The Mr. Video Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) Atari has renamed its upcoming Ataribox console as the Atari VCS, which will be a retro-inspired entertainment platform based on PC technology. New Atari Console that Atari VCS? Edited March 19, 2018 by The Mr. Video 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Historian Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 They should call it Video Computer System 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toiletunes Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 "Every person at Atari..." -All ten of them? "Atari didn't offer any details..." Surprised? And what was that last sentence, Atari leases their name to other products but hasn't done THEIR OWN CONSOLE since 1993, so does that mean 'Atari' is making this one, not just supplying the 'Atari' sticker to slap on the shell? Colour me hesitant! Now to go eat tacos... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 While I didn't particularly like "Ataribox," I think I like "VCS" even less. I see no reason for the re-use and it will only cause confusion for gamers, historians, writers, etc. I guess at least it's not "2600". 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keatah Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 VCS = Blasphemy. Nothing they conjure up today can even come close to the greatness of the original VCS. If they do that the community WILL need to come up with a slick and simple way of discerning between real Atari and fake atari. In the meantime the renders look nice. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stephen Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 Wow - more renders. By taking pre-orders, does that mean it is finished and ready to go? We discussed this before. I don't think Atari knows what a pre-order is. Oh - I guess they are just announcing an announcement. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Historian Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) While I didn't particularly like "Ataribox," I think I like "VCS" even less. I see no reason for the re-use and it will only cause confusion for gamers, historians, writers, etc. I guess at least it's not "2600". I'm with you on that front. Would you say for the most part historians (maybe not this one) tend to refer to the classic as "The 2600" more often? Edited March 19, 2018 by The Historian 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I'm with you on that front. Would you say for the most part historians (maybe not this one) tend to refer to the classic as "The 2600" more often? Absolutely. We've pretty much standardized on 2600, but VCS is definitely still used, and sometimes Atari 2600 VCS. Maybe that's how we'll have to distinguish it if this new product becomes reality, i.e., Atari 2600 VCS versus Atari VCS. It's still a damned mess that shouldn't have been, and even in re-reading that now, I don't think that would solve the confusion. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBerel Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 It will forever be known as "The Figment" to me, but I've grown weary of these sub-standard renders and flowery descriptions of yet another Linux box. My faith in humanity couldn't get any lower than to see people continue to get excited about being fed marketing tripe about a thing that still isn't in production when it could have been made, sold and forgotten by now. Pre-order away lemmings. 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godslabrat Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 If theyre taking money, it definitely goes from fiasco to scam, right? 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PikoInteractive Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 Ataribox VCS, bringing a sh*t ton of memories. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAShepherd Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 Really, it should have been the 10400.... (too many numbers?) Or another big cat, Leopard (Can Atari change it's spots?) Or Puma, Cougar (wow your Mom looks hot.... too confusing), Panther, Mountain Lion.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 https://venturebeat.com/2018/03/19/atari-unveils-atari-vcs-its-first-home-game-console-in-9-years/ That machine has a nice look, and I have warm feelings for the (silly, dated, pandering) "VCS" name. "Atari" still hasn't told us WHY anyone would want this thing. Vacuous PR-speak like this The latest design has a blend of modern lines and classic details, which the designers hope evoke positive reactions from Atari fans. The VCS will serve up lots of classic content, but it is so much more than a “retro-box.” It is a new connected device designed for today’s living room, the company said. says less than nothing. Perhaps we'll see more soon, but I remain skeptical about it being "so much more than" anything currently available. I have plenty of "connected devices" in my "today's living room" and would need a lot more compelling reason to want this besides it being vaguely Atari-themed. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+thanatos Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 So which one will be the Atari VCS Launch Edition? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetick1 Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) says less than nothing. Perhaps we'll see more soon, but I remain skeptical about it being "so much more than" anything currently available. I have plenty of "connected devices" in my "today's living room" and would need a lot more compelling reason to want this besides it being vaguely Atari-themed. Well we know it's basically a nice looking overpriced Steam Machine with streaming (likely Netflix, Hulu, Pandora etc). and an interface to an on online Atati cryptocurrency based web portal. Sounds like a huge fail to me! By the way I'll be the first one one to buy one of these once they are quickly moved to clearance and selling for less than $50. This is assuming it actually ships which now I'm guessing is well below 50% chance. Edited March 19, 2018 by thetick1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+x=usr(1536) Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) Perhaps we'll see more soon, but I remain skeptical about it being "so much more than" anything currently available. I have plenty of "connected devices" in my "today's living room" and would need a lot more compelling reason to want this besides it being vaguely Atari-themed. Agreed. And, compared to what we've known about this thing for the past eight months, the only thing new in this ground-breaking announcement is that they've chosen to use the VCS name. Unsurprising, really: without the association with the console that truly kickstarted modern console gaming, the Ataribox has nothing else of substance to it. But, hey, you can at least YOLO the shit out of their tacocoin casino on it, then flip over to Hulu and watch some Family Guy with the audio coming over your dope Atari speakerhat. #atarilifestyleyo Edited March 19, 2018 by x=usr(1536) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mockduck Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I know someone in the press who received the release, so I've scrubbed out any identifying and personal Atari contact info. Here is the release being sent to the gaming press and GDC press: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATARI® OFFICIALLY INTRODUCES THE ATARI VCS, ITS ALL-NEW VIDEO COMPUTER SYSTEM INSPIRED BY MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF HISTORY Legendary Digital Pioneer Continues Development of New Hardware Platform that Honors Companys Innovative Video Game Roots While Launching a New Era of Interactive Home Entertainment; Will Reveal Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller Prototypes at Game Developers Conference NEW YORK, NY (MARCH 19, 2018) - Atari® One of the world's most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, today proudly announces that Atari VCS is the official name of its new retro-inspired gaming and entertainment platform, previously known by its working title Ataribox. The company also marks this important milestone by sharing the Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller prototypes with press at this weeks Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, with the objective to reveal the exclusive pre-order date for the Atari VCS during the month of April 2018. Inspired by the iconic silhouette of the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System, the new Atari VCS has already generated considerable excitement within the gaming community. Its skillful blend of modern lines and reverential details, combined with contemporary content technology and new innovation, has evoked positive reactions from Atari fans both new and old. The Atari VCS will of course serve up lots of classic content, but it is so much more than a retro-box. It is a completely new Atari connected device designed for todays living room. The new Atari VCS logo, like the new hardware itself, combines past and present, and is inspired by Ataris rich history of progressive graphic design. Countless highly-memorable game logos, illustrations, ads and packages were generated by Ataris legendary in-house Industrial Design and Graphics department during the 1970s and 80s. Industrial design and graphics are essential parts of the brands DNA and part of what makes every Atari game an adventure for the player. Todays Atari design, engineering, software and marketing teams all endeavor to bring similar levels of care and attention to the new VCS. Atari intends its new video computer system to change the way you interact with your TV, just as the original Atari 2600 Video Computer System first did more than 40 years ago. Every person at Atari and every partner involved with the new platform is just as fanatical about the brand and its heritage as our biggest fans are, explained Michael Arzt, Atari COO of Connected Devices. With the Atari VCS name, we know how important it is to get everything completely right and thats why we briefly paused an imminent launch late last year. It was a difficult decision with the countdown underway, but we werent willing to go forward with even one thing out of alignment. We hope that Ataris fans appreciate our extreme attention to detail and are as excited about the Atari VCS as we are. In addition to unveiling the official name and logo, Atari will be shifting all branding and communications channels to reflect the Atari VCS name. Fans and followers can sign up for email alerts at www.Ataribox.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Atari VCS photos and logos can be accessed here: [redacted] The Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller prototypes will be shown in-person at pre-scheduled press appointments during GDC 2018 on March 21 and 22, 2018. Please contact [redacted] to reserve your spot. To stay up-to-date on all things Atari and retro-pop-culture, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Atari, and follow us on Twitter @Atari and Instagram. ABOUT ATARI Atari is an interactive entertainment company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong® and RollerCoaster Tycoon.® Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at www.Atari.com. To learn more about Ataris rich art and design history, check out the best-selling book Art of Atari by Tim Lapetino, published by Dynamite Entertainment, at www.ArtofAtari.com. A level of uncertainty exists in the development of any project, in consideration to milestones, budget and financial planning, and the non-realization of certain conditions may impact value. © 2018 Atari Gamebox, LLC. All rights reserved. ©2018 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc. ### [Contact redacted] [Contact info redacted] 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 Too bad their marketing material (such as it is) all seems to be homed at Ataribox.com "Reinventing The Way You Game. Again." totally reminds me "Remember When. Play Again." I dunno, that Xbox-style "modern joystick" is pretty familiar looking, and the retro-style joystick is VERY familiar, as is the shell, as is the total lack of details and ecosystem. Doesn't seem so much of a "reinvention" as a re-hash. Speaking of ataribox.com, you'd think they would have taken five minutes between December 14th 2017 and today's announcement to make sure they're product name isn't a parked domain. Maybe the "pending transfer" is from Namecheap to Atari SA? If not, here's the chance to raise the price on the domain name! Raw WHOIS RecordDomain name: atarivcs.comRegistry Domain ID: 132271120_DOMAIN_COM-VRSNRegistrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.comRegistrar URL: http://www.namecheap.comUpdated Date: 2018-03-15T13:34:27.00ZCreation Date: 2004-10-09T04:36:21.00ZRegistrar Registration Expiration Date: 2018-10-09T04:36:21.00ZRegistrar: NAMECHEAP INCRegistrar IANA ID: 1068Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@namecheap.comRegistrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.6613102107Reseller: NAMECHEAP INCDomain Status: pendingTransfer https://icann.org/epp#pendingTransferRegistry Registrant ID:Registrant Name: Robin HarbronRegistrant Organization:Registrant Street: 2130 Scotland St.Registrant City: Thunder BayRegistrant State/Province: PRegistrant Postal Code: P7J1B4Registrant Country: CARegistrant Phone: +1.8076227494Registrant Phone Ext:Registrant Fax:Registrant Fax Ext:Registrant Email: macbeth@psw.caRegistry Admin ID:Admin Name: Robin HarbronAdmin Organization:Admin Street: 2130 Scotland St.Admin City: Thunder BayAdmin State/Province: PAdmin Postal Code: P7J1B4Admin Country: CAAdmin Phone: +1.8076227494Admin Phone Ext:Admin Fax:Admin Fax Ext:Admin Email: macbeth@psw.caRegistry Tech ID:Tech Name: Robin HarbronTech Organization:Tech Street: 2130 Scotland St.Tech City: Thunder BayTech State/Province: PTech Postal Code: P7J1B4Tech Country: CATech Phone: +1.8076227494Tech Phone Ext:Tech Fax:Tech Fax Ext:Tech Email: macbeth@psw.caName Server: dns1.registrar-servers.comName Server: dns2.registrar-servers.comDNSSEC: unsignedURL of the ICANN WHOIS Data Problem Reporting System: http://wdprs.internic.net/>>> Last update of WHOIS database: 2018-03-19T00:03:03.09Z <<<For more information on Whois status codes, please visit https://icann.org/epp Atari SA stock price continues to go up up up! sideways sideways sideways! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godslabrat Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 This is basically my AppleTV in a different shell. And my box is half the price of an Atari VCS. When an Apple product looks like the value-packed alternative, you done goofed. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I know someone in the press who received the release, so I've scrubbed out any identifying and personal Atari contact info. Here is the release being sent to the gaming press and GDC press: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <snip> Ya know, you don't need to redact contact information for press people on a press release. This is public information. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/19/1442311/0/en/Atari-Officially-Introduces-the-Atari-VCS-Its-All-New-Video-Computer-System-Inspired-by-More-Than-40-Years-of-History.html Perhaps I should put "information" in quotes, because it doesn't really say anything, other than to pre-announce an announcement, and that this new thing kinda looks like their old thing, which some people used to like. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Nathan Strum Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I keep looking for which games it plays. I keep finding nothing. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+x=usr(1536) Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) I keep looking for which games it plays. I keep finding nothing. Dude, like, tacocoin casino, bro! #atarilifestyleyo Edited March 19, 2018 by x=usr(1536) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flojomojo Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I keep looking for which games it plays. I keep finding nothing. It Says It Right Here In Press Release Style Title Case Legendary Digital Pioneer Continues Development of New Hardware Platform that Honors Company’s Innovative Video Game Roots While Launching a New Era of Interactive Home Entertainment; Will Reveal Atari VCS, Classic Joystick and Modern Controller Prototypes at Game Developers Conference You'll be able to play: Innovative Video Game Roots New Era of Interactive Home Entertainment Classic Joystick Prototype Modern Controller Prototype Game Developers Conference 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mockduck Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 Ya know, you don't need to redact contact information for press people on a press release. This is public information. https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/19/1442311/0/en/Atari-Officially-Introduces-the-Atari-VCS-Its-All-New-Video-Computer-System-Inspired-by-More-Than-40-Years-of-History.html Perhaps I should put "information" in quotes, because it doesn't really say anything, other than to pre-announce an announcement, and that this new thing kinda looks like their old thing, which some people used to like. True, but the last thing I want is for some of the less quality posters on these forums to get personal or work phone numbers of people involved in the press or project. It may be public, but that doesn't mean it has to come from me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I keep looking for which games it plays. I keep finding nothing. Nonsense. I did a Google search for Atari VCS games and came up with all kinds of stuff. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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