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| Atari VCS | |||
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| Developer(s) | Atari | ||
| Manufacturer(s) | Flex (console) PowerA (controllers) | ||
| Console Type | Home console | ||
| Generation | Eighth generation | ||
| Online Connectivity | Yes (Wi-Fi and Ethernet) | ||
| Release Date(s) | |||
| 2020 | |||
| Media | Digital download USB drive SD card | ||
| Feature(s) | |||
| Open Linux OS Pre-downloaded catalog of classic Atari games Sandbox Mode, allowing users to run PC games from a secondary OS | |||
| Predecessor | Atari Jaguar | ||
The Atari VCS is a home console designed by Atari, after a long absence from the console industry since the release of the unsuccessful Atari Jaguar. It was officially unveiled in June 2017 and initially set for a Spring 2018 release, but the staff behind the console's development postponed its retail debut to 2020, with Indiegogo backers stated to be receiving their consoles by March.
The goal of the Atari VCS is to recapture the "magic" of the iconic Atari 2600 (which was initially named the Atari VCS, hence this console's name) by "transforming how we interact with our TVs, just as the original Atari 2600 did four decades ago". The VCS comes with several standard features of modern consoles, including the ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices. USB 3.0, Ethernet, and HDMI ports are also included.
The VCS is designed as a hybrid between a home console and gaming PC, powered by an AMD Ryzen processor with Radeon graphics technology, allowing games to run at up to 4K resolution and 60 fps. A unique feature to the Atari VCS is Sandbox Mode, in which the console can be rebooted into a secondary operating system like Windows, Chrome OS, etc. to run any games in an existing PC library. The console also allows users to design their own games and apps and share them with the community. A built-in web browser will also be available on the VCS, with Atari stating that any apps not available on the console's app store at launch can still be accessed through the web browser.
Releasing alongside the console itself are two primary input devices—the Classic Joystick and Modern Controller, both designed in cooperation with PowerA, a team of controller manufacturers known for their various options for consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. The Modern Controller is reminiscent of the standardized controller design of modern consoles, with the familiar A/B/X/Y diamond layout, two shoulder buttons, two triggers, control sticks, the directional pad, and Home, Back, and Menu buttons. The Classic Joystick is a near-perfect replication of Atari's original CX40 Joystick, with the basic box shape, tall center stick, and red "Fire" button remaining intact from the original design. The center stick and red button can be used to navigate the VCS dashboard and in-game menus, with an additional fire button on the left corner at the front edge, a built-in paddle function triggered by pushing in and rotating the stick, an orange LED light ring, and a rumble feature further expanding on the Joystick's capabilities. All inputs can be mapped and programmed by users as necessary, and the rumble and LED ring can be turned off if the user chooses to do so. Both controllers can be connected to PCs and mobile devices via Bluetooth or USB.
Games
- Any page that has
[[Category:Atari VCS Games]]on it will be added here automatically.