In 2021, Atari launched the Atari VCS, an interesting gaming console-PC hybrid capable of playing classic Atari titles and modern games. It also supported game and video streaming, internet browsing, and other general PC tasks thanks to its Linux-based OS. You can even customize the hardware thanks to an open M.2 SSD slot, upgradeable RAM, and support for different operating systems, including Windows.
The Atari VCS is admittedly a niche device that never really caught on, but if you’re an Atari enthusiast or simply like tinkering with hardware, the Atari VCS is a cool throwback system with more versatility than your average mini-console. If you’re interested in the console, you can pick up the Atari VCS All-In Bundle that’s on sale for just $200 at Amazon, which saves you 50% off its original $400 price tag. This is the lowest price ever at Amazon; the VCS typically sells for around $300. The bundle includes the console, classic joystick wireless controller, and a modern-style wireless controller.
Out of the box, the Atari VCS runs the Linux-based Atari OS, which includes 100 pre-installed Atari games and support for the Antstream retro gaming cloud streaming service. You can also stream games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Luna, and other game streaming services. Atari OS also supports video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Plex, Twitch, and YouTube, plus the Chrome web browser.
The Atari VCS’ AMD chipset is capable of decent game performance, especially for retro games and indies. However, if you want to expand the machine’s usability, it can also run Windows, Linux Debian, and numerous other custom operating systems via a thumb drive, which you can use to download games and use apps that aren’t native to the VCS. Atari sells a preconfigured flash drive for Linux for $30. You can upgrade the console’s 32GB flash storage via external USB drives and/or the open M.2 SSD slot. The VCS comes with 8GB RAM (two 4GB sticks), but you can upgrade it up to 32GB.
The VCS All-In includes a wireless joystick controller that’s based on the classic Atari paddles, plus a standard wireless controller that resembles an Xbox controller. However, if you plan to play multiplayer games, you may want to grab an additional controller (or two). Both controllers are available for $40 at Amazon.
Recent Atari Hardware
The Atari VCS isn’t the only new, official Atari hardware that has been released recently. The newest is the Super Pocket Atari Edition from Evercade, which has 50 pre-loaded Atari games and looks like an enhanced GameBoy handheld. It can play Evercade game cartridges. It launched for $60, and while it’s currently sold out at the US Amazon site, you can import one for $65. The Super Pocket Atari Edition released alongside the Technos Super Pocket.
For a budget-friendly Atari device that’s still in stock, there’s the Atari Game Station Pro from My Arcade. This console includes 200 pre-installed Atari games from across the Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 libraries and two wireless joysticks. You can grab the device for $70 at Amazon (down from $100) or a renewed model for $43 (normally $69).
Atari 2600+ and 7800+
For those who want a modernized Atari machine with a more traditional look and feel, there’s the Atari 2600+ that released earlier this year, and the upcoming Atari 7800+ that launches November 29. Both consoles resemble the original designs of their namesakes–including replicas of their controllers–but offer HDMI support, USB charging, and more. Both devices can also play original 2600 and 7800 games, and come with unique bonus carts. The 2600+ comes with a 10-in-1 cart, while the 7800+ comes with an all-new game, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest. A handful of classic Atari 2600 and 7800 games are also getting official reprints alongside new cartridge-based Atari games.