One Year with the Atari VCS: Can This Console Survive?

[@MetalJesusRocks]

I saw they did a Christmas sale a few weeks ago at $50 off… but even then I couldn’t quite yet bring myself to snag one for all the reasons you mention. When it gets to $150 or better yet $99 I’ll probably snag one to have in the collection. We’ll see…

[@johnhancockretro]

Yeah there still is a $50 price sale, but still $350! That is way too high. Get a Switch, Xbox Series S, or cheap PC/Laptop instead for that price.

[@demonology2629]

See you will not spend the money either because I'd assumed to play games on my Android instead when it comes to downloadable junk formatless video game systems

[@jackbrown7787]

I've just been putting bids on ebay for 150 max bid they have been selling on there for like 190... but I want the wood grain one but I'm sure if you don't care you can throw a few bids out and see what happens. The ad said and looked in box

[@DethMetalMetrosexual]

You will never get it for that cheap, dude. Maybe in like 10 years if the system fails and the components become outdated, but even then, it’s still a pretty powerful computer.

[@jackbrown7787]

@@DethMetalMetrosexual one just sold on ebay for 190. Probably opened but all original boxes components etc. I just lost the bid the guy won at 190

[@NMack-is3nb]

They need to get more of their branded console games on there like Jaguar, XE, and Lynx. Also games from off-beat consoles like 3DO, CDi, and Colecovision. If they can find a way to offer stuff that the big three are not it would separate them from the pack. Yeah, it comes down to licensing but if they can do it for a low cost it could be the perfect retro station for the market.

[@esperago]

N. Mack: Yessir, if they could get some Lynx and Jag games going, I think it'd start to carve out a funky little niche. They've commented something like "keep an eye out" regarding Lynx games and "wouldn't that be great" regarding Jag games. So I think it's something they're working on. We'll see.

[@ddarko08]

Would love to see them start releasing Lynx, Jag and even Atari 8-bit and ST stuff!

[@Matrix803]

That's a great idea actually, getting games from 3DO/CDi and ColecoVision, etc. They should especially put on 5200 games, since those games were probably overshadowed by the system's faulty controller.

[@ddarko08]

@@Matrix803 100% agree about the 5200 games…would love to give them a go with the modern controller

[@dyscotopia]

Every failed system from the 80s should be supported. The licensing can't be thaaat hard.

[@Larry]

I'd like one, but as they have no UK distributors, I'd have to pay $80 import tax on top of the $350 they're offering it for (not to mention shipping as well). It's just way too expensive for what it is. Such a shame :(

[@SRPC21]

I love your channel

[@daddykarlmarx6183]

80 dollar import tax on a console that's already twice the price of it's actual worth (compared to other devices) definitely isn't worth it and I don't really see the appeal

[@hazy33]

I'd say we got the best deal TBH ;)

[@btetschner]

I actually only have a Sega Genesis Mini (which is the first system I have bought in around 21 years) but I have been very curious to how this system will play out. Your review is very helpful, thank you.

[@dad7275]

Im a big vcs fan and have been enjoying it for quite a while now and in this video I agree with everything that you said. I really want to see that installed base increase. Games are very well priced now if they can get the console to match. I really want them to succeed like yourself. Im guessing that they cant afford to take a large loss on the console at the moment but somthing needs to happen. On the positive side of games being available on other consoles is thats a way to make $$ so the can focus more resources the vcs. But that price needs to change bottom line. Enjoyed the video. 😊👍

[@spendalkendal1827]

Can wait to get mine. GameStop was selling Atari VCS bundles for $99.99 yesterday. I though it was a mistake at first but my order went through and it sold out in minutes 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@dad7275]

@@spendalkendal1827 wow! I never heard of that! Hopefully they are doing it to increase the userbase and not discontinuing it. I really want it to succeed.

[@dad7275]

@@spendalkendal1827 definitely let me know how you like it when you get it. I really like mine. Try Tempest 4000 with the classic controller (the joystick has the spin action like the classic paddle wheel controller on 2600).

[@carth85]

Hah, your face in the thumbnail really says it all. Thanks for the great video, being the legend that you are I always enjoy hearing your opinions.

[@johnhancockretro]

I appreciate that!

[@maxamuscrasious3047]

I got one through a friend who backed the initial kickstarter. Played the built in games a few times with the matching controllers which was good, but found the browser performance to be poor, did not see a way to have it work as a steam link or pull from my media center from within the built in interface and decided to give Ubuntu a try. Plus I am more of an Intellivision guy anyway. Tossed in a m.2 SSD and upgraded the RAM. After dual booting for months the only time I found myself in the built in OS was when I forgot to mash escape for the boot menu. Few weeks ago took the plunge and wiped the eMMC, reinstalled with OpenSuSE with the bootloader on the eMMC and SuSE on the SSD. Works great as a cool little media center PC / Steam streaming location, and the controllers are solid enough as daily drivers.

[@Matrix803]

Yep, I have a similar story with mine. I find both controllers to be _very_ good actually.

[@kassanovajoneze]

John once again you really made this post a very reliable source of gaming info for old skool retro enthusiast who are still undecided about this console. Its the price. For what it can do as opposed to other mainstream consoles that are on market today. Give me something thats more appealing that separates you from the competition. For its out the box features the price needs to come down.

[@arielnunez0612]

Interesting to follow the progress of a console throughout it's life. I didn't know this had released at all, probably because when products are crowdfunded it feels really hard to know the release time when you about the same product on so many different occasions

[@smittysadventures8436]

This is great. Nice to some honest opinion and you've used this system quite a bit it seems. Thanks for this!

[@LincolnsHawk]

Will be really cool to see the original vcs next to this vcs in your museum

[@danielproctor5237]

I have such fond memories of playing Atari as a kid!!

[@jeremygregorio7472]

The Atari VCS is a pretty decent low power AMD chipset. As long as they don't change the chipset it's a pretty okay deal for that kind of hobbyist computer. You can buy the barrel boards for about $150 but getting it packaged and ready to go is worth something

[@fatherelijahcal9620]

It is worth something. Just not $350.

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@fatherelijahcal9620 Agreed I could see this see this at $250ish max. otherwise $350 is saving up for a PC build territory that can last you a lot longer, and do a lot more things.

[@hazy33]

@@CommodoreFan64 And $350 is getting close to Series X price which makes it even more ludicrous. And of course $50 more than the Series S!

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@hazy33 True, or for $300 you could buy a Nintendo Switch, and have both a home, and portable console, or if you don't care much about playing on the TV like me, and/or have a main gaming PC, and a media PC in your game/family room that can also run games okay, then buy a Switch Lite for $200, save some money, and play the same games. So no matter how you look at it, the Atari VCS is just not a good buy.

[@SegaTron64]

Great video John, I agree they should market the VCS better. Possibly a nostalgia trip commercial with the old tune at the end "Have you played Atari today".

[@johnhancockretro]

Not a bad idea!

[@stretchingsamurai2047]

Another great Review bt the immortal John Hancock! Now for my part , I still love my console and use it everyday for my streaming needs on the Wifi of my appartment building. I love the recharge series as well. There is a lot to improve on the hybrid console but hopefully they get the message.

[@Cyberbrickmaster1986]

I have Centipede Recharged on Switch. I'll probably check out Black Widow when I get around to it.

[@DominickArena]

Great video. I've had mine now for about 6 months and ready to sell it. Too much for too little. Kept telling myself just wait...more is coming to the platform. I've had the MS DOS app now for almost 2 months and not 1 game released yet lol. I'm a huge Atari fan but not impressed. Keep up the great work

[@demonology2629]

Yeah right on man Atari isn't the same as it once was an industry giant. And one year not much came out for it it's all downloadable formatless junk. I knew it was a big mistake for the direction Atari went with no cartridges or no CDs! Yeah you should sell your Atari and get something a little nicer that's not downloadable junk to I'd assume the play video games on my Android device instead of playing the NEW Atari VCS. It's safe to say Atari Jaguar was the last great system they did and that's the end of it

[@kidguzzi_chrisgalardi]

All good and valid points. I did get one while on sale at Game stop for $279 otherwise I think the price is too high. I am having a lot of fun with it. The games are cheap and fun and I am using it for web browsing and watching you tube etc. Looking forward to seeing what they have planned for 2022.

[@johnhancockretro]

I hope they have a solid plan and implement it.

[@Daniel-it1dp]

Whoa, that’s a deep discount. Too bad, I may have considered it at that price.

[@adm712]

I got my VCS Christmas Eve. With all of the server glitches, it took me close to 3 hours to get set up, and could not access the store. Since then the store has kinda been hit or miss with Atari's server issues. For me the positives thus far- Anstream, streaming apps, the controllers, recharged series and the Atari 5200 selection in Vault 2. I always thought the 5200 has been overshadowed and its nice to see it being represented. As I am 50 years old and grew up with Atari, the system design, the controls and the "oldies" have a certain charm and appeal. However I think anyone under a certain age or who has not grown up with Atari, just isnt going to feel that charm. And again, the big negatives are the server glitches. Im really really hoping this does well in the new year.

[@johnhancockretro]

I hope that they start to offer more classics from the 8 bit computer line. So many games they offered that get left out.

[@adm712]

@@johnhancockretro Absolutely! With a library of consoles and arcade spanning 50 years, there is so much material Atari can release, while at the same time, develop brand new games. I personally would love to see a 2600 Coleco (red box) vault released.

[@jayo1212]

@@adm712 That would be me! Atari was before my time, and consoles prior to the NES are too primitive for my tastes. So yeah, never really had much faith in this thing, and the current "Atari" has a fairly sketchy reputation. The VCS is supposedly more powerful than the Switch, but if you look at all the things Nintendo has been able to do with it, what does that say about the VCS's higher power?

[@piperatdawn7184]

Just Subscribed. I was looking into the Atari VCS. I’m from the U.K. England, it’s not even available to purchase here yet. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I had the Atari Pong and VCS back in the day, I agree people will want one for nostalgia & it does need a lot more than this, otherwise people will go out and purchase one of those flashback models available from over the years. Again I agree on the price point, to sell a console at the price they’re asking, it really does need to have something up it’s sleeve to make it different to the Sony,Microsoft and Nintendo consoles, it doesn’t have the processing power under its bonnet, so it needs to go in its own unique direction, what that is, is any bodies guess.

[@brunocydonia]

Awesome that you got an Xbox Series X controller to work on the VCS! I managed to get the Bluetooth on an Xbox One controller to connect.

[@PantherSteven]

Great video John. You nailed it with regards to the pro's and con's of the system. I'm personally overwhelmed with games and don't really play the first party titles since Antstream and Xbox stream is awesome. (Except Centipede/Blackwidow recharged....awesome games) I was one of those waiting for a PS5 and was at one point willing to pay above and beyond the retail price to obtain one. That is no longer the case, thanks to this console and Xbox stream. I'll kick back and let the madness end and then make a move for a PS5, assuming they release games, since current games released don't excite me. Anyhow, I hope more people start looking into this console. My draw back, is the log out from the store as you pointed out in the video. I hope the update you mentioned works. Happy new year.

[@esperago]

Similar to you but slightly different - The VCS with it's unique set of curated games and the fact it introduced me to Stadia erased my desire to pick up a Playstation this year. I'm just having too much fun and that's worth a lot, to me anyway.

[@openskiesmedia]

I got mine for $250 from Micro Center. As a “tiny PC” with a bonus console, I think that was a great value. I don’t know how they can market it, though.

[@SRPC21]

The storage in PC mode is tiny though compared with with gaming PCs of the same price.

[@madmax2069]

@@SRPC21 that's what external storage is for, and there's an internal M.2 you can use to upgrade the storage (which will be faster than using an external drive).

[@DethMetalMetrosexual]

I bought one a few weeks ago at the $349 “all-in” bundle price. I think that is a fair price considering you are getting a console, a computer, and two controllers. I have been playing with my Atari every day for the past two weeks. I took it apart, upgraded the RAM, added an SSD, and I’ve been running Windows 10 Pro and Batocera on it using USB sticks. I run Steam on Windows and all kinds of emulators on Batocera. Part of the fun with this machine is learning how to upgrade it and use it as an emulator. It’s like the old days of computing. Besides PC mode, I also love the AntStream arcade and all of the games I’ve bought (and at such low prices, I’ve bought a bunch). I’m old now, and I have less time than James Rolfe, so I enjoy the quick and fun games on my Atari. I guess I could play these games on other systems, but I really enjoy using my Atari as my gaming and emulation station. The only other system I use regularly is my XBONE, and I mostly use that for media (KZbin, KZbin TV, and streaming services).

[@JTSuter]

I just got mine as a Christmas/Anniversary gift, and I'm glad my wife bought it for me. I think that the VCS has *potential*. There's definitely something there that sets it apart from the major consoles. The build quality is superb - it's higher quality than I anticipated. Also, if it positions itself as system focusing on providing a home arcade experience and does it well, then it could establish itself in the console ecosystem. But to your point, yes the price definitely needs to come down, at least to $250 max. Second, yes, Atari needs to continuously refine and improve its services as well as provide great exclusives.

[@saturnman9129]

I think you have said it all in an honest and fair way. I'm waiting for the UK release to get one , and I will get one because I'm an atari fan. But as you say , the lack of games , price and server issues are going to stop the general gaming public from buying into it. Needs a lot of improvement to get it to sell to anyone apart from atari fans

[@johnhancockretro]

Thank you, I was trying to be objective as I could.

[@F1JV]

To be fair…the server issues have not been an ongoing problem at all…just very recent. Plus…server problems will more than likely be resolved fairly easy & quickly. They are probably the result of just needing additional capacity to deal with more activity taking place…owners/sales/games/implementations of new features(friends & leaderboards).

[@sabertoothretro]

You make a lot of fair points. Personally, I really enjoy my VCS but agree that there is a lot of room for improvement and refinement. The price also needs to come down. I will say that the native content, while sparse, has been pretty good in terms of quality. These indie titles are often overlooked on bigger platforms. For example, I wouldn't have played Jetboard Joust or Thrustlander if not for the VCS and they are two of my favorites for 2021. I've also enjoyed modern AAA like Resident Evil Village via Stadia. Its flexibility will at least keep it from being useless if support ceases.

[@johnhancockretro]

You bring up some good points. I want the VCS to succeed but I don't know what their big goal is with the platform. I am hoping that they can improve upon what they have started in 2022.

[@esperago]

Thrustlander is so simple but just awesome. I haven't played a "just one more level" game like that in a long while.

[@LaneDenson]

@@johnhancockretro That’s been the challenge since day one. The VCS has always been a solution in search of a problem.

[@F1JV]

@@LaneDenson …the problem was no new modern ATARI system after the Jaguar. ATARI’s 🎮🕹VCS-800🕹🎮 is the solution.

[@LaneDenson]

But that's not a problem; Atari died for very good reasons, and sub-standard products like the VCS only serve to tarnish the brand further.

[@reddoggames3011]

I honestly really enjoy my VCS. I think it's a good choice for young kids that are just learning how to play games the Atari joystick works great for kids. Also I enjoy it more cuz there aren't like 40g update to download to play the games. I can play my game I bought within an hour or so. So that's a plus also one more thing is all the games are easy to pick up and play, something you can play for a few minutes then be done. So yah I enjoy it alot

[@RayRayZ28]

I didn't I couldn't find value at all. I was able to sell it and lost $30 on it, got a Series S for my kids and they are getting much more with that at a lower price as well. I am still rooting for Atari, but the price is sooooooooo it worth it for what you get.

[@reddoggames3011]

@@RayRayZ28 hay I agree with you the Xbox series s is probably better in the end but I like the VCS for the fact I can play a game without long download times. I have a Xbox one s and I hardly play it many because I don't have good internet and need to download updates constantly.If Atari keeps the games short sweet and fun, I will still play it over the new gen.

[@waynerowlinson6177]

Thank you for the honest review, John. I am a HUGE Atari fan and was hoping this thing would do well. I know it's a different company, but my nostalgia almost got the better of me and I was going to purchase one. Right now I'm glad I didn't purchase one. The Atari part of the console is barely worth anything, and it is a very weak PC. You mentioned the Ouya. I agree. I got one early on, and ended up with a second dirt cheap a while back to have as a spare. At $99 there wasn't a lot of risk, and it made a pretty good emulator box. Maybe Atari can stick a couple cartridge slots in it. THEN I'll be interested :-)

[@hazy33]

Nostalgia is great but this Atari and their pursuit of crypto, the hotels, not paying the actual designer of the new vcs. These guys are complete charlatans.

[@JeffSmith03]

For sure, if they included an official emulator and cartrige slots and floppy disk or at least disk images possible... that's what I hoped for

[@kornsin]

As a video game collector that grew up with Atari at home and the arcade if the price point hit under $200 I would consider it. I understand what they were trying to do but I can't fathom what they thought people would pay for it. There is not enough for me to find even the sale prices as reasonable. All that negative stuff aside the OG controller does look great and is that sweet spot of nostalgia and recognizing modern needs.

[@hurkamur1]

I've been console gaming since the early 80s. I have nostalgia for almost every major console starting with the intellivision and 2600. That said, this is just about the least enticing product i have ever seen in my life.

[@gamingquarterly6353]

I think the mentality was that they knew they were marketing towards a very small niche. Even if they hit a high percentage of that small crowd, it would not be profitable unless they charge an insane amount for the console. The reality is this Atari is not the same one from the 70s and early 80s. It’s a new company that bought the atari name and is out to profit by selling nostalgia but offering nothing else beyond that.

[@kornsin]

@@gamingquarterly6353 Well said.

[@vg4917]

Dude thanks for this, it looks pretty good.

[@vg4917]

oh $350 usd?? way too much. Agree w/ MJ $150 I would consider. $100 is a deal.

[@rburnsiv]

@@vg4917 They’re not going to sell a low end PC for 100 bucks dude.

[@cloudstrife1983]

With the Atari and Infogrames back catalogue, there should be more games... especially if companies aren't bothering to put new stuff on. And its basically a PC isn't it? They should get some PC stuff put on it too. Maybe get Steam on it.

[@johnhancockretro]

Steam on it would be great.

[@CommodoreFan64]

Agreed, but you can put it into PC mode, and then install STEAM on it, but at that point you might as well just take that $350, and put it towards building a better PC that can run a lot more games, and other software. They really should have made a $99 - $150 max mini console with a decent ARM SOC that can output 4K UHD, and added on the streaming services as a bonus if you want them, but then again Walmart is now selling an ONN branded Android streaming box with Google assistant key on the remote for $20 that can output in 4K UHD, and I'm sure that cheap ARM SOC could handle most all the old school emulaton the VCS is doing.

[@Bus_Driver_Tom]

Completely agree with you. I was also a backer and I use my original 2600 more than the VCS. Not only do they need to drop the price for others to buy into it but they also need to tap into their library of games

[@rometherevenant8749]

I can close my eyes and picture John C Reily when you talk and thats awesome. Id buy this for $200 sum just for the badass mini gaming pc form factor. Im seeing its a bit of a pain of the ass to get windows on it but im willing to give it a shot. Thanks for updating us

[@imm311]

great video! God bless!

[@1chiTheKiller]

Yeah I've got the Nvidia Shield, and I absolutely love it. It isn't nearly as expensive, but there are some great games for it. It also uses Android, so it works with Android games. It's great with emulators. Unfortunately not so great with Dolphin, but that's understandable. It has taken over as my primary way to play Playstation 1 games though. I like it a lot. I use it as my primary streaming box, and it's perfect for that. I feel like the VCS fits more alongside the Shield, although it's more powerful. It's also way more expensive though so it has a pretty big uphill battle, and considering I have the Shield for streaming, and the Switch, Xbox, PC, etc I have no shortage of games to play. The VCS needs to justify itself amongst such extremely powerful competition.

[@kjhoskins]

That price does need to come down. I really, really want to buy one of these, but the price is keeping me from doing so, as well as the game selection. The recharge games I can get on Steam, and the 7800 games I have on the Evercade. When you compare the Atari VCS to the Evercade VS, it's a no-brainer. For $130, you get the VS, 2 controllers, and 18 arcade version of games on 2 cartridges.

[@joeg4707]

If they could get Jaguar games running on that thing, I'd buy it.

[@DethMetalMetrosexual]

You can easily run Jaguar games on it right now.

[@joeg4707]

@@DethMetalMetrosexual Wow, how so? Jaguar games have never been reliably emulated. Has something changed?

[@DethMetalMetrosexual]

@@joeg4707 i just started the process of loading my roms, and I am still scraping (taking long time), so I actually haven’t run any Jaguar games yet, so maybe they aren’t stable. I am using Batocera

[@nitorishogiplayer3465]

Didn't know it had already come out, and a year on top of that. I was kinda surprised it has games that weren't made by Atari. Definitely needs more of those if it wants to break from the Atari fan niche

[@basicforge]

Thanks for this. For someone like me, whose most recent console is a PS3, the Atari VCS sounds like an interesting new purchase.

[@KellyBC]

I really want the Atari VCS to succeed, but it just isn't there right now. This probably isn't what they want to do, but I would love to have them sell just the shell and let me put a RPi or similar in there on my own. I really like the old style controller also if it worked with other systems. I think the have the games at the right price, but I don't see why I would want the hardware except for the aesthetics of it. I really appreciate your updates on this console (along with all your other content). :)

[@madmax2069]

I'd love to see games from the Jaguar, Lynx, arcade, XE and other Atari systems. And at it's current price it's a no sale for me, I'd snag one up if it was $99-$150, and maybe in the $200 range. But $350 is a no from me even though I want one.

[@liquidmercury1783]

I love your videos man!

[@stevenschwartzentruber7056]

I purchased one on sale as a die hard Atari fan. It’s got great hardware, but a really poor implementation to say the least. I’m hoping they can fix most of the issues through software updates. For example, the chip itself is capable of multi monitor 4K, but with the lack of good software drivers, it can hardly chug out 1080. For a comparable price, you can get an X Box-S with a way better end user experience. Yes, I got an Xbox at the same time to compare.

[@prezidenttrump5171]

You're the first 14 year old, die hard Atari fan. Hipster?

[@Sinn0100]

I want Jaguar games before I jump in. They give me the ability to buy AVP and Wolverine 3D it would be enough for me to get one.

[@RayRayZ28]

You're better off with a Series S for a cheaper price, more games and much more accessible.

[@DethMetalMetrosexual]

Series S can’t be used as a computer. I can boot to Windows on my Atari and access both my Steam library and my Xbox Gamepass for PC to play Xbox games. I can then boot to Batocera and run dozens of emulators. Or, I can boot to the Atari OS and play classic Atari games, AntStream (which is a really fun retro arcade and console streaming service with daily challenges), or I can discover and purchase some cool indie games that I would never have seen or noticed before amongst all of the games on the bigger systems’ overcrowded stores.

[@msbae]

$300 for this system is entirely too much. However, if they had emulators for ALL Atari platforms with all the games they own the rights to being made available...

[@marccaselle8108]

If they had perfect Atari lynx, Atari Jaguar and Atari 400/800/XEGS/ST emulation it could be a winner.

[@darkridearts]

I really want one but I just can’t justify the cost. It was an interesting choice making it so powerful/expensive. Hopefully they keep trying.

[@FuzzyDan]

I was so, so, soooooo rooting for this console to come out swinging and I have been completely underwhelmed by its offerings. Nostalgia alone just isn't enough to invest in this and I grew up in the Atari 2600 generation. I put my Christmas money into a Nintendo Switch instead and plan to satisfy my Atari nostalgia cravings by buying one or two of the new 2600 cartridges offered by Atari XP.

[@keyboard_g]

It costs more than a Switch. Who in their right mind would make that choice?

[@SokemRokemRobot]

My favorite all-time Atari 2600 game is Moonsweeper. They should improve on it for the Atari VCS.

[@JeffSmith03]

Me too, traditional Atari enthusiast here; I didn't trust backing it (since it was clearly not Atari but going to be well funded by less knowlegable backers). I'm glad I decided to wait for eBay, got one with the everything upgrades already done. Poor guy lost money but I got a good price by including 32GB RAM, all 3 controllers (meaning additional XBox One BT enabled controller), added internal 1TB SSD with Windows 10 retail usb key installed as dual boot with typical gaming platforms and some big games installed, another external 1TB USB drive intended to increase capacity of Atari apps, and Logitec Illuminated Living-Room Keyboard k830. They probably didn't like how slow it play the high-end games on Windows but I love it because I can explore in every direction with so many additions, or reuse components on other systems because even just an XBox One controller costs a lot these days.

[@terminalpower.]

I like to play Half-Life, Oblivion, Fallout, Vampire The Masquerade, and Ori on my VCS via Steam of course. On the Atari side I enjoy Ninja Golf, The Recharged Series, Sir Lovelot, and a few others. Playing with the classic controller just feels so good, I love using it.

[@edwardbaiz5817]

Well I do agree that Atari needs to market the VCS better. I only found out about it two days ago and being a BIG diehard Atari fan, I bought one. I am pretty sure more games will come, but Atari has to act fast. The price, yes a little steep, but not huge. Look at all the other consoles. They had the same problems and then the price came down. I am sure it will be the same with the VCS. Still, I am glad I bought and I can hardly wait to get it. Good job Atari... Gamer

[@larryzapata2614]

Everything about the VCS IS GREAT. EXCEPT THE PRICE!

[@chrisgardiner2215]

this is the first Atari year in video.... nice

[@SRPC21]

It needs to do some fan service: 1. Make both the entire Atari Jaguar & Lynx collection available to download EXCLUSIVELY for the system. Atari 2600 vault is available for peanuts on everything which is partly why no one bothered buying this. 2. Sell adapters that allow you to play your old Atari cartridges/controllers. The only way it could get a niece audience is to be the ultimate Atari system to own. As it is there is literally nothing exclusive or different about it.

[@AxiomofDiscord]

If they could make a paddle or even a trackball controller for this and PC I would buy one of each for my PC. Well at a decent price with reasonable quality that is.

[@JeffSmith03]

True, being able to twist the joystick to pretend it's a paddle just isn't working. That was only neat for an absolutely cheap thing I have where the whole computer is built into the joystick.

[@arsicpedja]

This can be quite good emulation box, apart from Atari thing :)

[@fkthewhat]

I knew of the system but didn’t know when it was released. It sounds like it’s not faring well in distinguishing itself from everything else out there. Hopefully they’ve got some tricks up their sleeve.

[@jayo1212]

I'm sure they do, but not the sort of tricks that can actually improve the system...

[@iconoclasttastic9258]

Honestly I want to like this - I think they nailed the design 100%, and have a lot of nostalgia for the brand. But there's no way this can survive.

[@jayo1212]

Not the way this Atari does things!

[@BURRITO44]

Another great video

[@jonniefast]

i think im gonna pick one up

[@bradleymcavoy3432]

I am an Atari fan and grew up with the 2600 but you hit the nail on the head John, for Hobbyists or Die Hard Atari fans it just fills a Niche market and I'm not so sure it will reach Ouya's unit sales numbers! 🙄 I mean Good grief the Wii-U reached barely 14 million units and the PS Vita 16.5 million units and both are considered Failures! Plus I Love my Vita!

[@Mayesjam1]

I wouldn't mind checking this system out.. but yes, the price NEEDS to come down

[@alcampbell469]

I love the idea of a new Atari console. As you might be able to see I have Trevor McFur as my you tube motif at present. There was one game I really wanted to play on Atari and that was Thrustlander. It has since come out on PC. I approached the game developer and I am one of the software testers for that game and it is great. Superb 10 out of 10. So without that being an exclusive what does Atari have to offer? Certainly not the price. It needs to be £199 max. Also, 45 games. I have a 7800 so I do not need any of those games. Nothing apart from nostalgia says buy it. Nostalgia also says to me, where are the Jaguar games?

[@bltxlettuce3444]

Seriously considered it when it was on sale at Gamestop for 279 during Cyber Monday, but they need new games, big games worthy of a $300-400 console. The recharged titles and GunTech seem but there needs to be either real 1st party titles or 3rd party support and right now I see neither. The hardware is good but there's really nothing that uses it.

[@bltxlettuce3444]

I'll expand on this a bit more, I'm a college student and was born around when the original Atari successors went belly up, I've been interested in some Atari stuff but they really need some new games, most people at my school barely know Atari at all and they are gonna have to do something to introduce Atari to a modern audience. Nintendo and Sega retro products are so popular because those are still companies well known to modern audiences and relevant to modern gaming. The NES/SNES/Genesis mini has appeal to people outside those who grew up with those consoles, because there are still new Mario and Sonic and Nintendo and Sega games. Nostalgia is a finite resource too ultimately, and Atari seems to be doing nothing to expand their appeal outside of a core of people who grew up with the 2600/7800 and those gaming historians who are interested in the history for its own sake.

[@mattdavis4056]

Haha the ouya was my first experience with emulation. So I enjoyed mine

[@spendalkendal1827]

Just bought my Atari VCS Bundle from GameStop for $99.99!! I’m still pinching myself waiting for my ordered to get cancelled but NO… it’s processing. I originally thought it was mistake by GameStop because it has happened before but so far so good

[@JMFSpike]

They need some original and exclusive titles, and ones that take full advantage of the hardware. They also need some good 3rd party support. If they don't get any of that it will be a dead console within 2 years or so. They certainly need some good marketing too as you said, but right now there isn't much of anything to market. They've got nothing to brag about that will make the vast majority of people want it.

[@TheStuffMade]

I understand the console as kind of a collectors item and I do find it desirable with a nostalgia factor, but the bundle with controllers is way too expensive at $350. I mean they are charging $100 just for a hat, that feels like a ripoff.

[@JGKingCrusher]

I was interested a while ago, but the price... when you can get a series S for cheaper, then you can't expect them to sell pretty much any. Sadly, by the time I feel comfortable picking one up, they'll probably be wrapping things up.

[@eternylbliss2151]

Needs exclusive titles and a lot of them! The price keeps scaring me off . I mainly want it a a collector. but $350 whew.....

[@smarmysmoove7731]

I kinda feel like Atari is dripping games, so that the past isn't repeated. The failure of the Atari consoles was too many independent studios were releasing literally broken games. Though I don't own one of these systems, I find it very cool that it exists. I am interested to see how this situation get handled. If all goes well I may have to invest.

[@johncown464]

It is a system where you need to have a need for a mid range computer and a nostalgia console. I love mine but needed a light weight pre built computer for work and a streaming console. The PS5, Xbox, and switch could not fit the computer need and, besides the switch, were too heavy. The VCS fit my needs and am enjoying it emencely. I am playing all my PC games on Steam at a slightly dumbed down capacity like NMS and CoD.

[@dougkaplan1449]

This thing is still $50 more than a Series S, the price is the biggest hurdle. I agree with Metal Jesus, $150 or less.

[@truckertoddllc]

When I tell people about the Atari VCS a lot of people don't even know it exists. Atari needs a better marketing department to make people aware of what it has to offer

[@OllyDee123]

Double the library and cut the price in half and I'd buy one. Except I wouldn't, because you'd still get better value for money with Gamepass on an Xbox. And that's a shame because competition is a good thing.

[@hectormontalvo5565]

It's just too expensive for the crumbs of entertainment it offers. 40+ years old simple games you have played hundreds of times in other better plataforms. If they at least included ALL the games they had in their systems thruout the years and cost $150-$200 then maybe it could be worth it and more people would be exited for it. But as it stands it's a simple but expensive system. I'll pass. Good video John!👍

[@rosse119]

It's a cool looking console, but I agree it's way too expensive, it should be around the £150 mark. There is a lot of Atari content I expected would be on it like the Lynx library.

[@Harlock2day]

Not on sale here in Europe. Atari said they will let me know. However I then checked the price and was appalled at it. The absolute most they should charge is $199 but $179 would be more realistic. Unfortunately getting the price wrong kills many new consoles as they debut in their new market. It has always happened, I remember the 3DO. People always think their baby is worth it and lack realism. Pity.

[@supernightslash]

No, it won't survive. Atari has literally done everything imaginable to completely sabotage this console's potential. It's a poorly handled kickstarter product made into a cheaply made set top box with severely underpowered hardware for $399.99. The Xbox Series S is $299.99. There is literally zero competition whatsoever that the VCS has. Every single thing that the console does, everyone else does better and more consistently. The Atari VCS is OUYA 2.0

[@OctoberGeek]

Seeing this video I feel like I vaguely remember something about it when it was announced as a KS, but I had no idea it came out. It looks really cool, but I am surprised by the price. I might pick one up for $150 to $200 Canadian, but $350 USD is WAY too much for what it seems to offer.

[@bridaluk]

I was a backer to the Atari VCS. I was so disappointed that it was advertised to include Tempest 4000 But it never came... I agree it needs more games. They should port some of the Lynx Games and Jaguar Games as well.

[@johnhancockretro]

Yes for sure it needs to represent more games from Atari's diverse history.

[@esperago]

They hinted that Tempest is coming in 2022, although it was during a discussion about the Recharged series, so it might be that instead of 4000.

[@samothsamoth69]

I’m at the head of my video games company. I’m working as contractor for big racing games developers. I’m’making my own games too. I have a free title that works very well on Steam. I have contacted Atari in order to port it in VCS. They’ve replied me 2 weeks later ans asked’me some details. I have answered and waiting for them for about 6 monthes now. John, this is 17 years that i’m working in the industry and i never see such a bad communication and desinterest. I can tell you that they do not want to succeed and they do not care anymore about their VCS.

[@F1JV]

You do know that ATARI’s new system is a hybrid console/HTPC and that an already available “free” game on Steam probably is something that they “think” their new owners “might” just use the PC mode to access your “free” game?

[@samothsamoth69]

@@F1JV You’re right. But my proposal for Atari was a second version with updated physics, graphics and way more content. This game will be out on Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox. I’ve got a publisher and a distributor. Going to the VCS was an extra. I really cannot figure what they are doing …

[@F1JV]

@@samothsamoth69 …ok…ATARI seems to be really curating the games that are in their storefront…they are all very interesting & all very good video games. Hopefully they will give your game a second look and regardless I hope it does well on the systems it is available on.

[@johnnyvolume100]

In Michigan, the vcs is not available in store at any retailer. You can go into a best buy or gamestop and have one ordered and shipped to your house through them, but you aren't going to pull one off a shelf or walk in and walk out with a purchased console. I honestly think atari more or less just wants this thing to die. I feel like it was released to avoid lawsuits from the people who initially backed it and they more or less painted themselves into a corner with its release. I've literally experienced gamestop employees not even knowing what it was when I walked in to attempt to purchase one. This tells me that there was no true retail release for it.

[@VileoSufora4]

I was unaware this even existed.

[@Projectwolfie21]

Honestly I'm just surprised that they're still supporting this a year later.

[@kawrght]

I was interested but yeah, like the other console the price of the vcs is far too high for the market its in, its a low to mid tier console with the pricing of a high

[@eskimojoe6564]

If they would of ported some real exclusive atari arcade games i could see something but a cheap handheld emulation can outperform this.

[@AnTran147]

They really need to cut the price in half. $200 for the full bundle and $150 for the system by itself. Microcenter sold out of their entire stock when they cut the bundle price to $250 for Black Friday. They would see that kind of sales performance more normally if they cut prices, instead of just having these things sit on store shelves gathering dust for months on end.

[@BubbafromSapperton]

As a past owner of an original heavy 6 I would have been a likely buyer but I'm just not that excited about this new machine especially at its selling price...

[@exhumus]

When mine came a year or so ago I was looking forward to revisiting some River Raid - only to find that it wasn't included in the classics bundle (along with just about every other game I loved from childhood). Since then there's been multiple failed system updates, manual downloading and installing of the latest BIOS, login issues, etc. And even now that it seems stable the game library still sucks. I'm also not a fan of the pro controller. It feels cheap and unresponsive. The classic controller is great, but as you say it's overpriced. I now have mine booting into Batocera off an external SSD where it's doing a fine job emulating up to PS1, Dreamcast and GameCube games.

[@hiphopheadspodcast]

Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure this is the only modern way to play food fight. 7800 was the only home port and I'm pretty sure food fight has never been released on a compilation. And Imo it's one of the best Atari games.

[@johnhancockretro]

Was released on the Atari Collection 1 for the Evercade. Yes a great game indeed.

[@hiphopheadspodcast]

@@johnhancockretro thanks for the heads up ok that release John!

[@jakep8484]

I think they should have made it take carts and just had quality 8 bit games for it. It should have been a vintage experience.

[@stephens9772]

I had to skip out on this one, I bought 4 systems this year, the most I have ever done, Xbox series X, PS5, Oculus Quest 2, and Analogue pocket, just no room for it in my budget and no games that really excited me.

[@176bammm]

How about Doom Eternal? Maybe Some remastered Jaguar games...Tempest 2000 revisited? Iron Solider? Cybermorph? Minecraft? Terraria?

[@josephdeleonardis349]

It was a cool idea but if I was looking for a console at the moment I’d chose the series S over that.

[@probenfetchak8076]

I feel like Atari’s main goal for the VCS should be to sell 30 million console units and for the next system make it have a disk drive and they should start making their own exclusives

[@christophermoltisanti4776]

Asteroids Recharged on the PC is excellent. The PS4 controller makes it way more fun. Thrust is the right trigger.