3 Years with the Atari VCS: Now On Borrowed Time?

The Atari VCS has now been out for three years(for backers). In this video, I share my experiences with the Atari VCS so far and give you my honest thoughts about this unique console/PC hybrid. Have you played one? Comment below and thank you for watching!
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The VCS Three Years In 00:00
Basketboom! 1:44
Milli & Greg 2:21
Game Panic 3 2:47
Atari VCS moving forward 3:50
My suggestions for the VCS 4:55
Needs more Computer, Jaguar, and Lynx games 5:56
Current Atari VCS issues 6:11
Atari Support has continued 7:24
Classic controller 8:02
Modern Controller & Hardware Durability 8:31
More Atari support of 1st party games 9:03
Lack of major exclusives 10:14
Antstream Arcade 11:16
Xbox Cloud Gaming 12:28
Current library of VCS Games 12:45
What is Atari going to do with the VCS moving forward? 13:26
Where is Food Fight? 14:17
Final Thoughts 14:45
What are your thoughts about the VCS? 15:45
#AtariVCS #Atari #VCS
Game codes of Days of Doom and Haunted House were provided by Atari for content creation purposes. The views expressed in this video are of my own opinion.

[@johnhancockretro]

Good news and update: It appears that there was an update to the VCS not only fixing the zip code error but now you are able to play your console out of the box without an additional flash update.

[@Rabbitlord108]

Good to know.

[@kennethmaschke9407]

When you decide to upgrade the ram, and add a Sata M.2 SSD, The VCS supports up to 32GB of ram, and a 2TB Sata M.2 SSD, I bought a Western Digital SSD on Amazon for a decent price, I bought the older generation one because it still says it has a 3D NAND, I'm not sure if the New generation has this important feature, because it didn't say that it did from what I read, the old generation is about $10 more than the new generation I'm not sure why that is, I was able to get Windows 10 Pro to install completely onto the SSD, from a boot image I made on a flash drive using rufus, I had to disable the internal eMMC in the BIOS to make sure there was no errors, and as a fool poof way to be sure I was installing it on the 2TB Sata SSD, and not the eMMC that the VCS OS is on, I was able to install that Windows OS using the VCS itself, (some people have used, an external SSD to USB enclosure to install Windows on their SSD from a desktop, or laptop with WinToUSB then install it in the VCS and finish the setup on the VCS as a bypass for the interference of the internal eMMC drive, IMO I think that is unnecessary since there's already a solution to that issue within the BIOS itself, just be sure to enable the eMMC drive afterwords.) and then as well in the BIOS I was able to get the 32GB of ram to run at 3200MT/S I also set the available shared ram for the internal Vega 3 Graphics APU to use 16GB of the 32GB I installed, I also set the max TDP to 54W, my machine is as good as it's going to get now internally, if your're planning to use the Sata SSD as storage only for the VCS OS, all it needs is to be installed, which ever size Sata SSD up to 2TB, you prefer, then on the system tab under storage, the Sata SSD should be there ready to be formatted for VCS OS storage use, I allocated about 500GB of the 2TB Sata SSD as a separate partition when I was setting up Windows so it could be used for the VCS, that partition showed up in the storage settings, and was able to be used as internal storage for the VCS OS side of the console, the only downside is I have to press escape on the keyboard to make sure the VCS OS doesn't start up when I want to use the PC side, I also have to boot the SSD manually in the boot manager to start Windows, the boot order can be changed around so that Windows boots first, but then if I want to use the VCS OS side I have to press escape repeatedly on the keyboard to select the VCS eMMC so it's kinda weird, but interesting at the same time, The VCS has no problems playing 4K videos on it's PC side, with all the video drivers, and other drivers updated. Here are the links to the hardware a bought for it, the ram is only sold as one stick I couldn't find dual packs of 32GB, just single packs of 16GB at 3200MT/S SSD: www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-SA510-Internal-Solid/dp/B073SBW3VD/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=JpHan&content-id=amzn1.sym.225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95&pf_rd_r=473CMSTHADJRH0APHM0K&pd_rd_wg=IM5Bu&pd_rd_r=7aeef3fa-b2a6-4fc5-ae41-0346c3e650f4&pd_rd_i=B0CFLSHNL3&th=1 RAM: www.amazon.com/dp/B08J2WGSRZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I hope this is useful for future VCS owners, that want to upgrade theirs to the max that it will allow internally, there are many videos on KZbin that show how to correctly disassemble, and install the components, as well as ones that show how to unlock the BIOS, the original BIOS password is Piano18482 it's case sensitive, the New BIOS password is Atar!C3l3br8te$50Ye4r$, (that is a lower case L between the two 3's C3l3br8t) this is also case sensitive. Good Day.

[@fabiocorica5961]

every update on vcs is a good thing!

[@MichaelAllard]

I had to flash mine

[@ryanbrennan3228]

Thanks for your continued support of the Atari VCS John. I agree with what you said about the need for more Atari homebrew games, Lynx, Jaguar, Atari ST & 8-bit computer games (and Falcon!) to be on the Atari VCS to give it a decent amount of unique, & not just unique, but Atari related content in addition. It would really be great if the Atari VCS became the ultimate destination for all these games. I think if it had a robust library of games in this vein, some Atari fans who are on the fence (or off the fence) of buying the VCS would perhaps get one. And it would go a long way in differentiating the VCS from other available platforms. Long live Atari!

[@LanceMan]

I use my VCS daily. I use it as a TV box also with PC mode. I agree about the hard drive space and have had to add a USB stick for games. The only thing I added was ram. Works great for me.. Keep up the great work.

[@robbieadams9837]

No matter what we say about the Atair VCS positive of negative, it's been out for 3 years and the......... Amico console is still in fantasy land 😏

[@ztothepunk]

Ngl there was a time I thought the opposite would happen while amico was showing games and the controller supposedly in action the atari vcs, we knew was that it would have real wood and they were being sued by the designer. Tables definitely turned

[@Rabbitlord108]

And now there's Amico games available on the Switch Eshop. Big OOF!

[@MaxxVelo]

And the Atari VCS is still alive and kicking, unlike Google Stadia

[@michaelgreenhut6682]

Insightful video. I’m working on a spirit sequel to Atlantis now and trying to get a bit of funding to finish it (I have the main settlement defense screen completely working with all 3 times of day, but I’m working on a map of the lost continent expansion). If I get at least 4 months worth, you’ll see it on the VCS!

[@HatcherTechnomantics]

Thanks for this review. I almost got the VCS during the recent sales but, my purchase of the Atari 50th Collection on Steamdeck quenched my thirst for Atari IPs for now.

[@whatspeedlimits]

Surprisingly even with the zip code issue- the VCS store sales volume rate has increased significantly in the last year. Lets hope they fix the issue, push out the long promised OS update, and the Polymega add-on. As dismal as it seems at the moment...being they are busy on other things... maybe next year will surprise us.

[@darcyska]

Appreciate the frequent looks and discussing both the good and the bad to get a more fulsome take on a console

[@johnhancockretro]

Thank you!

[@retrobeliever]

Man I wish I could’ve gotten one of these when they were $99, still would consider getting one but I’m waiting to see if the price drops lower than the Black Friday price

[@ericmiller2052]

I just picked up a vcs during their sale, and am beyond excited to start using. I'm mostly interested in the AtariOS side of things, but will be looking at the possibility of pc mode

[@jamesajones1979]

Thanks for this update - I value your opinion on this (as I follow your channel and your posts on atariage). Some of your other videos on the VCS helped me decide to purchase it. I'm currently in an Atari rabbit hole with the new 2600+, and I guess I wanted to stay in that hole with buying a VCS. Mainly for your reasons: playing those classic and newer games with a joystick. Thanks again, John. Be well.

[@sprint2938]

It just needed a cartridge slot... This is apparent when most of the cartridge releases are sold out. Could have been the best of a digital store and physical.

[@marklechman2225]

Agreed

[@GatorRay]

Even having adapters for Atari system carts which can be plugged in would be nice.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

Playmaji has announced a new system will be revealed in 2024. ATARI now own almost half of Playmaji. Maybe a new ATARI VCS system with interhangable cartridge slots...

[@kjhoskins]

I’m glad this is still relevant. I don’t have one myself. I thought the price was a bit high for what you were getting. Maybe if they release a VCS 2 with issues and pricing addressed, I will hop onboard. Thanks for the video, John.

[@holnugget]

I just bought $125 worth of downloadable content on the VCS this month. I felt obligated to once some of the games went on sale. They should do more downloadable games sales throughout the year. The zip code glitch on purchases has really been a bummer though. I don't know if this system will start collecting dust moving forward though. If they did new releases on the VCS first with a slight discount like the Switch does sometimes, it might extend its use.

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

I just bought a larger hard drive for mine as I finally ran out of storage. Anstream Arcade is still probably my favorite thing on there. Lynx Super Ateroids & Missile Command was just released on Antstream with a challenge for each game.

[@johnhancockretro]

Yep and show that game in the video.

[@JoeSantini]

The Immortal John Hancock... Legends never die.

[@ks-bg5uk]

Your review is spot on. Many of us are grateful the VCS is still kick'n after 3 years. If Atari designed a controller that was more stiff like the 2600, it would attract more buyers. Also, atari could design an atari branded keyboard and mouse plus a trackball which would help interest Atari fans. I don't play my VCS everyday but i still play it on the weekends. It's still a nice indie console.

[@luc7976]

New CX40+ I believe is more stiff like the original? I ordered one but still waiting for shipping details (despite saying in stock).

[@dreadtheweekend]

C is a pretty high grade though for what this machine offers at the price point. It should have been similar in price to the Evercade VS. I admire Mr Hancock’s perseverance with it, but I can’t think of many reasons to buy one.

[@ks-bg5uk]

@@dreadtheweekend Bought mine a couple years for 149 for a black friday deal. The price I bought it was great.

[@dreadtheweekend]

@@ks-bg5uk that does seem a very reasonable price.

[@weekendroady2060]

Outside of the PC enviroment, we've yet to see a digital-only console really take off. Physical media still means a lot.

[@mattjcrane]

Thanks for mentioning the zip code problem. I haven’t been able to buy any games in well over a month because of this. I tried again today just now and it said the same thing. It’s frustrating to say the least but at least I have some games on this but it would be nice to by more

[@johnhancockretro]

Sorry you are going through this. Needs to be addressed long term.

[@dad7275]

I would continue to support it as I have with buying a new classic controller (black Friday sale) but Im one of the people STILL with the zip code problem and yes Ive reached out to them more than once but the problem persist. I willing to help them with purchases but they need me to help me do that with the zip code fix. Great video John. 😊

[@thorstenk8279]

I bought the VCS a year ago, which was only available on eBay because it was not offered for Europe or Germany. I actually think the system is good and I would like to buy games in the store but that's not possible due to the postal code error. I hope that Atari will provide a fix here with a patch. Because I would like to support the system because I believe that it could survive in its niche. I look forward to more videos with information about Atari in your channel. Unfortunately, we don't have much content about this. Greetings from Germany.

[@stephenelliott7071]

You talk about ST games being overlooked - but that was also surprisingly missing from the Atari 50 collection. Dungeon Master, Oids and the like.

[@johnhancockretro]

Yeah that is a hole that hopefully Atari can address in the future.

[@stephenelliott7071]

@@johnhancockretro yes with the 2600+ taking old and new 2600 cartridges (and some 7800) it seems like the ideal platform for 2600 enthusiasts. Jaguar and ST should be their focus IMO regards the next piece of hardware.

[@mjdf122]

The Immortal Atari it will be around longer than us all

[@yoshiike1]

Great video. Thanks for your time.

[@johnhancockretro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheDreamcastLover]

3 years already? Wow

[@ObsidianContraption]

As a VCS dev i truly hope the system stays live going forward. Even if they don't manufacture any more, if they fixed the store issue and kept bringing indies, Atari IPs, more homebrew and like you said, Lynx & Jaguar games, this console can keep chugging along as a perhaps niche, but awesome system

[@HECTORMONTALVO-le9cn]

John with your mustache like that and your eyebrows you remind me the 80s wrestler Ox Baker!🤔 I had early in my teens the 2600 but I don't follow those games anymore. I don't buy anything pre-NES. But I'm glad to see your enthusiasm for these older systems. Cool video John!👉🙂👈

[@brianwolters7560]

There was a pretty good sale on them recently and I picked one up to go along with my Atari 2600+ and Game Station Pro.

[@OldFive31]

I am reflecting back on the 3 hours I have owned a VCS, got through the flashing process to get it working only to now have a zip code error when trying to purchase additional games!

[@musicalbacon2]

You’ve been a great ambassador for the vcs. I planned on buying one when I saw the footage from haunted house and your videos definitely pushed me over the edge at that time. However, by the time there was the sale, the zip code issue had really turned me off to it. Considering this has been going on for months I am not positive I’ll ever find room in my budget for one by this point. I hope they continue to do better and fix things, and I am still rooting for them. But I can’t buy something that doesn’t function

[@Vaskomyr]

I think the VCS is an interesting console. But anyone interested needs to know what they're getting and be ok with it. On the 200$ price it's not a bad price. But it definitely doesn't compete with any current gen consoles. They need to get more indie devs to publish on the platform. Hammerwatch would be a good addition or maybe children of morta.

[@imrollinbonerdice]

I was thinking what about an AtariAge app / Portal exclusive to the VCS...since it's for enthusiests and since Atari owns it. It might be another chance to hook new enthusiest/fans to atari age. It might keep this thing going longer.

[@redleader7988]

I hope this happens

[@MichaelAllard]

I just got mine Friday and love it! I would love for Atari and Namco to get together again with Namco offering revamped versions of their arcade IPs. But I did have to flash mine for it to update. I didn’t run into the zip code issue. Neosprint is the first game I bought for it followed by Atari 50. The stick when using it as a paddle feels sticky. It doesn’t spin very well, almost like spinning plastic over plastic without any grease. It sticks sometimes. I got Haunted House as well and bunch of other titles. So far I’m having fun with it.

[@allenantonio4389]

Good for you on your Game...

[@BrianJonson]

I use my VCS daily, but have been cursed with the zip code issue. My concerns are the same as yours. Adding more memory was super easy and makes a huge difference for me, too. Tons of room now.

[@joshx9746]

I hope they keep supporting it, as i just got my 2600+ and when i get some more money, want to get this next

[@sherekhangamedev]

Is an oddball, but they are doing their thing and giving support for 3 years, I wish 1 or 2 more. Also, I'm glad they are open to developers, giving some spotlight to them. Far from perfect, but 3 years under the belt is something to recognize

[@daviddonnell2153]

I never heard of this before in the market but I normally don’t buy second hand sister consoles. It is wild that they’re charging $300. this is not for everyone but it does look interesting to try out.

[@sabertoothretro]

A fair assessment. However, the new OS update was pushed overnight. This resolves the out of box new user experience and eliminates the need for manual flashing. I personally updated a new Onyx from stock to the new BIOS in 26 minutes.

[@starrybear9778]

Still using my VCS. I normally use Windows 10 as my OS with it as many programs I use need Windows 10 to operate. I don't play any AAA titles directly as the VCS can't handle that but can use it for older stuff just fine. Can use it to remote play on Steam for the titles that need the horsepower I can't run directly. I have a work computer that I run Windows 10 on and if it takes a dump I will just use the VCS in it's place as everything I need to do the VCS can do without needing to buy another computer. I'm going to get my money's worth out of it in every way possible.

[@BURRITO44]

Great video as usual !!! Love all your excellent videos !!! You are correct -- needs more hombrews plus other games from all their systems !! Plus -- Atari needs to lower the price point. !!! Should be $150.

[@johnhancockretro]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Ghostbusters4life82]

I like Atari stuff but the price is just to much to justify even at a 200 black Friday sale. Wasn't exactly new tech on release but 3 years down the road no way. This thing is a real collosal disaster. It's nice they support it for those vested but Jaguar would be a big draw for me at least.

[@lienad75]

I bought the collectors edition as I am a 2600 sunnyvale owner PAL with an extensive collection all the way to Starpath. Im in it for the archive of Atari and all retro emulated games. The Atari VCS is the retro games emulator of my dreams all the way to PS3 times. The VCS has and always will be the machine I always wanted for home from when I got my 2600 in 1980.. Long live ATARI

[@blameitonben]

I had a lynx and jaguar (with a ton of games for both, but I sold the systems when I got married 20 years ago...). If the VCS had those games, I would definitely get one.

[@johnward43]

I just bought one in December 2023. Why the hell are they sending out units that are broken because the software needs to be updated with an external flash drive? It’s outrageous. They didn’t send me one or tell me about, they are just shipping older units, which are broke and you’re on your own. That really pissed me off.

[@DragonKing987]

Darrel Spice, developer known for Stay Frosty 1 & 2 is currently under NDA with Atari...

[@MinuteManGameReviews]

I love my vcs and buy all my atari games on it.

[@jonnyfive5000]

I dont think Atari has enough resources behind the VCS. Its gotten better tho. A schedule of games to release would help get people interested and current owners stay interested. Not sure what it would take for Atari to get that going. Plus a price drop would be helpful. It would be neat to see the project with the polymega company come to fruition as well. So many possibilities with Ataris long history. Would love to see the VCS be the Atari that encompasses ALL of Atari. What it has is neat along with the retro and indie games that are being offered. Plus continue to improve the UI and BIOS.

[@abdias1977]

Just buyed few days ago and hopefully they continue support. I’m worried a bit.

[@syntaxerror9994]

Are your games actual 2600 games or just stylized to look era appropriate? With the 2600+ will there be cartridges?

[@crusherbad64]

I have two Atari VCS consoles. One I use as the VCS console and the other runs Windows 11 for emulations. Both I upgraded the ram and storage. Luckly both are cheap for the VCS. When I tried games on the VCS running Windows and it played Xbox 360 games on it.

[@jonathanwelch8406]

I hope it stays and am looking to purchase one

[@michaelrichardson5562]

Mine the backed wood edition ... and only been out of box a few times... waste of £400 hopefully I can get it back in future

[@ThePeachNehi]

Atari's name right now is pretty synonymous with Neo Retro. I think they need to embrace that niche, fully embrace the homebrew community, and let the VCS and 2600+ coexist in that market. Games like Mr. Run and Jump, the Recharged series, the Haunted House remake... these are perfect examples of what Atari should be focused on offering. High quality, retro/arcade inspired experieces for a fraction of the cost of AAA retail games. How awesome was it that there's a 2600 version of Mr Run and Jump, and a modern version for the VCS (and other platforms)? To me that's the perfect strategy moving forward for the VCS and the 2600+. Maybe a more refined and curated library of high quality titles

[@beezle1976]

In my opinion software for people who are using a VCS in "PC Mode" that imitates the interface from "Atari mode" so users can buy new games/apps/etc easily and support peoples efforts. Given the fact they've bought one at all they're still likely the sort of people who might support these more independent style efforts. Even technically it shouldn't be difficult. It "the VCS" is running a custom Linux distro, so a virtualization "wrapper" could be used for Windows users (there's a few whose license allows commercial use) or it could even just utilize Windows 10/11 inbuilt Linux "VM" and wouldn't be needed for Linux users at all. Im one of the people who has a VCS that is using it in PC mode. Even swapped out the 8GB 2400mhz RAM for 16 (2x8) GB 3200mhz RAM and added an ssd because I wanted a low power consumption small form factor x86 machine and I got this very cheaply. Works nicely for the purpose I use it for, but for my interests it's a shame that I cant use it in "Atari mode" while Im using it as a PC. Just my 2 cents :)

[@piqone1]

Why isn't there a large Jaguar and Lynx presence on the system? That alone would be a big selling point.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

ATARI underestimates the audience for them. Take the recent TruFunGames port of Mortal Kombat for the ATARI Jaguar for example on KZbin which has had a huge amount of interest from ATARI fans and retro gamers. The recently premiered Doom:Slayer, Doom 2, and Heretic ports also attracted loads of interest. Jumping At Shadows was showcased on Zero Page Homebrew and I'm sure a large portion of VCS800 users would buy it of it were available on the VCS Store.

[@BMW-sd6nn]

I just now have it as a pc and upgraded the ram and I'm playing fallout new vegas, its a cool little thing.

[@tokitowa8783]

I bought one during the Black Friday sale but after seeing all the zip code complaints I ended up cancelling. I do regret it a little, but if I can't but games there isn't much point for me personally. If the zip code error is fixed next time it goes on sale I'll buy one, but for now for me there's not point if I can't buy games.

[@kronos5385]

What tools are used to develop and publish for the VCS? I don't think any of the big development platforms like Gamemaker Studio 2 or Godot have export options for the VCS. They can both make Windows games that might run on the VCS but not in native mode. Anyone know what tools indies use to develop for this console?

[@johnhancockretro]

I published games for the 2600 so no extra dev was needed due to emulating 2600

[@BrianJonson]

John - Atari pushed a large update today and the VCS store is now fixed!

[@imrollinbonerdice]

they could could make VCS like a rasberry pi where you build the new one every two years. Then they could push it to highschool computer science classes. get some of that tax money cheese back.

[@kevinstrade2752]

As a collector i truly want one but.... The price..,.like you said, a bit hard to swallow.

[@wesgeorge4112]

Playing on my Atari VCS right now

[@brosyouknow5013]

Would love to release my game as an exclusive but having a hell of a time navigating where to go?

[@johnhancockretro]

atari.com/pages/contact

[@KartKing4ever]

Atari should be trying to get as many games as possible. They should go after every acceptable homebrew game they can, agreed. The reason I don't own one of these is the price. You can buy a Switch for $300. That is the main reason I can't justify this. I would absolutely pay $200 for one of these, but I missed the sale. I like that you can modify the console easily. I like playing Atari either with Atari 50 or on the Analogue Pocket.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

The VCS needs the outstanding legacy ATARI emulators added natively. I was hoping that Jaguar 30 would have at least seen some kind of acknowledgement from ATARI in the last ATARI 50 update. I think ATARI underestimate the Jaguar's importance to ATARI fans and the wider interest in the platform. The indie scene will be pumping out some excellent Jagaur games in 2024 and they would be well supported on the VCS800.

[@Evercade_Effect]

For me with all the other options out there I feel the VCS is too expensive for what you get. I've been playing Atari through the 50th Anniversary and Emudeck on Steam Deck.

[@Loewenzahnfanclub]

Für mich, als kein Atari kenner, weiss atati nicht was sie machen sollen oder es lohnt nicht für sie denn warum graben sie sich selbst das was ab mit dem 2600+? Lieber 100 prozent auf das vcs setzen und coole publisher an bord bringen um die vcs zu pushen anstelle eine weitere günstigere Konsole zu bringen.

[@lorensims4846]

The price is still on par with the Nintendo Switch. I've never had Nintendo so I'm not interested in a Switch. We never had a 2600 VCS so I'm not interested in those games either. I had an Atari 800 Home Computer System which was originally designed as the next VCS after the 2600. But they decided to hop on the computer bandwagon instead. So they added a keyboard, a modular OS, and computer peripherals. They commissioned an 8K BASIC cartridge to use the same slot as the game cartridges. I was interested in computer programming so gaming was of peripheral interest, but the screen graphics and sound were still superior to any other 8-bit computer. My Atari 800 was a computer that doubled as a game system. This VCS 800 is a game system that doubles as a computer. The arcade games look amazing! Almost exactly like the games I fed so many quarters into back in the day. I'm counting on installing my Atari800 emulator on the computer side of this machine. Thanks for all the game tips! For me, those arcade games are exclusive enough for me. I'm REALLY not interested in first-person shooters.

[@Rabbitlord108]

Yeah. I don't wanna touch this thing with a ten foot pole unless they fix the Zip Code issue (Update. HOORAY! The issue has been fixed)

[@dschult3]

Is this a good emulation machine? I'd get one for $100 or so to play GC, PS 2, and below games.

[@johnhancockretro]

I haven’t tested ps2 or GC on it but can run older games fine

[@pierregareau6590]

We don't know what will happen in the future for the VCS , they don't even the VCS in Canada ! Only selling it in the USA is not a great marketing strategy I think

[@GIANTKAIJU]

Once the Rechargered or Reimagined games came to Switch and other consoles, there is literally no reason to own the Atari VCS as that was their exclusives.

[@derekt9671]

U might have mentioned this already but can u access game pass on there?

[@johnhancockretro]

You can

[@MetalJesusRocks]

$300 is just way too much for this. Why the heck would anybody buy this over the Switch or Xbox Series S?!

[@johnhancockretro]

On sale which it was less than $200 I can see a niche group buy it. At $300 it is a very hard sell.

[@redleader7988]

It's not a subsidized console like those. It's a Ryzen 3 mini-PC really and it's less than $200 without controllers. You can find generic ones for $139, but Atari is not trying to compete against those.

[@bryanobrien2726]

@@redleader7988 It's not even a Ryzen 3 . It's a two core R-Series Ryzen which were the lowest performing Ryzens made , the equivalent of a Celeron from the same era .

[@bryanobrien2726]

​@@redleader7988Even for an R series , its R1000 series processor was really anemic . Compared to the R1000 , its successor the R2000 series essentially doubled its performance in both CPU and graphics .

[@redleader7988]

Performance is in the middle of the Ryzen 3 range, between the Ryzen 3 Pro 2300U and the Ryzen 3 2200U.@@bryanobrien2726

[@XenMonsterHunter]

Personal i can care less, and I have owned 2 VCS's, and both died on me, with loads of problems on both of them! I was hoping it would be like the ultimate new old school retro Atari console, like yes include cool new styled retro games but also include a load of old Atari titles from the old Atari's retro past, like maybe pay to get them old licensed ip's back from some of the old Atari 2600, 5200, 7800 and 800 series of systems, and work out some deals to bring other old school titles such as from Activision & Imagic or whatever! But sadly no, this is a Atari thats not the same as your favorite Atari that you once loved, and me too, and maybe we should just learn to let go sadly! They only care about making money off the brand name by whoring it out, and not necessarily caring about being a real video game company with quality products and games!

[@fabiocorica5961]

Im a developer from Italy. I hope to release some exclusive game on vcs but I have always find zero feedback from atari vcs team. Very Frustrating!!

[@sicboy83]

Open question, should I buy one?

[@CallMeScriptedOFFICIAL]

Yes

[@florianrosinger6733]

Would be more successfull If they ship outside the U S

[@johnhancockretro]

Yes I dont get this. They ship the 2600+ outside the US so why not this?

[@luisalvarez6196]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it was sold in Europe...

[@redleader7988]

I wonder it has something to do with Atari's bankruptcy agreement more than 10 years ago involving the sale of Atari Europe to Bandai Namco affecting Atari IP outside of the US and Japan. I noticed they also don't sell XP carts outside of the US. They do sell the 2600+ worldwide which is cartridge based and therefore free of any software licensing concerns, and I doubt the included titles would cause any legal problems.

[@Rabbitlord108]

​@@redleader7988OOF! I had no clue that was a thing.

[@redleader7988]

It may not still be a thing since it was ages ago. It makes me wonder though.@@Rabbitlord108

[@patricecauro1416]

No Canada. What are they thinking.

[@michaelmitzel9755]

I would pay for lynx games

[@arcaderacer586]

I recently picked one up and tried to install windows and Atari changed the bios passwords and you can no longer use it as a windows 10 pc by adding a internal ssd. You can however install windows to a usb ssd but the performance is sub par and isnt a good overall experience. Thanks Atari. VCS was retrurned for refund

[@Rabbitlord108]

That's insane.

[@redleader7988]

I had the same problem. I had to flash a new bios with a known password, but now everything works the way it should. There are guides online that explain how to do it.

[@whatspeedlimits]

Try again now- the VCS received an OS update today!

[@derekdash2179]

I think Atari did just about everything they could for the VCS considering their budget and resources. American KZbinrs keep forgetting that Atari STILL isn't selling their products internationally. Which could be limiting their sales potential.

[@johnhancockretro]

Oh I know about this. Just didn’t mention it in video.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

The system appeared doomed to me from the start. Is there anything it does that a cheap laptop can't? Boot up a few emulators and there are thousands of Atari games that can be played from all their classic platforms. And for those that want modern games or don't want the complexity of installing software and want an online store, Steam sells a bunch of Atari branded games from classics to the Re-charged series. Want a retro classic Atari controller? USB ones are available, and adapters to connect all the original controllers. The modern Atari VCS seemed to be a money grab to me. Sell a few of the systems for top dollar to those that are attracted to the physical case which some what resembles the original VCS. But......does it make any sense at it's price point? Is it going to show up on store shelves, and even appear on the radar next to the Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo? No. Not even the slightest dent in the gaming market. Plus a Windows laptop can play many Xbox games and all kinds of games, including Atari games. Save your money, buy a PC. If you want classic Atari games without any hassle to load them, get the Atari Game Station Pro on sale for 50 bucks. At least it's priced appropriately when on sale.

[@michaelhband]

👍👍👍❤❤❤/|\

[@UltraZelda64]

It's way too expensive and full of controversy, I sense an aura of skepticism around the remaining life of the system and I just don't see anything of real value that I can't get elsewhere. With the various Atari collections, including the latest Atari 50, if you already own any one of the major consoles, it's a lot cheaper to get your Atari fix (and a lot more) by just getting those. The only way I would consider this thing is a price drop down to like $150, maybe. Possibly, but less likely $200. A joystick and a bunch of Atari games in an Atari-themed store running on a Linux-based OS just doesn't seem anywhere near their full asking price to me.

[@imrollinbonerdice]

What about an Atari Subscription library service like nintendos. It would have to be cheap since most people own the atari library especially with Atar 50. But you could tailor all those old games with new modern retro controllers. And you could do kickstarters or preorders before production of anything risky. swoop up some of the Intelivision fans that got their hearts broken the past 5-6 years or so.

[@oxygeninterface]

seems to me atari is just willing to let the VCS die. sure, they'll make a few symbolic gestures to save face and make the original backers happy, but they're not willing to invest the money and attention that is needed to get it off life support and actually make a productive, successful console. much like the nes/snes mini, they probably saw it as a promotional device to throw the atari name back into the ether and get people talking about them again; but other than that, it's served its purpose and now they're ready to move on. But move on to what? nothing probably... other than whoring their name around for some easy money, as usual.

[@marks8761]

Unfortunately it is Atari only in name. They could do so much but they are only looking for money grabs. I would never buy anything "Atari". It is a dead company!

[@kynmasters8670]

4 products…earns commission…don’t recommend channel.