Ataribox | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:42:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Ataribox | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 The Ataribox has been rebranded to the Atari VCS, set for pre-sale next month https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/damien-cox/the-ataribox-has-been-rebranded-to-the-atari-vcs-set-for-pre-sale-next-month/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/damien-cox/the-ataribox-has-been-rebranded-to-the-atari-vcs-set-for-pre-sale-next-month/#respond Tue, 20 Mar 2018 13:30:35 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=367836 Atari’s push back into the console market was delayed at the end of last year, when the company suspended its crowdfunding with minimal warning. The project has now been revised, With the Ataribox becoming the Atari VCS, set to debut later this year. Pre-orders for the Atari VCS will go live next month with its …

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Atari’s push back into the console market was delayed at the end of last year, when the company suspended its crowdfunding with minimal warning. The project has now been revised, With the Ataribox becoming the Atari VCS, set to debut later this year.

Pre-orders for the Atari VCS will go live next month with its price ranging between $250-300. Considering Atari has adopted to go the crowdfunding route, it’s likely that an Early Bird discount will appear as an option while stocks last, but it is uncertain how much of a discount this will offer, if at all.

“With the Atari VCS name, we know how important it is to get everything completely right, and that's why we briefly paused an imminent launch late last year,” said Atari Connected Devices chief operating officer Michael Arzt, according to VentureBeat. “It was a difficult decision with the countdown underway, but we weren't willing to go forward with even one thing out of alignment. We hope that despite the delay, Atari's fans appreciate our extreme attention to detail and are as excited about the Atari VCS as we are.”

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Along with the rebranding, Atari shared new images of its modern control, as well as its classic joystick. Both share a black and orange theme with the joystick in particular echoing the slatted design of the console. These are currently still prototypes, but with the design likely to be finalised before next month's campaign, it's unlikely that the peripherals will undergo a great deal of change.

The Atari VCS follows in the footsteps of the proposed Ataribox, in that the hybrid console will play both Atari 2600 and PC games. Very few details are known about what the Ataribox was before its rebranding, aside from its support of Linux as an operating system and use of AMD for its processor.

Hopefully, the crowdfunding campaign will shed more light on whether or not the Atari VCS will come with pre-installed games or give players the ability to buy more games, unlike Nintendo’s Classic Mini line-ups where games are baked into the system.

KitGuru Says: Atari does seem to be pushing more fields lately, with the revival of its Rollercoaster Tycoon series to creating its own cryptocurrency, but will it really survive today’s console market even as a hybrid? What do you hope to see from the Ataribox Atari VCS?  Sorry, but wasn't the original name so much better?

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Atari takes to equity crowdfunding to revive Rollercoaster Tycoon https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/atari-takes-to-equity-crowdfunding-to-revive-rollercoaster-tycoon/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/atari-takes-to-equity-crowdfunding-to-revive-rollercoaster-tycoon/#comments Thu, 25 Jan 2018 20:12:18 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=362024 Atari Game Partners is attempting to revive games from its classic line-up and is going an unconventional way to make it happen. Rollercoaster Tycoon is currently in the publisher’s crosshairs with the Nintendo Switch as its platform of choice, but instead of crowdfunding via Kickstarter, it has instead opted for StartEngine. Instead of rewarding backers …

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Atari Game Partners is attempting to revive games from its classic line-up and is going an unconventional way to make it happen. Rollercoaster Tycoon is currently in the publisher’s crosshairs with the Nintendo Switch as its platform of choice, but instead of crowdfunding via Kickstarter, it has instead opted for StartEngine.

Instead of rewarding backers with a copy of the game or other catered tiers that would usually net supporters items of the physical and digital sense as well as a final credit, StartEngine gives crowdfunders a chance at truly investing in the title in a traditional sense.

Provided that the new Rollercoaster Tycoon title hits the $2,000,000 goal, backers are entitled to “pro rata share of 50% of profits” until they earn 120% of their investment, to which it becomes 25% for the first 18 months of full release. There is some wiggle room for these numbers if the goal isn’t reached, and so far the title is sitting at $24,600 with 88 days left and $250 as the minimum buy-in.

Unfortunately, it seems that Atari hasn’t learned from past mistakes, as the developer pegged to make the new game is Nvizzio Creations, the same studio responsible for the vastly underwhelming Rollercoaster Tycoon World.

Of course, Atari spends less time talking about its developer of choice and draws attention to its successful mobile spin-off, Rollercoster Tycoon Touch, suggesting that this will be the model used for the new Switch title, mixed with new scenarios and a sandbox mode.

That’s not the only worrying thing about the proposed title, however, as there seems to be many questionable things about the proposition. For starters, StartEngine is a part of the equity crowdfunding world which is often very loose on regulations, something in which the company might well be utilising to its full advantage if the final statement is anything to go by:

“We might incur Irregular Use of Proceeds that may include but are not limited to the following over $10,000: Vendor payments and salary made to one’s self, a friend or relative; Any expense labeled “Administration Expenses” that is not strictly for administrative purposes; Any expense labeled “Travel and Entertainment”; Any expense that is for the purposes of inter-company debt or back payments.”

The proposed release date is also questionable, as Atari lists 2018 as its goal. I can’t comment on which stage in development this Switch title is at, but for a game we’ve only just heard about and has just hit crowdfunding to list the same year as its launch window seems strange.

There’s also no word on when Atari’s new console, the Ataribox will finally make its way onto Indiegogo. The Ataribox was meant to release onto the platform on December 14th, however the crowdfunding was delayed with no indication as to a rescheduled date and a simple waitlist placed on the main site.

KitGuru Says: While I wish Atari all the best when reviving its classic brand, I have to be wary of its choices as it re-enters the public eye. I want to see the Ataribox be a success and classic titles come alive in the modern era, but is this really the way to go about it? Are you interested in the proposed Rollercoaster Tycoon for Switch? What do you think about Atari’s campaign?

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The Ataribox crowdfunding campaign has been delayed https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/the-ataribox-crowdfunding-campaign-has-been-delayed/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/the-ataribox-crowdfunding-campaign-has-been-delayed/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2017 19:28:05 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=357884 Atari announced that it was set to begin crowdfunding its upcoming Ataribox today, using Indiegogo as its platform of choice. Unfortunately, it seems the company has hit a bit of a snag and has had to delay its launch, ultimately pausing the countdown timer. This is a bit of a bizarre move from Atari, as …

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Atari announced that it was set to begin crowdfunding its upcoming Ataribox today, using Indiegogo as its platform of choice. Unfortunately, it seems the company has hit a bit of a snag and has had to delay its launch, ultimately pausing the countdown timer.

This is a bit of a bizarre move from Atari, as the company was generating hype with reminder emails that December 14th was the date to look out for. For the firm to change its tune just two days later prompts thoughts of the unexpected, or perhaps the ignorant.

“The countdown to the Ataribox launch on Indiegogo has been officially paused. Because of one key element on our checklist, it is taking more time to create the platform and ecosystem the Atari community deserves. Building Ataribox is incredibly important to us and we will do whatever it takes to be sure it is worth the wait,” says Atari.

Not much is known beyond this statement, but the mention of it taking longer to create specific portions of the system ring bells of shortages we often see regarding components in other parts of the tech industry. Either that, or something has been created to an unsatisfactory degree and has had to start from the top once again.

“An updated launch plan is underway and more detailed information will be available soon. We will be keeping you, our community, informed every step of the way,” continues Atari. “Thank you again for your support of Ataribox.”

KitGuru Says: Considering Atari has changed hands multiple times since we last saw something from the firm, something doesn’t sit right about the lack of information. Especially so given that it is relying on crowdfunding, which often requires transparent communication between developer and backer to become successful. Either way, we should see the Ataribox go live in the near future. Does it pique your interest?  

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Atari is shaping its Ataribox via crowdfunding from December 14th https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/atari-is-shaping-its-ataribox-via-crowdfunding-from-december-14th/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/damien-cox/atari-is-shaping-its-ataribox-via-crowdfunding-from-december-14th/#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2017 11:22:24 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=357431 Atari surprised everyone when it announced it was going to release its first gaming hardware in 20 years, and surprised everyone even more with its price set to rival that of current consoles. Now, the Ataribox is set to go on sale as an Indiegogo exclusive on December 14th. Back in September, Ataribox manager Feargal …

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Atari surprised everyone when it announced it was going to release its first gaming hardware in 20 years, and surprised everyone even more with its price set to rival that of current consoles. Now, the Ataribox is set to go on sale as an Indiegogo exclusive on December 14th.

Back in September, Ataribox manager Feargal Mac revealed that the new device would sport a custom AMD APU with Radeon graphics as well as Linux OS to break away from the limitations of console and provide the same flexibility as PC.

We know that the Ataribox is intended to bring back classic games in a big way, similar to that of Nintendo’s effort with its Classic Mini NES and SNES. This includes a back catalogue of the publisher’s games from the ‘80s. The Ataribox, however, will also retain its ability to play brand new indie titles, PC titles to a varying degree of success depending on the requirements of each game and even standard PC functions such as applications and browsing the web.

Atari will retain its core design inspired by the original ’77 Atari 2600, but will be listening to fan feedback throughout the course of its crowdfunding campaign. This includes variations on colour, special editions, design options, content and early access on that content.

“Our community is the absolute backbone of Atari and we’d like to offer our earliest supporters a chance to grab Ataribox at an exclusive discount,” reads an Atari email. “Keep an eye on that inbox for your chance to order yours”

The Ataribox is still set to launch early 2018, with its retail price of $250-300. Those catching it early are entitled to the launch-day deal, which is undisclosed but will result in savings nonetheless.

KitGuru Says: It seems like the Ataribox is a blast from the past while giving a bunch of new features and functionality, but I’d need to see more on the concept to be sold on it not being a gimmick. What do you think of Atari’s comeback?

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The Ataribox will feature a custom AMD APU, will rival PS4 and Xbox One on price https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/matthew-wilson/the-ataribox-will-feature-a-custom-amd-apu-will-rival-ps4-and-xbox-one-on-price/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/matthew-wilson/the-ataribox-will-feature-a-custom-amd-apu-will-rival-ps4-and-xbox-one-on-price/#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2017 15:56:32 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=347846 Earlier this year, the internet exploded with news that Atari would be jumping back into the hardware business with its first game console in decades. The company announced the Ataribox a while back but few details were revealed. Now, we know a lot more, including the fact that the system will use a custom AMD …

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Earlier this year, the internet exploded with news that Atari would be jumping back into the hardware business with its first game console in decades. The company announced the Ataribox a while back but few details were revealed. Now, we know a lot more, including the fact that the system will use a custom AMD processor with Radeon graphics.

Speaking with VentureBeat, Feargal Mac, the manager of the Ataribox project revealed that an Indiegogo campaign for funding would be launching later this year with plans to begin shipping the console by Spring 2018. This isn't going to be a cheap console though, in-fact it will rival the PS4, Xbox One S and Nintendo Switch in terms of pricing.

The Ataribox is aiming for a price point between $250 and $300. Under the hood, it will use a custom-built AMD APU, similarly to the PS4 and Xbox One. Beyond that, the system aims to be PC-like, offering plenty of freedom for users.

Here is what Feargal had to say about the console: “People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores. We wanted to create a killer TV product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible, including accessing pre-owned games from other content providers.”

“Ataribox is an open system, and while our user interface will be easy to use, people will also be free to access and customise the underlying OS. We’ve chosen to launch Ataribox with Indiegogo given their focus on delivering technology products, and their strong international presence in over 200 countries, allowing us to reach and involve as many Atari fans around the world as possible.”

KitGuru Says: When I first heard about the Ataribox, I assumed it would be something similar to the NES/SNES classic from Nintendo. However, it seems to be much more ambitious than that, with a price tag to rival the current generation of consoles. Do you guys think the Ataribox can get a foothold at the $250-$300 price point?

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Here’s our first look at Atari’s new console https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/heres-our-first-look-at-ataris-new-console/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/heres-our-first-look-at-ataris-new-console/#comments Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:29:36 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=340778 Meet the Ataribox...

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Back when the games console market was still in its infancy, Atari was a big name on the hardware side of things. However, for the last 30 years, Atari has strayed away from console hardware. This week however, Atari is making a return, announcing the Ataribox, which was originally teased last month.

The Ataribox was revealed to the world in an email blast this morning. The main objective with this release is to “create something new that stays true” to Atari's heritage and appeals “to both old and new fans” alike. There are two versions of the Ataribox, which you can see below. One is a more modern black/red box, while the other features wood panelling, which serves as a nice callback to the Atari 2600.

The Ataribox appears to feature SD card support, a HDMI port and four USB ports. Similarly to Nintendo's NES/SNES Mini consoles, this box will support classic games. However, Atari also wants to release “current content” too, which could mean any number of things. Perhaps Atari is going to republish some classics, or make a new game in retro style. There are still a lot of questions left to be answered.

Unfortunately, beyond the unveiling of the box, Atari didn't let much else slip. We still have no pricing, availability or release date information. We also don't know the actual specs of the hardware but hopefully more will be revealed soon.

KitGuru Says: There was a lot of buzz surrounding the Ataribox when it was first teased last month. Do you guys think this will be a successful console? It does seem that classic gaming is having a resurgence at the moment thanks to the popularity of the NES Mini.

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