KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Earlier this year, the internet exploded with news that Atari would be jumping back into the hardware business with its first game console in decades. The company announced the Ataribox a while back but few details were revealed. Now, we know a lot more, including the fact that the system will use a custom AMD processor with Radeon graphics.
Speaking with VentureBeat, Feargal Mac, the manager of the Ataribox project revealed that an Indiegogo campaign for funding would be launching later this year with plans to begin shipping the console by Spring 2018. This isn't going to be a cheap console though, in-fact it will rival the PS4, Xbox One S and Nintendo Switch in terms of pricing.
The Ataribox is aiming for a price point between $250 and $300. Under the hood, it will use a custom-built AMD APU, similarly to the PS4 and Xbox One. Beyond that, the system aims to be PC-like, offering plenty of freedom for users.
Here is what Feargal had to say about the console: “People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores. We wanted to create a killer TV product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible, including accessing pre-owned games from other content providers.”
“Ataribox is an open system, and while our user interface will be easy to use, people will also be free to access and customise the underlying OS. We’ve chosen to launch Ataribox with Indiegogo given their focus on delivering technology products, and their strong international presence in over 200 countries, allowing us to reach and involve as many Atari fans around the world as possible.”
KitGuru Says: When I first heard about the Ataribox, I assumed it would be something similar to the NES/SNES classic from Nintendo. However, it seems to be much more ambitious than that, with a price tag to rival the current generation of consoles. Do you guys think the Ataribox can get a foothold at the $250-$300 price point?
* If a new console is being introduced to market, it would make sense to create a new mature market to support the lower cost market.
at that price it’s a non starter
“When I first heard about the Ataribox, I assumed it would be something similar to the NES/SNES classic from Nintendo.”
Given that they mentioned it having “custom PC hardware” that was silly. You don’t need that kind of hardware for mini consoles like those. Basic ARM hardware is better for that purpose as it is cheaper.
You dont know what the specifications are. what the OS is like or what the games are. In other words, you have no idea if it offers good value or not and therefore whether or not it is a non-starter. You are simply making an assumption based on [very] incomplete information.
I’d be willing to bet this is going to be a “Steambox” style device.
Notice the line about “accessing pre-owned games from other content providers.”
The big question here is what kind of AMD hardware. Xbox One / PS4 style hardware may be a problem, as these CPU cores are rather weak. (Although granted it would be interesting to see how that kind of hardware really performs on the PC.) Would be neater if this used a variation on Raven Ridge. If that was the case, it could be a nice looking PC alternative (depending on other hardware and whether there are options for expansion).