The Ataribox is now Called Atari VCS, Demo Available at GDC

Ule Lopez

March 20, 2018

It seems like the Ataribox has gathered a development in regards to its name and design. Now it’s called the Atari Video Computer System or VCS. The device is supposed to fulfill the same purpose as the SNES and NES Classic Consoles.

The thing that sticks out the most about the Atari VCS is more than just the capability of playing Atari games. This console allows users to play modern PC games thanks to its custom AMD processor with Radeon graphics and a Linux-based OS.

Of course, there are some parts about the Atari VCS that made me raise an eyebrow. However, even so, there are parts of it that made me question what the hell the device is supposed to do.

The device was supposed to be on preorders in December of last year. However, Atari had to pull the plug on that because the company needed more time to “to create the platform and ecosystem the Atari community deserves.”

Actually, if I were to call Atari’s press releases cryptic I would be doing a very heavy understatement. There are some confusing statements in the press release of this article that make me question what this console’s purpose actually is.

Regardless of such, there will be a chance for journalists to test this device during this year’s GDC. Not only will the console be available for testing, but also we’ll get to look at the controller peripherals that will be used to play PC games and Atari games respectively.

I mean, color me surprised to see that the VCS is still a thing. But I am just starting to wonder why people are going to buy this console beyond brand recognition. If I wanted to play PC games, I play them on my PC with my Wii U Pro Controller.

I guess we have to wait until the GDC test units are reviewed by the journalists capable of using them firsthand. Maybe then we’ll have a clearer understanding of what the VCS is capable of.