Does This Make The Atari VCS Worth Buying?

[@jessthebenjamin758]

That “We have played Atari today” was a reference to Atari’s old marketing jingle. “Have you played Atari today?”

[@mchenrynick]

That's also why you see that phrase on the AtariAge website.

[@DVDfeverGames]

Most people should know that, but hiding it under there, along with the struggle to take it apart for the average Joe, is ridiculous.

[@steve293]

@@DVDfeverGames it really wouldn't be for an average Joe. Average nerd probably. It's an Easter egg..it's not meant to be easily discovered.

[@Separski]

Yes, I played. But you don't know what)

[@astaynax7531]

Doesn't the fact that you received the vcs already exceed your expectations for atari?

[@KT1459]

😂

[@halamkajohn]

the games are atari. nobody can write a program???????????????????????????

[@SockyNoob]

Lmao

[@Jebbidan]

@@halamkajohn you can by porting your existing linux games to it?????????????????????????

[@BlackJar72]

@@Jebbidan I've been looking into that, since someone suggested my indie games would do well on the platform -- as far as I can looking at their page it might not need much porting, but they do require you get an Atari ACS and formally test on that.

[@PixelShade]

gamecube games run perfectly fine... the drops you saw was a result of shader caching. try running the same sequence again and the drops are gone. you can download complete offline shader caches for games. that way you have no stutters.... These stutters need to happen since the GC did not have programmable shaders and developers programmed directly towards its programmable texture environment (which had shader-like copabilities). Dolphin can only read from either shader cache or whenever an effect is loaded in-game.... if it does the latter it need to look up a corresponding shader in the graphics API and start doing the translation... hence the stutters.

[@austins.2495]

Profile name checks out

[@epobirs]

No, the GameCube did not have programmable shader hardware. The only console in that generation with shader hardware was the Xbox, which wasn't surprising as Nvidia was the only GPU vendor (technically they were the only GPU vendor at all since nobody else had adopted the acronym yet) with hardware shaders in the consumer PC market. ATI had no DX8 capable product when the GameCube spec was frozen. Programmers targeted the hardware because there was no API support, though later Nintendo incorporated code produced by Factor 5 into dev kits. The Gamecube had a pipeline that was sometime referred to by analysts as half a shader in that it had portions of what was needed but not the complete end to end hardware functionality. (Similarly, the Xbox GPU was called GeForce 3.5 because it had features that wouldn't be in the PC market until the Geforce 4 launch a few months after the Xbox launch.) You could achieve much of the effect but with more limits than a full hardware implementation. So you'd often see impressive in-engine scenes before interactivity kicked in, whereupon the the effects had to be cut back to allow for the added overhead.

[@PixelShade]

​@@epobirs sorry, there was a typo initially in my post. At one point I wrote "did have" instead of "did not have". You are of course very right... The Programmable Texture Environment on the Flipper engine had about the same capabilities of the directX8-API and could make shader-like effects.

[@epobirs]

@@PixelShade Ouch, I really hate when I do that on Twitter and there is no choice but to delete the post entirely and hope nobody noticed before you spotted your own typo. Especially when I'm sleep deprived and shouldn't post but cannot resist.

[@kpmac1]

@@PixelShade been there done that. odd how a single word can change the meaning of a sentence pretty dramatically. LOL

[@Charsept]

As far as mini PCs go, it looks pretty cool. Little Ryzen box. The price isn't that great but it's still cool.

[@hornsey06]

It’s average price for ryzen mini pc’s

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@hornsey06 Maybe for one with like a ryzen 5 in it. This little underwhelming turd is pathetic. It looks pretty cool but as far as actual performance it's anemic at best and a complete rip off at worst.

[@Boswd]

you can get it without the controllers for $260 I think that's well within the price per spec mini computers competition If you already have an x box controller or another gaming controller you can pair that

[@Boswd]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu Atari run over your dog or smething, you sound like you are a lot of fun at parties.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

@@hornsey06 Retail. Maybe. But I do have those Asrock A300 Mini PC Barebone in mind which could also take a comparable Athlon 200 GE ... or maybe a used Ryzen 2200/ 2400 G with some RAM and an old SATA 3 SSD laying around. Nevertheless the price point with nearly 400 bucks on Atari VCS site isnt that appealing to me, neither.

[@dyllankolinen]

I foresee this being a Steam Controller kinda situation in a few weeks, Months, Years. On sale for basically nothing, and then ballooning in price about a year after it's discontinued.

[@knavishknack7443]

Steam controller is amazing if you are into tinkering and it does what no other controller can do. The console is just wierd.

[@redrooster303]

Got a steam controller sat in the cupboard, bought it for £7. No idea it was worth something, glad I saw your post.

[@Zoyx]

The demand for the Atari VCS as a mini-PC will prevent the price from nose-diving right away.

[@REDSIX]

Wait, is my steam controller worth something?

[@REDSIX]

@Pink Scissors Media you from PR? I'll send you mine. No joke. I got mad love for PR. Rum and mofongo are my jams. And those fried bacalao fritters. And the food and people.

[@replicant-1644]

I wonder if Atari included ET within the games library for the ultimate troll.

[@ErickHatesBMC]

they better

[@SteelSkin667]

Sadly, they didn't.

[@israelrice]

License issue I’m sure if they tried.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

E.T. is great. It was too hard for those ‘80s babies, they ruined E.T.’s rep.

[@Whiltshire_Staysharp]

I loved the ET game growing up

[@icefalcon2243]

You can play PitFall in the Cold War campaign

[@DoraDora20188]

AHHHHH GET ME AWAY FROM TRASH COD

[@trapez77]

Are you being serious right now?

[@icefalcon2243]

@@trapez77 yes I was just playing it earlier. I only bring it up because it used to be a popular game on the original Atari systems

[@MicklowFilms]

Tell Activision to make a new Pitfall game for Atari. Enough with the COD garbage.

[@brandonsimoncini]

@@MicklowFilms They did and it was an average endless runner on mobile

[@JJGamezMC]

Isn’t this the same price as a Series S? Ouch Edit: To be fair though... Scalpers

[@derinouterbridge2667]

Without a controller

[@mastaw]

@@derinouterbridge2667 Double Ouch

[@III1IlIIlIllIl]

I would buy it for my grandparents.

[@magnarex]

The series s isn't as out of stock as the X, also I don't think that Atari is exactly gonna be on ur front door soon😂. They have a LL the Kickstarter orders first.

[@bashirsfar3825]

And you dont get a controller for the same price. Bigger ouch

[@eddyalienstudio7227]

I think the Atari VCS is a surprise. Not like a "Wow, it's amazing!" or "This just sucks worse than expected!", but rather a pleasant surprise that it's actually a pretty decent console. It's just the lack of games that makes it a no buy for some, but the fact the bundle here in the UK for both controllers and the console is like £260, I think it's a reasonable price for a fully customizable system. Imagine though slapping 32GB of RAM into this thing

[@maxforce1259]

32 gigs would be beyond overkill for something like this. 16 would probably be enough, but that's just me.

[@charlesruffing5606]

You literally have access to thousands of games.

[@FireFuture-fq7if]

That’s what I’m gonna do XD

[@barkinruday]

Honestly if this was priced at $200 or less I would buy one to tinker with it.

[@tomonoheya2625]

4gb ram model is $200 without controller

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

I still think $100 is The sweet spot.

[@jaymethysell5111]

@@tomonoheya2625 Wow, so they bumped the price $100 for only 4GB of Ram? If you are planning to upgrade the RAM, then this is the way to go.

[@teekay929]

@@jaymethysell5111 4 gigs or RAM and 4k output vs. 1080p

[@Boswd]

8gb ram without controllers is $260

[@HyperSniperCo]

Honestly, the construction of this thing is surprisingly solid. Good on Atari, even though its a bit moot in concept.

[@adesignersperspective]

yeah the UI is surprisingly solid looking too. it's just way overpriced. i'd buy it if it were like $100 - maybe $150 - and actually included a controller.

[@fesyuki]

Still the reasoning of this console is still unknown is it a mini pc or a retro console or a media player or what & that's why it will fail

[@evdestroy5304]

@@fesyuki That really seems to be the main problem with it. It tries to be everything and the price is jacked up high because of it, making it not worth it.

[@anthonybernero9720]

@@adesignersperspective 150$ including controllers? No game system has ever been that inexpensive, so why should this one be? Get real, kid.

[@adesignersperspective]

@@anthonybernero9720 what the actual fuck are you on about? literally every other "classic" console or emulation box on the market right now from every other company be it nintendo, sega, hudson, neo geo, or anyone else, is at that pricepoint if not vastly cheaper, and includes a controller. the atari VCS has zero reason to be any different. it's overpriced. your comment makes absolutely no sense.

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Man Rogue Leader still looks good. It was absolutely incredible for a Gamecube launch title

[@jaymethysell5111]

And it still plays good too.

[@austins.2495]

I was checking that out too

[@xxKrazyKxx]

Honestly, most GameCube games hold up pretty well graphically.

[@b.o.353]

These are the videos you do best.

[@eightbit1975]

Great teardown video. This video partially sealed the deal for me to pick one of these up. The build quality is really good and not what I expected at all. I guess I am used to all of those generic SOC consoles. This is using off the shelf parts, but the board design is clearly unique and thought went into it. I picked up one of these today from Microcenter for $250 with two controllers (major rollback!). Not sure what that means. A sale or a sign of a failing console? Either way I don't care....I paid what I consider fair for this and it has exceeded my expectations for $250. Excellent system for that price!

[@SockyNoob]

If they added things like Atari 8 bit computer games and maybe Lynx games, the vault thing wouldn't seem so pointless.

[@HKgaming86]

the video we've all been waiting for

[@robtimuscron1126]

If I told someone 10 years that people would be playing a new Atari console in 2021, they'd think I was crazy. Yet....here we are.

[@Alex_Power]

It kind of feels like they announced this almost 10 years ago, maybe 7

[@TylerSane5]

I've learned a lot of little things watching this channel!! Keep up the good content homie.

[@Trontasia]

Now you could say: "I played GTA: San Andreas on an Atari system." Hehe 😀 - that's awesome & interesting 😎😊

[@djphildeez6357]

Actually.. yeah, that’s kinda wild

[@Trontasia]

@Lassi Kinnunen 81 Yeah, was thinking you could also play Super Metroid on there, Zone of the Enders 1 & 2. Maybe could play Arcade games too 😎😀

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Well, all he really did was play SA on a PC, which has been possible for half an eternity

[@jengelenm]

That game is almost 20 years old

[@Trontasia]

@@Howitchewstofeel5gum Well, on an Atari with PC capabilities.

[@EmTekTube]

So this is basically an Athlon 200GE/3000G PC stuffed into fancy Atari chassis... Will be interesting to see when this goes on sale lol

[@alexatkin]

Its slower than a 3000G, a R1606G based on the 2200U. Its kinda sad when you can currently buy a 2500U laptop for a similar price which is about 80% more powerful.

[@cloudouterman]

Is the Nintendo Switch as powerful as the consoles from Sony and Microsoft?

[@trinity31409]

Just thought while hearing Jon discuss this...how long until the big brain tech people from SpawnCast collaborate and design their own SpawnConsole...SpawnSole?...That is one I would back.

[@Oniphire]

It'll be the world's easiest console to teardown & repair. The controllers will be hammers. I'm already sold

[@plasmaoctopus1728]

@@Oniphire The only screws it would use would be philips screws if nothing else.

[@MochiWiz]

9:45 they might have disabled the ability to change boot locations in BIOS. Some PCs are already set up to search for a USB option before defaulting to the operating system on the internal hard disk.

[@Tom5TomEntertainment]

I can't wait till we can emulate the Xbox on an Atari

[@stellardafellar]

This is the tear down I've been waiting for since I first started watching Spawn 3 years ago

[@KOSAMAGAMES]

it literally looks like my old FiOS router, the "Verizon FiOS Actiontec MI424WR" lol

[@ilikeitalot2923]

I don't get why they put a first gen ryzen chip in it. If they would have put maybe a 3000 series Zen it would be a pretty decent price.

[@capcomfan82]

It does look straight out of 2006

[@travisporter357]

Facts

[@Cookberg]

I used to work tech support for FiOS when they had those routers...I do not miss those days

[@FireSloth1134]

@@ilikeitalot2923 1st gen? This processor came out in 2019.

[@MurderMostFowl]

I don’t know what the hang up was about the fan... this turn design is very common... it’s only that it normally has less of a neck at the end. Internally, isn’t it shaped as a logarithmic spiral (a seashell) just like the others to sling the air outward efficiently?

[@kennethd4958]

ETA Prime has installed Windows on his m.2 drive for this so it's for sure possible. Might help with your dropped frames.

[@funboy4809]

I'm sure Johnny Lawrence would love this new Atari...

[@tomasby7659]

Nah, he would probably try to sell it at the pawn shop as a Nintendo 🤣🤣 Edit: AGAIN!

[@VIRACYTV]

You’ve said “underneath of there” in several videos. Is it a regional thing that you say that, rather than saying “underneath there”?

[@MrSujano]

Great Video! A few interesting design choices... For your HDMI issues, there are a few inexpensive "splitters" available on Amazon that might make things easier :)

[@HoroJoga]

If you did the tests after adding more RAM, they mean nothing lol

[@Haseltine333]

Love the tear down videos! Excellent brother!

[@FireSloth1134]

You were surprised at how much work to get to the RAM, but you totally didn't need to remove the cooling system. I've watched lots of other videos on this and it should be something like a 5 minute affair.

[@syferz]

You should really check out the Ryzen 2200u laptop that this Atari SoC is based on, the Atari SoC has a 50% higher GPU clock too. The channel ETA Prime has an Atari VCS with windows 10 running on it, you should try messaging him to figure out how he did it.

[@alexatkin]

With that higher clock, any idea how it compares to say a 2500U?

[@district5198]

Absolutely love it, kids love it. PC and Linux modes very kool. And allows for KODI. Highly recommend it! Not perfect but kids and family absolutely love it. Great product!

[@rob9472]

I'd love to see a Polymega comparison, I reckon it'll play all those games much better.

[@ryankelly9167]

Curious about an update to this video after some time with it because I truly would not mind grabbing this if it goes on sale for like $200 and then upgrading the internal storage and RAM myself. I have never built my own computer and this seems like a nice baby step into that area. It seems like with a 500 GB SSD and 32 GB I could have a little beast on my hands that could get me into PC VR land. Basically I wonder if this thing can play Half-Life: Alyx with storage and RAM upgraded. 😜

[@charlesruffing5606]

Thanks for the review... From mainly your observations and feedback (I have watched many)I will be getting the Atari VCS. Now to watch your video a few more times to get brave enough to upgrade the RAM. :D

[@MrAndresm900]

I was surprised SPAWN didn't open up the Atari VCS yesterday I almost thought I was watching a different KZbinr. 🤣

[@unitedfools3493]

If you want to avoid stressing the soldered plugs as much you can purchase "ponytail" cables - a really short male to female (if appropriate) extension cable in other words. The cable takes the abuse of plugging in rather than the plug. I wonder if the decision not to allow "Other OS" on M.2 was because of Windows appalling record with SSDs. For example the most recent major update fixed an issue where Windows 10 would stop itself from booting if chkdsk was run.

[@SuperNicktendo]

I guess it depends on what drive you're using. I had a 3.1 USB and it ran decently. I have an SSD enclosure on order so I can get WinToUSB to install on the SSD like you would the flash drive. Honestly this PC is pretty good assuming you backed it on Indigogo - I still can't really recommend it at retail if you're planning on putting RAM and SSD after you spend all that money. The case is pretty awesome though.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

Honestly I think they should just sell the empty case that would probably be fantastic at like $50. Then you can slap something considerably more capable inside this thing.

[@SuperNicktendo]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu I don't think you could fit a lot into this. It's 2 inches tall at its tallest. But it would be a neat project to see what you can cram into it.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@SuperNicktendo I would be legitimately curious to see what they could fit in there. I feel like someone could do better than what Atari already did they have to.

[@andrewevans2792]

Also something to note when you upgrade the atari vcs use the fastest ram it will support because ram speed with ryzen matters if you use a slow kit it will tank performance

[@alexatkin]

Pretty sure it will only support 2666, Ryzen mobile does not support XMP AFAIK.

[@producerevan88]

check your black levels when you export the video next time, but per usual, thanks for the awesome teardown and video!!!!

[@princegoatcheese9379]

If we figure out how to install third-party hardware, like a new SSD and more RAM and possibly a new graphics card, I can see this becoming the gateway PC for a lot of people too intimidated by the price of entry for the PC building hobby.

[@princegoatcheese9379]

@AlwaysOutnumberedNeverOutgunned You mean is: just build a PC? In this economy?

[@ghostchannel33]

Have you ever thought about getting an ifixit kit for these System breakdowns

[@carllavery4442]

To be fair I wouldn't have expected this to run Star Wars Rogue Leader, that is one of the hardest Gamecube games to emulate due to how it utilised the Gamecube hardware and even on much better CPU's can stutter

[@SabreAZ]

GameCube is lagging cuz its streaming in assets. Once loaded, it should be good

[@Oniphire]

It's the shader cache I think, but yeah it'll get much better after running the game for a while

[@plasmaoctopus1728]

Would using the ubershader setting work, or does the vcs not have good enough specs to really utilize that?

[@carllavery4442]

@@plasmaoctopus1728 I doubt it would for Rogue Leader, I've had trouble running that game with much higher specs then that Atari has. Its just how that game utilised the Gamecube hardware that makes it difficult to emulate

[@DawnOfTheOzz]

We're not even a month in and already this year keeps throwing us curveballs.

[@JDAWG2111]

I can't help but feel bad for those who bought this thing.

[@kevintemido]

I’ll buy one when it hit $100 LMAO

[@ernestoq9569]

@@kevintemido nah ill get this shii when it’s free cuz no ones buying this😂

[@Nonx47]

I don't get bad for them, did they really expect it to be that good? Honestly....

[@brandon_nope]

@@kevintemido Nah wait till it's $20

[@DoraDora20188]

@@ernestoq9569 watch the video

[@RetroBerner]

Maybe you can install or clone Windows onto the m.2 and then use a bootloader on a usb stick to redirect to it during bootup

[@Robosan4000]

I'll get one when they are on clearance in a couple weeks for $50

[@joebiggs4387]

Considering how it’s upgradable. Ppl who might be looking for a middle of the road PC/gaming machine. I can see how it might be attractive. Especially if you’re an Atari fan. Just seeing those old 2600 games and arcade games made me think twice. I’m curious to see how they market it going forward and what it might be capable of. 🤔

[@derekt7206]

The issue I find with it is the cost of the system is way too much for what it does and compared to other systems out there. This is not how you make a name for yourself. It's a neat system but the price kills it.

[@MicklowFilms]

Because making a name for yourself means selling the system at a loss and bankrupting the company? Great idea...

[@derekt7206]

@@MicklowFilms Well, you tell me you think it will fly off the shelf Mr. I'm Smart and I know everything? The company hasn't been relevant since the late 80s or 90s. Making this system at the price is going to kill it as the Ouya did it was trying to be something it was not and it ended up dead within one or two years active.

[@derekt7206]

@Markus Müller I'm not surprised, to be honest. I expected more.

[@maxheadroom4659]

yeah, I'd buy it if they lowered the price

[@derekt7206]

@@maxheadroom4659 same I like the idea of it.

[@julufaded]

I feel like this system will be a future collector system.

[@PNT97]

Love the title change

[@SidNightWalker]

Hah, I see that.

[@dannopalmer6083]

This is why people are buying i

[@samysnes]

They usually make hot air go out the back because of the way furniture is designed. If hot air is pushed out the side while the system is enclosed in a cubby hole, well you get the point.

[@bawlout9367]

I like how they built a legit mini pc/console. If Microsoft and Sony followed suit the eco system would be that much bigger with more mods and games. What I'm waiting on are modular gaming consoles. Imagine having 3 gpus options when you buy a console? Pay as much as you want to put into it.

[@fighterguard]

That's never gonna happen. Game developers are already quite unhappy with MS for forcing them to support 2 completely different performance targets. The idea of consoles is that you should know exactly how much power you'll get, and you build your game around that. PC development is already pretty hard because of the almost infinite hardware combinations, and that's a big part of the reason why so many PC ports suck. Also, modular consoles would be WAY more expensive to manufacture. So, your idea would basically make the very concept of a videogame console completely irrelevant, and there would be absolutely no reason to buy one over a gaming PC.

[@elimalinsky7069]

Rogue Squadron needs ubershaders enabled in graphics settings. Preferably also tick the pre-calculate shaders checkbox. The game suffers from stuttering regardless of host hardware.

[@ddbhaha1529]

build quality looks good, but not worth $300 for such a low spec(lower end chrome book equivalent) mini computer. $150 is fair.

[@sarmadka]

This box is more powerful than a Chromebook. Chromebooks don't come with a Ryzen CPU and Vega graphics. The price is actually good when you compare it to PCs with a similar form factor. For example, Intel NUC would cost you close to double the price for a box that has faster CPU, but way slower GPU.

[@ddbhaha1529]

@@sarmadka Buddy, chromebooks also have a higher end CPUs. This Atari box is a dual core 2nd gen Ryzen embbedded CPU. With 32GB 32GB eMMC storage. It is not much better than low end Intel dual core mini PC boxes. That is why I compared it to Chrome books. It is a low end device. Not worth $300.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@ddbhaha1529 They should just sell the empty case and let people put whatever they want in it.

[@PrinsessePeach]

ETA Prime was able to run Windows on the M.2 drive without issues.

[@mortmortmort8908]

Honestly, for that price? Really really good. I could imagine it making a pretty sweet home theater pc

[@michaelhanson5773]

I always wonder why some console designers build them to pull air from the side and not the front. Normally if you put a console in an entettainment cabinet, the front will have bettet access to cooler air... plus making air go around corners just takes more energy.

[@chrispy3051]

Just grabbed this on gamestop for $100

[@Balthazar2242]

The Space Invaders easter egg on the board is neat

[@ConcasicoWoodworks]

Could you turn this into a small "Steambox" for old valve games?

[@theshinken]

Why not? It should run Dota and CSGO with a somewhat acceptable framerate.

[@LordelX]

Hmmm...how does it run MAME? Actually, I quite like the look of it. If it comes down in price, it might be a good idea.

[@FloppyDiskMaster]

Ah, yes, 16 gigs of RAM, now I can get better performance from Pong.

[@Tamago-xe4eb]

Love playing 4k HDR SSD enhanced pong bro.

[@julianx2rl]

@@Tamago-xe4eb - I heard there's a blue DLC coming.

[@Tamago-xe4eb]

@@julianx2rl Does it include a code for Pong remastered & knuckles?

[@julianx2rl]

@@Tamago-xe4eb - That is coming as a completely separate release in the future, Capcom style.

[@jaysefgames1155]

Pong in 500fps

[@Boswd]

would love to see how gaming streaming services like Stadia runs on it. This machine reminds me of what the Chromebook was/is when it first came out people weren't quite sure what to think about it, would harp on it's specs, but when you start running things within it's capabilites people started to realize that it doesn;t need high end specs due to it's cloud based OS purpose. I get the same vibe here, I think when you operate this withing it's capabilites you find it's a great machine, This seems to be geared more towares cloud based services. With having enough power to run some basic applications nativiely well.

[@TommyCrosby]

To be honest, taking into consideration that you need to upgrade the storage and even maybe the RAM, I don't really think it worth the price over a custom built SlimITX computer.

[@elimalinsky7069]

The storage, yes, the RAM, not really. 8GB is plenty enough. You're not going to run multiple virtual machines on this things while running simulations of molecular structures at the same time.

[@robertfinley681]

Very interesting to see the near-forgotten 60MM and 40MM M.2 screw anchor points. I have only ever seen one of those required by any machine. Ever. And it's my HP Zbook 14 G2.

[@kfishwick3]

For those who don't know Japanese, his T-shirt says: "We'll be the ones clapping cheeks today"

[@REDSIX]

I am skeptical

[@chrisharalambous7795]

Or more like “私の戦闘力は530000です” which means my combat power is 530,000

[@kfishwick3]

@@chrisharalambous7795 It was more for the people who don't know Japanese, like I said.

[@raven122199]

I feel I may be the only one that got that reference lol

[@kfishwick3]

@@raven122199 One person is good enough for me

[@stevenrod100]

It's a cool console for sure, just hoping the price goes down eventually. I can see it next to my other retro consoles or my Nintendo and Sega mini setups. The past couple years people were scared this would never actually come to market or be very under powered from what was promised. Looks like they actually came through though.

[@BraxtonKovary]

Besides the fact that this is a mini-PC, is anyone really buying this thing to play Atari games? 😐

[@corbinbelle8082]

I wanna buy it for Atari games alone, I never play them even if there basic

[@JJGamezMC]

@@corbinbelle8082 There’s atari collections on other platforms tho right?

[@corbinbelle8082]

@@JJGamezMC True but I thick it be cool to buy a Atari console to play Atari games

[@HKgaming86]

Yeah but if it's any consolation you can run less demanding pc games through windows or linux on this thing. To the best of my knowledge you can't put windows or linux on the series s

[@JJGamezMC]

@@corbinbelle8082 Yeah I guess the novelty factor is there but it’s way too expensive for just playing atari games.

[@UltimateTechHub]

We have played Atari today...that's a funny little hidden gem. Getting to the RAM is pretty inconvenient. 16 GB should work great! I'm still not sure I would get this. Like I said before I had this in my cart for 2 weeks and never pulled the trigger. I wanted to review the VCS but I decided on reviewing the PS5 instead. Nice video.

[@ThreeSkin]

I would watch a playthrough of John playing gta San Andreas lol

[@Matrix803]

One thing I have to mention after playing around with my VCS is, Atari is going to have piracy issues up the wazoo with this console. It is *extremely easy to* access game files and data in a live Linux boot USB, when they are presumably only meant to run in Atari's OS. I figured it out within an hour of tinkering with it. Having a game console with an open OS and open hardware is going to be a real turn-off for dev's who were interested in making exclusive content for the VCS.

[@Jbayz]

You're getting way ahead of yourself here lol.

[@angrytacos5497]

This will be in the clearance section by June

[@nerometalmkii2876]

I am so glad that Atari finally made a console to accompany their games in the landfill🥰

[@subzer007o4]

Upgrade it so I can heat up some pizza rolls.

[@hokuhikene]

How about a George Foreman console next xD

[@MedalionDS9]

usb powered mini-ovens are all the rage

[@Kabii888]

Nice Freeza shirt Spawn!

[@mcswabin207]

why does a $300 'console' need so many thermals to play 40 year old games?

[@micahlindley7515]

Streaming and modern games, maybe.

[@HKgaming86]

because it's actually a mini pc?

[@bashirsfar3825]

Probably because of the chip. Its still a laptop chip so it needs laptop level cooling

[@randallbro6749]

It's a 300 dollar mini pc no one was forcing you or anyone to buy it...the only thing I'm surprised about is that they delivered. They'll definitely lower the price or liquidate everything anyway

[@Lisa_Minci96]

I'm just surprised they didn't stick with a cheaper ARM processor, Ryzen seems kinda excessive

[@gregkathyyoung2323]

If you own a pc and are used to running emulated games I feel this might now be for you. However, I love my Atari vcs! I was at first taken back to just how bad graphics were 30 to 40 years ago. But some of the games are classical. I love the atari set-up very much. I'm also having a fun time using antestream. Tons of retro games with that application. I will probably use this for 3 to 4 months and end my service agreement with them. However, I've never emulated my ripped game cube games before. I didn't even realize that you could run those at 1080. I'm falling in love with gamecube games all over again. I've even started playing n64 games again because of this system. Overall I love it! I do think it was 50 to 100 dollars over priced. But I'd waste that money on something else I suppose.

[@sa3270]

I still can't figure out who the target is for this thing.

[@jamesblaine5517]

People like me who love retro stuff and want to do emulation on it. The style of the system does not look out of place sitting on the shelf next to an original Atari 2600, especially if you ordered the wood grain version.

[@DS9TREK]

@@jamesblaine5517 you could 3D print your ok an 2600 and put a Raspberry pi inside it far more affordablely if you're interested in emulation. I don't get who buys this product at this price.

[@jamesblaine5517]

@@DS9TREK lol so your argument is I can make the case? So you'd have to buy/pay to use a 3d printer, model my own case or hopefully find one that looks right and do all the post processing myself (sand, paint and finish). Not sure how you think any of that would be cheaper. Also I have a Pi3 kit and will repeat myself dosnt match the retro decor.

[@goonerOZZ]

I honestly think they wanted to ride the craze for retro re-release console like Nintendo with their mini NES / mini SNES that was followed by Sony with their mini PS1. BUT unfortunately I think these guys underestimated to production process of making these retro console and basically now the craze is gone. I think people who bought them (like the guy above me have explored) bought them for the novelty of it, not really expecting them to be a console / mini PC that can compete with PS or XBox or even Switch.

[@jamesblaine5517]

@@goonerOZZ You may be right about 90% of your statement. Let me be clear I did not buy this for the "novelty" of it, I bought it cause I see it as a useful piece of hardware that fits the aesthetic of my old hardware. If I was interested in the novelty aspect I could have just bought the one that came out years ago that just looked like the Atari controller.

[@paulroberto2286]

Yo, just finished the first atari video, perfect timing!

[@jloe01]

TFW the new Atari console has 4x more RAM than the Switch

[@BoviDaze]

I run Ubuntu on the M.2 drive without any issues. Haven't tried Win 10 on it, but I have seen people run it on the M.2 drive as well.

[@cwise610]

Atari VCS Pro rumors start now

[@papasitodonkey9749]

You didn't hear? They are make an exclusive Star Fox game for this system

[@kpmac1]

"we have played Atari today". Love it. Wish you didn't have to take the thing apart to see it.

[@DukeDudeston]

Is this a console? Seems like a PC to me.. but then where do we draw the line these days? Eitherway well done Atari for making a pretty slick device. I may have to pick one up if / when they go on general sale.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

No joke I think if they were $50 but just the empty case they would fly off the shelves. It's the most interesting part in it's pretty easy to get the guts.

[@madmax2069]

It's a console due to its size and how it works, just because it uses the same architecture as a PC doesn't really change that fact. Yes it has PC mode, but then it's just a consoleized PC, but the console aspect of it will still be there.

[@johnodaz1273]

Great TechWave video Jon(SW). I can imagine Avid Fans, Collectors n Tech Fans doing wonderful things with the Atari VCS but for the Average Consumer it's way overpriced, it needs too come down in Price massively too get more hands on it.

[@Angel_Peg]

Don't understand the point of this console

[@goonerOZZ]

I think they were trying to get in the craze of the old console re-release like Nintendo did with their mini NES and mini SNES, also Sony with their mini PS1. But I think they really underestimating the production process and now they're kinda late and the craze about those stuffs have passed.

[@sarmadka]

The point of it is openness. It's an open console that uses standard technology stack. If this succeeds you'll start seeing app and games offering that is unmatched by any other console. Yes, you won't get the AAA games that require powerful hardware, but you'll get thousands of games and all sorts of other apps with no restrictions. I mean, don't you want to have Discord and VLC and Kodi on your game console?

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@sarmadka Let me stop you right there, there is no way this thing is going to succeed not to the point it would need to to really be a true success. It's going to be an oddity a fun little knick knack the people who like Atari pick up for kicks and giggles. Another company that thought they could put out a competitor to the big boys that was DOA. (and that was before they thought it was a good idea to put it out during the launch of new anticipated consoles after constant delays that held it up for years) At best this will be a nice little fun thing for people who still think Atari is relevant in 2021.

[@sarmadka]

@@JohnDoe-wq5eu If you think people who are interested in this are interested because it's Atari or because it has a classic joystick or because it runs Atari emulation then you are mistaken. People who are interested in this are interested mainly in the openness of this box and in the fact that it runs standard Linux. My guess is that most of those interested in it have actually never touched an Atari before. The box doesn't have to succeed among the general public, it only needs to succeed among those geeks and that'll be enough to lift it up in terms of apps and games offering. We'll have to wait and see.

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

@@sarmadka Time is definitely a factor as I know it's when not if this thing drastically reduces in price to say $99 people will have more interest right now heck no.

[@fotis7312]

Try installing Cyberpunk . Want to see how it runs with the 16 gb

[@BMW-sd6nn]

I'm going to get one, its pretty cool to me and im interested.

[@IERServer]

I admit I would too as well if I had the money tbh

[@hokuhikene]

🤦‍♂️

[@hornsey06]

Same

[@Tysard]

I wonder if you can get Lakka installed on it for a pure emulation based OS. The price of a Series S really hits it hard though and I think that'll be its main downfall. If they'd have gone down the Nintendo Switch copying route then I think that would've definitely made it more worth buying since it'd be an up-gradable and portable emulation system but then again, that would've increased manufacturing costs. I hope it does surprisingly well and they make new versions but that seems very unlikely.

[@L7ogz]

only OG’s remember “Why did people buy the Atari VCS”

[@FullBitGamer]

honestly I want this thing so bad. It is the perfect companion system to a good PC, kind of like a Steam Machine. I loved my Alienware Alpha for what it was and did, this looks like more of the same. I dig it.

[@hornsey06]

Finally someone understands

[@WackMau]

For $300? Hell, no. If it had a VEGA 11, maybe. Underwhelming af

[@C_B_Hubbs]

I want the VCS to succeed enough so that a robust community around indie games forms around the system, and games can release for it and get some exposure, that would otherwise get buried on the Switch eShop and other stores.

[@NoNsToPxs]

Now run Cyberpunk 2077 to see if it can run stable 30 fps with those 16gb RAM

[@evdestroy5304]

It runs stable but it's a low framerate (10-15 fps on average). It's technically playable but not the best way to play it.

[@Triggered-RC]

It's certainly better than I expected... Wonder if I can install retropie on one :D