The Atari VCS Controversies Thread

[PlaysWithWolves]

Also, nothing was stopping fans from updating one of the existing taco(and largely mocking)--free threads. If fans (not SD&R) are looking for skeptics to provide new info, they might be doing it wrong.

 

Good to see they took some sort of action. ?

 

 

That's because there is no "new info."

 

[Bill Loguidice]

I will buy both versions.

The Onyx and the wooden Console.

The Onyx Console i will give my brother for use.

 

May I ask what you and your brother plan on using it for? Do you live separately or in the same house?

[Mockduck]

 

I'm not optimistic at all about Ataribox but finding any new info in that other thread is such a chore. And I'm sorry, I try to keep a good sense of humor, but that "taco meme" was lame from the start and is just tiring now. It would be nice to have it contained to that thread.

 

Yeah, this is why I started the thread. There have been other non-taco VCS threads, but I wanted to create one that focused on the information as it becomes available in the OP, so people could have a one-stop-shop for verified information. Someone in the other thread criticized me for basically Googling things and posting it in the OP, but that is the actual exact purpose, so I wasn't insulted. This thread is meant to be informational rather than wildly off-topic.

 

I agree that the other thread has outlived its usefulness, but there still has not been a good reason given for why the VCS should be released in the first place. As such, I think the theory that the people providing valid reasons for not considering it a target for purchase (including me) are somehow bluffing and will purchase it anyway seems rather silly to me. Exactly why would we do that if that basic question hasn't been answered? It's obviously up to Atari to come up with a reason (and preferably reasons) between now and the launch of the crowd-funding campaign. I'm skeptical they'll come up with something since they haven't come up with a single valid reason (for many of us) to date, but there's certainly always a chance.

 

This is a question that will remain relevant throughout the next year or so, but is worth discussing, IMO. I think providing an elevator-pitch style answer to the "why get it" question is difficult outside of the much-maligned bit in the GDC FAQ that, "It's new and it's from Atari." Here's a longer thought from my perspective:

 

People like myself have proven themselves more than willing to buy new versions of tech that do largely the same thing they already have devices for, but do these things in a way that is more appealing to them, or in ways that fit into a specific niche of their lifestyle. How many of us have a Playstation 4 and Xbox One? Playstation 4 and Roku box? Smart phone and laptop or tablet? Laptop and computer? How many of us have multiple versions of the Atari Flashback or Portable? Or, to get a bit reductive, how many of us are largely cord-cutters but have both a television and a computer?

 

Here are some things I personally am excited for:

 

- I currently have a Playstation 3 hooked up into my upstairs bedroom TV, which I use to watch movies and such when I am sick, lazy, or lounging around in bed. My house doesn't have central air, and in the hottest days of summer I use a window unit for my room, so will hang out there. I think the VCS will be a good update to the PS3.

- I like to livestream classic gaming, and console gaming. The PS4 does adequate livestreaming, but its presentation and functionality isn't what I want it to be. I am hopeful that I can get Lightstream/OBS/xSplit/whatever on the VCS, then livestream classic Atari games and whatever else can be on the VCS using it. I stream face-forward on computer as well, but prefer to stream differently from the standard web-cam-at-a-computer-desk format. I can improve the PS4 livestreaming with an Elgato box, but they are expensive, a pain to set up, and cumbersome.

- I also think the VCS looks fairly portable and easy to hook up, so if it does livestreaming well, it could be a great way to add variety to livestreams in terms of location and format.

- At Games, Code Mystics, and their ilk do a largely excellent job of providing classic compilations for modern PCs and consoles, but I'd love an expanded library. I am hopeful the VCS provides that.

- I don't have cable TV, but use my PS4 as my main Netflix/YouTube/Tubi/PopcornFlix/Pluto streaming box. It would be killer to have a smaller form factor item that provides this, and isn't a Roku or small TV box, as it will provide more than just TV viewing.

- The VCS looks pretty moddable, hackable, and flexible, given its standard x86 architecture and Linux OS. Even if the VCS is not a commercial success, I expect I will get years of use out of it as a MAME/Stella/emulator box. Especially if I can also use it for livestreaming.

- The updated 2600-style joystick looks killer! Even if I wasn't getting the console, I'd be getting that controller. A bluetooth-standard one-button Atari controller is desirable to me, and will make playing Atari games on the PC and other platforms better. You can get adaptors for PC for $25+, and there's a frankly awful USB version available on Amazon, but neither of those are attractive to me.

- Unlike the Steam boxes I've seen, or Roku connectors, the VCS looks very stylish and attractive to me. I'm hopeful the promo pics end up being close to the final product.

- I would love a Steam box for the TV that isn't one of the current Steam boxes available. It's a secondary consideration, but I do expect to use it for that.

- As mentioned in the livestream section, it seems possible that this will be an easy and excellent way to get classic emulators onto your TV, with easy controller functionality.

- I am an Atari collector. While the current Atari isn't at all the vintage Atari, it's still got the brand, and I am an Atari nut. It's theoretically possible I'd buy one of those stupid speaker hats, just to laugh at it.

 

So, I think the answer to "why would anyone buy it?" is going to be more of an individual and personal choice, over a one-size-fits-all answer. Is it worth $300 to me? Heck, yeah! For others it certainly won't be. I am lucky to be comfortable enough in my life nowadays to blow $300 on something like this. Others will spend it during a weekend in Vegas, or at a Manhattan bar, or clothes shopping, or on drugs. I'll be spending it on a not-guaranteed-to-be-released mid-spec PC for my TV in late May.

[Andromeda Stardust]

I see this space pretty crowded. Between Retron77, Dreamcade Replay, DIY R-Pi, Intel x86 STB NUC, and existing traditional consoles like from MS, N, and Sony.. They're going to need to differentiate themselves (somehow) through software. I just don't see how, yet.

Say what you will about the second coming of the VCS. It's too early to pass judgement at this point. We just don't have all of the facts.

 

I will say the Retron77 is on the fast track to becoming a legit way to play V.C.S. games. #realVCS

 

 

 

 

- The updated 2600-style joystick looks killer! Even if I wasn't getting the console, I'd be getting that controller. A bluetooth-standard one-button Atari controller is desirable to me, and will make playing Atari games on the PC and other platforms better. You can get adaptors for PC for $25+, and there's a frankly awful USB version available on Amazon, but neither of those are attractive to me.

If they have a contribution tier for the USB joystick controller by itself, I may pledge for just the controller. I'm not risking $200+, it's a slick looking device, and besides the controller, I have little interest in the main console as an actual gaming platform. Not trying to criticize or make jokes about the merits of the VCS box, but I really do dig the new controller.

 

Being an embedded x86 kit, I wonder if it has Windows drivers available for it? I would love to install a cracked version of Windows XP on there...

[Keatah]

Most new x86 kit beyond the 4th and 5th generation Core processors has issues with XP class drivers. And that applies more than ever to the low-cost SoCs. It may work sub-optimally "because x86", though you'll lose functionality simply because XP isn't aware of new processor architecture. XP drivers aren't being written for this new hardware.

 

And Win7 stops at 6th gen SkyLake chips. Again, drivers being the issue.

 

---

 

Retron77 has a huge advantage because its main operating code has been crowd-tested for 20 years and running. It's very mature at this time. And it should satisfy most users including die-hard enthusiasts.

[+KaeruYojimbo]

 

So, I think the answer to "why would anyone buy it?" is going to be more of an individual and personal choice, over a one-size-fits-all answer. Is it worth $300 to me? Heck, yeah! For others it certainly won't be. I am lucky to be comfortable enough in my life nowadays to blow $300 on something like this. Others will spend it during a weekend in Vegas, or at a Manhattan bar, or clothes shopping, or on drugs. I'll be spending it on a not-guaranteed-to-be-released mid-spec PC for my TV in late May.

 

Losing $300 won't kill me, but given the choice between spending $300 on something that might exist in a year vs. spending $300 dollars on something that definitely does exist, I will choose the thing that does exist every time. That's how the whole taco joke started. It's not that I would never buy the VCS, but given this thing's history over the last year, I'm not putting down any money until there's some working hardware.

 

And in that other thread's defense, on those rare occasions there actually has been news from Atari SA, the talk shifts from tacos for page or two.

Edited May 17, 2018 by KaeruYojimbo

[StopDrop&Retro]

And in that other thread's defense, on those rare occasions there actually has been news from Atari SA, the talk shifts from tacos for page or two.

 

That thread is 325 pages long...

 

It became too tedious to visit that thread, so I started following the subreddit instead. Atari has release new info, that doesn't mean it's good info but it's worth keeping track of for later reference. For instance, I didn't even know they intend to release Tempest 4000 on it until I saw it in this OP.

[Max Ivi]

Here is the link to the Indiegogo campaign for the Presale- https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/atari-vcs-game-stream-connect-like-never-before/coming_soon

 

 

For conversation sake- although completely speculative in relation to the console at the moment- but it is confirmed that Virt-U work for Atari now, as well as Atari bringing one of the founders of Ethereum onboard for Atari's Token project.

 

How that plays out with the console is anyone's guess. I'm thinking there will be a lot of surprised people when this all plays out.

 

for me it is obvious that Virt-u will be part of the great project Atari VCS and that thanks to that, the platform will be really great

[Max Ivi]

 

Yep. And if no good reason is given, it will no doubt remain status quo for both the skeptics and the true believers anyway.

 

me in 13 days my opinion will be formal either I like or I do not like

[Max Ivi]

According to me Atari VCS will be a great platform, Virt-U, Blockchain, it's going to be huge, but the point that makes me upset is indiegogo, because ok it's good for the Pub, but delivery in 1 year ... not That's good

[BiffsGamingVideos]

They should let anyone who orders a VCSii early be able to submit a new name for the system. Then in a few months they can choose a few and let the people vote on the name before it goes to press. That way people might actually order it. Wouldn't it be really cool to go around and say you named the Xbox or Playstation or Atari Lightwave?????

Edited May 18, 2018 by BiffsGamingVideos

[digdugnate]

so, objectively, what does the Atari VCS offer that something like the Retron 77 wouldn't? I can stream from pretty much any device, I have the Atari Vault on Steam on my home computer.

 

I was intrigued by the concept when it was announced last year, and wood-grain console looks kind of cool- but as they say, the proof's in the pudding and I haven't seen a lot of pudding yet other than what 'could be'.

[zzip]

I agree that the other thread has outlived its usefulness, but there still has not been a good reason given for why the VCS should be released in the first place. As such, I think the theory that the people providing valid reasons for not considering it a target for purchase (including me) are somehow bluffing and will purchase it anyway seems rather silly to me. Exactly why would we do that if that basic question hasn't been answered? It's obviously up to Atari to come up with a reason (and preferably reasons) between now and the launch of the crowd-funding campaign. I'm skeptical they'll come up with something since they haven't come up with a single valid reason (for many of us) to date, but there's certainly always a chance.

 

For me, if I buy one, it will be because it could be the ultimate emulation machine for a living room TV. I'm aware that I could use a Raspberry Pi, but they are rather weak and DIY. This being x86 could possibly run older Windows games too under Wine- something the Pi can't do.

 

Also Minecraft with the ability to mod it on the TV (can't do that on the PS4 version). My daughter has been wanting to do that.

 

But of course Atari needs to deliver first. I'm not going to pre-order/crowdfund.

[Mockduck]

Atari put together a brief video on their Facebook page yesterday showing of a wireframe animation test for the VCS UI. This is probably early-state stuff, so no surprises if it changes a lot, but there were a few interesting bits to look at.

 

 

 

In the above image, you can see the general idea they have for the layout. I see a section specifically calling out Atari games, then A-Z, probably for non-classic-Atari games. There is also a section for Apps. They appear to harken back to the OG game boxes, but clicking on a game expands it to a moving JPG image.

 

You can also see the menu bar to the left, the functions of which are a bit hard to decipher in some cases. The way I personally see it is Atari logo - Home page, Box - Library, Basket - ???, Flash - Streaming, maybe? Social?, Probably friends list, then probably system menu. There is also a profile in the lower left, indicating you will almost certainly have a social/account profile.

 

 

The most interesting bit of the below image is the presence of a Live - Title option, along with a clear Twitch logo. I am hopeful this indicates you will be able to livestream directly from the console.

 

 

 

[alexkeaton]

 

May I ask what you and your brother plan on using it for? Do you live separately or in the same house?

 

We live in separate Houses.

 

I want to give it to my brother as a gift because last year he was thinking to buy a At Console with the Atari Games. I think it was the Atari 8 Flashback Console.

He has no Gaming consoles at all. He was nostalgic about the Games he saw in the ad. The console was in the prospect of our supermarket.

 

I also think that there will be even more on this console to experience than on the simple Miniconsoles like the NES mini.

Hopefully a nice and easy way to play Steam Games, the old Atari Games and modern Remakes of the old Games with nice Graphics and Sound.

And i am very curious about the Atari Casino.

Yes, i could also buy a cheaper Flashback Console for my brother or for me but the main purpose for me is to support Atari because i want to invest in the company and at the same time support a legal way of playing the old Games instead of downloading roms from the Internet to a Rasperry Pi which is not legal and not fair from a moral standpoint.

[alexkeaton]

Atari put together a brief video on their Facebook page yesterday showing of a wireframe animation test for the VCS UI. This is probably early-state stuff, so no surprises if it changes a lot, but there were a few interesting bits to look at.

 

 

 

Maybe this is the Video which is already one year old.

It was posted on Youtube and a short time after that removed.

I managed to get and save the link and posted it in the other thread months ago.

It disappeared under the endlessly Taco memes and nobody seriously cared for that Video.

There was also Tomb Raider displayed in the Video.

 

The Video i posted was about 90 seconds long if i remember correctly.

It showed amazingly a lot considering that it was just the beginning of the News for a Release of their Console.

If i recall correctly it was 90 seconds long and showed the same pictures you posted.

 

I also posted these Pictures in January:

 

Edited May 18, 2018 by alexkeaton

[Mockduck]

 

Maybe this is the Video which is already one year old.

It was posted on Youtube and a short time after that removed.

I managed to get and save the link and posted it in the other thread months ago.

It disappeared under the endlessly Taco memes and nobody seriously cared for that Video.

There was also Tomb Raider displayed in the Video.

 

The Video i posted was about 90 seconds long if i remember correctly.

It showed amazingly a lot considering that it was just the beginning of the News for a Release of their Console.

If i recall correctly it was 90 seconds long and showed the same pictures you posted.

 

I also posted these Pictures in January:

 

 

Thanks for the info! I missed this the first time around, unfortunately. Your images from earlier particularly tell me that Twitch streaming is looking to be built-in, which is fantastic for me.

[Flojomojo]

Your images from earlier particularly tell me that Twitch streaming is looking to be built-in, which is fantastic for me.

 

Why not just use a PS4 or XboxOne for Twitch? They're available now, they're cheap, and they work well. Atari Flashback Classics (same developer and game list as Atari Vault) are available on both of those, too.

[Mockduck]

 

Why not just use a PS4 or XboxOne for Twitch? They're available now, they're cheap, and they work well. Atari Flashback Classics (same developer and game list as Atari Vault) are available on both of those, too.

 

I do sometimes use my PS4 for Twitch, as well as my PC. While the PS4 does an ok job, it isn't great. The UI is not very adjustable, the resolution is not great, and the stream does not continue when you switch games, meaning if I drop one game the stream ends, then I have to re-launch it for a new game. As stated earlier, I also think the VCS has the potential to be a more portable box for quick livestreaming setup, so it could be used in unique locations relatively easily. I also do indeed have the Flashback Classics as well. I love that the PS4's native livestream video correction algorithm takes the Yar's Revenge middle-screen noise away on video playback. It doesn't understand some of Atari's graphics.

[+x=usr(1536)]

Hi! For anyone unfamiliar with my position over the past several months regarding the Ataribox or AtariVCS, I'm going to open this post by stating that while I currently am (and have consistently been) a wholly-admitted skeptic regarding Atari SA's ability to bring this device to market, my intent behind posting here is to open up the floor to points in favour of the device that might, at the very least, give me additional food for thought regarding my own opinions concerning it.

 

Quantitative arguments ('It's better at X than Y is because...') generally work better for me than qualitative ones ('I like how it looks'). Having said that, I have always been warm to the aesthetics of the device, if not necessarily the execution behind its development and marketing. If you just want one because it looks cool, has a Fuji on it, or the wireframe interface is neat, that's fine and I get it - but it's easier for me to understand someone else's position when I can evaluate reasonably definite aspects of their argument against ideas that I might hold.

 

I'm not asking for proselytysing, evangelism, or a defence of your opinions - those are your own and as far as I'm concerned you're entitled to hold them without justification, much as I am mine. But I truly would like to hear ideas that may bring me to considerations that I had not previously taken into account.

[Keatah]

My position is rather simple. When there is a shipping product in the stores that I can buy - I will look it over and make a choice then.

[bugcatcher88]

My position is rather simple. When there is a shipping product in the stores that I can buy - I will look it over and make a choice then.

 

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I'm not going to support their crowdfunding campaign (I never give money to products that don't exist). But if this product ever makes it onto store shelves, I'll give it a chance.

[BiffsGamingVideos]

 

I'm pretty much in the same boat. I'm not going to support their crowdfunding campaign (I never give money to products that don't exist). But if this product ever makes it onto store shelves, I'll give it a chance.

 

I guess then I am the one that has to buy it, review it first so you all can see it. OK, whatever. And no it will not be on store selves ever. It is purely an internet thing.

[thetick1]

 

I guess then I am the one that has to buy it, review it first so you all can see it. OK, whatever. And no it will not be on store selves ever. It is purely an internet thing.

 

And how do you know that ? I'm expecting it in retail and plan to buy it in retail when it's $49 on clearance.

Edited May 19, 2018 by thetick1

[bojay1997]

 

And how do you know that ? I'm expecting it in retail and plan to buy it in retail when it's $49 on clearance.

I would expect to see it show up on Amazon at least and maybe other online retailers if it ever gets released. Crowdfunding and sales based on a crowdfunding campaign alone are never going to be enough to make this worthwhile, even for a small company.