Atari’s Customizable Retro Gaming PC Is 50% Off At Amazon Right Now

In 2021, Atari launched the Atari VCS, an attention-grabbing gaming console-PC hybrid able to taking part in basic Atari titles and fashionable video games. It additionally supported recreation and video streaming, web shopping, and different normal PC duties due to its Linux-based OS. You’ll be able to even customise the {hardware} due to an open M.2 SSD slot, upgradeable RAM, and assist for various working programs, together with Home windows.

The Atari VCS is admittedly a distinct segment system that by no means actually caught on, however in the event you’re an Atari fanatic or just like tinkering with {hardware}, the Atari VCS is a cool throwback system with extra versatility than your common mini-console. For those who’re within the console, you’ll be able to pick up the Atari VCS All-In Bundle that’s on sale for just $200 at Amazon, which saves you 50% off its unique $400 price ticket. That is the bottom value ever at Amazon; the VCS usually sells for round $300. The bundle consists of the console, basic joystick wi-fi controller, and a modern-style wi-fi controller.

Out of the field, the Atari VCS runs the Linux-based Atari OS, which incorporates 100 pre-installed Atari video games and assist for the Antstream retro gaming cloud streaming service. You may also stream video games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Luna, and different recreation streaming providers. Atari OS additionally helps video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Plex, Twitch, and YouTube, plus the Chrome net browser.

The Atari VCS’ AMD chipset is able to first rate recreation efficiency, particularly for retro video games and indies. Nonetheless, if you wish to increase the machine’s usability, it may additionally run Home windows, Linux Debian, and quite a few different customized working programs by way of a thumb drive, which you need to use to obtain video games and use apps that are not native to the VCS. Atari sells a preconfigured flash drive for Linux for $30. You’ll be able to improve the console’s 32GB flash storage by way of exterior USB drives and/or the open M.2 SSD slot. The VCS comes with 8GB RAM (two 4GB sticks), however you’ll be able to improve it as much as 32GB.

The VCS All-In features a wi-fi joystick controller that is primarily based on the basic Atari paddles, plus a typical wi-fi controller that resembles an Xbox controller. Nonetheless, in the event you plan to play multiplayer video games, it’s possible you’ll need to seize an extra controller (or two). Each controllers can be found for $40 at Amazon.

• Atari VCS — Wireless Modern Controller — $40 ($60)
• Atari VCS — Classic Wireless Controller — $40 ($60)

Current Atari {Hardware}

The Atari VCS is not the one new, official Atari {hardware} that has been launched lately. The most recent is the Super Pocket Atari Edition from Evercade, which has 50 pre-loaded Atari video games and appears like an enhanced GameBoy handheld. It could possibly play Evercade recreation cartridges. It launched for $60, and whereas it is presently bought out on the US Amazon web site, you’ll be able to import one for $65. The Tremendous Pocket Atari Version launched alongside the Technos Super Pocket.

For a budget-friendly Atari system that is nonetheless in inventory, there’s the Atari Game Station Pro from My Arcade. This console consists of 200 pre-installed Atari video games from throughout the Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 libraries and two wi-fi joysticks. You’ll be able to seize the system for $70 at Amazon (down from $100) or a renewed model for $43 (usually $69).

• My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro — New — $70 ($100)
• My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro — Renewed — $43 ($69)

Atari 2600+ and 7800+

For individuals who desire a modernized Atari machine with a extra conventional feel and appear, there’s the Atari 2600+ that launched earlier this yr, and the upcoming Atari 7800+ that launches November 29. Each consoles resemble the unique designs of their namesakes—including replicas of their controllers—but provide HDMI assist, USB charging, and extra. Each gadgets also can play unique 2600 and 7800 video games, and include distinctive bonus carts. The 2600+ comes with a 10-in-1 cart, whereas the 7800+ comes with an all-new recreation, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest. A handful of classic Atari 2600 and 7800 games are also getting official reprints alongside new cartridge-based Atari video games.

• Atari 2600+ — $130
• Atari 7800+ — $130 | Releases November 29

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