The Ryzen-powered box capable of running Windows, although it's based on Linux out of the box.
Despite a rough ride that included an ugly interview with October 2020. Later this month it will achieve an even bigger milestone, as Atari announced that it will go on sale through regular retail channels on June 15.
"The Atari VCS has been well-received by our early adopter community, and we are thrilled that more people will have the opportunity to enjoy everything that the platform has to offer today, and as we roll out more and more new content and features in the future," Atari VCS chief operating officer Michael Arzt said.
The console will have access to "over a dozen" games at launch including Boulder Dash Deluxe, Danger Scavenger, Guntech, Jetboard Joust, Sir Lovelot, Something Ate My Alien, Tailgunner, and Missile Command: Recharged, which doesn't hit me as an overly impressive selection for a $300 game console. Nostalgia is no doubt a big hook for older gamers though, and all units will come with the Atari VCS Vault, a bundle of more than 100 Atari 2600 games, all of them optimized for use with the new (and optional) Wireless Classic Joystick.
Atari is "actively courting multiple game publishers and indie developers," it added, and expects to have more new and updated games released for the VCS in the coming months.
Hardware heads may also find the new VCS intriguing. We can't judge its capabilities unless and until we get our hands on one, but Atari said it s 4K, HDR and "60fps content," with expandable storage options, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB 3.0.
"For advanced s and PC hobbyists who enjoy the ultimate in configurability and customization, an optional PC Mode allows for the installation of Windows or Linux as an alternative operating system, transforming the Atari VCS into a flexible, fully featured and powerful mini-PC," Atari said.
Atari VCS base units will go for $300 each, while "All-In" bundles including a joystick and controller (which go for $60 each separately) can be had for $400. They'll be available for purchase from Best Buy, GameStop, Micro Center, and directly from Atari.
