Ataribox release date, price and specs confirmed

After the announcement of the Ataribox earlier this year, it finally has a shipping date and price.

The Atari 2600 turned 40 on September 11th, prompting Atari to release more information about the re-imagining of the original console.

In an email that was sent out recently, Atari outlined exactly what it can do and shared some screenshots of first prototypes.

The Ataribox will be powered by a custom AMD processor running Radeon Graphics technology. More importantly, it’s running Linux. This means a much more customisable OS that offers full PC functionality for your TV.

It’ll come pre-loaded with ‘tons of classic Atari retro games’ as well as current titles from many different studios. Thanks to Linux, you’ll also be able to play games from other platforms, as long as the OS and hardware can run it.

There is two confirmed editions so far – black/red and (the far superior) wood version. With four USB ports, one HDMI port and one SD port, there’s room for your TV, extra memory and peripherals. The front of the console can also either be wood or glass, which is pretty snazzy.

It really is a modern take on a classic and should excite both old and new, especially with the use of Linux. The customisation potential of the OS means users can really set the Ataribox up how they want. Fancy a few retro games and internet browsing? You’ve got it. Want to run newer games such as Rocket League, Minecraft and Ark: Survival Evolved while streaming? Easy.

It helps that it looks beautiful, invoking the old 2600 with a contemporary edge.

Ataribox is set to launch “pretty soon” on Indiegogo and has an expected price range of $249 – $299, depending on the edition you buy. With the Ataribox set to start shipping late Spring 2018, you can expect a lot more information to start dropping very soon.