If you had told me a couple years ago that Atari would rise from the ashes, much like the majestic Phoenix, I would have called you a liar. I just didn’t think they were at a place where they could mount a significant comeback. Which just goes to show I was off base, since not only is that classic company mounting a comeback, with new builds of their classic games, but they also are creating their own console. Color me pleasantly surprised, since gaming wouldn’t be where it is if Atari hadn’t been there back in the day.
The self styled Ataribox features a modern yet retro design aesthetic, which should instantly appeal to older gamers like myself. It also features modern technology to optimize your gaming experience. If you want to play PC quality games on your TV, it should definitely be on your radar. Even better, the Ataribox will launch with a backlog of classic Atari games. If you are one of those who wanted a NES or SNES mini, you should be jumping for joy at this opportunity to relive your nostalgia. But that’s not all, since Ataribox will also feature new games to be revealed at a later date.
To read more details about Ataribox, read the press release below!
NEW YORK, NY (SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 – Atari®, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, today released new information about Ataribox, a product that brings gaming and more to the living room. The launch also signals a return by Atari to creating its own hardware in a broad eco-system of accessories and content. Since we announced Ataribox three months ago, we have received more than 90,000 registrations on Ataribox.com.
Ataribox has a unique modern design, influenced by iconic Atari products such as the Atari 2600. Technology wise, it is powered by an AMD customized processor with Radeon Graphics technology. Ataribox will offer games and more: bringing a full PC experience to the TV, it will also include streaming, applications, social, browsing, and music.
Ataribox will run a Linux OS, with a user interface customized for the TV. Ataribox will launch with a large back-catalog of Atari classic games, and current titles from a range of studios. Additional details on content and partnerships will be released at a later date. Given the open nature of the OS, players will also be able to access and play compatible games from other content platforms.
“With Ataribox, we wanted to create an open system, a killer product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible. Atari games and content will be available as well as games and content from other providers,” said Fred Chesnais, Atari Chief Executive Officer. “We also wanted to launch Ataribox with our community, and reward our fans with exclusive early access, special editions, and include them as active participants in the product rollout.”
Ataribox will first be made available via the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform this fall, with targeted global launch in Spring 2018. The expected price range will be $249-$299 USD depending on specific editions and memory configurations.
“People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores. Ataribox is an open system, and while our user interface will be easy to use, people will also be free to access and customize the underlying OS,” said Feargal Mac, Ataribox General Manager. “We’ve chosen to launch Ataribox with Indiegogo given their focus on delivering technology products, and their strong international presence in over 200 countries, allowing us to reach and involve as many Atari fans around the world as possible.”
