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The day has finally arrived, the Linux-powered Atari VCS games console can now be pre-ordered and they finally have the specifications up too. As I was hoping, they've released a lot of the hidden details, so it seems they were saving it to make a big splash.

Seems like IndieGoGo is currently under a lot of strain thanks to this too, quite hard to get it to load. After reading it through and taking it all in, I have to say my excitement for it has increased once again. Although, I'm still remaining cautious in my optimism for it (especially as their timeline shows they're still in the prototype stage - with the second prototype due in Q3). It's already a huge success, at time of my last refresh of their page it's already hit over $550K in pre-orders!

They finally revealed that the system they're using is based on Ubuntu, specifically with the 4.10 Kernel. It has a Bristol Ridge A1 CPU, with a Radeon R7 GPU so it's not exactly a powerhouse. It will come with 4GB DDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC, with support for SD cards and external drives too. Naturally, it will also support most of what Ubuntu does including Bluetooth and USB devices, mouse, keyboard, Twitch streaming support, webcams and so on. Their classic joystick ($29) and modern controller ($49) are optional accessories, they don't come as standard.

As for the size of it, the dimensions are 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6" (approx 36.83cm x 13.46cm x 4.06cm) with a weight of 3 lbs (approx 1.36kg). So it's small, light and it looks pretty good. Honestly wouldn't mind one of those sat next to my TV.

It will come with 100+ classic Atari games pre-loaded and they will also have their own 'Atari VCS Store'. They say they've teamed up with a 'leading industry partner' they're going to announce shortly. Sounds exciting, but I will stop short of saying it's Valve (which I'm sure a few of you are thinking). It would make sense to be Valve though, given their massive Linux catalogue of games, but who knows maybe even GOG?

They're saying by the launch in Spring 2019, that they're planning to have 'new and exclusive games'. I really do hate exclusives, because that wording would mean you could only get them through the Atari VCS Store. While they're still saying you can access the full Linux system:

Access the Linux Sandbox, add more storage via cloud or USB, run multiple operating systems at once, load Homebrew games or customize your own unique platform. 

They might lock the actual games behind a wall, which would be a shame. Although, that wouldn't be too different to buying games directly on SteamOS. They are also saying it will support Linux games from Steam and other platforms, as long as they meet the hardware requirements.

Find it on IndieGoGo. The cheapest option for the console itself is the "Onyx Early Bird" at $199, which goes up to $349 for the "Collector's All In" bundle which includes both the classic stick, modern gamepad and the wooden-styled front.

An interesting question remains in my mind though, is this still "Linux Gaming" as we think about it or is this a whole new thing? Would readers be interested in us covering future Atari VCS news if we picked one up?

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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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.
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58 comments
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tonR May 30, 2018
Looking on spec, price and appearance of VCS, I still remain skeptical on the console. Again, I hope that I'm wrong.
sarmad May 30, 2018
Yes, we would like to see AtariVCS covered here.
sarmad May 30, 2018
Anyone knows how powerful is this R7 GPU? I wish they revealed more details.
dude May 30, 2018
Good news, this might become my next console after x360. Thanks to sites like GOL and Valve, I became loyal to linux gaming. This might finally be a good piece of linux gaming hardware after all steam machines fails.
Samsai May 30, 2018
Quoting: sarmadAnyone knows how powerful is this R7 GPU? I wish they revealed more details.
Those Bristol Ridge R7s are about as fast or a bit faster than an Intel HD Graphics 620. Basically, it'll play 2D titles without issues and run some older 3D titles acceptably. You don't want to run any modern AAA Linux ports on them though.
Leopard May 30, 2018
That hardware is even garbage these days , i can't think the state at 2019.
M@GOid May 30, 2018
What my experience with a A8 Kavery APU teach is that a lot of indie games cannot be played at 60fps@1080p, even if you low the settings. The excavator CPUs lacks power on some games.

I thought they were aiming for a mobile Ryzen APU but that dream was shotdown.

If their aiming is to deliver a way to play a emulator for 70's and 80's Atari games, it will work just fine. But for modern indie games, it will be seriously under-powered on mid 2019, unless they manage to convince a lot of indie developers to do a extra spit and polish on their titles, something that is very rare on indie games.
Nevertheless May 30, 2018
Quoting: Samsai
Quoting: sarmadAnyone knows how powerful is this R7 GPU? I wish they revealed more details.
Those Bristol Ridge R7s are about as fast or a bit faster than an Intel HD Graphics 620. Basically, it'll play 2D titles without issues and run some older 3D titles acceptably. You don't want to run any modern AAA Linux ports on them though.

Do you think it's good for 4k video as they say?
musojon74 May 30, 2018
Hmm. I like it. But underpowered maybe. certainly it should be covered here. It's Linux. :-)
Tchey May 30, 2018
Quoting: GuestIt is based on real world values, like a foot, a cup, a handful, etc. To call it nonsense means ignorant or uneducated.

Not sure if trolling or not... So, if we meet and trade, i would use my wife's hand to pay your gold, and my hand to grab an handful of seeds, thanks. Metric has its flaws, i agree, but...

Anyway, i won't answer more on this topic, it would be way too far from the article...

I don't care about the device for my personal usage, but as it runs on Linux, i completly feel OK to read about it on the website.


Last edited by Tchey on 30 May 2018 at 7:23 pm UTC
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