More features of the Ataribox surface

The console will focus on both old and new titles, possibly positioning Atari to capitalize on the retro-fueled success of the NES Classic Edition. New press renders show off some connectivity, but very little is known about the console at this point.

by Sam Medley, 2017/07/18

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Once upon a time, Atari reigned supreme, completely uncontested in the video game market. After enjoying years of dominance in the late 70s and early 80s, the unregulated and oversaturated video game market bubbled and crashed in spectacular fashion, killing of many companies and severely crippling the king. Over the next decade, Atari released several underwhelming consoles, including the outdated 5200 and horribly convoluted Jaguar. With the failure of the Jaguar in 1996, Atari was sold to Hasbro and bowed out of the console business, focusing instead on publishing and developing games. The former gaming juggernaut seemed content to create software for its competitor’s hardware.

However, earlier this year, Atari surprised everyone by announcing they would re-enter the console market with a new device, dubbed the “Ataribox.” Very little was known about the Ataribox, but a recent newsletter and press renders have revealed a few more details about the mysterious device. On the back of the device, there are four USB ports, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, and what appears to be an Ethernet port and another indiscernible port. Atari themselves said that the ports “suggest modern internal specs” but were tight-lipped on any other details about the components.

Atari also said that the Ataribox will deliver “classic gaming content” alongside modern titles. Whether this means new games based on older Atari systems or games designed to compete with the current triumvirate of consoles (PlayStation 4, XBox One, and the Switch) is still to be determined. The console will be available with a black ribbed case and either a red glass or wood grain front and back panel.

That’s pretty much all the detail we have about the Ataribox for now. The company said that while they know consumers are rabid for more information, they still have several “milestones, challenges, and decision points in front of [them] in the months ahead.” Atari has promised regular updates.