nesdev.com

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/ ... -amd-chip/

Notable features...

New console
$250 and $300
AMD
Linux based OS "more open"
2018
Aimed at retro-gamers "preloaded with "tons of classic Atari retro games" (classic and retro!)"

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nesdoug.com -- blog/tutorial on programming for the NES

And most importantly: real wood.

Just another steambox...

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Here come the fortune cookies! Here come the fortune cookies! They're wearing paper hats!

At least the build quality is good, but it better be for that price. I don't think I've ever seen real wood be used for a computer/video game console aside from the Neo Geo "CMVS":

Crowdfunding a device that doesn't bring anything new to the table (besides REAL WOOD!!!) will be tough... The only thing they have going for them that can maybe help them succeed is the Atari name, but I'm not holding my breath.

What it brings to the table is a PC with living-room-friendly case design and likely to be available in electronics showroom chains. Before, it was either

1. Modern console (no mods, no amateur games)
2. Tower (large and noisy)
3. NUC or other nettop (underpowered)
4. Steam Machines (vaporware)
5. Build it yourself (requires hours of study and can get expensive)

Part of me wants to jump on the Ataribox train.
Another part of me remembers how relieved I was when I didn't jump on the Ouya train, and witnessed it crash not long after. Might just be that again (except with some guaranteed retro fun).


Useless but humorous comment: I stared at this for quite some time and kept wondering what about a steam machine makes you think of vaporwave.

Steam, water vapor...

Wouldn't it make it suceptible to termit attacks?

If it actually *provides* a full-featured PC experience, it should maybe not be compared to retro boxes and consoles only (even though the atari brand is closely assiociated with gaming), but also mac minis and mini workstations like this one.

You normally don't do serious work from your living room screen/tv, though, and i doubt it will be built to handle more than surfing, streaming and using apps/gadgets, besides playing old/indie games...

What other machines bundles atari games legally and conveniently?

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http://www.frankengraphics.com - personal NES blog

Any PC with Steam and Atari Vault installed?

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Here come the fortune cookies! Here come the fortune cookies! They're wearing paper hats!

Then the choice is:
-pc of choice for 200-240 euros + 10 euros for atari vault.
-this atari box for 210-250 euros.

If it's possible to get an old mac mini with 2gb RAM for that price or less, then the remaining sell point is really just the form factor.
Intel's NUC:s are a bit more expensive than that from what i can see.

I wonder if they'll pack in a controller.

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http://www.frankengraphics.com - personal NES blog

Even if not, an Xbox 360 controller with Chatpad looks like a fitting successor to the Jaguar controller.


From left to right: Atari Jaguar controller by Evan-Amos; Xbox 360 controller with Chatpad by Alphathon

Since it's a retro system, they should 100% go with an old-school "joystick" style controller.

One of the best features of playing an old arcade game (pacman / galaga / donkey kong) is the simple joystick and 2 button interface.

At least as an option.

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nesdoug.com -- blog/tutorial on programming for the NES

Ugh.

What a freaking joke.
Pairs nicely with the wood veneer on your yacht.

What? You don't have a yacht? What? 300 dollars is a lot of money to you for a block of wood?

Gosh, at least put some black paint and gold leaf on for some accenting and lettering. It would change it from "bored garage grandpa" to "baroque" style. <--Their thought process