in 2017. It obtained over $3 million on the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform in June 2018, however like many crowdfunded tasks, it slipped far previous its unique cargo date — backers didn’t truly get theirs till December 2020. Following a number of {hardware} and software program revisions, the ultimate product appeared like the unique Atari 2600, however ran a custom-made model of Debian Linux with an AMD Raven Ridge APU.
The brand new VCS obtained combined responses from consumers and reviewers. The Amazon and Greatest Purchase listings are each at 3.9/5 stars, and shops like Tom’s {Hardware} and IGN cited the excessive value and convoluted PC mode as important drawbacks. Packages like Atari 50: The Anniversary Assortment or ROM emulation are less-pricey methods to get pleasure from most traditional Atari video games (when you already personal a console/PC), and different compact or funds PCs can be higher choices for cheap PC gaming.
Maybe unsurprisingly, solely two years after Atari VCS 800 models began delivery to unique backers, the console appears to be useless. Amazon and Greatest Purchase are each out of (new) inventory in the US, leaving solely Atari’s web site as the only real provider — the {hardware} bundle is on sale for $239.99 as a substitute of $299.99.
Atari mentioned in its newest monetary outcomes that it has began “the suspension of direct {hardware} manufacturing relationships, notably as regards to the Atari VCS, for which a brand new business technique has been carried out as of the top of calendar 12 months 2022.” Which may imply Atari is searching for a brand new manufacturing companion for the VCS, however the extra seemingly state of affairs is that it’s not coming again — we’ve reached out to Atari for extra particulars, and we’ll replace this text if we hear again.
The identical monetary report indicated Atari’s {hardware} gross sales, which is usually simply the VCS and a restricted run of Atari 2600 cartridges, decreased from €2.3 million to €0.2M over a 12 months. The corporate’s new focus is, maybe unsurprisingly, “Web3” tasks’ together with NFTs. Atari is promoting art work impressed by outdated Atari video games as NFTs, in case you have been seeking to burn some cash.
Supply: Liliputing, Atari