Atari is back in the console business with the new Ataribox and more information has been revealed. According to an Atari press release on Tuesday, the Ataribox will bring a “full PC experience” to TVs.
The Ataribox will run Linux OS and will be powered by a customized AMD processor with Radeon Graphics technology. This will allow for games, streaming apps, web browsing and music, all from the Ataribox. Along with the list of approved games from Atari and other partners, the open nature of the Ataribox will also allow for gamers to play compatible games from other content platforms.
“With Ataribox, we wanted to create an open system, a killer product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible. Atari games and content will be available as well as games and content from other providers,” said Fred Chesnais, the CEO of Atari, in a press statement. “We also wanted to launch Ataribox with our community, and reward our fans with exclusive early access, special editions, and include them as active participants in the product rollout.”
No specifics on release dates and prices have been confirmed, but the Ataribox will first appear on crowdfunding site Indiegogo later this year. Final units will ship to backers first, with an estimated delivery time of Spring 2018. The Ataribox is expected to cost between $249 and $299, with different editions and memory configurations affecting the final price.
“People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores. Ataribox is an open system, and while our user interface will be easy to use, people will also be free to access and customize the underlying OS,” said Feargal Mac, the Ataribox General Manager, in the statement. “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.”
While all of this sounds promising, it also brings back uncomfortable memories of the last time someone crowdfunded a console. The OUYA was also introduced with high aspirations, but quickly turned into a punchline. Hopefully, Atari doesn’t make the same mistakes and can deliver something people actually want to buy.
So what do you think? Are you interested in reliving the glory days of gaming with the Ataribox? Do you think this is too similar to the OUYA to have you excited? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
