2 Years with the Atari VCS: Has It Improved?

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  • Опубликовано: 8 янв 2025

Комментарии • 295

  • @mvl71
    @mvl71 2 года назад +44

    Hello John!
    Greetings from a cold, wet and miserable Netherlands.
    Stuck at home with the flu 🥶🥵🥶🥵🤢🤧 but your videos always cheer me up!
    Thank you so much for this little pick-me-up.
    Cheers!

  • @plutoniumpasta2519
    @plutoniumpasta2519 2 года назад +37

    Great video John! I have personally enjoyed my VCS so much and use it all the time! I'm also collecting for the 2600 and have 27 games in total so far! I like how honest and straight forward your VCS videos are, and that you don't just sit and rant about how the system is overpriced and isn't powerful for 25 minutes. I hope you continue to make more awesome content and continue following the VCS! I really want Atari to continue the VCS and realize that there are still people who care for and love this system! Long live Atari!

    • @mgabrysSF
      @mgabrysSF 2 года назад +3

      It may prove to be a short run one of those - but it's still my daily driver (great Ubuntu/Proton box). As for competing with the Switch - it's more powerful with the Ryzen. In fact, all of the newest Ryzens (like the quad-core Steam Deck) can emulate the Switch. Still the best box to play Atari 50 on with the classic controller with paddle control built-in (and I snagged Atari50 for 10 bucks off).

    • @lukahmad5683
      @lukahmad5683 Год назад

      Wow you're cool!

  • @robertdutcher8081
    @robertdutcher8081 Год назад +5

    Thanks John for doing these videos. I just bought the base version today. For $199, I figured it was a great price.

  • @Larry
    @Larry 2 года назад +7

    Did you read about the recent news about Atari discotinuing the VCS as well John? Perfect timing for this video!!!

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +3

      They are not discontinuing it, just moving forward with a different manufacturer. They plan on fulfilling orders and making more games for the console 2023.

  • @kdamidan
    @kdamidan 2 года назад +28

    I had been waiting for the price to come down and ordered mine this past weekend when I saw it at $239, and will receive it today. I was 6 when the 2600 came out so I grew up with Atari. To me this is a glorified Atari flashback so anything above that is bonus. I’m looking forward to displaying it next to my working 2600. Thanks for the honest reviews.

    • @jonniefast
      @jonniefast 2 года назад +4

      its not bad if you dont mind the missing activision titles, the vault apps are wonderful

    • @Satiator123
      @Satiator123 Год назад

      If I had saw the sale I probably would have sold my 2600 instead of dropping money into it and grabbed one of these.

    • @kdamidan
      @kdamidan Год назад +1

      @@jonniefast yes it is missing a lot of good games. Hopefully sometime they can get those

    • @bryangrim6021
      @bryangrim6021 Год назад

      Did yours actually work right out if the box? Mine did not. I have to apparently reflash the bios to get it to do anything beyond power up and recognize controllers. Not what I was expecting. I’ll do it, but I was really expecting to be able to plug it in and at least play original Atari games right out of the box.

    • @jonniefast
      @jonniefast Год назад

      @@bryangrim6021 i had a couple hiccups during the "update" process - its linux based so im used to things sometimes taking a couple tries. controllers updated and system updates eventually went through, even over wifi.

  • @Carlb328
    @Carlb328 2 года назад +21

    They should be selling some 5200 games, that would increase their library quite a bit.

    • @jonniefast
      @jonniefast 2 года назад +8

      jaguar, xegs, 400/800 etc
      SO MANY titles they could easily repack and sell but **crickets**

    • @Blaumagier
      @Blaumagier Год назад +5

      5200 gets no love. Ever. But it's the only Atari console I ever owned.

  • @adm712
    @adm712 2 года назад +10

    I think your review was spot on. I've had the VCS a year and a half now and right before that purchased a Series S. While I love the Atari software releases (Recharged and Atari 50), I find myself playing them almost daily on Xbox while the VCS sits in my closet. The VCS has great potential and I hope Atari's announcement of them outsourcing hardware/peripheral development really works out.
    About Yars Recharged, it's a modern classic and a must own in my opinion.

  • @sabertoothretro
    @sabertoothretro 2 года назад +20

    A fair and balanced take. This is a niche platform and it won't appeal to everyone. Atari has had some misteps but the platform and library is improving all of the time. As an Atari fan and retro gaming enthusiast it's my console of choice. If Atari does end support (which they have not), I'll still have a nice mini PC. Until then, I'm looking forward to the 18 games coming in 2023!

  • @Adamchevy
    @Adamchevy 13 дней назад +1

    As a new VCS owner as of 3 weeks ago, these are wonderful videos to be able to go back and watch. Thanks for making these along the way!

  • @PongbyAtari
    @PongbyAtari 2 года назад +9

    I think your assessment is spot on John C+ is exactly where I'm at after owning it since launch as well. I really hope than can get to a point where they have a handful of really good exclusives that would definitely give people more reason to own one. But that requires a large enough user base to do that.

  • @paisleyboxers
    @paisleyboxers 2 года назад +6

    John, this was clear, well paced and a great succinct short history of the console. Thanks for being awesome and sharing this out. Happy Holiday!

  • @yogibear2k220
    @yogibear2k220 2 года назад +12

    Good review as always John. To be honest, I had never heard of it before, but, looking at the price of the console now, no, it's not for me. I can do everything this can on my PC and a whole lot more, so there is no way I could justify the cost. But I am really glad you are still enjoying yours.

    • @floridaroadways
      @floridaroadways 2 года назад +1

      You can buy it on ps4 or Xbox series s as far as pricing

  • @jeromesppd1383
    @jeromesppd1383 2 года назад +17

    I just got my Atari VCS and I love it, especially the Classic Controller! Most versatile Console I ever had!

  • @BLKBRDSR71
    @BLKBRDSR71 2 года назад +2

    This is the most honest review I've come across. Good video.

  • @Anebula1
    @Anebula1 2 года назад +2

    John I found you via your Atari VCS video's and honestly I think you're an honest reviewer and one of the better folks doing video's for the vcs and more! keep you the good work here in 2023!

  • @chrisd8458
    @chrisd8458 2 года назад +7

    I just got my VCS last week. And I absolutely fucking love it. It has been a pain in the ass to set up. But now...that I got it close to where I want it and I have most of the games, its awesome.
    It could be better sure, but when was the last time you could say you bought the new Atari.
    Considering the size of the team, these guys put a console together in an impressive time frame. Everyone who had it since launch say its been constantly improving.
    I can tell you the support staff work their asses off. These guys do not play around.
    I'm looking forward to these 18 games. Even if it dies after that, with those games..... it was totally worth it.
    I would say B- for the fact that they have done everything they said they would. They brought us a new Atari console.
    To be honest I had more faith in the intellivision. Just goes to show you not everything is as it seems at first glance.
    Everyone thought the VCS would be a complete scam. Everyone including myself ended up being wrong.

    • @rbadams97
      @rbadams97 Год назад

      I put in a "pre order " for new intellivision. I'm not holding my breathe.

    • @chrisd8458
      @chrisd8458 Год назад +1

      @@rbadams97 Good.....or you'd be dead.

  • @JRthepyroguy
    @JRthepyroguy 2 года назад +2

    Hope it stays at 250 John. I might pick one up after the new year. Happy holidays to you and your family.

  • @Matrix803
    @Matrix803 2 года назад +2

    Nice critique! I've had my VCS (woodgrain/Indiegogo collectors' edition model) for the same amount of time. The console itself is still holding up pretty well still. I actually have it hooked up to my parents' TV, because they have an old Philips TV from 2010 and my dad refuses to get a newer Smart TV LOL. So the Atari VCS has actually been serving us as a dedicated streaming box for that room, and it does the job quite well.
    Even with using it as a streaming box though, there was a large process I had to do to get to that point:
    1) I had to replace the Wi-Fi adapter with a better one, because the original chip kept losing its internet connection (and I have no access to a hardwired connection in the den).
    2) I had to purchase and install a bigger M.2 SSD obviously, because the eMMC storage wasn't enough.
    3) I had to locate a Linux distro that not only booted up in Legacy mode (because UEFI was not supported in the VCS), but also supported that internal Wi-Fi card at the time. So I ended up going with Manjaro Linux. It works well, but it's a pain in the ass trying to install new software.
    4) After everything was set up and configured, there was no way to configure the BIOS to boot directly into the Linux distro. That means that every time I reboot/shut down the console, I have to press ESC very quickly on the keyboard to get it to go to the boot device select screen and choose the appropriate partition with Manjaro Linux on it. It's a bit of a pain in the ass, and a normal non-tech person would never figure this out.
    After spending an additional $160 to do the above steps, I finally had a machine that was useful. Just for the hell of it also, I downloaded a complete set of Atari 2600/5200/7800/Jaguar ROM's from atariage.com and loaded it all up into RetroArch, which completely negates the need for AntStream. I also discovered that the "Atari OS" games can be launched in a plain old Linux distribution from a terminal pretty easily. So the Atari OS is essentially unnecessary.
    Even though I enjoy my VCS console and use it regularly, I cannot recommend this console unless you are both a die-hard Atari fan and you're skilled in PC upgrades/repairs. That narrows down the VCS target audience by a considerable amount and makes it a small niche hobbyist's tech toy.
    The main problem they have is that the VCS doesn't have any exclusive games to get excited about, which is typically what drives game console sales. I remember back in the Indiegogo campaign, I mentioned this to Atari many times in the comments section but they never took my advice to heart, and a large chunk of die-hard fans unnecessarily tore me a new one.
    On top of that, I found an article yesterday stating that Atari has decided to quietly stop manufacturing the console. I'm not sure if that's true or not, but that doesn't sound good.

  • @term-827
    @term-827 Год назад +2

    I would love to see Apogee put some of their indie titles on the VCS, and with the aquisition of Nightdive we might see a lot of fantastic ports and titles come soon.

  • @kaminobatto
    @kaminobatto 2 года назад +2

    I have a confession to make... I was a backer in 2019 and I received mine (the "All in" bundle) back in early 2021 and... It's still inside the box in the same spot for almost two years now... I think I will finally open it now during the Christmas break! It's just that I never felt to open it because I saw it more as a collector item more than anything, especially with the lack of games which seems to have now been fixed.

    • @linuxlover_8436
      @linuxlover_8436 2 года назад

      If you ever end up unlocking it with a password, I'd like to ask you about it if you are gracious to respond. Thanks.

  • @micflynn1
    @micflynn1 2 года назад +4

    Although it is the end of the road for the VCS console, Atari claims to be considering developing new complementary hardware. However, these options will only be explored through licensing contracts with partners. Overall, new Atari-branded products may arrive next year, but this might be limited to accessories and other ancillaries rather than new console hardware.

  • @GameJunctionMedia
    @GameJunctionMedia 2 года назад +1

    Very happy to see you still supporting the system and Atari now as a whole. You’re awesome man! I’ll reach out to collab before the podcast here soon. 😊
    - Brandon

  • @Oddjob126
    @Oddjob126 2 года назад +3

    The VCS is an absolute gem. You have to know going into owning a VCS that it is a niche console but with having Antstream Luna and Xbox cloud you don’t miss a beat. If you push the envelope further down the rabbit hole and tinker with the hardware a bit you can pc game on it. Also by targeting the gaming genre with the pick up and play co-op games and high score challengers meets the 80/90s arcade nostalgia of 1 more quarter 1 more live really hits home and makes the VCS my favorite console to come to market in the past. By not going in blindly I’d give it an A-

  • @jeremygregorio7472
    @jeremygregorio7472 2 года назад +9

    I am really shocked hobbyists haven't jumped all over the Atari VCS. The base model is $160 and it has an AMD chipset that if you wanted to just get a barrel board would set you back $300 because you can't buy in quantity
    It's bizarre that nobody is noticed this amazing cheap hobbyist board

    • @danielzelpher7335
      @danielzelpher7335 2 года назад

      I'm thinking this is good for snes emulator and such? maybe old PC gaming too?

    • @greatbigeyeball
      @greatbigeyeball 2 года назад

      @@danielzelpher7335 Can do much higher than SNES. No issues running 3D games up to a certain point

  • @gregsmith9183
    @gregsmith9183 2 года назад +5

    When the VCS first released here in Austrlia it cost $849 for the all in one bundle. Just over the cost of a PS5 and Xbox Series X. Been dropping in price. Recently selling for $299. Thats a 64.5% price cut in 2 years.

    • @floridaroadways
      @floridaroadways 2 года назад

      $849 no way

    • @AsurasWrath164
      @AsurasWrath164 2 года назад +1

      Still way too expensive for what it offers! It should have released for 99$ US max!

    • @floridaroadways
      @floridaroadways 2 года назад

      @@AsurasWrath164 I paid almost $350 for bundle. Good price.

  • @davidcox1508
    @davidcox1508 2 года назад +1

    Hey John from a very cold Houston Texas!
    My first Atari VCS is on its way to me...!!
    I grew up with a 2600, then got my first home computer, an 800XL in 1982.
    I would have bought a VCS sooner, but bills have to be paid. When I read the article that said Atari was ceasing production of the VCS, well, bills be damned.

  • @joshstucki4349
    @joshstucki4349 2 года назад +1

    Just the fact that they have exceeded expectations means they beat nearly 100% of other companies, regardless of where it goes from this point.

  • @GameJunctionMedia
    @GameJunctionMedia 2 года назад

    Looking forward to having you on the podcast in a few weeks. ❤

  • @ridiculous_gaming
    @ridiculous_gaming 2 года назад +2

    I wanted to pick one up recently, but they do not ship to Canada. Like you John, I am also a retro fan and collector, who really wants the original wooden looking case above anything else.

    • @ridiculous_gaming
      @ridiculous_gaming 2 года назад

      I just offered a VCS with a US to Canada shipper... let's see how much the shipping cost will be.

  • @myketuna
    @myketuna 2 года назад +3

    I wouldn't mind having one. The price point is just not there for me even including the PC mode. If the base only model sold for $129 MSRP so it sold for $99 right now on sale, I would probably grab one this holiday season. It's just a little bit too expensive right now for what I would do with it.
    Great video though!

  • @AdamAdamHDL
    @AdamAdamHDL 2 года назад +3

    If the VCS would come with a EGPU support it would be very interesting indeed.

  • @islygon
    @islygon 2 года назад

    Hello! Great video! I agree, I bought one about 6 months ago, I really enjoy my VCS. It is certainly not perfect, but for a hobby device, with that retro feel, it actually works really well. I do hope to see more content on it. Not sure what the future holds, but even if it all dies, it is still a PC, so I won't feel like I am out much.

  • @Tomasz_Em_aka_diabel
    @Tomasz_Em_aka_diabel 2 года назад +1

    Nice, honest video John, greetings!

  • @johnyinnit
    @johnyinnit 2 года назад +1

    John is the flippin best - great video again!

  • @martinaurik2189
    @martinaurik2189 2 года назад +2

    I stick with the 50th anniversary collection on Steam.Still need to check “adventure”the game they played in “Ready player One”movie.Have a Nice day😉

  • @lweston71
    @lweston71 2 года назад +1

    Just ordered the VCS Combo for $200. Looking forward to this system, 👍

    • @BespokeSlipp
      @BespokeSlipp 2 года назад

      Same! Can’t wait to try it w/ SteamOS and upgrade to M.2

  • @gubbins1622
    @gubbins1622 2 года назад +1

    Given todays news your timing is fantastic 👍😊

  • @JMFSpike
    @JMFSpike 2 года назад +1

    Seems to be on life support if you ask me, but I hope they pull through and start doing a whole lot better. Sounds like they might have a small chance of turning things around a little bit in 2023, but they really need a bunch of exceptionally good exclusives for any major change to happen. Without those exclusives, there is no reason to buy this console as you can get everything it has to offer on your PC or another console. They must offer something good that you can't get without a VCS.

  • @tracyklein8808
    @tracyklein8808 Год назад

    I just recently got one of these, as I had not been able to get one until now. I'm collecting 2600 games, and when my modded Atari 7800 gets to me, I will also be collecting Atari 7800 games. Hope to get an Atari 5200 this summer.

  • @tonybarnes2920
    @tonybarnes2920 2 года назад +4

    Speaking of new content, any reason you didn't mention BPM Boy or the up-coming games from RetroNinja? You talk about needing more content, yet don't mention the one person creating exclusive content. Not only exclusive content, but content that shows the actual power of the Atari VCS vs. ports of pixel games.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +2

      If you watched my previous VCS video(18 months) I show and mention it.

    • @ozzy5940
      @ozzy5940 2 года назад +1

      Hi John, I thought your review was great but I agree with Tony. RetroNinja has been supporting the AtariVCS with exclusive games and content. Tony Barnes has been a great access to the Atari VCS discord community. Without Tony and the discord community, the Atari VCS would have been a total failure. As anAtari fan, we need to support as much as we can companies like RetroNinja. BPM Boy has been one of the best Atari VCS and we are very great full for his hard work in providing us exclusive content for the VCS. Please see KRAZ production interview with Tony Barnes. In the video, Tony announced more upcoming and exclusive titles for the VCS. Please don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy your channels and video but we need to support everyone like Tony Barnes to make the Atari VCS successful. Hopefully, we can see another video and/o update where you can tell your followers about RetroNinja upcoming games and contents. Thanks

    • @tonybarnes2920
      @tonybarnes2920 2 года назад

      @@johnhancockretro Apparently I did and didn't remember. My bad. I guess I understand you not mentioning my VCS titles that haven't shipped yet (Project Orbit and Chaos Chassis), since they're speculative until they actually come out. Hopefully, they're in your next vid in 6 months.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад

      @@tonybarnes2920 yeah, I try to show the last 6 months and BPM boy just missed that window. Great game though.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад

      @@ozzy5940 as I mentioned above, I did mention and show BPM boy as it was released within the 18 month video. Since that was over 6 months ago I did not mention it here. I try to focus on what is released and will definitely mention and show more releases of RetroNinja when they arrive. I do think that the VCS will stay very niche as Atari is in a difficult spot right now. Fingers crossed that the support will continue through 2023.

  • @Evercade_Effect
    @Evercade_Effect 2 года назад +1

    Fair and honest review! enjoyed this vid.

  • @conzpiracy9382
    @conzpiracy9382 2 года назад +1

    Tough for me because there is no physical media for it. I always try to look at the future of retro collecting and don’t see how this will hold up.

  • @chasonlapointe
    @chasonlapointe 2 года назад +2

    I almost picked on up but I dislike the lack of physical games. If they could have gone the evercade route with cartridges or a disc drive I would have scooped it up.

    • @yerdyi
      @yerdyi 2 года назад

      Yup I was excited about the VCS and would have backed it day one until I saw there wasn't going to be physical releases.

  • @redleader7988
    @redleader7988 2 года назад +1

    These are a good deal at $159. Do a search on Ryzen mini PC to see that most go for twice as much, especially from HP. And many are just R1305G or R1505G based.

  • @BHGMediaGroup
    @BHGMediaGroup 2 года назад +3

    I had helped Atari with things in the VCS up until a few months ago I officially left as an unpaid "fan employee" but I had taken the VCS to PGX game convention not least year but the year before to try to push this thing, and have tried to push this thing until it became clear during all the Atari 50 interviews and things going on within Atari and on Atari Discord that they have no desire to really put any kind of effort into this. After the Orange Pixel games which I announced on my channel months ago, what is there? What about all the lost projects, Food Fight, how about Flashback Friday being discontinued, how about Wade Rosen not being able to say they have hardware in the market, how about them not manufacturing more units, Michael Arntz saying they didn't sell through the first initial batch, and I know how factories in China work, and until Atari says different, there are no more VCS units coming from China, which tells me support is very close to being done. I put a lot of my own money and work into trying to push this system and Atari themselves cannot show the same kind of love for the system. But I get it, I'm small potatoes and there's a lot of people that hate me know despite what I have done or tried to do for the VCS, helping developers contact Atari for support, hell I even went to one developers house to help him fix his game for the VCS, but maybe have a little bit more context instead of giving people some kind of, I don't know hope or optimism that this system is going to be worth them paying the money for. Can you honestly recommend it over anything else that plays all these same games and much much more? Similar priced things?? I am willing to be the answer is no.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +1

      Always tough to promote things as a volunteer and unpaid. I have been upfront with the console as a hobbyist console hybrid and definitely something you cannot expect to be comparable to a Switch or Xbox Series S. I do think with the price drop and ability to run Linux and Windows though it opens up the possibilities of what games and things you can do with this far beyond what Atari has done. It is far from perfect, and really the sales show the mistakes that they have made along the way which is evident. I have personally got some value out of the VCS over the last two years and have used it more than I thought. Food Fight is still planned from what I hear. Units have not been manufactured since 2021. They still have plenty of consoles to fulfill orders as well from what Atari has communicated.

  • @Larry
    @Larry 2 года назад +2

    Out of curiosity, has the prce of the console itself lowered at all?

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +1

      Yes, $159 base unit

    • @redleader7988
      @redleader7988 2 года назад

      @@johnhancockretro It's an A+ at that price, unless it's going out of production. Everything else is ARM based in that price range.

    • @KevRalph
      @KevRalph 2 года назад

      @@johnhancockretro I looked on the website and it said $239/4 interest free installments. I wonder what the heck I was looking at

  • @uwehoeren
    @uwehoeren 2 года назад +2

    That was very Interesting. But i think i will try the Atari Anniversary Collection thats Enough for me ^^

  • @PvtHudson
    @PvtHudson 2 года назад +9

    They've announced that they're discontinuing production of the console 2 days ago. It was already on life support with a skeleton crew working on it. Once the current stock sells out, I don't expect any more units to be made. This thing has been dead in the water since it was announced.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +14

      They are just moving forward with a different manufacturer. They have plenty of current stock to fulfill current orders and will be supporting the VCS with 18 games in 2023.

    • @KartKing4ever
      @KartKing4ever 2 года назад +1

      My plan was to hold out until they were like 50 bucks. Don't think that'll happen now lol

  • @zoran123456
    @zoran123456 2 года назад +3

    Give me “river raid recharched “ and im sold!

  • @johnhancockretro
    @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +1

    For those looking for some facts on recent news about Atari, read this article. www.gamespot.com/articles/atari-reaffirms-commitment-to-vcs-console-after-cancelling-its-manufacturing-contract/1100-6510208/

  • @LewisPrime
    @LewisPrime 2 года назад

    Excellent video as always would love to see more bad game videos.

  • @vforillo
    @vforillo 2 года назад +1

    To be honest, I guess you have to like this software and want to be a part of the community, because otherwise it’s just a $200 PC, a very capable $200 PC that I am purchasing to put steam deck OS on, but as far as the Atari software meh, will upgrade the ram as well

  • @DeadlyFists
    @DeadlyFists Год назад

    I have the Atari VCS backer from Indiegogo and received mine about 2 years ago as well. I was skeptical and thought about canceling the order. I never got around to opening the package and it sat around in my bedroom and I decided to put it in storage. I’m not sure if it even works or it could be nothing in the package. One day I’ll open it up to see what’s inside the package 😂😅

  • @reynaldolunajr.6909
    @reynaldolunajr.6909 2 года назад +1

    I was just thinking, hey what happened to that Atari box console? And wondered if their was a recent review on it. Thanks TIJH!

  • @AdamAdamHDL
    @AdamAdamHDL 2 года назад +3

    I want that little USB thing that can boot the alternate OS.

    • @Atarifan72
      @Atarifan72 Год назад

      Me too, I wish they would produce more, are you listening Atari?

  • @acem7749
    @acem7749 2 года назад +2

    Too bad it never had cart slot for a physical game option...

  • @jonnyfive5000
    @jonnyfive5000 Год назад

    I’d love to see some of those 90s Atari classic remakes and some jaguar games!

  • @jonathanmarois9009
    @jonathanmarois9009 2 года назад

    The fact that it hasn't died in the first months of release is promising.
    I wrote this console off but as an "enthusiast" I'm now keeping an open mind.
    I think it needs some kind of killer exclusive game to sell it for me... something unusual worth sinking in lots of time in like a Racing-RPG or something odd like that...

  • @jbponzi1
    @jbponzi1 2 года назад +1

    I have one. Was an Indegogo supporter too. Frankly, it is a decent system as I am no longer a hardcore gamer this works well for my needs. From a nostalgia standpoint, it thrills me to say once again, I’m playing Atari.

  • @jengelenm
    @jengelenm 2 года назад

    Some article claimed the VCS will be discontinued. The VCS is not even available in europe yet… that flashback 50 looks cool though!

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +3

      Not really what is going on. The VCS has not been in production since 2021. Moving forward they will be going with a different manufacturer and still fulfilling orders.

  • @MrJoeyAQ
    @MrJoeyAQ Год назад

    i strictly use my VCS as my main PC now. For me its a 10/10 only because it does what i need it to do. upgraded the ram, internal m.2, etc

  • @ferluisch
    @ferluisch Год назад

    For $159 I think we are getting a really solid mini pc. Like nothing in the market, low power consuption (15w tdp) and a vega 3 graphics card...

  • @mattatkinson5187
    @mattatkinson5187 Год назад

    Can you play Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Q-Bert, Frogger, or Pit Fall? Was trying to find a full list of games for the antstream arcade service. The console is on sall right now, but trying to find out if it's worth getting for me.

  • @JamalTheTitan
    @JamalTheTitan Год назад +1

    Best Buy knocked it down to 199.99. I'm going to give it a try

    • @SC-lc7tm
      @SC-lc7tm Год назад

      did you get it and try it out yet?

  • @kingcoheed1208
    @kingcoheed1208 Год назад

    From what I hear it was a fine first pass
    I think if they went after being more the unofficial Steambox with some minor games I think they could do better. I wonder if they just bought a ton of rereleases of old PS2/XBox/Sega Saturn Games to draw people in.
    I think the VCS has earned a 2

  • @punchabunchabuttons
    @punchabunchabuttons 2 года назад +1

    goddamn i feel like you did the 6 months with the Atari VCS just a week ago.

  • @myawen_
    @myawen_ 2 года назад

    Can’t seem to find it to buy in Canada via usual channels of Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, Toys R Us. Tried from its own web store, and it won’t ship abroad. *shrug*

  • @mbattlecoder
    @mbattlecoder 2 года назад

    I bought another Onyx base system to upgrade. I think this thing is going to sell out for good.

  • @ZEKESPILLEDINKMUSIC
    @ZEKESPILLEDINKMUSIC 2 года назад +7

    Atari is going to release the new version of Akka-Arrh in 2023. They should try to release more, updated versions of games that were previously canceled.

    • @witness1013
      @witness1013 2 года назад +1

      No, they aren't, they are going out of business.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +6

      @witness1013 they have announced Akka-Arrh with a trailer. You have any proof or are you just speculating?

    • @witness1013
      @witness1013 2 года назад

      @@johnhancockretro I have inside info, you'll see. Whole company is going bye bye.

    • @josueperez5381
      @josueperez5381 2 года назад +8

      @@witness1013 Nah, you haven't. You're just a troll.

    • @The_Real_DCT
      @The_Real_DCT 2 года назад

      @@witness1013 inside info = TrUsT ME bRO

  • @shaggymcdaniel3216
    @shaggymcdaniel3216 2 года назад +1

    I bought an Amico instead. Although the Soulja Boy is pretty good too.

  • @TheYoungblood46
    @TheYoungblood46 2 года назад +1

    I gotta admit, I forgot this system was still available on the market. There's no advertising for it at all.🤷

  • @losangeles_bum
    @losangeles_bum 2 года назад

    Just ordered mine with 50% discount. Price felt more reasonable at this point

  • @BMW-sd6nn
    @BMW-sd6nn Год назад

    I think im finally going to pull the trigger. The all in 800 bundle is only $300 which is $100 dollars cheaper and should have been the original price point IMO. Going to use it as a side machine for atari recharged. Vault, and atari 50th and other atari releases.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  Год назад +1

      Make sure to wait for Memorial Day for a possible sale. Don’t know if there will be one, but might happen.

  • @vogonp4287
    @vogonp4287 Год назад

    I actually bought one to use as a home server. It is cheaper than other systems which fulfill my requirements, and uses embedded Ryzen.

  • @akfreed6949
    @akfreed6949 2 года назад

    I bought one for the $239 w/ controllers . And I bought and am waiting for faster laptop memory sticks and an M.2 memory ssd deal

  • @andydavidson1278
    @andydavidson1278 Год назад

    Can you buy games from the VCS store in the UK? Would credit cards work from this region? They don’t on the Switch 😖

  • @DrMetalpin
    @DrMetalpin Год назад

    I would’ve eventually purchased it as a console collector and Atari fan, but they’ve cancelled the product since this video. Really don’t see much need now. I own most of the Atari consoles going back to the 70’s, including several computers. Sadly, the new VCS and store offerings were ultimately failures in a market with too much competition. At this point, I think the content for new generations will need to live on through releases for the Switch and perhaps Gamepass. The original VCS back in the 70’s was my first cartridge-based console so I’ll always have a soft spot for it.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  Год назад +1

      Not cancelled, but they ended a manufacturing agreement. Several games planned for this year. True that support is limited but the console will still get some new games.

  • @beeski
    @beeski Год назад

    Can you rotate the classic controller for lefties? The old-school controller was not leftie friendly. I used to have to cross my arms to use it.

  • @jesusjammmer
    @jesusjammmer Год назад

    Thinking about it but after your review I am not sure if I will get one. Sounds very interesting but not sure. I love my retro gaming and Evercade is my go to for newer systems. Thanks for the review! I will keep thinking about it but more likely a pass.

  • @cruzin1383
    @cruzin1383 2 года назад

    Are there any close to triple A titles for the Atari VCS maybe like a half life Alex or something close...

  • @NiekPlasman
    @NiekPlasman 2 года назад +8

    In Europe we STILL can’t buy them anywhere…

    • @josueperez5381
      @josueperez5381 2 года назад +5

      Yeah, they messed up big time by (still) not releasing overseas.

    • @enhancementtank5876
      @enhancementtank5876 2 года назад

      Overseas is a hoax Europe dosent exist

    • @awesomereviews1561
      @awesomereviews1561 2 года назад

      That’s a blessing

    • @michaelrichardson5562
      @michaelrichardson5562 2 года назад

      Ebay lol.. but its crazy prices.. and it's not worth it.. I wish I could go back and not buy mine

  • @Onering80
    @Onering80 2 года назад +1

    Did they ever officially change the name from Atari: VCS to Atari: Buyer's remorse?

    • @Unregistered.HyperCam.2
      @Unregistered.HyperCam.2 Год назад

      @João Fernandes 1) There are SEVERAL mini computers that outshine it for a similar or lower price.
      2) I guess you'll be waiting a long time, since they're not producing them anymore.

  • @razorpit
    @razorpit 2 года назад

    Dang it, I didn’t even know this was a thing and missed the sale by a day. Going to have to keep my eyes open for some kind of after holiday sale. I’m 50 and grew up with the original 2600.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +1

      I bet you there will be another one.

    • @BespokeSlipp
      @BespokeSlipp 2 года назад

      It dropped to $190 as of 12/30

    • @razorpit
      @razorpit 2 года назад

      @@BespokeSlipp thank you, unfortunately the special deal is sold out🤦‍♂️ but you can buy the base system for $299. 😞

  • @exodous02
    @exodous02 2 года назад

    it's weird that Atari 50 didn't come out sooner for it. You would think since this uses AMD hardware running Linux like the Steam Deck they could get both ready at the same time. I think the VCS even runs Arch if I'm not mistaken. Looking at steam it doesn't run on Linux there, WTF, with as popular as the Steam Deck is why doesn't it run on Linux? They need to shuffle some people around and get more people on a AtariVCS/Steam Deck team, once you have a game ported to one it will run on the other pretty easily.
    One thing I really like about it is how it looks. It looks like if a 70s sci-fi version of the Atari 5600. The design is great. It is unfortunate about the modern stick. I wonder if it can be opened and parts replaced to make it feel more like the original.

  • @LuisAFigueroa
    @LuisAFigueroa 2 года назад

    Have you tried installing emulation stations like Batocera in it?

  • @BlackJar72
    @BlackJar72 Год назад

    Well, it would hard to sell a low-end Linux box to someone like me who has a high-end Linux box, no matter the brand and what it looks like -- but maybe I can get my game on it and that will be one more.

  • @blacksunshine7485
    @blacksunshine7485 2 года назад

    Whenever you say, 'The Immortal John Hancock' it reminds me of that game on the genesis, 'The Immortal'. I hate that game.. love you though dude and the content 😁👍Those VCS's are great to mod. Can handle alot of newer consoles

  • @keepdreamin
    @keepdreamin 2 года назад

    does it have the arcade version of Robotron 2084?

  • @mbattlecoder
    @mbattlecoder 2 года назад

    It is still going for a really high price on eBay. Why do you think that is?

  • @LelandHasGames
    @LelandHasGames 2 года назад

    I literally forgot about this machine.

  • @projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762
    @projectw.a.a.p.f.t.a.d7762 2 года назад

    They've discontinued it, let's just hope that only means the hardware and the software will keep delivering more and more improvements, games, etc.

  • @acem7749
    @acem7749 2 года назад

    Still waiting for my VCS hat boundle to ship from black Friday... Atari support replied a week ago still has not shipped..

    • @splorpmguffins6052
      @splorpmguffins6052 2 года назад +1

      If ur in the states its cuzza the holiday mail rush. I bought my brother a pound of crap and its currently in limbo

    • @acem7749
      @acem7749 2 года назад +1

      Just shipped lol..

  • @eddiedutra3359
    @eddiedutra3359 2 года назад

    Keep up the good work! I know nostaliga is nostaigia but....... Maybe the high price point in the beginning killed this system off? I remember buying my 3DO for 140.00 used. I supported it and I bought games for it that I wanted and not for collecting purposes. Primal Rage was trash on the 3DO. I did love me some Killing Time and Sailor Moon.

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +1

      The VCS was not marketed well at all, combined with a high price and lack of games and identity. Two years later it’s library has improved a little and price is better.

    • @jonniefast
      @jonniefast 2 года назад

      total eclipse and roadrash 🥰
      my perception was warped lol
      i got a used 3DO and those two titles
      i carried the delusion there were tons more great games haha

  • @Satiator123
    @Satiator123 Год назад

    Man, I get to the end of the video and see they just had it on sale. Sucks I missed that.

  • @graham108
    @graham108 2 года назад +5

    I'm glad the VCS is still alive because yourself and various other RUclips personalities were far too critical. You jumped up on the hate bandwagon and I think it's rich considering your fondness of the Ouya. It may not be the Atari of old but at least they are trying!

    • @johnhancockretro
      @johnhancockretro  2 года назад +5

      I wasn’t being critical, but using info of the time to be objective tbh. Watch my other videos I have done on the VCS the last 1 and 1/2 years.

    • @josueperez5381
      @josueperez5381 2 года назад +6

      He was never critical of the VCS. In fact, he actually has been the biggest RUclipsr who has shown continued promotion and support of it. If you have proof to support your argument, you're welcome.

  • @ZombieZifiction
    @ZombieZifiction 2 года назад

    Are all the exclusive games available on atari 50 collection?

  • @kissthistwice5
    @kissthistwice5 2 года назад +1

    They need to be releasing Jaguar games on the VCS

  • @cloudstrife1983
    @cloudstrife1983 2 года назад

    There's a lack of exclusives... reasons to buy this really.
    As for that USB PC mode thing.. even if they don't offer it for sale, they should put the files up for download so ppl can add it to their own USB sticks.

  • @joesshows6793
    @joesshows6793 2 года назад +3

    They have this at micro center!

    • @linuxlover_8436
      @linuxlover_8436 2 года назад

      I thought they stopped (don't have one anywhere near me to verify), but that is cool if so. EDIT: Nevermind, I see it parroted by Mockduck on Atari Age...just found it to be weird they stopped carrying for a while and then restarted offering again.

    • @joesshows6793
      @joesshows6793 2 года назад +1

      @@linuxlover_8436 yeah I was sure this was done as well but we can be wrong

    • @linuxlover_8436
      @linuxlover_8436 2 года назад

      @@joesshows6793 from what I read, it seemed like they did stop for several months, and it was theorized that it could be back since the price is currently reduced (if not permanently reduced)

  • @vogonp4287
    @vogonp4287 Год назад

    Given that Microsoft has disabled emulation on the Xbox, the VCS could be a great alternative for living room emulation.