Atari 800 VCS Console Gets a Release Date, Costs $399

You’d have to scroll all the way back to Twinfinite’s initial report back in 2017 to find the first rumblings of a new Atari console. It was officially revealed a year after in 2018 before numerous delays made its out-of-left-field launch seem all the more unlikely. But now we’ve official word that it certainly is still coming, set to launch later this fall for $399. Early adopters get a $10 discount for pre-ordering the bundle.

The Atari VCS 800 is now available for pre-order from Atari, Gamestop, and Walmart. It’s to be sold as part of a bundle that also includes a Wireless Classic Joystick, a Modern Controller, and a free copy of Atari Vault of 100 classic arcade and console games.

According to the Walmart pre-order page, the console will ship on Friday, November 27th. The last date to pre-order the bundles for their current prices is July 31st.

The console features a custom AMD Raven Ridge APU with Vega 3 graphics, paired with 8 GB DDR4 ram, and 32 GB eMMC internal flash storage. The device runs a custom Linux OS but also supports Linux, Windows, Steam OS, or Chrome OS if booting from an external drive.

As for connectivity, it features 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.0. There’s an HDMI 2.0 port, gigabit Ethernet port, and quad USB 3.1 connectors.

Full specs via Hexus are as follows:

• Dimensions: 11.6” x 5.9” x 1.9” (Approx.)
• Weight: 3lbs. (Approx.)
• Materials: Plastic, Metal, Wood
• Operating System: Atari Custom Linux OS (Linux Kernel)
• APU: AMD Raven Ridge 2
• GPU: Ryzen
• Storage: 32GB eMMC internal, unlimited external USB HD/stick, cloud (subscription required)
• RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable)
• Compatible Systems: Linux, Windows, Steam OS, Chrome OS
• Power: Low TDP architecture – Less Heat & Noise
• Wireless Connections: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 4.0
• Wired Connections: HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4x USB 3.1
• USB Ports: 2x front, 2x rear
• External Inputs: Classic Joystick, Modern Controller, Microphone, Others TBD
• Mouse & Keyboard Support: Yes, USB or Bluetooth
• 4K Video w/ HDCP 2.2 Integration: Yes
• Internet Connection Required: Not for classic gaming but required to access all features

Moving forward, there’s apparently a second, lower-powered version of the console called the Atari VCS 400 coming at some point for $249.99. Expect it to come with only 4 GB of RAM.

You can get a flavor for how the Atari 800 VCS performs in the below video that was released last week showcasing Missle Command: Recharged in action.