Hey guys I apologize the discord link didn't work, it's fixed now so either click the one in the description or the one here! discord.com/invite/JqeMAhH6ca
We play our VCS probably 10 times as much as we do our switch or xbox. The games are a fraction of the cost and we find ourselves enjoying them just as much as AAA titles. If we need a AAA title we can always add Xbox live to our VCS.
Thanks. I also have a VCS. I haven't had as much time as I'd like to play with it, but I do love having it and I hope that Atari will come out with an upgraded model!
The VCS is $99 for this black friday and I just HAD to buy it. I'm honestly thrilled that people have positive things to say. It seems niche and cool in that Sega Dreamcast kinda way. You just earned yourself a sub!
I got the one with 2 controllers for 80 dollars. I'm disappointed that it won't connect to atari's server. Oh well, I'm tired of fixing companies' broken garbage.
Great video! After holding out, I bought the VCS almost a year ago during the Memorial Day sale last year. I always wanted one for display purposes because I just love the way it looks. I had heard about the setup issues and researched it ahead of time so it wasn't a problem. However, it is sad that you had to have a USB stick with the proper build package and all that to get it to work. Besides that, I've had no issues, and I never encountered the infamous zip code bug. I absolutely love the Recharged games. I bought all of them, but so far, I've only played Asteroids, Berzerk, and Caverns of Mars. To be honest, I didn't expect to use the VCS very much, and I have played games on it more than I expected. In addition to the Recharged games, I've played both home brew and old official games. I am very happy that homebrews are available in the VCS store as it gives me another way to play them (I have the physical releases for the original consoles). All in all, I have been very happy with the purchase of the VCS. Your views and videos like this have helped to amplify the excitement and personal joy :) I bought Neo Sprint because of your take on it, and I happen to love the original B/W coin-ops.
I hope you enjoyed Neo Sprint because a lot of people didn't. I think it was fine. The VCS is definitely a nice little surprise to me and it's great hearing all the stories like yours of other people enjoying it!
I love this honest and fair take on the VCS. Great stuff! One thing that I'd add is that cloud gaming and PC-Mode makes it much more flexible than traditional consoles. So when support dries up, the VCS will still be useful. I've been spending a lot of time in ChimeraOS, which turns the VCS into a capable Steam machine.
Oh I definitely don't get the most out of my console. I hope people read comments like this so they better understand that this thing does more than I said. I'm just a dummy who plays Atari games lol
That's great to hear! I've been hearing a lot about this system and have debated buying one. I never had a "2600" VCS. I got an Atari 800 on closeout after the 1200XL came out. I was taking computer classes at the local tech school (because the university didn't offer any undergrad computer classes) and my wife came to resent the amount of time I spent on my Atari computer, but I would drift to sleep designing custom display lists in my head. I learned everything I ever needed to know about computer science on that Atari 800. I got games only as graphics demos to figure out how the did what they did on the screen. I never cared about Nintendo or Sega. I've been making do with the Atari800MacX emulator on my MacBooks. I saw a video here about the Atari 50th Anniversary Collection and I wanted it, but what could I play it on? X-Box, Playstation, Switch… Atari VCS??!! Whaitaminnit, WHAT?? I never cared for those other guys. I was never convinced they had anything I wanted. I watched a LOT of vides about it and was pretty convinced to get one. I had bought a 7800 mini a few years ago and was disappointed. The videos talked about nothing but grief from this new VCS, but those arcade games it has looked GREAT! I'd get it just for those. I used to shove rolls of quarters into those arcade games back in the day. That's the best looking Asteroids I've seem in a LONG time. But then my sister said she was going to clean out her basement and I might be able to get back ALL my Atari computer stuff that my brother in law took after I moved to California thirty years ago. I now have most of it. The 1200XL I bought used is wonky, but my old Atari 800 and the 400 I bought used for $19 because 'I thought it looked cute, both still work, except not the keyboard on the 800. The keyboard on the 400 is bulletproof and that machine still works as well as the day I bought it - the cassette interface never worked for me. I had/have ALL the accessories, a bunch of cartridges and even more cassettes and floppy disks. The disk drives aren't working now and rewind and advance on the cassette drive don't work but otherwise it seems fine. My Atari stuff still fared better than my comic books and Beta videotapes which he also took. Oh, and I picked up a 7800 that he was collecting games for. To match my mini, I guess. I'm getting The 400 Mini just for completeness, though the resurrection go my 400 almost makes that unnecessary. I'm still debating that new VCS, but as you say, "It's SO Atari." I still want to run that 50th Anniversary Collection. I had debated installing an Atari800 emulator on "the computer side." Now I don't need to. I've been a Linux geek for a long time so this looks like yet another reason to shell out money for a PC.
That's great that you were able to get that stuff back. Given your history with Atari I think you might get a kick out of the VCS. I bought it almost exclusively to play the Atari 50th Collection but I was surprised at all the other stuff they had. If you do take the plunge wait for a sale. But it sounds like you have quite the collection as it is and maybe that's enough?
@@TheAtariNetwork I'll definitely wait for a good sale on the All-In bundle. It's actually looking good now. Yeah, once I get the Atari VCS, that should be plenty for the foreseeable future. After this I'll just have to figure out how to fix up what I already have. Independent and third-party publishers have always been Atari's greatest strength, even though they have often been reluctant to admit it.
I need to buy Food Fight: Culinary Combat, I would probably like it. I still think Antstream Arcade is amazing and VCS 800 owners get the best deal on it. Or at least used to.
I am a little more interested in the VCS for the reasonable priced homebrews and early access exclusive NeoSprint and Food Fight. All those other titles exist on the console you already have and probably run better. After early access I would expect those 2 as well. You have built up a little community and that is priceless. Still not ready to jump in, but appreciate your thoughts. I am happy going the unplugged route with the 2600+ and restoring these old carts in the wild. It is surprising the VCS still has life. I would not believe it a year ago.
I don't have a console with those other games. I'm sure most people do if that's what you meant but the only "modern" day console I have is the VCS. Outside of that I have nothing newer than an original Xbox because I find most of this modern stuff frustrating.
Love my VCS because it is unique and different. They should include a usb drive in every shipment with the os fix and upgrade their customer service. I had a Chromebook and couldn’t get a usb drive created without going to the store at night and purchasing a windows laptop just to get os updated. Luckily didn’t have zip code issue but will say that their customer service is lacking at best. Need to hire someone and give them a telephone. Really hope they get all this figured out soon and keep the VCS going.
Yeah the customer service isn't great. The community has tried to pick up the slack but it's sad that they even had to. Putting a USB drive in every box is a brilliant fix. Hey Atari listen to this person!
I originally bought my VCS for Windows stuff and Atari ST and 800 emulation. But I've also enjoyed tons of VCS games library. Guntech has been my favourite for a long time along with Recharged series and Atari50 by Digital Eclipse. Now I'm obsessed with NeoSprint. Also put my XBox away as I can stream everything I need from their game library. VCS is a very versatile machine. And hey, what other old brand besides Apple makes computers these days. It's so cool to be able to use a modern Atari computer even today :)
I got mine yesterday in the Mail im sorry you went through a rough set up i luckily had no problem which means Atari did good fixing the issue i own a PS5 Xbox Series x and Nintendo Switch and i absolutely love the ATARI VCS i hope it gets more support i want to see it succeed 😊
I only got into the VCS in the last couple of months (and probably would've saved a lot if I'd waited for the Black Friday sale), but I love it so much as a diminutive but powerful modder's system that I bought two: one as the ultimate Emulation system, the other primarily for video editing. Your video reminds me that I need to get buying a whole bunch more of those VCS games. You didn't even mention the brilliant VCS controllers. I really hope they decide to release a VCS 2 someday. It would seem a shame to not continue to take advantage of that pretty well-thought-out store interface. It's not for the faint of heart, depending on age & OS version of the unit you buy, and/or if you want to multi-boot the system to Windows and Linux as I have, but there are helpful videos out there now, and if you've got some persistence and smarts, you can do pretty much anything with it (just remember to only buy Kingston RAM upgrades). It reminds me of what the PS3 briefly was and promised to be, before Sony got (rightly) scared about leaving the multi-boot functionality in, and removed it from future firmware.
I bought one of the black VCS consoles last year, during one of the sales near Christmas. Well, it’s still sitting in my home office… unopened. I’m mainly an Xbox gamer, but your video has inspired me to go hook it up tonight. I love retro gaming and I used to be a fan and owner of one of Atari’s old rivals - the Commodore Amiga computer (A500, A1200, & CD32). I have zero doubts that I’m gonna love the VCS, so I’m going to subscribe to your channel, so I can get more useful info about the VCS. Well, gotta go setup the VCS… CHEERS!
Very fair review. I've owned one since 2021 and I enjoy it very much. I never had the store zip code problem but I've had some brief store problems here and there, but rare and Atari support fixed them in a day or two. One thing that doesn't get mentioned enough is the PC mode. I play VCS and PC modes about 50/50. I also appreciate the living room PC concept where it's always plugged into my big TV and I can conveniently do home computing on my big screen while sitting on my sofa. Atari has had hybid PC/gaming machines since their 400 model back in the day and the VCS continues it. I have expanded RAM and memory running Window 10. I'll soon be upgrading to Win 11 and adding Batocera. In PC mode, it can run Switch-like games. It can even run many PS4/Xbox One games once you adjust the graphics settings and it usually doesnt make a huge visual difference. I've played games like Wreckfest, Ace Combat 7, Assetto Corsa, Halo Infinite/Master Chief Collection, Hotwheels Unleashed, Pinball FX3, latest Pinball FX, and many others. It's a lot more capable than people think. Is it as completely as powerful as a PS4 or 5, no. However, it still can play a ton of PC games, even the more modern ones. It's a flexible, customizable, hybrid machine. It may not be for everybody, but it depends on what you want to use it for. If you want to run the latest, high demand AAA games, you can stream them as an option thru several services if you have a good connection.
Interesting video on the VCS, it's sad that the VCS is not sold internationally, but I'm happy that you have fun with it, How many VCS that have been sold far approximatively ? On steam I have bought almost all Atari recharged games, I bought this week the Atari 50 th anniversary, there,s some good Atari Jaguar games , 7800 and 5200, lynx and 8 bit games too, I played the Atari Kart yesterday maybe this game is not as a complete as the mario kart games but I do like it and I prefer the characters in Atari Kart than in Mario Kart
Atari Karts was a fun little game for what it was. We have an interview on tomorrow's podcast that sheds a little light on that game. Atari hasn't released numbers on how many VCS units have sold. The indiegogo campaign showed about roughly 10,000 but anything after that is a complete guess. If I had to be realistic probably under 20,000 but it's all a shot in the dark.
Hugo is the only person I trust to mod my consoles. He's reasonable, thorough and communicates the entire time he has your stuff. In my experience. Glad you enjoy his stuff too!
I almost pre-ordered the VCS before it was released. Wasn't sure it was worth the initial retail price of $300 or somewhere close to that at launch. To me, at launch, it wasn't worth it imo. The controllers are just average to me, cool looking for sure, but not the best. The unit itself at the time, didn't do much as far as a gaming console. Today, it's much different and has improved ten fold. It's versatile with the PC Mode and expandable memory, the ability to use many 3rd party controllers, to use various OS systems with it, along with lots of apps, including gaming and streaming services. Plus, it now has lots of games to offer than ever before. I got lucky and bought my VCS Onyx bundle from Best Buy over three years ago for $99. That is more than worth it.
Either is a unique experience. I have a Switch and don't regret it. But this would be fun to once the hurdles are overcome. I have contemplated getting one being a staunch Atari fan. Now that there is enough to play on it for some quick arcade like fun, I might look into this again. It can also be a low end pc I guess but I'm not savy at that stuff but if one wanted to, they could truly expand the vcs in ways you can't as a switch. Kinda full circle as Atari always wanted a console/computer type all in one. At least that was the trend in the day but I think with Atari, the gaming and computer sections were separate? Idk. Its late at night and my memory fades. Lol but great video and thanks for sharing.
Nice video! I almost bought one of these a few years ago; aesthetically it was very nicely designed. I was keeping my budget focused on collecting for/repairing the 5200, which is a part-time job. I'm really impressed with the Recharge titles, they have that crisp, vector-style presentation; I'm also really impressed with that Atari 50 collection with the articles for each title. If they continue to improve the legacy-title library, I'm definitely going to get one; these old consoles... they're just becoming a pain to fool with... there's always something going wrong with them... plus, I don't like dealing with all the nostalgia-grift associated with the yesteryear video game market.
I never used my xbox to cloud stream the fact that antsream is pretty much included with this console made it much more promising I can't even play doom on my xbox with a consistent ammo count
I've been a VCS owner for about a year and a half. I've really enjoyed the unit but also it's hard to ignore the problems. Luckily the zip code issue never effected me. But I have had other strange issues with controllers and updates. Nothing game breaking but still strange nonetheless. I like the library! Homebrews always keep me coming back. And the retro style indie support is nice. I love atari and I want the VCS to grow even bigger
What type of drive is the Jaguar CD unit? IDE or ? I want to kit bash my jaguar and CD unit into a all in one type case and was thinking maybe there is a more modern CD drive I could hook up to the original control board if thats possible?
I’ve now got my Atari 400 mini yesterday and I’ve spent more time with it than my VCS since I’ve had it. Just so much fun. It just works. Snap to use. Doesn’t sound like a jet taking off and it doesn’t care what my zip code is. 😂
I have a Switch and a VCS. For me there Is so much I love about the VCS. Maybe it’s because it has a Fuji on the front and it’s illuminated. Ultimately it’s just plain fun.
I can hugely respect the VCS for what it is (especially when previous new consoles from retro names turned out to be pre-order scams such as the Intellivision Amico and Coleco Chameleon) However, my lifestyle had me already owning a Switch from late 2017, and by the time I started considering a VCS in 2022, Valve had announced the Steam Deck, a handheld that only costs $400 and just like the VCS routinely drops to the price of a Switch OLED. Having all 115+ games I on on Steam automatically downloadable on the new handheld at no extra cost is what won me over on the Deck, and also just like the VCS, it runs Linux which allows for immense freedom to run basically whatever I want. The optional dock also allows for a home console experience. If the stars aligned differently and the Steam Deck hadn’t happened in 2022, I really could have seen myself putting a VCS in the living room because I’m sure me & my dad would’ve enjoyed the local multiplayer games on the console (which isn’t as common for us on Switch/PC since we both only own mostly single player games)
I don't think the Switch is really "better" unless you like Mario/Nintendo stuff or your kids have to have the latest Mario game. Most other titles are found in better form on another modern console. I have 2 Switchs - a Switch and Switch Lite - but I rarely use them these days and am more often on my Retron77 or The VIC-20. I was late to the party on the VCS but have been eyeing it recently.
Buy an AtariVCS for the cheap prices these days and you will very soon discover that the Switch is indeed better by a factor of about 1000%. And I am an actual Atari fan. The VCS is a D+ to C- product at best.
Like someone else wrote, I use my VCS in Windows mode. I have the Linux PC mode USB and that's good as well and I would use it more if Windows wasn't an option. I'm not sure when the last time was, I booted into Atari os on purpose. I wish Atari leaned into the computer part more. Had the pc mode desktop packed in instead of sold as a separate USB. Maybe even offered an official Atari branded wireless keyboard and mouse. The mini PC market is booming and the VCS could have been an early entry. Even today, when Atari has a VCS on sale, it's still more powerful than most of the mini PCs in its price range. And it looks a lot cooler than just a square mini pc. Plus Steam games are more focusing on lower end hardware thanks to the Steam deck. There are 1000's of games on Steam (and GOG and Epic) that run perfect on the VCS. The push to make it a console limited it audience and success.
Any tips on how to get Windows on the M.2 Sata? We just opened an 800 Onyx system, upgraded to 32 g ram and a 2tb M.2 Sata. Went through the setup and updates but when trying to add windows to the Sata, we have been having issues and haven’t been able to. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Only problem I see is the standard 8gb of ram. It holds back. If it had 32bf of ram then game devs could make games that look more modern with Unity of Unreal engine. 8gb of ram is why most games look old and pixelated Newer games would run on it with 32gb of ram. I thought about making a game for it, but limitations.
@talon12020 It plays Spiderman on Steam just fine with 32gb of ram. The 32gb increases frame rate so the games are playable. With 8gb Spiderman might hit 12fps, but it plays around 30fps with 32gb. So games that were once unplayable now are. You're right about the graphics. I think you got to turn graphics settings down to play Steam games. So it don't have the best graphics. So right now most new games run at too low of a frame rate to be ported to a 8gb Atari. The graphics settings and resolution can be turned down, but if it still isn't hitting a good frame rate it is unplayable. So more RAM would of helped.
My console came with a broken controller atari refused to replace or refund. If you buy Atari Vcs buy it from the store not online so you can get your money back if something goes wrong.
No official track ball controller and a few Jag and Lynx games in Atari 50, but anything is possible in pc mode with third-party usb track balls and emulators.
8:15 I don't think that there is no appeal in online shooter, FFCC has got great appeal its just the execution. I have played the same FPS for 10 years off and on and many others that played an FPS online can see the issue with the game matches that end once done. Its a poor design. FFCC needs constant lobbies that do not dump you back into the search menu. It needs to show active lobbies for different modes. I have seen people searching trying to join others and the ridiculous 30 second window is incredibly unrealistic. Best thing you can do to save that game is to go complain about it. Especially since you are a known Atari youtuber you have more sway than the rest of us.
I'm super-shocked that anything became of the VCS other than a cash-grab on the old Atari name. But, I'm super happy that it got some new updates for these great games into action and that people can now enjoy it. I backed the much more promoted, Amico... since I was an Intellivision kid. Funny how something that seemed to have a much more developed business plan, more unique hardware, and a lot more developer/user interaction.... could turn out to be so much smoke. C'est la vie.
I think both are proof that we shouldn't bank on our nostalgia or allow it to guide our decisions or cloud our judgement. It's unfortunate what happened with the amico and the VCS has had nothing but issues for a long time. And let's be real if Nintendo or Sony had the issues of the VCS for as long as Atari did, it would be a PR nightmare and all over the gaming media. The VCS is lucky it's small and relatively unknown. At the end of the day the VCS is a console for Atari fans who want something with the Atari brand on it. You can use it as a streaming device, a dedicated Ataribox or some form of Windows computer. It's nice to have but isn't for everybody. Also I should note I know very little about the amico or it's business plan but I'm sure it seemed pretty promising.
I played around with the friends Atari VCS once. I had fun with the only because of the nostalgia of Atari.. if I were a younger person I would have hated the experience. The price of the Atari VCS at time of launch was horrendously overpriced for the weak computer that it was. Instead of purchasing an Atari VCS I'm more interested in trying to get the Atari VCS OS on a small SSD that I can use with my mini PC (that is way higher performance than the VCS).
I do enjoy Atari 2600 style games and I was 7 years old when the Atari 2600 released in North America. It was probably a year later that my family got one. But while I still like the old Atari games I'm a gen X'r that has kept up with gaming. I play on pc and ps5 and switch (I use a Nintendo switch for fortnite or ports of old console games or old pc games)
I have one and have a decent library. It's okish. I def overpaid as I got it with the speaker hat when it wasn't on sale. At the sale price it's a much better bargain. I use a 256GB USB to store all of my games as I didnt want to open the case on mine.
Just off the top of my head, Former Activision dev John Van Ryzen has an exclusive new 2600 game on the VCS called Alien abduction. Toney Barnes, another historic dev has PolyGunR as an exclusive preview on the VCS. Neo-Sprint and Food Fight Culinary Combat are still exclusive. Several small titles are still VCS only. This doesn't include former exclusives from Metgan games, etc.
i think the new atari vcs 800 is a great underrated pc/console hybird it's my favorite hardware i was never bad disappointing hardware to me at all it doesn't matter to me if video game hardware has alot of games or don't have alot of games only have little bit of games even sells don't matter to me either i did follow my heart gut instincts i don't listen to most that say don't get this or that anymore the atari vcs 800 made me a new atari fan it was always a blast to me i love the atari vcs unpopular hardware better than the popular video game hardware xbox, playstation and nintendo switch that's just me my unpopular preference
You say atari 50 on there well its on almost any modern console and pc. I got one with the 2 controllers for 80 dollars it wont update wont let me make an account and i refuse to jump through hoops to get it to work im going to wipe it and put linux or windows on it. Im tired of fixing company's broken garbage.
This is the only most honest review of the VSC, and now I see why. It was the most convincing review. And it did not sway my opinion. No I will no longer wonder. I'll wait for the VCS2 that a they ever comes out.
The solution is that Atari builds micro pc´s real with what you can work like any PC; Just add the peripherals, keyboard, mouse, and voila: SSD; 16 RAM; Windows
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey guys I apologize the discord link didn't work, it's fixed now so either click the one in the description or the one here!
discord.com/invite/JqeMAhH6ca
We play our VCS probably 10 times as much as we do our switch or xbox. The games are a fraction of the cost and we find ourselves enjoying them just as much as AAA titles. If we need a AAA title we can always add Xbox live to our VCS.
Love this!
Thanks. I also have a VCS. I haven't had as much time as I'd like to play with it, but I do love having it and I hope that Atari will come out with an upgraded model!
Say what you will about the VCS, but at least it came out.
Hahaha that’s an Amico joke right?
@Islandswamp shout-out to Tommy Tallarico.
As a broken piece of garbage that does not work.
Great Vid!! Love my VCS too, have not touched my switch in months. You really nailed it about the games you covered!
Thanks C_Money. I'm glad I chose it over the Switch even if it hasn't been smooth sailing!
The VCS is $99 for this black friday and I just HAD to buy it. I'm honestly thrilled that people have positive things to say. It seems niche and cool in that Sega Dreamcast kinda way. You just earned yourself a sub!
Lmk if there’s anything fun to do with it.
I’m not seeing anything about it that makes me want it
I got the one with 2 controllers for 80 dollars. I'm disappointed that it won't connect to atari's server. Oh well, I'm tired of fixing companies' broken garbage.
Great video! After holding out, I bought the VCS almost a year ago during the Memorial Day sale last year. I always wanted one for display purposes because I just love the way it looks.
I had heard about the setup issues and researched it ahead of time so it wasn't a problem. However, it is sad that you had to have a USB stick with the proper build package and all that to get it to work. Besides that, I've had no issues, and I never encountered the infamous zip code bug.
I absolutely love the Recharged games. I bought all of them, but so far, I've only played Asteroids, Berzerk, and Caverns of Mars.
To be honest, I didn't expect to use the VCS very much, and I have played games on it more than I expected. In addition to the Recharged games, I've played both home brew and old official games. I am very happy that homebrews are available in the VCS store as it gives me another way to play them (I have the physical releases for the original consoles).
All in all, I have been very happy with the purchase of the VCS. Your views and videos like this have helped to amplify the excitement and personal joy :) I bought Neo Sprint because of your take on it, and I happen to love the original B/W coin-ops.
I hope you enjoyed Neo Sprint because a lot of people didn't. I think it was fine. The VCS is definitely a nice little surprise to me and it's great hearing all the stories like yours of other people enjoying it!
I love this honest and fair take on the VCS. Great stuff! One thing that I'd add is that cloud gaming and PC-Mode makes it much more flexible than traditional consoles. So when support dries up, the VCS will still be useful. I've been spending a lot of time in ChimeraOS, which turns the VCS into a capable Steam machine.
Oh I definitely don't get the most out of my console. I hope people read comments like this so they better understand that this thing does more than I said.
I'm just a dummy who plays Atari games lol
That's great to hear!
I've been hearing a lot about this system and have debated buying one.
I never had a "2600" VCS. I got an Atari 800 on closeout after the 1200XL came out.
I was taking computer classes at the local tech school (because the university didn't offer any undergrad computer classes) and my wife came to resent the amount of time I spent on my Atari computer, but I would drift to sleep designing custom display lists in my head.
I learned everything I ever needed to know about computer science on that Atari 800. I got games only as graphics demos to figure out how the did what they did on the screen.
I never cared about Nintendo or Sega.
I've been making do with the Atari800MacX emulator on my MacBooks.
I saw a video here about the Atari 50th Anniversary Collection and I wanted it, but what could I play it on?
X-Box, Playstation, Switch… Atari VCS??!! Whaitaminnit, WHAT??
I never cared for those other guys. I was never convinced they had anything I wanted.
I watched a LOT of vides about it and was pretty convinced to get one.
I had bought a 7800 mini a few years ago and was disappointed.
The videos talked about nothing but grief from this new VCS, but those arcade games it has looked GREAT!
I'd get it just for those. I used to shove rolls of quarters into those arcade games back in the day.
That's the best looking Asteroids I've seem in a LONG time.
But then my sister said she was going to clean out her basement and I might be able to get back ALL my Atari computer stuff that my brother in law took after I moved to California thirty years ago.
I now have most of it. The 1200XL I bought used is wonky, but my old Atari 800 and the 400 I bought used for $19 because 'I thought it looked cute, both still work, except not the keyboard on the 800. The keyboard on the 400 is bulletproof and that machine still works as well as the day I bought it - the cassette interface never worked for me.
I had/have ALL the accessories, a bunch of cartridges and even more cassettes and floppy disks. The disk drives aren't working now and rewind and advance on the cassette drive don't work but otherwise it seems fine.
My Atari stuff still fared better than my comic books and Beta videotapes which he also took.
Oh, and I picked up a 7800 that he was collecting games for. To match my mini, I guess.
I'm getting The 400 Mini just for completeness, though the resurrection go my 400 almost makes that unnecessary.
I'm still debating that new VCS, but as you say, "It's SO Atari." I still want to run that 50th Anniversary Collection.
I had debated installing an Atari800 emulator on "the computer side." Now I don't need to. I've been a Linux geek for a long time so this looks like yet another reason to shell out money for a PC.
That's great that you were able to get that stuff back. Given your history with Atari I think you might get a kick out of the VCS. I bought it almost exclusively to play the Atari 50th Collection but I was surprised at all the other stuff they had.
If you do take the plunge wait for a sale. But it sounds like you have quite the collection as it is and maybe that's enough?
@@TheAtariNetwork I'll definitely wait for a good sale on the All-In bundle. It's actually looking good now.
Yeah, once I get the Atari VCS, that should be plenty for the foreseeable future. After this I'll just have to figure out how to fix up what I already have.
Independent and third-party publishers have always been Atari's greatest strength, even though they have often been reluctant to admit it.
I need to buy Food Fight: Culinary Combat, I would probably like it. I still think Antstream Arcade is amazing and VCS 800 owners get the best deal on it. Or at least used to.
I messed with the antstream and it looks amazing but I never subscribed...
I am a little more interested in the VCS for the reasonable priced homebrews and early access exclusive NeoSprint and Food Fight. All those other titles exist on the console you already have and probably run better. After early access I would expect those 2 as well. You have built up a little community and that is priceless. Still not ready to jump in, but appreciate your thoughts. I am happy going the unplugged route with the 2600+ and restoring these old carts in the wild. It is surprising the VCS still has life. I would not believe it a year ago.
I don't have a console with those other games. I'm sure most people do if that's what you meant but the only "modern" day console I have is the VCS. Outside of that I have nothing newer than an original Xbox because I find most of this modern stuff frustrating.
And honestly the VCS is frustrating too at times I just put up with it because I'm an Atari guy. Otherwise I probably would've skipped that too
Just bought a VCS and im looking forward to playing it. I already have the big 3 consoles but I'm a big fan of old games.
Love my VCS because it is unique and different. They should include a usb drive in every shipment with the os fix and upgrade their customer service. I had a Chromebook and couldn’t get a usb drive created without going to the store at night and purchasing a windows laptop just to get os updated. Luckily didn’t have zip code issue but will say that their customer service is lacking at best. Need to hire someone and give them a telephone. Really hope they get all this figured out soon and keep the VCS going.
Yeah the customer service isn't great. The community has tried to pick up the slack but it's sad that they even had to. Putting a USB drive in every box is a brilliant fix. Hey Atari listen to this person!
I originally bought my VCS for Windows stuff and Atari ST and 800 emulation. But I've also enjoyed tons of VCS games library. Guntech has been my favourite for a long time along with Recharged series and Atari50 by Digital Eclipse. Now I'm obsessed with NeoSprint. Also put my XBox away as I can stream everything I need from their game library. VCS is a very versatile machine.
And hey, what other old brand besides Apple makes computers these days. It's so cool to be able to use a modern Atari computer even today :)
Somebody suggested I do editing from my VCS. Then I could put at the bottom of each video "Edited on an Atari"
Now that would look super cool 😊
Thanks for showing Super Star Shooter 16 in this video!
Super Star Shooter 16 is going to get its own video eventually. I have a long list of games to cover but this one is definitely on it!
I got mine yesterday in the Mail im sorry you went through a rough set up i luckily had no problem which means Atari did good fixing the issue i own a PS5 Xbox Series x and Nintendo Switch and i absolutely love the ATARI VCS i hope it gets more support i want to see it succeed 😊
I only got into the VCS in the last couple of months (and probably would've saved a lot if I'd waited for the Black Friday sale), but I love it so much as a diminutive but powerful modder's system that I bought two: one as the ultimate Emulation system, the other primarily for video editing.
Your video reminds me that I need to get buying a whole bunch more of those VCS games. You didn't even mention the brilliant VCS controllers. I really hope they decide to release a VCS 2 someday. It would seem a shame to not continue to take advantage of that pretty well-thought-out store interface.
It's not for the faint of heart, depending on age & OS version of the unit you buy, and/or if you want to multi-boot the system to Windows and Linux as I have, but there are helpful videos out there now, and if you've got some persistence and smarts, you can do pretty much anything with it (just remember to only buy Kingston RAM upgrades). It reminds me of what the PS3 briefly was and promised to be, before Sony got (rightly) scared about leaving the multi-boot functionality in, and removed it from future firmware.
Very Atari is such a good way to describe the modern VCS. Great video, man. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching man!
Great vid. I can relate with the best of times and the worst of times of the VCS. Keep up the great work.
Thank you and here's hoping that it's all good times from here on out!
I bought one of the black VCS consoles last year, during one of the sales near Christmas. Well, it’s still sitting in my home office… unopened. I’m mainly an Xbox gamer, but your video has inspired me to go hook it up tonight. I love retro gaming and I used to be a fan and owner of one of Atari’s old rivals - the Commodore Amiga computer (A500, A1200, & CD32). I have zero doubts that I’m gonna love the VCS, so I’m going to subscribe to your channel, so I can get more useful info about the VCS.
Well, gotta go setup the VCS… CHEERS!
Same here, I love my VCS. I bought a spare back when they were on sale for $29.00 lol
Very fair review. I've owned one since 2021 and I enjoy it very much. I never had the store zip code problem but I've had some brief store problems here and there, but rare and Atari support fixed them in a day or two. One thing that doesn't get mentioned enough is the PC mode. I play VCS and PC modes about 50/50. I also appreciate the living room PC concept where it's always plugged into my big TV and I can conveniently do home computing on my big screen while sitting on my sofa. Atari has had hybid PC/gaming machines since their 400 model back in the day and the VCS continues it. I have expanded RAM and memory running Window 10. I'll soon be upgrading to Win 11 and adding Batocera. In PC mode, it can run Switch-like games. It can even run many PS4/Xbox One games once you adjust the graphics settings and it usually doesnt make a huge visual difference. I've played games like Wreckfest, Ace Combat 7, Assetto Corsa, Halo Infinite/Master Chief Collection, Hotwheels Unleashed, Pinball FX3, latest Pinball FX, and many others. It's a lot more capable than people think. Is it as completely as powerful as a PS4 or 5, no. However, it still can play a ton of PC games, even the more modern ones. It's a flexible, customizable, hybrid machine. It may not be for everybody, but it depends on what you want to use it for. If you want to run the latest, high demand AAA games, you can stream them as an option thru several services if you have a good connection.
Interesting video on the VCS, it's sad that the VCS is not sold internationally, but I'm happy that you have fun with it, How many VCS that have been sold far approximatively ? On steam I have bought almost all Atari recharged games, I bought this week the Atari 50 th anniversary, there,s some good Atari Jaguar games , 7800 and 5200, lynx and 8 bit games too, I played the Atari Kart yesterday maybe this game is not as a complete as the mario kart games but I do like it and I prefer the characters in Atari Kart than in Mario Kart
Atari Karts was a fun little game for what it was. We have an interview on tomorrow's podcast that sheds a little light on that game. Atari hasn't released numbers on how many VCS units have sold. The indiegogo campaign showed about roughly 10,000 but anything after that is a complete guess. If I had to be realistic probably under 20,000 but it's all a shot in the dark.
@@TheAtariNetwork I will watch that podcast to learn more on that game, thanks sir !
Awesome video! Subbed, and look forward to what you make in the future!
Also woah OGHUGO is one of your supporters!!! That guy sold me some damn cool products!
Hugo is the only person I trust to mod my consoles. He's reasonable, thorough and communicates the entire time he has your stuff. In my experience. Glad you enjoy his stuff too!
I almost pre-ordered the VCS before it was released. Wasn't sure it was worth the initial retail price of $300 or somewhere close to that at launch. To me, at launch, it wasn't worth it imo. The controllers are just average to me, cool looking for sure, but not the best. The unit itself at the time, didn't do much as far as a gaming console. Today, it's much different and has improved ten fold. It's versatile with the PC Mode and expandable memory, the ability to use many 3rd party controllers, to use various OS systems with it, along with lots of apps, including gaming and streaming services. Plus, it now has lots of games to offer than ever before. I got lucky and bought my VCS Onyx bundle from Best Buy over three years ago for $99. That is more than worth it.
That's an awesome price! I think waiting was a smart idea honestly.
Either is a unique experience. I have a Switch and don't regret it. But this would be fun to once the hurdles are overcome. I have contemplated getting one being a staunch Atari fan. Now that there is enough to play on it for some quick arcade like fun, I might look into this again. It can also be a low end pc I guess but I'm not savy at that stuff but if one wanted to, they could truly expand the vcs in ways you can't as a switch. Kinda full circle as Atari always wanted a console/computer type all in one. At least that was the trend in the day but I think with Atari, the gaming and computer sections were separate? Idk. Its late at night and my memory fades. Lol but great video and thanks for sharing.
Nice video! I almost bought one of these a few years ago; aesthetically it was very nicely designed. I was keeping my budget focused on collecting for/repairing the 5200, which is a part-time job.
I'm really impressed with the Recharge titles, they have that crisp, vector-style presentation; I'm also really impressed with that Atari 50 collection with the articles for each title.
If they continue to improve the legacy-title library, I'm definitely going to get one; these old consoles... they're just becoming a pain to fool with... there's always something going wrong with them... plus, I don't like dealing with all the nostalgia-grift associated with the yesteryear video game market.
I never used my xbox to cloud stream the fact that antsream is pretty much included with this console made it much more promising I can't even play doom on my xbox with a consistent ammo count
I've been a VCS owner for about a year and a half. I've really enjoyed the unit but also it's hard to ignore the problems. Luckily the zip code issue never effected me. But I have had other strange issues with controllers and updates. Nothing game breaking but still strange nonetheless. I like the library! Homebrews always keep me coming back. And the retro style indie support is nice. I love atari and I want the VCS to grow even bigger
Great review man! I love my VCS's too!
I know you do obsidian! You're the VCS man!
@@TheAtariNetwork oh pashaw 🥴🫳
What type of drive is the Jaguar CD unit? IDE or ? I want to kit bash my jaguar and CD unit into a all in one type case and was thinking maybe there is a more modern CD drive I could hook up to the original control board if thats possible?
Great video🎉🎉🎉
Thank you kind sir!
I’ve now got my Atari 400 mini yesterday and I’ve spent more time with it than my VCS since I’ve had it. Just so much fun. It just works. Snap to use. Doesn’t sound like a jet taking off and it doesn’t care what my zip code is. 😂
I have a Switch and a VCS. For me there Is so much I love about the VCS. Maybe it’s because it has a Fuji on the front and it’s illuminated. Ultimately it’s just plain fun.
I use my VCS daily. To play City of Heroes Homecoming in the PC mode :P
The games are looking batter than I expected.
I can hugely respect the VCS for what it is (especially when previous new consoles from retro names turned out to be pre-order scams such as the Intellivision Amico and Coleco Chameleon)
However, my lifestyle had me already owning a Switch from late 2017, and by the time I started considering a VCS in 2022, Valve had announced the Steam Deck, a handheld that only costs $400 and just like the VCS routinely drops to the price of a Switch OLED. Having all 115+ games I on on Steam automatically downloadable on the new handheld at no extra cost is what won me over on the Deck, and also just like the VCS, it runs Linux which allows for immense freedom to run basically whatever I want. The optional dock also allows for a home console experience.
If the stars aligned differently and the Steam Deck hadn’t happened in 2022, I really could have seen myself putting a VCS in the living room because I’m sure me & my dad would’ve enjoyed the local multiplayer games on the console (which isn’t as common for us on Switch/PC since we both only own mostly single player games)
I don't think the Switch is really "better" unless you like Mario/Nintendo stuff or your kids have to have the latest Mario game. Most other titles are found in better form on another modern console. I have 2 Switchs - a Switch and Switch Lite - but I rarely use them these days and am more often on my Retron77 or The VIC-20. I was late to the party on the VCS but have been eyeing it recently.
Buy an AtariVCS for the cheap prices these days and you will very soon discover that the Switch is indeed better by a factor of about 1000%. And I am an actual Atari fan. The VCS is a D+ to C- product at best.
You're really making me want to obtain a VCS and play games with some of the prominent Atari folks out there.
Like someone else wrote, I use my VCS in Windows mode. I have the Linux PC mode USB and that's good as well and I would use it more if Windows wasn't an option. I'm not sure when the last time was, I booted into Atari os on purpose. I wish Atari leaned into the computer part more. Had the pc mode desktop packed in instead of sold as a separate USB. Maybe even offered an official Atari branded wireless keyboard and mouse. The mini PC market is booming and the VCS could have been an early entry. Even today, when Atari has a VCS on sale, it's still more powerful than most of the mini PCs in its price range. And it looks a lot cooler than just a square mini pc. Plus Steam games are more focusing on lower end hardware thanks to the Steam deck. There are 1000's of games on Steam (and GOG and Epic) that run perfect on the VCS. The push to make it a console limited it audience and success.
Rough start in beginning but getting better. They should add paddle controllers as accessory.
Any tips on how to get Windows on the M.2 Sata? We just opened an 800 Onyx system, upgraded to 32 g ram and a 2tb M.2 Sata. Went through the setup and updates but when trying to add windows to the Sata, we have been having issues and haven’t been able to. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Check out "Atari VCS Alternative OSes (multi-boot)" by Retro Tech Corner here on RUclips.
Only problem I see is the standard 8gb of ram. It holds back. If it had 32bf of ram then game devs could make games that look more modern with Unity of Unreal engine. 8gb of ram is why most games look old and pixelated Newer games would run on it with 32gb of ram. I thought about making a game for it, but limitations.
32gb of RAM isn't the answer. It's limited by the dual core CPU and the Vega 3 graphics which just were never intended to run modern 3d games.
@talon12020 It plays Spiderman on Steam just fine with 32gb of ram. The 32gb increases frame rate so the games are playable. With 8gb Spiderman might hit 12fps, but it plays around 30fps with 32gb. So games that were once unplayable now are. You're right about the graphics. I think you got to turn graphics settings down to play Steam games. So it don't have the best graphics. So right now most new games run at too low of a frame rate to be ported to a 8gb Atari. The graphics settings and resolution can be turned down, but if it still isn't hitting a good frame rate it is unplayable. So more RAM would of helped.
Home boobs ! my VCS is still in the box.. I will get to it one of these days.. Great Video !
Idk why I have a tendency to say that. It happened in my 7800 Buyers guide video too. I hope it doesn't happen live anytime...
I have to agree I got the Xbox ps4 and switch and I end up playing my Atari VCS more then any of them
It could be useful for a emulation device in my opinion.
My console came with a broken controller atari refused to replace or refund. If you buy Atari Vcs buy it from the store not online so you can get your money back if something goes wrong.
Thanks for the shout out..I never got my movie😢😂
Yeah I got on Vinnie about that he said he sent everything out Monday. Sorry for the delay let me know when you get it
@TheAtariNetwork no worries..I'm looking forward to the next tournament
If i couldnt buy games for the console i bought for months at a time i would have returned it.
I am thinking to buy one it looks great
Does VCS have track ball controller? Are there any Jaguar/Lynx games on the console?
No official track ball controller and a few Jag and Lynx games in Atari 50, but anything is possible in pc mode with third-party usb track balls and emulators.
8:15 I don't think that there is no appeal in online shooter, FFCC has got great appeal its just the execution. I have played the same FPS for 10 years off and on and many others that played an FPS online can see the issue with the game matches that end once done. Its a poor design. FFCC needs constant lobbies that do not dump you back into the search menu. It needs to show active lobbies for different modes. I have seen people searching trying to join others and the ridiculous 30 second window is incredibly unrealistic. Best thing you can do to save that game is to go complain about it. Especially since you are a known Atari youtuber you have more sway than the rest of us.
Ready for Culinary Combat. Another meet up for matches would be fun.
I'm super-shocked that anything became of the VCS other than a cash-grab on the old Atari name. But, I'm super happy that it got some new updates for these great games into action and that people can now enjoy it. I backed the much more promoted, Amico... since I was an Intellivision kid. Funny how something that seemed to have a much more developed business plan, more unique hardware, and a lot more developer/user interaction.... could turn out to be so much smoke. C'est la vie.
I think both are proof that we shouldn't bank on our nostalgia or allow it to guide our decisions or cloud our judgement. It's unfortunate what happened with the amico and the VCS has had nothing but issues for a long time. And let's be real if Nintendo or Sony had the issues of the VCS for as long as Atari did, it would be a PR nightmare and all over the gaming media. The VCS is lucky it's small and relatively unknown.
At the end of the day the VCS is a console for Atari fans who want something with the Atari brand on it. You can use it as a streaming device, a dedicated Ataribox or some form of Windows computer. It's nice to have but isn't for everybody.
Also I should note I know very little about the amico or it's business plan but I'm sure it seemed pretty promising.
Ojala remonte esta consola y de algún modo se reavive.
I played around with the friends Atari VCS once. I had fun with the only because of the nostalgia of Atari.. if I were a younger person I would have hated the experience. The price of the Atari VCS at time of launch was horrendously overpriced for the weak computer that it was. Instead of purchasing an Atari VCS I'm more interested in trying to get the Atari VCS OS on a small SSD that I can use with my mini PC (that is way higher performance than the VCS).
I do enjoy Atari 2600 style games and I was 7 years old when the Atari 2600 released in North America. It was probably a year later that my family got one. But while I still like the old Atari games I'm a gen X'r that has kept up with gaming. I play on pc and ps5 and switch (I use a Nintendo switch for fortnite or ports of old console games or old pc games)
Forth, grab a shaurma with garnet and dill and a big blackcurrant-feijoa cappuccino and some zefirs with it
On it
I have one and have a decent library. It's okish. I def overpaid as I got it with the speaker hat when it wasn't on sale. At the sale price it's a much better bargain. I use a 256GB USB to store all of my games as I didnt want to open the case on mine.
The question is, are any of these games ONLY available for the VCS?
Just off the top of my head, Former Activision dev John Van Ryzen has an exclusive new 2600 game on the VCS called Alien abduction. Toney Barnes, another historic dev has PolyGunR as an exclusive preview on the VCS. Neo-Sprint and Food Fight Culinary Combat are still exclusive. Several small titles are still VCS only. This doesn't include former exclusives from Metgan games, etc.
i think the new atari vcs 800 is a great underrated pc/console hybird it's my favorite hardware i was never bad disappointing hardware to me at all it doesn't matter to me if video game hardware has alot of games or don't have alot of games only have little bit of games even sells don't matter to me either i did follow my heart gut instincts i don't listen to most that say don't get this or that anymore the atari vcs 800 made me a new atari fan it was always a blast to me i love the atari vcs unpopular hardware better than the popular video game hardware xbox, playstation and nintendo switch that's just me my unpopular preference
Do you have to join Patreon to join the Discord server? When I clicked the Discord link, it said it was invalid or expired.
Oh man I thought I had the forever link I'll fix it now!
No you don't have to join Patreon for the discord it should be fixed real soon!
Food Fight looks like Splatoon
You say atari 50 on there well its on almost any modern console and pc. I got one with the 2 controllers for 80 dollars it wont update wont let me make an account and i refuse to jump through hoops to get it to work im going to wipe it and put linux or windows on it. Im tired of fixing company's broken garbage.
How is this compared to the 7800+? I’d rather have a modern Atari with connections to the past than some damn Disney ass console.
This is the only most honest review of the VSC, and now I see why. It was the most convincing review. And it did not sway my opinion. No I will no longer wonder. I'll wait for the VCS2 that a they ever comes out.
First here, grab a beer!
Let me see some ID
Second, grab a Chicken
Mmmm..... Chicken ......
The solution is that Atari builds micro pc´s
real with what you can work like any PC; Just add the peripherals, keyboard, mouse, and voila: SSD; 16 RAM; Windows