Atari Registration document-

[PowerDubs]

Lots of info…

FC214551085_20240808.pdf

[THX-1138]

OK.  Two things leap out at me, the Atari "+" Platform - "the 2600 is the FIRST product within the new Atari + Platform".   Second, the 400 Mini as "the FIRST reintroduction of an Atari home computer"

So, one could deduce there will be more '+' Platform hardware and more Atari home computers.

[PowerDubs]

Correct- read the OUTLOOK

 

 

 

Expect we will hear more about it in a couple weeks at the big show.....

 

[CPUWIZ]

4 hours ago, THX-1138 said:

the 400 Mini as "the FIRST reintroduction of an Atari home computer"

 

Yes, because even they know the VCS doesn't count.  

[Video]

Well the vcs IS a computer, ish. Part of its issue was nobody, including Atari really knew what it was, or how to deal with it.

 

I find it fascinating, the implication of more plus consoles and computers. What next? I doubt a 7800+, as the 2600+ already does that. Maybe a 5200+? That could be fascinating, but how popular was the 5200? Same for lynx and jaguar. If it wasn't for 2600, I'd say the lynx would make a poor choice, due to resolution, but outside 2600, I'm pretty sure it was Atari's most popular console. I personally love jaguar, but by then, atari was unknown enough it didn't sell well. Maybe a combo jag/lynx? 5200 would make more sense being combined with original 4-800 computers, so...hybrid? Unfortunately I never was into Atari computers (and would be allergic to trusting magnetic media, though they have a fair amount of cart games) so I have no relevant opinion on them.

[Maztr_0n]

2 hours ago, Video said:

Well the vcs IS a computer, ish. Part of its issue was nobody, including Atari really knew what it was, or how to deal with it.

 

I find it fascinating, the implication of more plus consoles and computers. What next? I doubt a 7800+, as the 2600+ already does that. Maybe a 5200+? That could be fascinating, but how popular was the 5200? Same for lynx and jaguar. If it wasn't for 2600, I'd say the lynx would make a poor choice, due to resolution, but outside 2600, I'm pretty sure it was Atari's most popular console. I personally love jaguar, but by then, atari was unknown enough it didn't sell well. Maybe a combo jag/lynx? 5200 would make more sense being combined with original 4-800 computers, so...hybrid? Unfortunately I never was into Atari computers (and would be allergic to trusting magnetic media, though they have a fair amount of cart games) so I have no relevant opinion on them.

 

 

I feel like it'll depend on a few things, probably more home computers / 5200, however maybe in the far future if this turns out to be a big enough of a success warranting a 2600+ Jr, then yeah i could see a 2600+ Jr along with a 7800+ as an alternate system, mayhaps the Jr and 7800+ would boast "premium features" or faster cart slots.

 

 

Nonetheless this is all exciting, i cant wait to see new retro games

[Maztr_0n]

Also i think the Analogue Pocket unfortunately takes away any Lynx+ hopes, maybe Analogue and Atari [+ Plaion] could collab to make a lynx styled analogue pocket system? But not sure.

[Clint Thompson]

On 8/9/2024 at 12:23 PM, THX-1138 said:

So, one could deduce there will be more '+' Platform hardware and more Atari home computers.

With the joysticks and joypads, I feel like the + is fine but overall personally really dislike the + tack on.

 

They have a lot of untapped potential in general, and they should pull a Behringer-like move and make an STBook Color (hear me out) that would not only appease to those who enjoy the ST games, it would fill that lustworthy gap of not having been able to actually obtain an original STBook while also severing as the first legitimately Atari branded MIDI reproduction computer for studio use. Sure, I would make some changes like add cart port extension for Cubase/Notator dongles and mouse port for external ST mice. Not to mention it would be portable on the go so it would tick multiple boxes. Keep the aesthetics identical with some minor updates (obviously the plastics) and I would buy two out the gate. The technology is certainly cheap enough to make a few thousand units not only worthwhile but profitable. Sure, a bigger risk than say the CX78 joypads but far cooler in the end. Untapped potential. 

 

They should pull an Analougue-like move and actually release the JagDuo. Another lost in time unreleased dream that should have happened, so it would give closure in that regard, fill the void of overpriced used Jag units without tacking on just a generic + sign at the end while providing something new yet retro and is just as aesthetically lustworthy. I know I’m not the only one who dreamed of owning one. More untapped potential. 

The quality of the CX78+ joypads is all anyone needs to see to know that quality Atari hardware can be pulled off incredibly well. Plaion nailed it on these and I can imagine them being able to give the same treatment with care and attention to detail to an STBook Color, JagDuo, Lynx and even more. 
 

On 8/9/2024 at 7:32 PM, Video said:

Well the vcs IS a computer, ish. Part of its issue was nobody, including Atari really knew what it was, or how to deal with it.

Great controller and joystick, terribly executed, poorly distributed with OS image issues and a core problem having used the lowest form of tech available did it no favors.

 

But I do find it odd that they literally stood on it and let it become stagnant instead of expanding upon on it rapidly, hardware wise. Then again, I don’t think they’re capable of supporting their own OS properly. which is in part of the bigger issue. That part is tricky and probably proved to be a bigger nightmare than expected. 

 

I do see a huge potential for a better spec’d PC gaming range from Atari but they need the right person (*cough* me *cough*) to lead that division successfully, in terms of vision, design, hardware and obviously most importantly, delivery to the customer without issue. The only real reason they don’t or aren’t only comes down to either investing money into it or lack of desire after being stung by the VCS. But then I see Atari drop $10 million elsewhere and it’s like, money isn’t the problem here. Maybe it’s just the lack of willing leaders available since clearly Wade can’t do it all himself being just one guy. In the very unlikely chance Wade reads this, feel free to contact me to discuss.

At some point though, Atari will have to transition from Legacy Atari to Futuristic Atari if it plans to survive the longterm. At least in the way I see Atari having the potential to become someday, one from Blade Runner 2047.

On 8/9/2024 at 9:51 PM, Maztr_0n said:

Also i think the Analogue Pocket unfortunately takes away any Lynx+ hopes, maybe Analogue and Atari [+ Plaion] could collab to make a lynx styled analogue pocket system? But not sure.

For the price Analogue is charging? I don’t think so. Atari could do it for a lot cheaper and it would legitimately be Atari-branded, which is important to retro enthusiasts and for good reason. 

Edited August 14 by Clint Thompson

[+Sauron]

11 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

With the joysticks and joypads, I feel like the + is fine but overall personally really dislike the + tack on.

I don't mind the "+" branding, I think it works considering the subtle improvements they've made to the products compared to the originals, especially where the controllers are concerned.

 

Edited August 14 by Sauron
Ack, posted by accident, was only getting started with my response.

[Clint Thompson]

9 minutes ago, Sauron said:

I don't mind the "+" branding, I think it works considering the subtle improvements they've made to the products compared to the originals, especially where the controllers are concerned.

 

Yeah, the controllers and even the 2600+ it seems to fit. But when thinking of the Jaguar or Lynx having a + added seems odd to me. But I suppose it would be better than no release at all. 
 

Highly unlikely since they’ve already created the 2600 paddles but I love the idea of 78 evolved paddles (yes, even with a +) that Video61 sold modified units but sold out of:

 

 

 

 

[+Sauron]

Damn, sorry for the double post, but here's the rest of my reply.

 

13 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

They have a lot of untapped potential in general, and they should pull a Behringer-like move and make an STBook Color (hear me out) that would not only appease to those who enjoy the ST games, it would fill that lustworthy gap of not having been able to actually obtain an original STBook while also severing as the first legitimately Atari branded MIDI reproduction computer for studio use. Sure, I would make some changes like add cart port extension for Cubase/Notator dongles and mouse port for external ST mice. Not to mention it would be portable on the go so it would tick multiple boxes. Keep the aesthetics identical with some minor updates (obviously the plastics) and I would buy two out the gate. The technology is certainly cheap enough to make a few thousand units not only worthwhile but profitable. Sure, a bigger risk than say the CX78 joypads but far cooler in the end. Untapped potential. 

As much as I love this idea myself, I think there's a market of about 100 of these at most. I just don't see how such a product could be profitable in such a small market without seriously sacrificing quality. If I'm wrong on this, though, then feel free to correct me, as I personally love the idea.

 

16 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

They should pull an Analougue-like move and actually release the JagDuo. Another lost in time unreleased dream that should have happened, so it would give closure in that regard, fill the void of overpriced used Jag units without tacking on just a generic + sign at the end while providing something new yet retro and is just as aesthetically lustworthy. I know I’m not the only one who dreamed of owning one. More untapped potential. 

 

Much more feasible than the ST Book idea, IMO. Something like this would be far better than the purported "Jaguar mini" idea that people like to float around.

 

19 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

The quality of the CX78+ joypads is all anyone needs to see to know that quality Atari hardware can be pulled off incredibly well. Plaion nailed it on these and I can imagine them being able to give the same treatment with care and attention to detail to an STBook Color, JagDuo, Lynx and even more. 

100% agree.

 

22 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

Great controller and joystick, terribly executed, poorly distributed with OS image issues and a core problem having used the lowest form of tech available did it no favors.

 

But I do find it odd that they literally stood on it and let it become stagnant instead of expanding upon on it rapidly, hardware wise. Then again, I don’t think they’re capable of supporting their own OS properly. which is in part of the bigger issue. That part is tricky and probably proved to be a bigger nightmare than expected.  

The VCS was a total clusterfuck well before release, and Atari has been trying to play catch-up ever since. It's been getting better just a little tiny bit at a time, and I think that's due to Atari's limited resources (in this case, people instead of money) that can work out the kinks. I don't think additional hardware should've been the focus, the software side REALLY needs to be cleaned up more, as that's where the vast majority of problems with the VCS lie. Focus on hardware once the OS has been improved. What I think they SHOULD focus on more of, though, is adding more classic games and homebrews. The VCS has the potential to be the best classic gaming console on the market. 

 

30 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

I do see a huge potential for a better spec’d PC gaming range from Atari but they need the right person (*cough* me *cough*) to lead that division successfully, in terms of vision, design, hardware and obviously most importantly, delivery to the customer without issue. The only real reason they don’t or aren’t only comes down to either investing money into it or lack of desire after being stung by the VCS. But then I see Atari drop $10 million elsewhere and it’s like, money isn’t the problem here. Maybe it’s just the lack of willing leaders available since clearly Wade can’t do it all himself being just one guy. In the very unlikely chance Wade reads this, feel free to contact me to discuss.

You'll have to fight me for that, man! Better yet, get me and Clint and maybe a few others in a round table discussion about this. We've got both working and hobbyist experience aplenty between us two, and there are others here who would bring some great ideas to the discussion as well. This community has an enormous wealth of talent in it, not just in making games but in working in tech and gaming spaces professionally. Use it.

 

34 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

For the price Analogue is charging? I don’t think so. Atari could do it for a lot cheaper and it would legitimately be Atari-branded, which is important to retro enthusiasts and for good reason. 

Completely agree with this as well.

 

 

[+bent_pin]

44 minutes ago, Sauron said:

I don't mind the "+" branding, I think it works considering the subtle improvements they've made to the products compared to the originals, especially where the controllers are concerned.

 

They could have called the 2600+ the 10400 instead, but they were/are going for familiarity of branding. Which makes a ton of sense from a nostalgia marketed item.

[Maztr_0n]

10 hours ago, Clint Thompson said:

With the joysticks and joypads, I feel like the + is fine but overall personally really dislike the + tack on.

 

They have a lot of untapped potential in general, and they should pull a Behringer-like move and make an STBook Color (hear me out) that would not only appease to those who enjoy the ST games, it would fill that lustworthy gap of not having been able to actually obtain an original STBook while also severing as the first legitimately Atari branded MIDI reproduction computer for studio use. Sure, I would make some changes like add cart port extension for Cubase/Notator dongles and mouse port for external ST mice. Not to mention it would be portable on the go so it would tick multiple boxes. Keep the aesthetics identical with some minor updates (obviously the plastics) and I would buy two out the gate. The technology is certainly cheap enough to make a few thousand units not only worthwhile but profitable. Sure, a bigger risk than say the CX78 joypads but far cooler in the end. Untapped potential. 

 

They should pull an Analougue-like move and actually release the JagDuo. Another lost in time unreleased dream that should have happened, so it would give closure in that regard, fill the void of overpriced used Jag units without tacking on just a generic + sign at the end while providing something new yet retro and is just as aesthetically lustworthy. I know I’m not the only one who dreamed of owning one. More untapped potential. 

The quality of the CX78+ joypads is all anyone needs to see to know that quality Atari hardware can be pulled off incredibly well. Plaion nailed it on these and I can imagine them being able to give the same treatment with care and attention to detail to an STBook Color, JagDuo, Lynx and even more. 
 

Great controller and joystick, terribly executed, poorly distributed with OS image issues and a core problem having used the lowest form of tech available did it no favors.

 

But I do find it odd that they literally stood on it and let it become stagnant instead of expanding upon on it rapidly, hardware wise. Then again, I don’t think they’re capable of supporting their own OS properly. which is in part of the bigger issue. That part is tricky and probably proved to be a bigger nightmare than expected. 

 

I do see a huge potential for a better spec’d PC gaming range from Atari but they need the right person (*cough* me *cough*) to lead that division successfully, in terms of vision, design, hardware and obviously most importantly, delivery to the customer without issue. The only real reason they don’t or aren’t only comes down to either investing money into it or lack of desire after being stung by the VCS. But then I see Atari drop $10 million elsewhere and it’s like, money isn’t the problem here. Maybe it’s just the lack of willing leaders available since clearly Wade can’t do it all himself being just one guy. In the very unlikely chance Wade reads this, feel free to contact me to discuss.

At some point though, Atari will have to transition from Legacy Atari to Futuristic Atari if it plans to survive the longterm. At least in the way I see Atari having the potential to become someday, one from Blade Runner 2047.

For the price Analogue is charging? I don’t think so. Atari could do it for a lot cheaper and it would legitimately be Atari-branded, which is important to retro enthusiasts and for good reason. 

 

 

On your statements about what i said

 

 

100% agree in most ways, however i do think since this market is kind of new and the company is doing its best to gauge its success

 

For now i think these emulation based "+" consoles are fine, but i hope if it proves to be successful enough that we would get more accurate SoC or FPGA systems without the plus label, perhaps based on stuff like the Jag Duo and just call it the Atari Jaguar Duo

 

Or the ST Book II/Color

 

Or maybe even a new XEGS thats compatible with the original addons and has a modern, LCD+CRT compatible light gun, etc etc etc

 

 

I think definitely if things go well enough that i do think making steps to more risky yet desireable ventures in terms of their old hardware would be nothing short of amazing, but for right now i think we need to see if the 2600+ will warrant anything extra.

[Video]

Like the jag duo idea, like said, the exorbitant price keeps people away, and Atari could do rereleases of the games they got on it, and depending how far along they are, maybe finish some of the ones that were coming, and never came. Even if it was, say, $200 price point, that's just $70 more than the plus (without looking around and/or jumping through hoops) sounds like a lot, till you realise the core goes for $500+, and then that again for the CD, so $1000-$2000 just for the console. I never got the CD myself due to cost, and built in, they could potentially forgo the expensive carts in favor of CD for rereleases. Hell, don't the pro controllers still go in the $200-$500 range? If nothing else, make repros of those.

 

Lynx, I don't think would be appropriate released with anything else, but alone, at the $100 price point could make tons of sales. Want a plus factor, have a pro mode, not lynx compatible to make use of higher resolution and colors, then they could have custom games for that. Someone mentioned analog pocket, which I have, and love (and shows some of us WILL pay to get things we want) but the intro to just play lynx is $230 (console plus adapter, assuming you can obtain it separate from the $100 threepack, if not,$300 total) even at $150 a lynx could do well.

[Clint Thompson]

9 hours ago, Maztr_0n said:

For now i think these emulation based "+" consoles are fine, but i hope if it proves to be successful enough that we would get more accurate SoC or FPGA systems without the plus label, perhaps based on stuff like the Jag Duo and just call it the Atari Jaguar Duo

You probably make one of the most important talking points when considering these types of things. Definitely needs to be an FPGA/SoC solution and not just some emulation box. There's already a dozen other ways to do it that way but that's not what most people want.

 

5 hours ago, Video said:

Like the jag duo idea, Even if it was, say, $200 price point, that's just $70 more than the plus (without looking around and/or jumping through hoops) sounds like a lot, till you realise the core goes for $500+, and then that again for the CD, so $1000-$2000 just for the console.

 

Lynx, the intro to just play lynx is $230 (console plus adapter, assuming you can obtain it separate from the $100 threepack, if not,$300 total) even at $150 a lynx could do well.

Yeah, when the market is at a solid $400+ for a 30 year old Jaguar and as you said, $300+ that many are willing to pay for an updated Lynx, Atari could come in officially doing it not only cheaper but with freshly updated electronics. The main thing is not altering something so differently to the point where people would prefer to modify an original over a new release and I get the feeling that's a key aspect that a lot of these companies fail to grasp.

 

If you're going to do it, you have to do it from the standpoint of: What would it take for someone who owns the original to be willing to replace it with a newly released one. In the case of the Jaguar for me, it would be FPGA JagDuo. If I were to replace my STacy and STe, I would do so with a couple of STBooks. I don't really need to replace my Lynx but I would certainly love to pick up another one, just not for the $300+

 

It all goes back to the quality of these CX78 Joypads in this case, it needs to be done just like that.

20 hours ago, Sauron said:

You'll have to fight me for that, man! Better yet, get me and Clint and maybe a few others in a round table discussion about this. We've got both working and hobbyist experience aplenty between us two, and there are others here who would bring some great ideas to the discussion as well. This community has an enormous wealth of talent in it, not just in making games but in working in tech and gaming spaces professionally. Use it.

Fully on board with this idea should Atari ever consider it.

[Maztr_0n]

15 minutes ago, Clint Thompson said:

You probably make one of the most important talking points when considering these types of things. Definitely needs to be an FPGA/SoC solution and not just some emulation box. There's already a dozen other ways to do it that way but that's not what most people want.

 

 

 

I'll give atari this, the fact that with emulation the job they did was very nice, its still a great option and even if there is a better solution in the future, i do think as tech gets cheap the 2600+ could kind of be the next budget gaming gift, i'm hoping when the time is right and if possible once the 2600+ is refined and well produced i'm sure something like a SoC 7800+ or something will be released for those wanting an upgrade, but as someone who grew up with the later flashbacks, its a bigger upgrade than those tbh.

 

But yeah seeing them go all out on the more underrated/niche systems would be an interesting next step, although i will say i love the 2600+ personally, i do think this might be a "testing the waters" moment, are people interested in a different retro gaming alternative? One that opens the gates for support of their older hardware, bringing in those nostalgic for the brand or curious on what they missed out on/the history of gaming.

 

It seems hopeful that perhaps we would get much more should this prove to be profitable, so hopefully when it does we'd see something mindblowing, already its amazing to see whats already been done, so just hope more people find that to be true and prove the market is ready for new retro games.