Back in 2017, Atari announced that it would be launching a new console for the first time in over 25 years. Atari fans became ecstatic after hearing that the legendary video game brand would finally be back in the home console market and have been patiently waiting.
Now, after numerous delays, it appears that Atari's new VCS system will finally debut this holiday season. There is only one problem: Atari is charging up to $399.99 for an underpowered system with no must-have exclusive games.
The Atari VCS, previously known as the Ataribox, found quite a bit of success when it launched its Indiegogo page in 2018. Atari managed to raise over $3 million with 11,597 backers. The company marketed the system as a home console/PC hybrid while still keeping the classic Atari feel. It resembles the Atari 2600 but with a sleeker, more modern style. The $400 console bundle will come with two controllers -- a classic joystick and an Xbox-like gamepad -- and more than 100 classic Atari games built into the system. Buyers will be able to download and stream a variety of games on the system as well.
All of this sounds great, but asking $400 for it is absurd. That's the equivalent to the PlayStation 4's launch price, though the Atari VCS isn't nearly as powerful as the upcoming Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The VCS sounds more like a plug and play or a casual gaming console, but the pricing and marketing are more in line with a next-generation system. The console is too expensive for casual gamers but not powerful enough to attract modern hardcore video game fans. There is a cheaper, less powerful version called the Atari VCS 400, but it still costs over $200. Most people would be better off saving up a bit more money for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
The Atari VCS also lacks must-have exclusive games. The biggest game for the system appears to be Missile Command: Recharged, which is already available on other consoles. So far, the VCS' game library is mostly made up of classic Atari games. While retro gaming is extremely popular, it will be hard to convince many old school gaming enthusiasts to fork over $400 for the experience. Atari claims that players will also be able to play PC games on the VCS as well. This sounds awesome, but there is a chance many future AAA PC games might surpass the VCS' technological limitations making its PC gaming library limited. Hardcore gamers will likely keep playing PC games on their PC, while casual gamers will find cheaper gaming alternatives.
Atari has a lot of good ideas for its VCS system, but its hefty $400 price tag might cause video game fans to look elsewhere for their gaming experiences. The console simply doesn't offer enough to demand such a high price. The lack of must-have exclusives and subpar hardware makes the system a very tough sell. Atari must come up with something quick if it wants to compete with the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.