@@Technoviking-wc7ks thanks for adding that enlightened comment!.. Must have took you a while to figure all the different letters out!..you're a very well educated child!..you should thank your elementary teacher
Heh, this seems like a feature that should become standard in modern controllers. If it was there, I can imagine a lot of games would find uses for it. (Much like how I think gyro in controllers should be standard now as well, do not understand why Microsoft hasn't adapted it yet.)
Well, I wasn't expecting _anything_ to ever come out of the Ataribox project, so to see that it has been made and that it actually has some good things to say for it surprises me! Nice. :)
I have been very curious where I am a game programmer I am especially curious if it requires a specialized kit or if it is just the store bought hardware. But I like the look of it so far. If I get one it would have to be the woodgrain, I mean come on the best look of a console ever :)
Even after the nightmare setup I had to go through, to me the biggest letdown was that they did not manage to secure licensing rights, so if you were expecting to play epic games like Pac-Man, Pitfall, or River Raid, they are not there. Dan, can you please make a video of a step by step tutorial in how do download emulators and how to use them? That would really help a lot of us to have a better game library than Atari offers. Which is the only let-down so far. Thanks for making this video!
Interesting look at this, Dan. I hadn't heard much since it lost...it's interesting to see what's been done..or hasn't been done...in time since it was released.
I'm fairly sure the atari vault is already on android lol and the controller they sell is just a regular bluetooth controller so it should work on any phone.
There are a solid amount of really good and good looking games for the VCS, you should purchase a few from the store they look and play great! That being said, I’d much rather see the price tag @ $299, that’s my main gripe.
At $250 and doing some ram upgrades myself it seems like it makes a decent price point for a new lower end computer. Its also worth noting Linux is lighter on the ram then Windows so thats less of a deal breaker. Lets see if they install the ram sockets for upgrades in all models and just how large the ram sticks can be supported.
Just in case anyone happens to be in the comments around this time, Best Buy total tech members can get the console (made with real wood) plus a modern controller for only $90. I'm not sure how long the sale lasts though.
Seems like sacrilege to call that thing VCS lol. A fun emulator, perhaps, but I think I could do as well with a regular PC or RetroPie. Thanks for the great video, though! Definitely solidified my opinion on the project.
Thank you for the review. I've pre-ordered one, and the main concern I have is the amount of software available. I'll be happy to purchase what's available on the store, but a killer game or two would have helped raise the profile of the console.
do they not realize you can get a next gen console for $400? or a raspberry pi and a case and a controller for like $100? there is no way this can be worth the price.
I think assigning a value to the "included 100+ atari classics" is very tricky. The sellers have obviously assigned some of the $400 price towards that. I forgot how I got watching this video, so I can't say whether or not the viewers of this video are more technical than the probably target market for this thing. Oh like $15-16 on steam. Way better than nintendo trying to nickel and dime per game.
It's very similar to the size and shape of a Atari 2600 Jr but with the rib look of the original 2600. I really hope they start releasing more games as it's essentially as upgrade to the OUYA at the moment which is pretty disappointing.
The shiny plastic on the front looks like a peelable protective layer, at least in the way the camera picks it up in the video. It might be worth taking a closer look.
Obviously not in as fancy a case, but the Ryzen machines from Minisforum are much better specced for the same money. And will do pretty much the same thing without the custom Linux install
@@ColasTeam Well like the original owner of this Atari VCS found, the novelty of the form factor was quickly eclipsed by it's lack of usability. Might as well save up more money to get something that's worth buying or pay around the same amount for a machine that's not as sleek but is actually capable of doing something useful.
The main thing I was disappointed in is that all the apps seem to just be Chrome links (that open in full screen) and not real apps tailored to the system. They really need to figure out some controller interface for Chrome. And the PC Mode is a bit too problematic for installing Windows 10 (I resorted to taking a VM clean install disk image and restoring it to the M.2 SATA drive), though Linux installs fine w/o special steps. I was expecting it to be more of a niche product that wasn't totally polished for normal consumer use, so wasn't really bothered by some of the other stuff.
with limited storage why would you want a native app when the web app provides the same service and have the updates done on the backend? Makes no sense to have a native app.
@@xnonsuchx but they are. They're web apps. Web apps are going to more and more common now. This pandemic has fast forwarded Cloud Computing. Native apps only makes sense in a limited input device such as a phone or tablet, other wise web apps are the easy to go everytime.
I really, really like the basic concept. I truely believe there is a gap in the market for a digital purchase indie/AA box that doesn't cost PC money. Especially as the big console makers are moving ever more along the streaming/subscriptions model and mobile is stuck on microtransactions. Alas its a question of price, support, and the reputation of the company doing this. This version of Atari just have none of that! Atari haven't been the company we remember since the Tremiels bought it in 84/5, and its been going down hill with each subsequent change of ownership. And there's this wierd insistance on focusing on playing games from the 1970s.
Atari is not back. Commodore is not back either. Both companies are very dead. The Atari here is just a French company Infogrames who changed their name to Atari. Nothing more. The real Atari has been dead since 1996.
@@LUCKO2022 No Atari is back it's a fact , like all companies it changed ownership . Sadly the Golden age of Atari with Tramiel family was over in 1996 and sold Atari to JTS Storage , then sold to Midway , sold to Hasbro , sold to Infogrames , now it's Atari S.A. in regards to our friends and rivals Amiga is alive and well the new version of Amiga is Vampire standalone V4 is awesome it's the continuation of what Amiga should be today if Commodore UK bought it in 1995.
@@ΞενοφωνΒασιλοπουλος …also within the last couple of years…the majority shareholder & CEO & Chairman of the Board of ATARI is an American…gulp…from The USA. Though owners are owners of their purchase regardless…and Frederic Chesnais has done a great job righting the ATARI ship and getting it into this very advantageous position they hold at this moment in time. He eliminated ATARI’s debt 100% and has ATARI on strong footing in multiple endeavors.
@@F1JV Thank you so much for the new information, I hope Atari VCS will include in the near future Atari ST , Atari Lynx , Atari Jaguar games , that would be awesome
I wish they could more affordably sell this unit with no storage, API or ram permitting more choice in what we wish to add such as a more capable and apu. Like you said, the case is attractive and it is nice to once again see an Atari logo.
@David Mander I have the HD-EP30 and around 70 HD DVD titles, visually still all the Warners I have are not showing any signs of rot, I did replace Goodfellas for Blu-ray though as that was struggling through playback.
Thank God for all the people that created articles calling Atar's legitimacy into question. Thank you to all the You tubers it said it was a scam because if you guys hadn’t done that there is virtually no chance that this new “Atari” would’ve released this product.
You're making a mistake thinking that it's a console. It's a micro computer, a form of computer console hybrid that was popular in the 80's. And from what I've seen it can play cyberpunk 2077 which is better than I could build for $400 with the gpu shortages.
@@kwebbytakeflight there is video someone testing it on mobile data, so it works on 4G as well - if you happen to have unlimited data in Vietnam, it will work as well. Because of smaller screen you can increase compression and data transfer is not thst big as on TV or PC. But I hate Cyberpunk otherwise :-)
It’s not a bad console it’s just when you use the chrome desktop you would have to use a mouse and keyboard if you have one laying around, and you have pc mode oh yes it’s also a pc, I’ve never used pc mode because I don’t have a operating system for it at the time but I am planning on turning my Atari vcs into the pc i would use daily
wifi, language , controller pairing , update... wifi, language , controller pairing , update... wifi, language , controller pairing , update... wifi, language , controller pairing , update... for a good minute there i had Hotel California playing in the back of my mind
It's sad to see such a big brand name be mismanaged right out of the gate. The people that they could pull in possibly because of some retro nostalgia are in this extreme minority of people that would go out and buy this console for the Atari brand name. No one is going to go and buy an Atari console and then put money down on a bunch of 40 year old games especially at several dollars each. Rather than attempting to milk the nostalgia, the people running the Atari IP should be putting together a stable of the new generation of Atari games. There are far more people in the world with far more coding experience and ideas ready to develop Indie titles that could then be attached to the Atari brand name and bring something very exciting and vital to the Atari Marketplace rather than simply being an overprice dusty graveyard for games that stopped being fun right around the time of Super Mario Brothers 2. Atari, are you listening? Who the hell have you hired to plan this and whatever you're paying them, you need to rethink that
If you have ever watched an ETA Prime video or have heard of the Nvidia Shield TV, you know the answer is no. Let's not be a taint teaser Dan. You are too good for that.
I made a point of not watching any other reviews first, so I didn't have too much of a preconception, but I watched ETA Prime's video today and actually it performed a bit better than I expected on PS2 and Gamecube emulation.
@@danwood_uk no doubt the Atari VCS is a capable emulation machine. However, I really don't think there was and or should have been any doubt that this was going to be the ultimate emulation machine as others, such as ETA Prime, have shown other PCs cheaper and better specs than this for awhile now. Don't mean to bust your balls or anything. I like your work, but this just seems a little bush league.
I don't like to be too negative, but this is an extremely disappointing release, especially for the price. Except for the small handful of exclusive indie titles there's nothing on the system that you can't get anywhere else. Take any cheap (second hand) PC, install the Atari Vault from Steam and Antstream and you will have a better experience in almost every way
So, basically a pretty expensive Raspberry Pi case. The only unique item is the joystick. And I'm always sceptical about stuff with external power supplies. It's mainly about saving development as well as manufacturing cost while inconveniencing the user.
@@jothain This wasn't about the performance, more about it being an SBC with an SOC. Calling it a PC is a bit far-fetched. We're not going to call Set-Top-Boxes or Consoles now as PCs. The comparison was rather to whether it is some dedicated emulation hardware, like a MiSTer. But it's just another Raspberry Pi, albeit it with a lot more grunt.
@@graealex Nah, It's not Raspberry pi. Yes, it's basically sbc, but no way it's Raspberry pi. Not even remotely that. Raspberry is Arm device and this is most definitely not that. It's the architecture that counts, not the board type. With your logic I could say my phone is Raspberry on steroids.
This might be the first console to actually turn a profit. Raven ridge 2 is like 3 years old now. You could probably do better with a ryzen 3 3200g and they're only $100 right now. To me no matter how you look at it, it's a waste of money. You could build a decent platform from the ryzen 3 3200g and at least for the same price but with better specs. It's not a current AAA gaming PC, but I don't think anyone was expecting the Atari vcs to be either.
I don't really know what is the place for this thing. A low-power system for the living room? Switch got it. A living room computer? Why not RaspPi? I don't really think it's going to be any success. Especially with Steam Deck coming that will have a Switch-like dock.
If im honest, i thought you was initially brave reviewing this. Its definitely a bit of a controversial release. Looking at it though, i can sort of see the appeal. I would love one of those under my living room tv in the cabinet. Just the cosmetics alone. Currently i have a HP packard 2130 i3 desktop ex-office machine under there (i chose that because it looks a bit like it belongs as a horiziontal thing) I dont know much about the system but im unsure what they was trying to achieve. Ryzen in a small factor that can be a pc aswell as an atari? It makes no real sense to me lol but as many will know im a bit thick sometimes haha. It looks great though to its appeal base, i think with a system like this it would be give me one, i will keep it. Would i go out and buy one probably not. Great video
The VCS may have turned out better than I thought it would. But, that isn't saying much. ...Basically, it exists, it can do retro gaming, a few PC things, and it doesn't explode (afaik).
I *love* the design of it, and especially the one with wood front! That said I see no point in it. Just like you I simply use a small PC to run simpler games and retro emulation. Currently use the small Lark Box Pro connected to my TV, but in the past I have also used an Intel NUC.
Just compared it`s Ryzen R1606G CPU/GPU to the old Celeron J1900 chip found in a bunch of Gigabyte Brix tiny PC`s that I used to use as my 1st custom Retro game Emulation devices and it`s a lot better and those. My Brix PCs did quite alot of Emulated Mame/Console systems pretty well too. So this is much better than all those other new mini consoles that all use cheap Android board systems for emulation ...... and I expect it`s better than the best Android board that I currently build some devices with the s922x. If they bring the price down a bit then it`s probably value for money afterall then.
Agreed. But, the Steam Machines had specs much closer to an actual gaming PC while still being compact. Form factor is the only thing the VCS has going for it imo.
I tried that. With the supply storage is going on right now.... You're actually getting a deal with the Atari VCS. It is worth noting that the Atari VCS is a full Linux computer and a console.
@@allhumansarejusthuman.5776 I built my Emulation Box that could play games from Atari 2600 to Dreamcast using an Amlogic SoC. Total cost, including 2 wireless gamepads and a 128GB SanDisk microSD: $80.
It's a great system, but yes could use some more indie titles in the store. The really good ones I recommend are Thrustlander, ATO, the new Jetboard Joust, and once it's finished, Unsung Warriors is going to be awesome.
The stick on the joystick controller rotates and *is* a paddle controller as well as a joystick. It is much easier to play those games if you use the joystick instead of the modern controller.
I just really find it odd they opted for a 2 core Apu, just seems like a missed opportunity to have at least a 4 core. Especially since this was supposed to be a modern console.
Definitely. The Passmark score is quite similar to an i5 3450 from like 2013. Granted the integrated graphics are significantly better almost for sure, but still...
Yeah, though at least it's multi-threaded, so it could be worse. I really think the graphics are a bigger issue at this point, but if it had better graphics, it would probably have a better CPU as well. This is partly a product of when they designed it, and partly limited development budget, I would imagine.
thats because of the concept. Modern just means "not only retro" in this case. This console seems to mainly target at casual gamers, nostalgic for 2 D and likewise content. If you want your Call off Duty cheap and working, you go for a xbox or ps4, which you can have for under 200 now. A two Core is optimized for 2d or simple polygonal Games and still is good enough for simpler 3d 360 Games, 4 + cores are mostly utilized by complex 3d operations, games with physics etc, and by that again met by sony and microsoft to an unbeatable price. This Console gives you a PC and a Retro Gaming console in a unique design and a famous brand name. You can build a pc with used parts for 250-300 Bugs that is as powerful or try to jailbrake a ps4 and got a little more out of it but all of that needs more know how and is more complicated to archive. So it targeets aat people skeptic of the current gaming marked that want it handy, quick set up and stop wondering. i guess.
Its not a bad system, just way too expensive for what it is. For half the money it would be fine. But for 399??? Naa, you can get better, more modern and supported stuff for that money...
@@paulwilson9281 not comparable. This is foot in the water in bringing back micro computers, the trend from the 80s where a medium to low end PC was hybridized with a game console. Unfortunately Atari is learning the hard way that the need to up the GPU specs and make some cost cuttings if they go that route
Ehhh. $399 includes two controllers (host got it wrong) don't get me wrong the controllers despite being very well thought out and nice are too expensive just like. Well. Sony Nintendo and Xbox and is the early adopter fee. Atari has $249 for the base release model. At $250, its not bad. Keep in mind you're paying probably a good $50 to $100 for the nice case the brand name the Atari operating system is based on Linux, To me $50 to $100 for just the neat Factor of running an Atari microcomputer again is way past worth it at $250, and I am curious to see what the community will develop as this machine allows you to program new games for it, and on it, you are literally getting a development console and the computer you need to develop with.... although I would use a more powerful machine if I were going to be doing any pre-rendering. also keep in mind that the windows drivers for the Atari VCS are hacked together, not official. whereas the Linux drivers are official. So you're not going to get good performance in Windows you'll do better in Ubuntu or another Linux OS and just use WINE, it limits the library a little bit but as long as openGL is supported you'll be running smoothly.
@@danwood_uk Can definitely be done, considering it's just a Linux PC, I'm wondering how easy it will be to just add shortcuts to the home screen for things like that.
hmmm I don`t think so all the other official and chinese retro consoles that we see out there are powered by the cheaper end of Android boards whereas this is a mini PC which is way more expensive than a $30 Android board inside. Granted it is overpriced but not by that much
It looks like the $400 model is actually the better deal of the two, as it seems to come with more RAM and two controllers (which retail for about $60 individually), while the lower priced model seems to have no controllers included (though standard USB game controllers will work, like XBox One controllers). The more expensive model also gives you a choice of front panel color, though that might be considered almost incidental. However, there have been reports that you can significantly increase the performance of the system by substituting faster RAM than what comes with it.
@@CFWhitman every model has 8gb. System alone 299. The 4gb was dropped half-day through the project when they upgraded chipset. The system supports 32gb.
I for one appreciate the simple first impression. I mean you'll get used to it eventually and you won't be constantly inundated with new advertising, etc. that some algorithm thinks you should be seeing. Fill up the shelves and just see your stuff when you turn it on. I wish more things worked this way.
$400 for that yeah no tanks, Atari must be out of their damn minds.I could get a digital ps5 for that $400,or I could get a xbox series s for $300 and have access to gamepass .Both are much better deals
You still can’t even find a PS5 or Series S or X for that price anywhere… Atari VCS can play steam games and is free to play online. You don’t have to pay extra for crappy PSN or Xbox Live.
Really disappointing. The console looks great, and I understand this is sort of pre-release, but with all of the time spent in development it should be better. XBOX and PS4/5 have the heavy-weight games and streaming covered, and I already have a PC, so I wouldn't really want that in the Atari VCS. Just fill it full of all of the Atari games ever made, make them all work flawlessly, and include at least 1 controller, regardless of purchase level. Simple. And if they priced it around $250, people would be happy to buy it. As it is, I think they've tried to make it do too much, none of which is done really well, and they're asking too much money for it. Shame, really.
Awesome review Dan! Well, at the time being it looks like an overpriced, low spec PC with a pretty exterior. I know you have apps like RyzenController where you can change the TDP profiling on the SoC, you can probably find 3rd party software to change the fan curve as well. (MSI Afterburner is often used for GPUs monitoring and fan curve editing, perhaps there's something out there for the VCS fan controller? or perhaps you can get into the bios and change it?) But yeah, it seems very much like an expensive low-spec PC for made for tinkering.
The first 200 people to sign up with Brilliant using my link will get 20% off your annual subscription: brilliant.org/DanWood/
Thanks Paul!.. I'm dying to get my hands on this!..Atari holds so much nostalgia for me!..gotta buy
Thanks dude
get bent u shill
@@Technoviking-wc7ks thanks for adding that enlightened comment!.. Must have took you a while to figure all the different letters out!..you're a very well educated child!..you should thank your elementary teacher
I guess Im kind of randomly asking but does anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online?
@Hayden Brett try FlixZone. You can find it by googling :)
The new joystick not only moves direction but can rotate, so is better for games like Pong and Tempest (but you didn't get that with the donation).
Ahh interesting, I'll have to get hold of one.
Aaah that's pretty cool, and clever!
Heh, this seems like a feature that should become standard in modern controllers. If it was there, I can imagine a lot of games would find uses for it. (Much like how I think gyro in controllers should be standard now as well, do not understand why Microsoft hasn't adapted it yet.)
@@KarlHamilton pretty cool, and clever from the joystick makers, pretty dumb for the system not to come with at least one.
Well, I wasn't expecting _anything_ to ever come out of the Ataribox project, so to see that it has been made and that it actually has some good things to say for it surprises me! Nice. :)
I’m really enjoying my VCS , more than I thought I would too be honest.
I have been very curious where I am a game programmer I am especially curious if it requires a specialized kit or if it is just the store bought hardware. But I like the look of it so far. If I get one it would have to be the woodgrain, I mean come on the best look of a console ever :)
Are you still playing it on the regular?
Cheers for the review. It's actually better than I thought, but lack of content is gonna kill this, even though it doesn't deserve to die.
The $399 price includes both controllers and 8 g RAM. Also the joystick turns to work like a paddle.
$800 in Australia
@@jarreds602 blame Australia
Omg give a shit about a paddle controller. is the system any good
I would love to get my grubby little hands of this bit of kit.
Even after the nightmare setup I had to go through, to me the biggest letdown was that they did not manage to secure licensing rights, so if you were expecting to play epic games like Pac-Man, Pitfall, or River Raid, they are not there. Dan, can you please make a video of a step by step tutorial in how do download emulators and how to use them? That would really help a lot of us to have a better game library than Atari offers. Which is the only let-down so far. Thanks for making this video!
Interesting look at this, Dan. I hadn't heard much since it lost...it's interesting to see what's been done..or hasn't been done...in time since it was released.
Surprisingly I play mine more then my PS4. I was sceptical, but it's actually really awesome
Im getting one im happy i can play almost every xbox and ps1 game on steam now i can play with my cousin who has a ps4
Atari should just sell that vcs vault app and a paddle controler for Android. The Nvidia shield got nice angles on the case!
Well you can get about a billion Atari Game bundles on almost any platform. I have the Atari Bundle for the Switch, and it is great.
I'm fairly sure the atari vault is already on android lol and the controller they sell is just a regular bluetooth controller so it should work on any phone.
Looks pretty good for a compact living room PC, I'd love to see some benchmarks and some high end games to stress test it.
High end... 🤔
There are a solid amount of really good and good looking games for the VCS, you should purchase a few from the store they look and play great! That being said, I’d much rather see the price tag @ $299, that’s my main gripe.
At $250 and doing some ram upgrades myself it seems like it makes a decent price point for a new lower end computer.
Its also worth noting Linux is lighter on the ram then Windows so thats less of a deal breaker.
Lets see if they install the ram sockets for upgrades in all models and just how large the ram sticks can be supported.
Yeah, this seems like a perfectly fine piece of kit to run retro games and everyday office work.
thankss dan, just signed up to dev with atari.
Just in case anyone happens to be in the comments around this time, Best Buy total tech members can get the console (made with real wood) plus a modern controller for only $90. I'm not sure how long the sale lasts though.
Referring to the recharged series as Indy clones is hilarious. 😂
Seems like sacrilege to call that thing VCS lol. A fun emulator, perhaps, but I think I could do as well with a regular PC or RetroPie. Thanks for the great video, though! Definitely solidified my opinion on the project.
Looks like you can get the same functionality from a raspberry pi.
pi4 8GB with windows 10 and x86_64 emulation.. although it has no 3d accell so no modern anything.
@@JasonStevens I assume he's joking.
@@JasonStevens it has no 3D acceleration., how does it run quake 3 and half life , that looks like 3D acceleration to me , is it a software mode?
Great video, fellow Dan! Love the Retro Hour!
Thanks Dan! Great review Bro!
I was just admiring your clock. Could you tell me what type it is please?
All the best, Rich.
Thanks Rich. It’s an Amazon Echo Spot, mine has developed a screen flicker problem though which seems to be a common problem with them.
@@danwood_uk Thanks Dan! I did see some flickering later on in the video but I assumed it was a RUclips thing! Keep up the good work Bro.
Thank you for the review. I've pre-ordered one, and the main concern I have is the amount of software available. I'll be happy to purchase what's available on the store, but a killer game or two would have helped raise the profile of the console.
do they not realize you can get a next gen console for $400? or a raspberry pi and a case and a controller for like $100? there is no way this can be worth the price.
I think assigning a value to the "included 100+ atari classics" is very tricky. The sellers have obviously assigned some of the $400 price towards that. I forgot how I got watching this video, so I can't say whether or not the viewers of this video are more technical than the probably target market for this thing. Oh like $15-16 on steam. Way better than nintendo trying to nickel and dime per game.
It's very similar to the size and shape of a Atari 2600 Jr but with the rib look of the original 2600.
I really hope they start releasing more games as it's essentially as upgrade to the OUYA at the moment which is pretty disappointing.
The shiny plastic on the front looks like a peelable protective layer, at least in the way the camera picks it up in the video. It might be worth taking a closer look.
No ET? Outrageous!
Obviously not in as fancy a case, but the Ryzen machines from Minisforum are much better specced for the same money. And will do pretty much the same thing without the custom Linux install
I don't get it. $400 is way too much money for this thing. Why anyone was even tempted to back this thing is beyond me.
I think the form factor could be appealing to PC people, personally, console sized PCs for less than 1000$ aren't too common.
@@ColasTeam Well like the original owner of this Atari VCS found, the novelty of the form factor was quickly eclipsed by it's lack of usability. Might as well save up more money to get something that's worth buying or pay around the same amount for a machine that's not as sleek but is actually capable of doing something useful.
The main thing I was disappointed in is that all the apps seem to just be Chrome links (that open in full screen) and not real apps tailored to the system. They really need to figure out some controller interface for Chrome. And the PC Mode is a bit too problematic for installing Windows 10 (I resorted to taking a VM clean install disk image and restoring it to the M.2 SATA drive), though Linux installs fine w/o special steps. I was expecting it to be more of a niche product that wasn't totally polished for normal consumer use, so wasn't really bothered by some of the other stuff.
with limited storage why would you want a native app when the web app provides the same service and have the updates done on the backend? Makes no sense to have a native app.
@@Boswd Then they shouldn't call them apps.
@@xnonsuchx but they are. They're web apps. Web apps are going to more and more common now. This pandemic has fast forwarded Cloud Computing. Native apps only makes sense in a limited input device such as a phone or tablet, other wise web apps are the easy to go everytime.
I really, really like the basic concept. I truely believe there is a gap in the market for a digital purchase indie/AA box that doesn't cost PC money. Especially as the big console makers are moving ever more along the streaming/subscriptions model and mobile is stuck on microtransactions.
Alas its a question of price, support, and the reputation of the company doing this. This version of Atari just have none of that!
Atari haven't been the company we remember since the Tremiels bought it in 84/5, and its been going down hill with each subsequent change of ownership.
And there's this wierd insistance on focusing on playing games from the 1970s.
Awesome Atari is back .I hope Atari VCS will be successful. I can't wait to buy Atari VCS when it comes to Athens Greece
Atari is not back.
Commodore is not back either.
Both companies are very dead.
The Atari here is just a French company Infogrames who changed their name to Atari. Nothing more. The real Atari has been dead since 1996.
@@LUCKO2022 No Atari is back it's a fact , like all companies it changed ownership . Sadly the Golden age of Atari with Tramiel family was over in 1996 and sold Atari to JTS Storage , then sold to Midway , sold to Hasbro , sold to Infogrames , now it's Atari S.A.
in regards to our friends and rivals Amiga is alive and well the new version of Amiga is Vampire standalone V4 is awesome it's the continuation of what Amiga should be today if Commodore UK bought it in 1995.
@@ΞενοφωνΒασιλοπουλος …also within the last couple of years…the majority shareholder & CEO & Chairman of the Board of ATARI is an American…gulp…from The USA. Though owners are owners of their purchase regardless…and Frederic Chesnais has done a great job righting the ATARI ship and getting it into this very advantageous position they hold at this moment in time. He eliminated ATARI’s debt 100% and has ATARI on strong footing in multiple endeavors.
@@F1JV Thank you so much for the new information, I hope Atari VCS will include in the near future Atari ST , Atari Lynx , Atari Jaguar games , that would be awesome
I wish they could more affordably sell this unit with no storage, API or ram permitting more choice in what we wish to add such as a more capable and apu. Like you said, the case is attractive and it is nice to once again see an Atari logo.
Hi Dan,
Nice vid as usual!
I do wish it was cartridge based rather than online. Even if it was multi carts.
Then it would truly retro!
Releasing in stores on 15 june
There was a Atari arcade app for mobile as well
Nicely done review.
Tip: Play Tempest with a mouse. Also, the trackball games like Centipede and Millipede are good with a mouse.
13:26 it was a glitch on the Matrix, the clock on top of the Xbox said it so 😆
Like me is that still a HD DVD player sitting on one of the TV shelves...
Well spotted
@David Mander I have the HD-EP30 and around 70 HD DVD titles, visually still all the Warners I have are not showing any signs of rot, I did replace Goodfellas for Blu-ray though as that was struggling through playback.
Nice work, Dan!
Thank God for all the people that created articles calling Atar's legitimacy into question. Thank you to all the You tubers it said it was a scam because if you guys hadn’t done that there is virtually no chance that this new “Atari” would’ve released this product.
BS
nice review, but very expensive bit of nostalgia
Is River Raid game included in the vault games list?
holy shit someone said something positive about the atari vcs.
Yes!!!!
Behold, the VCS!
Indeed.
"Odd frame drop here and there but it was watchable"
"fans going to overdrive"
Doesn't sound like a good experience.
like why spend all that money on a 4k tv just to have dropped frames.
I wish this was a real console instead of a jank emulation machine . Is it that hard??? you can just buy the APU from AMD and work from there.
You're making a mistake thinking that it's a console.
It's a micro computer, a form of computer console hybrid that was popular in the 80's.
And from what I've seen it can play cyberpunk 2077 which is better than I could build for $400 with the gpu shortages.
@@allhumansarejusthuman.5776 you can stream cyberpunk on iphone with nvidia geforce now (edit: and also have raytracing)
@@cyberluke bruh that's shitty af
@@kwebbytakeflight there is video someone testing it on mobile data, so it works on 4G as well - if you happen to have unlimited data in Vietnam, it will work as well. Because of smaller screen you can increase compression and data transfer is not thst big as on TV or PC. But I hate Cyberpunk otherwise :-)
Atari VCS... the emulation PC for snobby console gamers who don't want to admit they've finally bought an emulation PC
This should be 100$ tops.
If s company can’t complete a finished product for its backers, it isn’t worth buying at retail to reward them for it.
It’s not a bad console it’s just when you use the chrome desktop you would have to use a mouse and keyboard if you have one laying around, and you have pc mode oh yes it’s also a pc, I’ve never used pc mode because I don’t have a operating system for it at the time but I am planning on turning my Atari vcs into the pc i would use daily
wifi, language , controller pairing , update... wifi, language , controller pairing , update... wifi, language , controller pairing , update... wifi, language , controller pairing , update...
for a good minute there i had Hotel California playing in the back of my mind
This never needed to come out at all
Nice clock. Where can I get it?
Cool video
It's sad to see such a big brand name be mismanaged right out of the gate.
The people that they could pull in possibly because of some retro nostalgia are in this extreme minority of people that would go out and buy this console for the Atari brand name.
No one is going to go and buy an Atari console and then put money down on a bunch of 40 year old games especially at several dollars each. Rather than attempting to milk the nostalgia, the people running the Atari IP should be putting together a stable of the new generation of Atari games.
There are far more people in the world with far more coding experience and ideas ready to develop Indie titles that could then be attached to the Atari brand name and bring something very exciting and vital to the Atari Marketplace rather than simply being an overprice dusty graveyard for games that stopped being fun right around the time of Super Mario Brothers 2.
Atari, are you listening?
Who the hell have you hired to plan this and whatever you're paying them, you need to rethink that
hope they improved it like usb c and wifi connection!
Looks great but man that sucks! so expensive and all the price of those games bloody hell
If you have ever watched an ETA Prime video or have heard of the Nvidia Shield TV, you know the answer is no. Let's not be a taint teaser Dan. You are too good for that.
I made a point of not watching any other reviews first, so I didn't have too much of a preconception, but I watched ETA Prime's video today and actually it performed a bit better than I expected on PS2 and Gamecube emulation.
@@danwood_uk no doubt the Atari VCS is a capable emulation machine. However, I really don't think there was and or should have been any doubt that this was going to be the ultimate emulation machine as others, such as ETA Prime, have shown other PCs cheaper and better specs than this for awhile now. Don't mean to bust your balls or anything. I like your work, but this just seems a little bush league.
I don't like to be too negative, but this is an extremely disappointing release, especially for the price. Except for the small handful of exclusive indie titles there's nothing on the system that you can't get anywhere else. Take any cheap (second hand) PC, install the Atari Vault from Steam and Antstream and you will have a better experience in almost every way
I can't argue with that at this stage, the lack of software is a huge downfall.
@@danwood_uk That's because it has NOT launched yet.
So, basically a pretty expensive Raspberry Pi case. The only unique item is the joystick.
And I'm always sceptical about stuff with external power supplies. It's mainly about saving development as well as manufacturing cost while inconveniencing the user.
It's just a PC.
@@shadowflash705 I'm calling it a Raspberry because while the CPU is x86 and not ARM, it is an SoC with minimal upgradeability.
Nope. Pretty much any PC can absolutely murder Raspberry Pi's in performance, so it's vastly better emulation box than Raspberry is.
@@jothain This wasn't about the performance, more about it being an SBC with an SOC. Calling it a PC is a bit far-fetched. We're not going to call Set-Top-Boxes or Consoles now as PCs.
The comparison was rather to whether it is some dedicated emulation hardware, like a MiSTer. But it's just another Raspberry Pi, albeit it with a lot more grunt.
@@graealex Nah, It's not Raspberry pi. Yes, it's basically sbc, but no way it's Raspberry pi. Not even remotely that. Raspberry is Arm device and this is most definitely not that. It's the architecture that counts, not the board type. With your logic I could say my phone is Raspberry on steroids.
You should try Microsoft Project xCloud on it if your internet is fast enough.
250 with the controllers would make it a sell but once I found out it was only a two core processor I was disappointed.
As soon as you said there was no controller included with this system I was done with the video
it'd be kinda funny if this thing can run doom/tf2
🤷♂️ a xbox, wii, 360 are all very good at emulation running mame and such.
This might be the first console to actually turn a profit. Raven ridge 2 is like 3 years old now. You could probably do better with a ryzen 3 3200g and they're only $100 right now. To me no matter how you look at it, it's a waste of money. You could build a decent platform from the ryzen 3 3200g and at least for the same price but with better specs. It's not a current AAA gaming PC, but I don't think anyone was expecting the Atari vcs to be either.
Nice avatar on Antstream :)
🤔...Back on the shelves...where...❓❓❓
I don't really know what is the place for this thing. A low-power system for the living room? Switch got it. A living room computer? Why not RaspPi? I don't really think it's going to be any success.
Especially with Steam Deck coming that will have a Switch-like dock.
Thanks for not being one of those who say "haych" D M I. Seriously hate that recent adaptation. Wish people would frikken stop it.
Put a sound proof box over it and you should be good
If im honest, i thought you was initially brave reviewing this. Its definitely a bit of a controversial release. Looking at it though, i can sort of see the appeal. I would love one of those under my living room tv in the cabinet. Just the cosmetics alone. Currently i have a HP packard 2130 i3 desktop ex-office machine under there (i chose that because it looks a bit like it belongs as a horiziontal thing)
I dont know much about the system but im unsure what they was trying to achieve. Ryzen in a small factor that can be a pc aswell as an atari? It makes no real sense to me lol but as many will know im a bit thick sometimes haha.
It looks great though to its appeal base, i think with a system like this it would be give me one, i will keep it. Would i go out and buy one probably not. Great video
The VCS may have turned out better than I thought it would. But, that isn't saying much. ...Basically, it exists, it can do retro gaming, a few PC things, and it doesn't explode (afaik).
I *love* the design of it, and especially the one with wood front!
That said I see no point in it. Just like you I simply use a small PC to run simpler games and retro emulation. Currently use the small Lark Box Pro connected to my TV, but in the past I have also used an Intel NUC.
ruclips.net/video/Ay3XgIfHfAQ/видео.html
Just compared it`s Ryzen R1606G CPU/GPU to the old Celeron J1900 chip found in a bunch of Gigabyte Brix tiny PC`s that I used to use as my 1st custom Retro game Emulation devices and it`s a lot better and those. My Brix PCs did quite alot of Emulated Mame/Console systems pretty well too. So this is much better than all those other new mini consoles that all use cheap Android board systems for emulation ...... and I expect it`s better than the best Android board that I currently build some devices with the s922x. If they bring the price down a bit then it`s probably value for money afterall then.
what about Xerox Alto operating system "Alto Executive (Exec)"...or Xerox Star operating system " Pilot " plz make a video or review on youtube.
cool!
You tapping into the 'unboxing' market bro?
400 squid for the basic package?!? Nah
Great video though :-)
That thing looks like an expensive desaster. The only retro system where everything was done right so far, was the Spectrum Next.
this is a souped-up Steam Machine, just a pc with a custom OS on top.
Agreed. But, the Steam Machines had specs much closer to an actual gaming PC while still being compact. Form factor is the only thing the VCS has going for it imo.
Project Utopia will be a TOTALLY different story.
20:53 what game is this?
D/Generation
@@danwood_uk thanks broseph!
(thumbs up)
It’s not a retro console. It’s a Modern console that plays PC games.
Honestly, just build yourself an Emulation Box that can play tons of other consoles.
I tried that.
With the supply storage is going on right now....
You're actually getting a deal with the Atari VCS.
It is worth noting that the Atari VCS is a full Linux computer and a console.
@@allhumansarejusthuman.5776 I built my Emulation Box that could play games from Atari 2600 to Dreamcast using an Amlogic SoC. Total cost, including 2 wireless gamepads and a 128GB SanDisk microSD: $80.
Yea pretty scuffed but I’d get it for like 50 or 80
You know it’s bad when it’s being compared to the ouya
PowerA are the leading Xbox 3rd party controller manufacturer. Wouldnt be surprised if it was actually just a repurposed xbox controller.
Wow, they looked at all the controllers that ever came out, and picked up the CD32 one and said "Let's use THIS D-Pad"
Well they were low on cash so they had limited time.
@@techedits3314 ermmm dont make excuses for them
Yeah it's exactly the same dpad🤣
Sega Master System..
I believe that the cross d-pad requires a royalty payment to Nintendo for each unit sold.
It's a great system, but yes could use some more indie titles in the store. The really good ones I recommend are Thrustlander, ATO, the new Jetboard Joust, and once it's finished, Unsung Warriors is going to be awesome.
The stick on the joystick controller rotates and *is* a paddle controller as well as a joystick. It is much easier to play those games if you use the joystick instead of the modern controller.
Very true, I do believe the Classic Joystick would definitely be the best choice.
I thought so while watching this. how does this guy not know this? or at least do some reserch before the video.
I just really find it odd they opted for a 2 core Apu, just seems like a missed opportunity to have at least a 4 core. Especially since this was supposed to be a modern console.
Definitely. The Passmark score is quite similar to an i5 3450 from like 2013. Granted the integrated graphics are significantly better almost for sure, but still...
Yeah, though at least it's multi-threaded, so it could be worse. I really think the graphics are a bigger issue at this point, but if it had better graphics, it would probably have a better CPU as well. This is partly a product of when they designed it, and partly limited development budget, I would imagine.
thats because of the concept. Modern just means "not only retro" in this case. This console seems to mainly target at casual gamers, nostalgic for 2 D and likewise content. If you want your Call off Duty cheap and working, you go for a xbox or ps4, which you can have for under 200 now. A two Core is optimized for 2d or simple polygonal Games and still is good enough for simpler 3d 360 Games, 4 + cores are mostly utilized by complex 3d operations, games with physics etc, and by that again met by sony and microsoft to an unbeatable price.
This Console gives you a PC and a Retro Gaming console in a unique design and a famous brand name. You can build a pc with used parts for 250-300 Bugs that is as powerful or try to jailbrake a ps4 and got a little more out of it but all of that needs more know how and is more complicated to archive. So it targeets aat people skeptic of the current gaming marked that want it handy, quick set up and stop wondering. i guess.
@@BilisNegra pass mark isnt great but yeah a 2 core processor in 2021 is so weak
Pass, just using the Atari name to sell an overpriced emulation box.
Its not a bad system, just way too expensive for what it is.
For half the money it would be fine. But for 399??? Naa, you can get better, more modern and supported stuff for that money...
Pandora 11 cost only $130
@@paulwilson9281 not comparable.
This is foot in the water in bringing back micro computers, the trend from the 80s where a medium to low end PC was hybridized with a game console.
Unfortunately Atari is learning the hard way that the need to up the GPU specs and make some cost cuttings if they go that route
Ehhh. $399 includes two controllers (host got it wrong) don't get me wrong the controllers despite being very well thought out and nice are too expensive just like. Well. Sony Nintendo and Xbox
and is the early adopter fee.
Atari has $249 for the base release model.
At $250, its not bad.
Keep in mind you're paying probably a good $50 to $100 for the nice case the brand name the Atari operating system is based on Linux,
To me $50 to $100 for just the neat Factor of running an Atari microcomputer again is way past worth it at $250, and I am curious to see what the community will develop as this machine allows you to program new games for it, and on it, you are literally getting a development console and the computer you need to develop with.... although I would use a more powerful machine if I were going to be doing any pre-rendering.
also keep in mind that the windows drivers for the Atari VCS are hacked together, not official.
whereas the Linux drivers are official. So you're not going to get good performance in Windows you'll do better in Ubuntu or another Linux OS and just use WINE, it limits the library a little bit but as long as openGL is supported you'll be running smoothly.
@@allhumansarejusthuman.5776 XBox Series S is 299, PS4 is 279€, the PS5 Digital MSRP is 399...
sorry, even 250 bucks is too much for it.
Kind of like the steamboxes of many years ago....I kind of wish valve would have another go at that.
A Steam Link app on here would be a great feature actually.
@@danwood_uk Can definitely be done, considering it's just a Linux PC, I'm wondering how easy it will be to just add shortcuts to the home screen for things like that.
@@danwood_uk you installed windows on it so you can just stream from another PC using that
One the best brand logos of all time!!
Had this launched in 2015 fantastic.. Now meh... price drop to $99 would sell it.. Great video...
The price of this thing is beyond outrageous.
hmmm I don`t think so all the other official and chinese retro consoles that we see out there are powered by the cheaper end of Android boards whereas this is a mini PC which is way more expensive than a $30 Android board inside. Granted it is overpriced but not by that much
@@noiselabproject9659 Think about it though. This thing cost the same as a PS5 digital, and $100 more than a Series S.
It looks like the $400 model is actually the better deal of the two, as it seems to come with more RAM and two controllers (which retail for about $60 individually), while the lower priced model seems to have no controllers included (though standard USB game controllers will work, like XBox One controllers). The more expensive model also gives you a choice of front panel color, though that might be considered almost incidental.
However, there have been reports that you can significantly increase the performance of the system by substituting faster RAM than what comes with it.
@@CFWhitman every model has 8gb. System alone 299. The 4gb was dropped half-day through the project when they upgraded chipset. The system supports 32gb.
@@noiselabproject9659 A 32GB internal storage PC with Atari Vault built in (£10 on Steam) does NOT cost £400!
I for one appreciate the simple first impression. I mean you'll get used to it eventually and you won't be constantly inundated with new advertising, etc. that some algorithm thinks you should be seeing. Fill up the shelves and just see your stuff when you turn it on. I wish more things worked this way.
$400 for that yeah no tanks, Atari must be out of their damn minds.I could get a digital ps5 for that $400,or I could get a xbox series s for $300 and have access to gamepass .Both are much better deals
You still can’t even find a PS5 or Series S or X for that price anywhere… Atari VCS can play steam games and is free to play online. You don’t have to pay extra for crappy PSN or Xbox Live.
@@MicklowFilms I'd even take PS3 or Xbox 360 over this. It's a really crappy console.
@@Darkest_Soul_187 Nice try but you can play Xbox 360, PS3, or any console games via emulation on the VCS.
@@MicklowFilms - I doubt the people who bought this know what steam or emulation is.
@@sloebone7399 Obviously the people that bought this are Atari fans and knew what they were buying. So what’s it to you?
Really disappointing. The console looks great, and I understand this is sort of pre-release, but with all of the time spent in development it should be better. XBOX and PS4/5 have the heavy-weight games and streaming covered, and I already have a PC, so I wouldn't really want that in the Atari VCS. Just fill it full of all of the Atari games ever made, make them all work flawlessly, and include at least 1 controller, regardless of purchase level. Simple. And if they priced it around $250, people would be happy to buy it. As it is, I think they've tried to make it do too much, none of which is done really well, and they're asking too much money for it. Shame, really.
Awesome review Dan! Well, at the time being it looks like an overpriced, low spec PC with a pretty exterior. I know you have apps like RyzenController where you can change the TDP profiling on the SoC, you can probably find 3rd party software to change the fan curve as well. (MSI Afterburner is often used for GPUs monitoring and fan curve editing, perhaps there's something out there for the VCS fan controller? or perhaps you can get into the bios and change it?) But yeah, it seems very much like an expensive low-spec PC for made for tinkering.