Open Platform
Atari VCS is a hybrid open platform console that was financed through crowdfunding. The look and feel are definitely a nod to the simpler times of the Atari 2600 and will please many retro game enthusiasts. Of course, this being a re-invented machine, there are a slew of modern upgrades to the hardware. This machine is capable of functioning as a budget pc as well as a gaming console. Even though it has many modern upgrades it does not compare to a modern console like the Playstation 5 or the Xbox Series X. And this may be a hurdle to buyers, expecially since the price point of this machine is similar to the other consoles.
The System
The Atari VSC is available in two versions: Onyx and Black Walnut. The Black Walnut variant features a woodgrain front panel and comes bundled with a modern wireless controller as well as a wireless joystick that clearlly is a remake of the old atari joystick that came with the 2600 console. It is clear that the VCS is modelled on the Atari 2600 that was first released in 1977. VCS retains a similar shape to the classic console while doing away with the onboard switches and cartridge port. The entire design is slimmed down and rounded at the edges, and the Atari logo at the front right lights up when the console is powered on.
The designers have done a great job recapturing the original 45-year-old aesthetic while also making it look sleek and modern.
Connectors
There and two USB ports hidden in the beveled edge just beneath the wood veneer. Two more USB ports are found at the rear for a total of four. The front ports are ideal for charging the wireless controller and the joystick, while the rear ports are great for concealing the connections to PC accessories like a keyboard, mouse and portable hard drive.
The rear panel is also where you'll find the power button, HDMI and optional Ethernet port, as the Atari VCS features wireless connectivity. Overall, the design is one of the strongest elements of this retro remake, offering a display-worthy piece with enough modern connections to suit every user. It's worth mentioning that the Onyx VCS doesn't include any controllers but supports most third-party Bluetooth options.
