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[TheVerge] Atari's new Ataribox console will be like an NES Classic

621 views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  neurotix 
#1 ·
Quote:
In an email to Atari fans, the company reveals "our objective is to create something new, that stays true to our heritage, while appealing to both old and new fans of Atari." The new Ataribox is clearly inspired by the classic wood found on the Atari 2600, and the new console features ribbed lines, a raised back, and a front panel that can either be glass or wood. Indicator lights glow through these materials, and Atari is including SD card support, a HDMI port, and four USB ports on the Ataribox. Two versions of the Ataribox will be released, one in wood, and one in black / red.

Atari plans to deliver classic games in the Ataribox, alongside "current content." It's not clear if that current content involves simply republishing Rollercoaster Tycoon, but it appears that the Ataribox will be similar to the NES and SNES Classic in providing access to old titles in modern retro hardware. While Atari has licensed its brand recently, the company is involved in the creation of the Ataribox. Hopefully that doesn't mean Atari is just licensing its brand again for a partner to create and manage the hardware.

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#2 ·
Looks pretty sleek. Also gotta love those fist-sized pixels on a 65" TV.
 
#4 ·
I loved Pitfall and River Raid even though I was born in '84 and this was before my time. I tried the games in an emulator in high school and they really are great.

I still don't see how this is any better than the Atari Flashback devices they've been making for years. Those usually have a good selection of games (including both I mentioned) as well as having decent reproduction Atari joysticks. Hell, mine is even the version that can be modded to have a cartridge slot and it will play real games. When you have something like that available already I wouldn't see the point in purchasing this.
 
#5 ·
Even back in the day, I never cared a lot for Atari's games. Many were just kind of weird, like I didn't always know what I was supposed to do exactly (looking hard at you Riddle of the Sphinx) and most if any never had much of an ending. The only Atari games I ever actually liked was Falcon on 7800, Paperboy on Arcade, Demon Attack on 2600, Pole position, Frogger and maybe a couple of others.

I got a Flashback 2+ but I couldn't even stand to play any of the games more than once for more than 10 minutes each. What I did hope Atari would achieve was to do modern reboots of their games, I always pictured a Pitfall game that was like Uncharted and Tomb Raider. They had a good start on the new Alone in the Dark and Haunted house, latter of which they later took off the market because it was basically an alpha. Hopefully this system will help get them enough money where they put some good budgets into their modern games.
 
#6 ·
That's the whole appeal though. They're ancient.

The games are all one trick ponies but fun every once in a while.

Play Combat 2 players sometime and you'll probably appreciate the games more.
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by neurotix View Post

Play Combat 2 players sometime and you'll probably appreciate the games more.
I loved my 7800. could always play the previous consoles games, except the 5200 I believe. Combat was great. Food Fight was a blast, I think I turned that game over like 6 or 7 times. I hope they make the controllers better now. those old ones died quick.
 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by neurotix View Post

I loved Pitfall and River Raid even though I was born in '84 and this was before my time. I tried the games in an emulator in high school and they really are great.
River Raid was my favorite out of everything I played on the 2600. I remember there was some kind of promotion with the game where you would in a picture of your screen showing 1 million points for something. I can't remember what the reward was but I did send my picture.
 
#9 ·
While I like that companies are doing this, at the same time you can do the same thing with a Raspberry Pi and have been able to for years.

I know I'm a buzzkill.
 
#10 ·
Wishful thinking, but I would like to hope Atari is looking towards indie game makers for some sense of 3rd party support with this console. The Ataribox has the feel to be in the same camp as the Nintendo Switch as far as a hardware standpoint goes. Yet, we don't know what's under the hood. The real appeal is in the marketing and publishing of new titles and potential franchises using this console. It would be a neat stepping stone for people breaking into the gaming industry and get their titles out there. This, as well as being able to offer any classic games you might want to play (most titles from 2600 ~ Jaguar). Further wishful thinking: Maybe they can support some type of homebrew system with it.

I'm in the minority here and will support this for the time being. It seems like a neat little console to have.
 
#11 ·
Is it going to have Jaguar games built in?

That might make it worth buying. I've heard that Doom is really good on Jaguar. And a few other games.
 
#13 ·
#14 ·
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