Hydro Thunder Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I'm generally with the naysayers, specifically when it comes to the cartridge format. But here's an idea that would let them make money down the road.... Make something that looks as great and in lots of ways is as great as the Flashback 2 (original chipset, those great joysticks, etc)....maybe spice it up with HDMI? I dunno, not the most important thing... And include either an ethernet port or an SD card slot or something that would allow people to go to the manufacturer's website and download additional games for $3 or $4 apiece or something like is done with Xbox Live Arcade / Playstation Network. But still have it be easy to do, user friendliness is huge. No cartridge format, no shelf space needed for anything but the hardware. Just spitballin' here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1980gamer Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I like GroovyBee's in cereal boxes idea! Different flavors could have different games. Actually, I think if games were sold in packs. ie The original 49. Then an Activision Pack, an Imagic Pack etc. etc. I think it would be hard to get the different arcade games out again. Intellivision is still active, maybe an M-Network pack Just the 2 tron games I think would need to be left out? Now that I think about it.... Burgertime, Bump n Jump and Kool-aid would be No Go as well. Maybe a Flashback with cart port. Also, The multi-carts could sell without systems being sold. However, with better output than coax... I would buy it just for that. But why not release a 7800 version. Giving a little more flexibility and a few better games. Add info about AtariAge.com etc. Okay, this is all unlikely. Plus I would rather an Intellivision re-release! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinChargers Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Though I would have to buy a nes/snes/sega/atari in a heartbeat to save wear on my original consoles. THERE'S a good idea! I haven't seen a clone system yet that includes Atari support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Just get a Wii. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybird3rd Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 They sold the Flashback 2 systems. They wouldn't sell nearly as many of them now. When the Flashback consoles were launched in 2004, 1.33:1 CRT and LCD televisions with composite inputs were in the majority, and devices like the iPad and the Nintendo DS hadn't arrived on the market yet. A composite-only console (which is the about the best you can get from the original 2600 hardware) would be much less appealing now that everyone has widescreen digital HDTVs. Many more people would prefer to play the 2600 games on the devices they already have instead of having another device cluttering their game rooms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss 2600 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I'm generally with the naysayers, specifically when it comes to the cartridge format. But here's an idea that would let them make money down the road.... Make something that looks as great and in lots of ways is as great as the Flashback 2 (original chipset, those great joysticks, etc)....maybe spice it up with HDMI? I dunno, not the most important thing... And include either an ethernet port or an SD card slot or something that would allow people to go to the manufacturer's website and download additional games for $3 or $4 apiece or something like is done with Xbox Live Arcade / Playstation Network. But still have it be easy to do, user friendliness is huge. No cartridge format, no shelf space needed for anything but the hardware. Just spitballin' here. I was thinking along those lines when I first read the topic. Maybe include a way to manipulate/hack certain games, like change the way the character looks or change colors. Basic stuff so players can customize games. Maybe there could be a way to make them interactive somehow. That's what the young gamers are into. Even though I am an Atari fan, even I am moving away from collecting cartridges now that I have a Harmony. Built-in and downloaded games would be more marketable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 (edited) Not exactly the $10 price point I am talking about. I have high doubts that they would be able to reach a $10 price point, especially these days. Chips, PCBs, plastic cart shells, cart labels, boxes and instructions (provided this is what you are thinking) all factor into this.. I doubt they would be able to sell this cheap. Edited August 17, 2011 by Austin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tz101 Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 I have high doubts that they would be able to reach a $10 price point, especially these days. Chips, PCBs, plastic cart shells, cart labels, boxes and instructions (provided this is what you are thinking) all factor into this.. I doubt they would be able to sell this cheap. Y, but everything is manufactured for cheap in a certain Asian nation... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinChargers Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Just get a Wii. I have a Wii, but Atari isn't on the Virtual Console and I don't have the homebrew channel (with what I'd assume 90%+ also do not). Also, on the homebrew channel can you compete with one another on 2 player games with friends across the country? Does it save high scores? Thats the appeal of this system. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleman jack Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 So much negativity. While it won't play with the PS3 and 360 crowds, it most likely would have some appeal at a certain price point (i.e. $40-$50 range for the system, $10 for the games). The Flashback 1 and 2 systems were limited in the number of games. This would allow for new releases, along with hundreds of re-released older games. You have to think outside the bun for a moment... The problem is shelf space. Retailers need to make so much revenue per square foot. Selling Atari 2600's aren't going to cut it. Why not have Video 61, Best Electronics, B & C Computervisions, 4Jays, Atari2600.com, Pack Rat Video Games, and Atari Age sell them? They could probably find customers and shelf space. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleman jack Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Just get a Wii. I have a Wii, but Atari isn't on the Virtual Console and I don't have the homebrew channel (with what I'd assume 90%+ also do not). Also, on the homebrew channel can you compete with one another on 2 player games with friends across the country? Does it save high scores? Thats the appeal of this system. Having a Wii or Xbox Live is appealing (and fun), but the appeal to many vintage game fans is the cartridges in opposition to just having a bunch of games on a hard drive or sd card. The actual vintage media is part of the fun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinChargers Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 So much negativity. While it won't play with the PS3 and 360 crowds, it most likely would have some appeal at a certain price point (i.e. $40-$50 range for the system, $10 for the games). The Flashback 1 and 2 systems were limited in the number of games. This would allow for new releases, along with hundreds of re-released older games. You have to think outside the bun for a moment... The problem is shelf space. Retailers need to make so much revenue per square foot. Selling Atari 2600's aren't going to cut it. Why not have Video 61, Best Electronics, B & C Computervisions, 4Jays, Atari2600.com, Pack Rat Video Games, and Atari Age sell them? They could probably find customers and shelf space. I think the big question would be is how many would have to sell in order for Atari to not take a loss on it? They are going to want to make a profit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybird3rd Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I think the big question would be is how many would have to sell in order for Atari to not take a loss on it? They are going to want to make a profit. Well, if somebody was to approach them with a reasonable, well-researched business proposal, I'm sure they'd be all ears. Until then, this is all pie-in-the-sky speculation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinChargers Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Just get a Wii. I have a Wii, but Atari isn't on the Virtual Console and I don't have the homebrew channel (with what I'd assume 90%+ also do not). Also, on the homebrew channel can you compete with one another on 2 player games with friends across the country? Does it save high scores? Thats the appeal of this system. Having a Wii or Xbox Live is appealing (and fun), but the appeal to many vintage game fans is the cartridges in opposition to just having a bunch of games on a hard drive or sd card. The actual vintage media is part of the fun. I can't see vintage media working. While it would be fine for those of us that have cartridges, I can't see Atari or someone willing to mass produce carts that the public wouldn't be willing to spend no more than $5 for. That and now your making the console itself cost significantly more for having to play a cart instead of streaming the content. While I'm not crazy about it myself, digital downloads and cloud gaming is the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deteacher Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I don't think it would sell to the point of them making any real profit. The large majority of the ones interested are the folks here on AA...and we already have our game systems and carts. There would be some that would buy it, just to check it out, but again, not enough to make any real profit. That's just my opinion, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tz101 Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 The large majority of the ones interested are the folks here on AA...and we already have our game systems and carts. I think the view that the only one's interested would be Atari Age members is more than a little self-agrandizing in itself. Guess what, there are many Atari enthusiasts who have never glanced at this website. Also, I have to believe in the lower-end economic market. There are many families without internet (so no Atari Age, imagine that) that are looking for a little family-friendly entertainment. They cannot afford to spend $200 on Xbox 360, nor $50-$60 for new games. No, these people live in a tight economic situation but would be more than glad to have good video games available at an affordable price. New game releases would fuel the market, and re-releases would draw the enthusiasts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 The large majority of the ones interested are the folks here on AA...and we already have our game systems and carts. I think the view that the only one's interested would be Atari Age members is more than a little self-agrandizing in itself. Guess what, there are many Atari enthusiasts who have never glanced at this website. Also, I have to believe in the lower-end economic market. There are many families without internet (so no Atari Age, imagine that) that are looking for a little family-friendly entertainment. They cannot afford to spend $200 on Xbox 360, nor $50-$60 for new games. No, these people live in a tight economic situation but would be more than glad to have good video games available at an affordable price. New game releases would fuel the market, and re-releases would draw the enthusiasts. They have N64's. Trust me. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Just get a Wii. I have a Wii, but Atari isn't on the Virtual Console and I don't have the homebrew channel (with what I'd assume 90%+ also do not). Also, on the homebrew channel can you compete with one another on 2 player games with friends across the country? Does it save high scores? Thats the appeal of this system. No, Atari's not on there. Better offerings are. Depending on the game, high scores are saved. Two player online support? You think you'd get that with an Atari? You're fooling yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 This is what I'd consider a best case senario. Maybe Atari could have an internet connected box, like a Roku, where you buy the console and get on Ataris internet site to download game packs. You could put in your name and save highscores and compete with friends and people all over the world who also have the games you do. The console would be relatively cheap to make and you wouldn't have to deal with cart distribution. Put some woodgrain on it and sell it with a wireless cx-40 and there you go, an inexpensive Atari VCS for the masses. Heck, if it turns out to be successful, sell a two button controller and sell 7800 games from the box also. Just get a Wii. I have a Wii, but Atari isn't on the Virtual Console and I don't have the homebrew channel (with what I'd assume 90%+ also do not). Also, on the homebrew channel can you compete with one another on 2 player games with friends across the country? Does it save high scores? Thats the appeal of this system. Having a Wii or Xbox Live is appealing (and fun), but the appeal to many vintage game fans is the cartridges in opposition to just having a bunch of games on a hard drive or sd card. The actual vintage media is part of the fun. I don't think selling this to vintage game nerds was his intent; they already have their cartridges & whatnot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrok Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Agree about retailers. Forget it. They'd rather stock shelves with Pokemon-themed Napkin Dispensers than VCS hardware and cartridges, and probably have a better chance of movin' them. If the distribution was purely electronic/catalog, with manufacturing handled by North Korean dungeon prisoners, then maybe there's a slightly better than 0% chance of creating a profitable business model. But then you are left with a depressed economy glutted with gear that could deliver every 2600 game ever made simultaneously during a loading screen for Mortal Kombat 27 or whatever. The VCS console is primed for the "Antiques Road Show", not mass distribution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic George 2K3 Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 It's definitely something that only hardcore classic gamers will most likely buy rather than the general public that's more interested in the latest hottest piece of gameware. But I still would like to see Atari 2600 games get some modern console loving, which they are hardly getting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GroovyBee Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 No, these people live in a tight economic situation but would be more than glad to have good video games available at an affordable price. But their children are laughed out of school for having a system that can only display 40 big pixels across the screen. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VectorGamer Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I think what may sell is a sooped-up Flashback with like 1000 games on it and a set of controllers that can do joystick and paddles all in one. There you go. I'd buy THAT. For $30. Or $30K if it had Star Castle on it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chupathingy Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 (edited) No way. What the other guys said. There would be no point to it, no profit in it, no appeal. ...unless they rick-rolled it out with a slew of hip new games under a whole new marketing campaign for the modern times! Fantastic new titles such as: Baby Daddies Divorce Court Hijinx Bankruptcy 2011 Insane Clown Pussy Trucks vs. SUV's Piercings and Pagoda's Tramp Stamp Nation Affirmative Action Jackson Illinois Dream Acting Earlobe Gauging Freak Fest Donkey Puncher Liberal Spin Twist Bonafied Corporate Bonus Spuds Entitlement Program Blaster Bailout Bastards Texting Trouble Short Pant Teeny Bopper Pajama Public Playtime Wal-Mart Shopper Shooting Gallery Conserv-a-Clash Methadone Zombies Packrat Intervention Epic Meal Time mp3 Attack Societal Engineer Big Pharma Dizzy Druggies Cancer Cure Promiscuous Texters Salad Tosser Silly Socialists Medical Mary Jane Moral Ethic Masher Mob Riot Panic Marxist Mayhem Futures End Millionaires and Billionaires Cash Clunking Trailer Park Boys Electric Auto Dream Straw Polling Solar Panel Lobby Gulf Oil Spiller Driller EPA The OSHA Wind Farmer Czar Car Media Manipulator LinkedIN Stacker Facebook Friending Down Lo Mortgage Ho Fannie & Freddie Farce Stock Market Plunger Inside Trader Bernanke's Print Shop AIG The Saga Continues Pulitzer Prizing Big Bill Stuffer Cruisin' Iowa Caucus Edition Marion Barry's No-Tell Hotel Huffington Posers Holy Hypocrites Runaway Dems Campaign Bus Crash Rhetoric Rambler Teleprompter Trouble Wardrobe Malfunction Mania Google Droid Wars Asinine Apps Windows Wanking! LOL at Insane Clown Pussy. I would buy that game but I'm not sure how well the ...ahem... "phrasing" fits the game. It could be a game about a lame band or about vaginas wearing make-up in a mental home. Also dizzy druggies just gave me an awesome idea for a Space Invaders graphics hack. Dank Invaders anyone? Edited August 17, 2011 by chupathingy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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