First Images Of Ataribox Revealed

TSA writes: "A little while ago Atari confirmed it was working on a new console, with the machine being called the Ataribox. Today Atari has revealed the first images for the console, and it does look very sleek."

[UCForce]

It does. Good to see more competitors to join in. Because we need more options for consumers to choose.

[FreddyFazbear]

It may seem that way more options but the problem will be, Multiplats and 3rd party devs will take a lot longer since they need to code for another console. its quite long enough as it is developing for PC, PS4 and XboxOne. now a 4th entry?? And remember, the 80's videogame crash was not only due to bad games but also there are many consoles at the time colecovision, intellevision etc. More Consoles doesnt always mean a good thing. People need games not vatiety of machines. PC for people who wants it for graphics, console for people who want exclusives to it unless ataribox has its own exclusive, not counting the classics

[bouzebbal]

This is how a remake should look like.
2600 must be proud of the sexiness of her younger sister

[MrSec84]

It actually depends entirely on which hardware vendor, type of processing architecture and how straightforward the operating system and API(s) are to work with.
If the base specs of this system use AMD technology, with performance around XB1 and PS4 or somewhere between PS4 and Pro/1X, while using Vulkan with a semi-custom FreeBSD OS devs would be porting their games in Days to Weeks.

With Atari Box if the specs and system software are good then it'll depend more on if they can move 3rd Party games, which will depend on their messaging, the kinds of exclusives the system has (it'll mainly need titles targeted at the gamer that buys western 3rd Party games, because that's the biggest audience in the dedicated gaming device market), online network existing and being of a good quality.

TBH if Atari have partnered with the right External Publishers to help them get this Platform started and they show the goods they could be in a position to get a place alongside Sony as the Platform Holder who brings both the Exclusives and Multiplats.

Atari needs to have been building a stable of talented Studios who will have a guaranteed stream of interesting games that will appeal to a decent sized audience.

TBH, right now Sony and Nintendo are the only 2 companies bringing the exclusive games in the console market, Microsoft are relying more heavily on 3rd Party, with just a few Exclusives sprinkled in their lineup each year, which can now be bought on PC for the most part.

If Atari launches a machine that gets a bunch of unique games that you can't buy elsewhere, as well as classic titles, exclusive indies and the major Multiplats they would be one of 2 Platforms this gen doing so.
Quite frankly it's actually a good time to strike, because Sony are the only company who are really doing it and Nintendo are focused on a more portable/hybrid segment of the market.

It may seem flooded, but 3 platforms isn't the market limit, if a new company can bring the competition that could cause market growth, plus we're not at the sealing for potential sales, which is probably in the region of about 210 Million consoles based on 7th gen systems sold to the real console audience, this gen PS4 is around 60 to 62 Million units sold, XB1's at between 25 to 30, Wii U is at 13 to 14 and Switch about 4 to 5, so all in there's no more than 110 million dedicated gaming devices in the console space, Atari could eat a portion of the remaining 100+ Million left over and also attract more people if they have their own identity.

We can't really say it's doomed or guaranteed to succeed because other companies are established and doing something similar, we need more specific information and the thing needs to actually release, with Atari actually delivering the goods to know for sure.

[Ju]

I don't think it is wise to yet release yet another custom OS. Android could qualify as a real good baseline. Custom launcher and market and a 199 price with a strong third party line up and a mobile processor which can deliver a great experience should suffice. Android has a good sdk and tools, and yes Vulkan only would just work in that environment and make games portable

[Bobafret]

There is more than enough talent out there clamoring for a chance, this is a good thing and will create jobs and expand the industry.

[DJStotty]

depends on the developmental tools this will use. Could be as simple as a direct port which would be minimal work for a talented development studio

[THamm]

With all these minis coming out, my tv definitely needs an extra hdmi socket up front lol. What are the "current games??"

[DJStotty]

Id say by "current" they are meaning non-4k games. That is what i suffice as current games, so i would expect performance to be around base xbox one/ps4

[FallenAngel1984]

We don't need more options

[segamaniaco]

No competition here, its just a retrobox that will play some indies eventually

Lets not treat this console like a ps4 competitor

[Omnislashver36]

Exactly, as much as I'd like to see a 3rd console competitor, this just isn't it.

[frostypants]

Yeah but Atari's console history since the 2600 has been unbelievably rough (though admittedly that was largely a different company). This is totally out of left field for me...I had no idea they were releasing a console.

[rainslacker]

That was a pretty sleek looking device.

I'm curious what "recent games" it will play. I'm not expecting a next gen console though.

[Angainor7]

Beautiful

[freshslicepizza]

Looks like a router or cable medem.

[Relientk77]

I really like how both versions look. Hard for me to decide which I like better nostalgia wood or the cool red

[DJStotty]

the red and black does look cool

[hamzilla]

I'm curious as to what the specs will be in this. If it's anything recent I wonder if alot of 3rd parties will jump on atari.

[Father__Merrin]

i think an atari reboot would sell millions initially, if they can gather software support then it should do well, i predict it will be digital only

[DJStotty]

looks that way i dont see any indication of an optical drive in the photos

[Inzo]

I have a feeling that this will be a direct competitor of the Switch.

[curtis92]

@Inzo, Uh... how? Is it portable? Does it have IPs that are in the same galaxy as Nintendo that are in any way still relevant?

[rocketpanda]

How so?

Unless it can magically transform into a tablet, then I find it hard what it will be competing with. I reckon it will try to compete on the lower spectrum of current consoles like the standard PS4 and Xbox One.

I doubt Atari will risk selling it at a higher price than current available systems.

[Inzo]

@rocketpanda

I am referring to specs and the casual market.

[Ju]

Same. Wonder if x86 or ARM. And if one gives it 8GB at least. Open top end mobile ARM based CPU with plenty of memory would be cool. I want to see what such a "beast" could delivered if it doesn't need to run in mobile mode.

[XStation4pio_Pro]

Wow. Looks awesome and a nice homage to the 2600.

[frostypants]

Wood grain. Early 80s all over again. Very cool.

[war boy]

Where is the controller?

[vikingland1]

Nice looking and it also does some current gen games. That's very interesting .

[Miss_Weeboo]

The Ataribox X

[Klonoa-dreamtraveler]

Pretty excited. Can't wait to see their controller design too.

[StuffAndThings]

So what type of games are we looking at here ?

[yellowgerbil]

worthless ones. No pre NES system had a single game worth playing in today's world. They are 1st grade doodles compared to a seasoned artist

[Einhander1971]

Oh this looks GOOD 😊 glad it wasn't vapour ware. Come on back ATARI old friend:)

[Razzer]

So no physical media?

[Inzo]

To me it looks like the front of the console could protract for a disk to be inserted.

[slappy508]

"Atari has also confirmed it will have both classic and current games on the console", that sounds promising AF

[Razzer]

Sounds like Steam

[MrSec84]

Valve could be company Atari have partnered with, that would solve a lot of big things they need to get right with this system to succeed.
Great only and a solid OS, plus a potential huge catalog of many generations worth of games, throw in their own custom exclusives, a reasonable price point and good specs for the money.
We'll see though.

[ziggurcat]

what current games, though...

[FITSniper]

To me this looks like it has to be more of a retro game machine. As well as maybe offering streaming games from like PSNow. With it's small size, it doesn't look like it could be packing a high performance gaming system in it.

[porkChop]

Well we know it's using PC hardware. We just don't know how recent or powerful the hardware is. I don't see Atari targeting the high-end, as they'd likely want to keep the price cheap enough for people to give them a chance.

[RSKnight]

Agree, it looks like it will be a small console based on the picture where you can see the connection ports in the back of it. Also I noticed the power supply connector looks like one of those used for notebooks, so I'm guessing it won't be power hungry. The email message says it will play classic games as well as current, I'm guessing that by "current" they mean "indie". This will most probably be aimed at casual gamers, or maybe to old gamers who want to scratch that nostalgia itch. Can't wait to know more about it, I'm super curious about the controller though.

[AnubisG]

I started gaming on the 2600. This looks really good. Unfortunately, I only have time and money for one console and it's Playstation.

[Father__Merrin]

sorry but that looks incredible. i hope specs are pretty decent with a great controller

[Ben12]

Wow it's about time someone else jumped in. looking good to. Now we just need Sega.

[link2Dpast]

Aww come on Sega wake the eff up. Old days it was all about 1st party, now it's just throwing out w.e 3rd party game there is at the moment. The fact they have a pretty solid 1st party library that aren't to "kiddy" which seems to be the gripe against Nintendo will help them. Having Sega back would be a nIce balance, I've always said the last gens worked and gaming survived because "Sega did want Ninten'dont" which was pretty refreshing to have that option. There are more gamers than ever and a launch of Sonic, Power stone, Hydro thunder, Shenmue, and finally Soul caliber. A launch like that would easily sell because there no denying Dreamcast had one the best launch line up ever, this could be he same something for everyone.

[Ben12]

"SING IT" And then a long came Atari. Lol

[Cy]

I don't see a disc drive or a cart slot, so it's either gonna be a plug and play with Atari games (though what a "current" Atari game is I don't really know) or it'll be a digital only Steam Box clone. Neither are very appealing to me.

[prankster101]

Return of the King... I guess pretenders like Nintendo can just step aside now.

[Inzo]

Sleek, sexy and retro.........I love it.

[WelkinCole]

Shit man. Missile Command, Asteroid and Dferenders remaster should be super dope.

My very first console.

[Nucler100]

Looks dope , I already know I'm getting one lol

[WhiteyFox]

The email mentions "current gaming content". Does that mean it's going after PS4/One?

[Gh05t]

Candy Crush

[yeahokwhatever]

If this thing plays android games, I'm going to start work on a new title right now.

[Pricey]

Nvidia shield inside

[Razzer]

Don't think I would call shield "PC tech".

[spicelicka]

Do people actually manage to play these game for more than 10 minutes? Genuinely curious because I love the nostalgia, but I can't see myself being interested very long. I assume people do or these things wouldn't be so popular.

[welly300]

Cant think of anything id want to play again, from the early days of gaming. Looks good though.

[gbsrnctaln]

Would be awesome if they updated a game like Combat. I could imagine even a straight port would be fun online. But if they could update a few of the games to the quality of Rocket League......daym.

[GrimDragon]

Looks like an updated 2600. The name needs work though. Ataribox? Not feeling it. Sounds too much like Xbox. Like no effort went into the name.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

I wonder what Atari means by current games? Does that mean we will get "Horizon" quality graphics on this thing? If so Count me in!

[Protagonist]

Looks sexy !

[Twinblade]

Looks really nice... Hopefully the price is right and the games are great.

[WheatBread]

"Atari has also confirmed it will have both classic and current games on the console"

WAT? I thought this was one of those mini retro consoles like the nes classic.

[PaulKersey]

I predict that it will play emulators and indie games. Forget AAA titles.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

The success and/or failure of this venture is going to be 100% around price and what it does in terms of games. Price is obvious... but regarding the games its interesting. If they are talking about bringing back all the old Atari 1600 games and other console games they had.....NO THANK YOU. If however, they are talking about giving us versions of the actual arcade cabinet versions then my interest is there as I think those games might hold up better but I am still not sold. On the modern game side... this is an interesting tid bit. Are we talking iOS / Android games or something more grand in capability? Looking at the form factor, it seems pretty small so I am not confident they have anything more than tablet / mobile level chipsets.

[Good-Smurf]

I received the news from Atari themselves and the wood veneer ones are looks great.
I'm really looking forward to what kind of spec it will have.
And controller...that's one thing I'm worried about.

[addictedtochaos]

Doesn't appear to have a disc drive, if this is digital only it will flop big time.

[T2X]

Funny, I had Atari back in the day, loved it. But the games now blow them out of the water. Can't see going back. But, nice for those who enjoy the retro games and maybe new stuff.

[BlackIceJoe]

I like the look of the red and black one. I also think if the specs are good it will be a system people want to pick up before the next Xbox and PlayStation come out in 2020.

[Elda]

Pass.

[Felsager]

It's time see Atairi around. A new competitor provides more options to players to choose from. I hope they deliver a solid alternative to the video game industry.

[yeahokwhatever]

I wonder what "current games" it plays..

[MrJay]

Day One

[biohunter]

Samsung is making a console

[Major_Glitch]

As long as they don't rely on the same three IPs, or produce a console with a 50% fail-rate Atari will do fine.

[KryptonKronos]

Just buy a SNES. Atari's nostalgia buried it in the sand last time and almost virtually killed gaming, why in the shit anyone would want to buy into now i don't know.

[CrimzonRazor]

This will be the final nail in their coffin, cant believe their shareholder's are allowing this.

[MaxiPower90]

If your games don't hold up today you have no chance. Had an 2800 and the games are rubbish by today's standards. Even sega games suck today. Sonic, golden axe and streets of rage are all shite. Nintendo can do it because there games have stood the test of time. Does anyone really want space invaders, moon patrol and Pacman in 2017

[_LarZen_]

My Atari 2600 have been waiting for a soulmate for years. Dont worry. Soon you will get company my old friend.

[Twinblade]

Could you imagine valve and atari making a deal to make Half-Life 3 an atari exclusive.

[NXFather]

YEP. CALLING IT. GONNA FAIL COMPETIVELY. MAY DO ALRIGHT RETRO. LESS THAN 10 MIL.

[Einhander1971]

I love it already:)

[mafiahajeri]

Wish them all the best hopefully this sees sucess

[Platformgamer]

Look, i thank god atari starts the console market/industry, without them my passion wouldn't exist probably...
But c'mon atari, it's 2017, sony and (not for long) microsoft and (i hope not for long) nintendo are the leaders now.
Go home atari, you're old

[XanderZane]

If this is like Nintendo's NES or SNES, that's fine. It should sell well for gamers who've never played an Atari 2600 or 5200 or 7800. I have no desire to get one of these, except maybe to sell it on Ebay. If this thing is more then $100-$150, it might not sell that well. There's no way it will be as powerful as a PS4 or XB1. I don't see many 3rd party developers supporting it.

[ApexWolf22]

I really don't see Atari making a comeback, unless this thing matches or exceeds current console specs and undercuts them at the checkout lane.

[scark92]

Glad to see Atari back, however, its life depends on whether consumers buy consider the big three giants are well able to crush any new console on the market! Atari's brand can be its saving grace!

[Trilithon]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Trilithon]

classics

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Jaqen_Hghar]

Lord Vader will be most pleased with this design. oops a man crossed his franchises for a second.

[Master of Unlocking]

Glad to see Atari make a comeback in the hardware business. Sega, it's your turn now.
...not before you've released Yakuza 6 the poem of life in the west, of course :)

[hiawa23]

If it aint made by MS or Sony, I'll pass.. There is no way this is competing with the PS4 Pro or X. It is Atari..

[PhoenixUp]

A) This is not really Atari. This is the Atari name that's traded hands multiple times (Infrogames? then bought by some individual with a team of like 10 people?)

B) This is a company (again not really Atari besides the branding) that only has a few million dollars in revenue, they can't develop anything beyond a standard box that can download some simple games

C) Don't get overhyped, this is not a traditional 'entry' into the console market- this is more in the vain of the NES Classic with the possibility of potentially allowing downloads of other simple games (mobile level most likely)

D) For the last time, Atari has been dead for a long time in all realistic sense, and the majority of signifcant games you see with their branding in the last decade or two have nothing to do with this company

[masterfox]

holy shat!! just wow!, boom goes the dynamite! it will play current gen ?, officially freaking interested!, show me the specs, then the games and finally the price! :D

[WonderboyIII]

Looks like a Sega Master System I

[NecoTehSergal]

Highly doubt it'll go anywhere.

My prediction is it'll be like 3DO. Maybe not as expensive, but just as temporary.

[MartinB105]

This is going to be another Ouya isn't it?

[KillBill]

People... this is not a current Gen system. It is little different than what Nintendo did with its SNES Classic Mini. Only placing a few more current games into the mix that were for the most part failures.

[Father Murder X]

another failed system