Atari VCS Console Launches June 15, Includes 100 Classic Atari Games

Atari’s long-in-the-works new console, the Atari VCS, is set to launch on June 15, the company announced. Via Game Informer, the Atari VCS will retail for $300, with a bundle including two controllers retailing for $400. Bundle purchasers will be able to choose between two colors, Black Walnut or Onyx.

Atari VCS Console
Image Credit: theverge.com

The base version of the console comes only in Onyx. The console will be available via Best Buy, GameStop, Micro Center, and the official Atari VCS website.
Third-party controller maker PowerA created two new controllers for the Atari VCS: one inspired by the classic Atari 2600 joystick, and a more modern game controller that Xbox and PlayStation players will instantly be familiar with. Both controllers are wireless, charge via USB-C, and sport rumble functionality as well as LED lights. Each controller will retail for $60.

Atari’s new console may look retro, but it’s built to be a modern multimedia machine. More than a dozen modern games–including Atari’s own Missile Command: Recharged–will come included with the console, in addition to 100 classic Atari 2600 and arcade games. Users also get access to Antstream Arcade, a game streaming service with a large collection of retro games available.

Users can also access apps for almost every major streaming service, including Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube via the console, and it includes a built-in Google Chrome browser and access to Google’s Workspace apps. Windows, Ubuntu Linux, and Chrome OS can be installed on the Atari VCS, effectively turning it into a mini-PC.
Specs-wise, the machine is capable of 4K resolution and HDR. It sports an AMD Ryzen processor, has internal storage with expansion capabilities, and features Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi support.

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