Atari VCS will be a 4K, HDR-Capable ‘PC-Like’ Machine

Atari has been in the world of gaming news a lot over the past few months. That’s mostly due to all the discussion surrounding the Atari VCS system, formerly known as the Ataribox. The company has been keeping exact details about the new system under wraps ever since the original announcement. Even so, we’ve gotten some new details out of GDC 2018 thanks to Michael Arzt, COO of Atari Connected Devices.

At the event, Atari answered a variety of FAQs which shed more light on what the Atari VCS is all about.

Some key points to take away are that the VCS will sport an AMD x86 processor that has enough power for 4K at 60fps, along with HDR-capability. Atari has described its performance as being “comparable to a higher-end PC laptop”. The system will have a proprietary UI to “browse, buy, stream, download, play and save content, including games, video, music, social and communication apps”. Atari has also mentioned it will “publish, verify and deliver first and third party game IP and other software through the proprietary Atari VCS UI”.

Here’s some highlights:

• Atari VCS (Video Computer System) is the official name of Atari’s new modern hardware platform 
• Atari VCS is a completely new connected device designed for modern audiences, that will also please long-standing fans 
• The Atari VCS name and hardware design is inspired by the original Atari 2600 VCS that was first released in 1977 
• The new Atari VCS logo is inspired by the legendary graphic designs from Atari’s in-house Industrial Design and Graphics department in the 1970’s and 80’s 
• Development of the Atari VCS hardware, software and peripherals is ongoing 
• Atari is working with game developers and other partners to finalize initial Atari VCS content offerings 
• Atari expects to announce an exclusive public pre-order date for the Atari VCS before the end of April 2018
• Additional details about the new Atari VCS will be released in the coming months, including content partnerships, hardware specifications, accessories and release dates 

Clearly, Atari is still keeping exact details about this system under wraps. Looks like the mystique surrounding the VCS will continue for the time being, but we’ll be sure to post updates as more hard details come to light.