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Forums - Gaming Discussion - The Atari VCS Console PreOrder Live Full Specs

 

Will You be getting one?

Yes Definitely 1 3.23%
 
No 20 64.52%
 
Waiting for Supported Titles 8 25.81%
 
See Results 2 6.45%
 
Total:31

All digital. No thanks.



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CrazyGamer2017 said:
OneTime said:
Beware spending money on vaporware!

Do your research.

The Atari 2600  or VCS was my first ever gaming device so I'd be the perfect nostalgic target for this reboot. Unfortunately I have been paying attention and something is fishy with this new device. I'll wait and see how things go and what people who buy it has to say before making up my mind. But for now it's definitely NO.

My first console was 2600 as well. From like the years of two to six, that was what I played. But for me, this wouldn't wax nostalgic. Only the real console, hooked up to a CRT will achieve that. An all digital, modern Atari, playing emulated games with lag on a modern tv? Not very nostalgic. At least not for me.



I see people are confused about the Atari VCS, what purpose it serves and what value it holds.

The VCS is REALLY just a small x86 PC with an AMD APU capable of playing games, but not really at the same visual quality of a PS4 for example. Only 4GB of RAM will restrict it more than anything.

"Erg, gaw! It sucks, it so week!!" Yes, yes it is,... in comparison to machines that aim to deliver cutting edge AAA game visuals, the VCS doesn't.

"But games maing, where duh games. No one gunna make de games." Atari is creating new games and partnering with developers for some VCS exclusives for their online store on the VCS. These games may or may not suck total balls, but there will probably be a few gems worth a play and I'm sure a few people are excited for new versions of Atari classics. But there are already thousands of games the VCS can play, and I'm not talking about 2600 ROMs, I'm talking about your Steam library.

The VCS is a PC after all, and it's running a spin of Ubuntu Linux that can run the Steam client and play your back-catalog of games, as long as they can run on the hardware and have a Linux version, as many indie games do. The VCS should be able to play games Like Rocket League, Besiege, RoboCraft, DOTA2 and even Cities: Skylines would be possible but pushing it. The VCS is however going to be more suited to the less graphically demanding indie games and older AAA titles.

"But moneis, too much!" In relation to the traditional console market that often sells at a loss and have over priced games due to the platform holders fees perhaps, Atari is asking for what it costs to produce the VCS and you can run any code you want on it.

Since it's a PC you could install any OS and use it for just about anything. People seem to react positively to the form factor so worst case you're left with a cool PC for your TV.

On the first day of the indiegogo preorder they've sold over 7,500 units and raised over 2 million dollars, totally destroying their goals, so it's looking like a strong start.

The issue with the Uoya (other than the name, is that even how you spell it?) is that is tried to create an entirely new isolated ecosystem.



The cost of this thing is insane. You can buy a X1 or PS4 along with a Snes mini or a Mega Drive mini at $299. I understand Nostalgia but this is just pure greed.



PwerlvlAmy said:
CosmicSex said:

In this case I think what we are seeing is them cashing in on nostalgia.  It's as good as a motivator as anything else. 

But is there a large enough group out there that still yearns for the Atari nostalgia for $250-$300, I'd say no.

If it is an indicator: less than 50.000 Steam users were nostalgic enough to spend even 5 to 10 bucks for these 100 Atari games. (I bought it for €3 in a Fanatical sale, very nice compilation).

Last edited by Conina - on 31 May 2018

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doopdooploop said:
I see people are confused about the Atari VCS, what purpose it serves and what value it holds.

The VCS is REALLY just a small x86 PC with an AMD APU capable of playing games, but not really at the same visual quality of a PS4 for example. Only 4GB of RAM will restrict it more than anything.

"Erg, gaw! It sucks, it so week!!" Yes, yes it is,... in comparison to machines that aim to deliver cutting edge AAA game visuals, the VCS doesn't.

"But games maing, where duh games. No one gunna make de games." Atari is creating new games and partnering with developers for some VCS exclusives for their online store on the VCS. These games may or may not suck total balls, but there will probably be a few gems worth a play and I'm sure a few people are excited for new versions of Atari classics. But there are already thousands of games the VCS can play, and I'm not talking about 2600 ROMs, I'm talking about your Steam library.

The VCS is a PC after all, and it's running a spin of Ubuntu Linux that can run the Steam client and play your back-catalog of games, as long as they can run on the hardware and have a Linux version, as many indie games do. The VCS should be able to play games Like Rocket League, Besiege, RoboCraft, DOTA2 and even Cities: Skylines would be possible but pushing it. The VCS is however going to be more suited to the less graphically demanding indie games and older AAA titles.

"But moneis, too much!" In relation to the traditional console market that often sells at a loss and have over priced games due to the platform holders fees perhaps, Atari is asking for what it costs to produce the VCS and you can run any code you want on it.

Since it's a PC you could install any OS and use it for just about anything. People seem to react positively to the form factor so worst case you're left with a cool PC for your TV.

On the first day of the indiegogo preorder they've sold over 7,500 units and raised over 2 million dollars, totally destroying their goals, so it's looking like a strong start.

The issue with the Uoya (other than the name, is that even how you spell it?) is that is tried to create an entirely new isolated ecosystem.

 

People are not confused by what the tech specs are.  People are confused over what Atari is, and who is actually behind this “product”.

Atari exists only as a brand name.   What  hardware or software that they have successfully delivered recently?  Should you put money up front on that basis?  Who are these people taking your money anyway?

 

The Register, and Pat the NES punk have articles about this console.  I don’t know if they’ll take the cash and run.  If the hardware ships, maybe I’d even be interested...  I wouldn’t pay up front, though - so much so that I feel compelled to post a warning here.



doopdooploop said:

"But games maing, where duh games. No one gunna make de games." Atari is creating new games and partnering with developers for some VCS exclusives for their online store on the VCS. These games may or may not suck total balls, but there will probably be a few gems worth a play and I'm sure a few people are excited for new versions of Atari classics. But there are already thousands of games the VCS can play, and I'm not talking about 2600 ROMs, I'm talking about your Steam library.

Will they be exclusive or "exclusive" (also available on Steam for any other PC) like Tempest 4000?

https://store.steampowered.com/app/688140/Tempest_4000/

Would it even make sense to keep them exclusive to a hardware base of a few thousand people? Ouya says no.



Tehnically, since it's an x86 box, you could just install Steam for Linux on it and run a lot more games. That APU isn't going to do modern AAA though.



CrazyGamer2017 said:

The Atari 2600  or VCS was my first ever gaming device so I'd be the perfect nostalgic target for this reboot. Unfortunately I have been paying attention and something is fishy with this new device. I'll wait and see how things go and what people who buy it has to say before making up my mind. But for now it's definitely NO.

yeah i have been reading things about this as well, and i havent decided no, but I want to see after it has been out awhile what happens, what is revealed.



 

Masked_Muchaco said:
They're asking current gen consoles price for a retro/indie machine? This must be a joke.

 

PwerlvlAmy said:
CosmicSex said:

In this case I think what we are seeing is them cashing in on nostalgia.  It's as good as a motivator as anything else. 

But is there a large enough group out there that still yearns for the Atari nostalgia for $250-$300, I'd say no.

I'm not advocating buying this, but are you people all stating the "Collector's Edition" price as the price of the Atari VCS?  The Atari VCS Day One Collector’s Edition is $299 USD, The Atari VCS Onyx is priced at $199 USD

Fei-Hung said:
The cost of this thing is insane. You can buy a X1 or PS4 along with a Snes mini or a Mega Drive mini at $299. I understand Nostalgia but this is just pure greed.

Where are you buying an X1 or PS4 + an SNES Mini for $199?  Even refurbished/pre-owned, those consoles cost over $200.  New they are around $300.