Atari just named Bluemouth Interactive as Atari VCS distributor for the Australian and New Zealand region. In case you forgot, yes just like Intellivision, Atari is trying to get back into the video game market again with a brand new system. The console has been announced since June 2017 but the release keeps getting postponed. Now they are planning to launch Atari VCS this November. Fingers crossed?
Bluemouth Interactive was chosen as VCS distributor in the Oceania market because of its award-winning product portfolio and distribution capability for the region. Atari CEO Frédéric Chesnais said in their announcement,
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Bluemouth Interactive to bring the Atari VCS overseas to Australia and New Zealand. Bluemouth Interactive is an experienced distributor of video games, accessories, and gaming hardware, making them the ideal partner to help Atari launch its first new homing gaming system in decades.
Marketed as a “PC/console hybrid entertainment device”, Atari VCS is powered by an AMD RyzenTM 1606G APU with Zen-core and Radeon Vega Graphics, and promised to deliver gaming and video streaming up to 4K HDR at 60fps. For the gaming streaming system itself, Atari chose to partner with Antstream Arcade. You can also install Windows or Linux OS via “PC Mode” and use a mouse and keyboard. It will ship alongside 50 different titles. One of them is a remake of classic ’80s arcade game, Missile Command Recharged. The system and accessories themselves will retail for:
- Atari VCS 800 Onyx Base system 8GB: $299.99 USD ($699.95 AU/$749.95 NZ).
- VCS Classic Joystick: $59.99 USD ($109.95 AU/$129.95 NZ).
- VCS Modern Controller: $59.99 USD ($109.95 AU/$129.95 NZ).
- Atari VCS 800 “All-In” bundles: $399.99 USD ($849.95 AU/$899.95 NZ).
Preorders are now open from Australian and/or New Zealander retailers EB Games, JB HiFi, The Gamesmen, Catch.com.au, Mightape.co.nz, and through Atarivcs.com.au. Meanwhile, for North American gamers can preorder Atari VCS at GameStop.com, Walmart.com, and AtariVCS.com.
Honestly, although it sounded a bit like a glorified mini-ITX, if they can make the Missile Command remake as good as Pac-Man Championship Edition, I’d be pretty interested to get my hands on the console. What do you think? Tell us in the comments.
