Atari to release first gaming console in 25 years
The classic video game console from the 70s is back. But it's not all as it seems.
Atari have stuck to software and games for the better part of the last two decades and now that's all set to change with the Atari VCS releasing later this week.
Coming in at a whopping $849.95, it's about $100 more expensive than the PlayStation 5. Why is it so expensive? Well, it's essentially a gaming PC for your living room.
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The Atari VCS launches in Australia and New Zealand on June 10. Supplied
Users will be able to install Windows, Linux or Google operating systems, in addition to the default Atari Linux OS.
This means gamers will be able to play from their PC game library and stream games on platforms.
The Atari VCS does come with a stack of classic Atari titles at launch, including over 100 arcade and Atari 2600 games, all with HD upgrades.
Independent gaming developers have also jumped on board with over a dozen games including Boulder Dash Deluxe, Jetboard Joust, Something Ate My Alien and Atari's Missile Command: Recharged.
The Atari VCS will support keyboard and mouse connectivity, in addition to the controllers that come in the box. The classic Joystick controller is now wireless, but the Atari VCS also comes with a modern-styled gaming controller.
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The classic Joystick controller is back with a wireless upgrade. It also comes with RBG lighting and vibrations. Supplied
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The storage on the console is small, at just 32GB it wouldn't be able to hold many, if any at all, modern titles. But it does have a spot to add an SDD for extra storage. The VCS comes with 8GB upgradable RAM as well as an AMD Ryzen GPU.
Antstream Arcade will also be available in the console, it's essentially like Netflix but for games. Antstream Arcade is currently only accessible in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Many video streaming services will also be available on the console.
You can pre-order the Atari VCS from EB Games, JB HiFi, The Gamesmen, Amazon and Catch.
9News will have more to share on the Atari VCS, including a hands-on review, in the coming days.
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