Atari VCS Retro Console Crowdfund Raises Over $2 Million in a Day

CBR

Atari has raised more than $2 million in one day for its upcoming "retro-inspired" Atari VCS console.

In the less-than-24 hours since the console's IndieGoGo campaign kicked off, Atari has raised more than $2.2 million from 8,510 backers, quickly blowing past the set goal of $100,000.

With a look that clearly pays homage to the classic Atari 2600 console, the Atari VCS promises to marry retro gaming favorites like Asteroids and Missile Command with modern releases like the upcoming Tempest 4000. The VCS will come with over 100 packed-in Atari games, in addition to planned streaming services and a cross-chat function with Discord.

The system is "built on an open source Linux OS," according to the campaign's description, allowing for users to customize the platform for themselves with software and apps.

A $199 pledge on IndieGoGo will net you an early build of the Atari VCS, a substantial discount from the console's planned $299 MSRP. The base console comes with a classic joystick controller, while a "modern" controller is available separately or as a pack-in. All units are set to ship by July 2019.

Could the Atari VCS be a comeback story for the turbulent gaming company? It may be too soon to tell, but the crowdfunding campaign is off to a solid start.