Tag: Ataribox

Don't Call It A Comeback

Tomorrow, Atari SA launches its IndieGoGo pre-order campaign for its mysterious Ataribox VCS system. And if there is one thing that I am hoping will come out of this initial campaign, it’s that it answers this one simple question that can only be summed up in the best way possible.

“What the fuck are you trying to sell me, Atari?”

I’ve been holding off on the Rambles video on Ataribox for the simple reason that I wanted to wait until the campaign kicks off (or gets shitcanned again, whichever comes first) and perhaps reveal something a little more substantial about this upcoming project that has been a lot of hype over a whole lot of nothing. To say that there is nothing to get excited about over Ataribox would be stating the obvious and to compare Ataribox to other failed ventures such as the Ouya or the Gamestick would be beating a dead horse; a genre that Atari SA knows all too well, having done just that with the Atari brand since the dawn of time.

Nonetheless, I remain somewhat curious to see whether this thing will be worth the hype. Initial impressions based on what little info was made available was not very encouraging and any sort of ridicule that this has garnered is (sadly) well deserved, but maybe the next info drop will yield something more substantial that would present this Ataribox project as a potential alternative to the currently stagnant video game console scene rather than another in a long line of failed microconsole gimmicks that people are hoping would be viable because it has a familiar brand behind it.

Anyway, we’ll see what happens tomorrow and maybe I’ll make a video about it. Or maybe I’ll just put the dog to sleep.

Remember Ataribox? Yeah, me neither…

(Quick update: Here’s a press release. A video is forthcoming.)

Anyone remember Ataribox? That new micro-console thing from Atari that was going to have a Kickstarter but then doesn’t have a Kickstarter? Yeah, me neither. But apparently it’s back in the news for some reason and now it has a new name; the Atari VCS.

But we already have a VCS. We don’t need another one.

For those who aren’t aware, the VCS refers to the Atari 2600’s original name when it was released in 1977. In fact, the system was only referred to as the 2600 when Atari released the ill-fated 5200 Supersystem. Even to this day, there are still people who will refer to the 2600 by its original name.

Anyway, in addition to a new name change, there’s also a new preview image, showing off not only the console, but also its two controllers. On the right, you have the Classic Controller that’s modelled after the original VCS joystick. And on the left, you have the Modern Controller, which looks the stock gamepad you get these days, only with an orange thumbstick and a shitty D-Pad.

Now Atari says there’re more details to come in April and for anyone who cares about this thing, this should probably get you excited for some reason. Personally, I’d be more interested in the reactions from the community than I am the actual console. I’ve already shared my piece months ago and I’ve seen nothing that would change my stance on the matter.

Engadget has (slightly) more details here.

On a sidenote, I’m currently recovering from a cold; hence the lack of videos. I’m hoping to get the last of the Mega Man stuff out by the end of the week, but I don’t want to jinx it out of fear that I might catch something else along the way.