Check out our Monthly Survey Page to see what our users are running.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Another update on the Linux-powered little console the Atari VCS, which is now going through Engineering Validation Testing (EVT) as it's on the road to release next year.

In the last update we posted last month, the Atari VCS was going through pre-production. Something that stuck out, was the actual units looking seriously cheap and shiny. Touching on that in the latest Medium blog post, the Atari VCS team state again that's not the final look:

The units shown here today still have the shiny plastics of pre-production that we have described previously. The finished Atari VCS units will look super-premium, with all the beautiful matte surfaces, rich wood fascias, and other details everyone expects.

EVT is where they test every part of the hardware to ensure it all works together properly, this includes things like Wifi, HDMI output, audio and so on. They're also using it as a practice run for the final manufacturing process for once it goes into mass production for release next year.

They did note a few problems came up during their EVT testing. Using the rather new AMD RG1606 Ryzen processor (part of the Ryzen Embedded R1000 line), it turned out the HDMI port wasn't doing 4K like it was supposed to but working with AMD they've managed to solve it. Other problems came up with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity which they've also solved with PowerA making improvements to the Classic Joystic's paddle functionality too.

So what's the main takeaway from the EVT? Atari say the Atari VCS hardware and peripherals are nearly final", so it sounds like there might not be any more delays. It's going to enter Design Validation Testing (DVT) next, where their factory "confirms that all of the parameters for a successful finished product are met" and that's the last phase before mass production.

We're very keen to see the final product. If they manage to ship it without more delays in March 2020, this could be quite a nice little Linux gaming box. Atari's own-brand Linux-based OS by default, with the ability to run a standard Linux distribution on it too. Could be good.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
11 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
7 comments

Ananace Dec 10, 2019
I'm really happy about the sight of an empty full-sized M2 slot there on the board, as well as upgradable RAM, bodes well for the use of the VCS as an HTPC as well.
sub Dec 10, 2019
I totally dig the design of the joystick.
Will get one if it's usable on a standard PC and sold separately.
Mohandevir Dec 10, 2019
Aside from the weird PR and addtional delays, for my part, I find the concept interresting... Let's wait and see how it evolves and what kind of new games/services will be available/playable on this hardware. This is all that matters, imo.
TheRiddick Dec 10, 2019
I thought they had a full wood finish one coming? guess that was too expensive to do.
I do hope this console does well, would really love to see Atari make a comeback, thought I doubt this is going to be the killer app that does it for them.

EDIT: Apparently it will have a wood finish, interesting, wonder how that will be done.


Last edited by TheRiddick on 10 December 2019 at 5:02 pm UTC
M@GOid Dec 10, 2019
Just a small nit pick: the CPU is a R1606G, not RG1606. For a moment I thought they changed it, but is just a typing error from their PR staff.

I really wish they do well, but I continue to think this CPU is under-powered for modern indie games. There is quad-core embedded CPUs that AMD can offer (the V-series), too bad they chose one of the cheapest ones. For the $200/300 they are asking for it, is very tempting to simply build one yourself with a better and upgradable AMD APU.
Luke_Nukem Dec 10, 2019
Quoting: TheRiddickI thought they had a full wood finish one coming? guess that was too expensive to do.
I do hope this console does well, would really love to see Atari make a comeback, thought I doubt this is going to be the killer app that does it for them.

EDIT: Apparently it will have a wood finish, interesting, wonder how that will be done.

They don't mean the whole thing will look like a block of wood. It's just the front panel (you can see it in the article pic).

I am so seriously excited for this.
Koopacabras Dec 11, 2019
Quoting: subI totally dig the design of the joystick.
Will get one if it's usable on a standard PC and sold separately.
indeed that looks like a really nice joystick !!
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.