Atari Gives More Details on its Upcoming Linux-Based Ataribox; Coming Early 2018

DualShockers

By Tomas Franzese

Published Sep 27, 2017

Atari has finally given more information on the OS, games, price, processor, and release window of its upcoming Ataribox console, which will hit crowdfunding platform Indiegogo later this year.

Ever since Atari provided us with a first look of its upcoming console the "Ataribox", details have been somewhat scarce. That changed today though, as Atari has given us more details on the console, stating that it will be a Linux-based platform with an open OS, with both a large catalog of classic Atari games and "current titles from a range of studios" being playable on the Ataribox. The console will be receiving and Indiegogo campaign later this year, and is currently set in release in Early 2018.

As we have seen before, the Ataribox has a modern design that also takes influence from the company's classic Atari 2600. On the technical side of things, that Ataribox has a Linux OS that is customized for use on TVs, and a customized AMD processor with Radeon Graphics technology. In addition to game, the Ataribox aims to bring "a full PC experience to the TV", so people who own the console will have access to streaming content, various applications, social media, internet browsing, listening to music, and more.

Fred Chesnais, Atari Chief Executive Officer, had the following to say about what Atari as a company is trying to achieve with the Ataribox:

"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. 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.”

As I mentioned before, the Ataribox will launch with access to a variety of different classic Atari titles. That being said, modern titles will be playable on it, which means it could probably be related to the ecent Fig and Atari partnership announcement. Due to the system's open OS, players are also encouraged to access and play some compatible games available on other content platforms through the Ataribox, though specific content platforms were not given.

Ataribox will be hitting Indiegogo, a crowdfunding platform, later this year, with Atari aiming to launch the console sometime in Spring 2018. They are anticipating the system's to cost between $249 and $299, depending on what specific edition and memory configuration customers buy.

Feargal Mac, Ataribox General Manager, also commented on the Ataribox, detailing the system's open-ended nature and why they are choosing to crowdfund via Indiegogo:

“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. 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.”

Alongside this announcement, Atari released the first non-rendered, real images of the console, which actually seems quite small. You can check out those pictures below. DualShockers will be sure to keep you updated as this new console hits Indiegogo and eventually launches in Spring 2018.