The new Atari console, which combines modern technology with classic gaming, is finally able to be pre-ordered. TheAtari VCS 800has gone live on GameStop and Walmart’s official websites.
Thenew Atari console was revealed years agoas the first console for the company since the Jaguar in 1993. Although there was some confusion on whether this would be a next-gen console or a throwback classic device, fans of Atari were intrigued. After a few delays, it looks like people won’t need to wait much longer.
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As preorders begin for the new console, fans are able to start saving up for the $389.99 device. There is also a $10 discount available on GameStop’s site. Although the GameStop listing doesn’t mention a release date, the official Atari VCS website claims that it will ship before June 08, 2025. Theconsole will also come packed withMissile Command: Recharged.
The Atari VCS 800 will be powered by 8GB of RAM, along with an AMD Raven Ridge 2 APU and Ryzen GPU. One hundred freeAtariand arcade titles will be instantly available to play for anyone who purchases the console. The VCS 800 comes with a standard traditional controller as well as a classic wireless joystick. The box also has wifi and Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities built-in, as well as USB3.1 Ethernet, and HDMI. With 32GB of storage, the VCS 800 seems small in comparison to newer consoles, but more space can be added through the USB.
With information arriving last month about theAtari VCS finally shipping, it looks likely that these pre-orders will indeed follow through with a 2020 release. Many have been wary about whether the console will ever see the light of day.
The console was recently changed from theAtaribox to the Atari VCS. It will also have an upgradable RAM, the ability to install and run operating systems such as Windows and Linux, and will be able to stream video at 4k off of streaming services.
Atari has tried some obscure thingsin the past. Releasing a video game console in the middle of the launch of the next generation of consoles that plays old-school games on a pretty new TV could be the strangest yet. It may be that the VCS 800 is trying to do much, or that it just doesn’t have a home in this current video game climate. However, there are certainly collectors and vintage gaming enthusiasts who may be willing to shell out the cash for this unique device.
