VCS

So here's something I don't get often... a new ATARI!

It's an ATARI Christmas!
(2024)

Actually, not since the late 70s when the original ATARI Video Computer System was released. And it was a game changer! Although officially considered a second generation console (PONG and all it's clones are first gen, we'd gotten a Sears one of those a year or two earlier), the fact that this console could play different games via cartridge was revolutionary. A new industry was born.

ATARI Video Computer System
(1977)

Like alot of lucky kids, the next few Christmas mornings were epic! First my own console (the Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade variant since that's where my Dad got the di$count), followed by stacks of cool new games!

It's an ATARI Christmas!
M Network TRON Special Pack (1983)

Well ya know, retro nostalgia is a thing, ATARI is still around (the brand anyway), so... what's old is new again!

ATARI VCS
(2022)

The new VCS is really more of a mini PC than it's own unique, dedicated hardware. But that's a good thing! Of course it plays original and remixed versions of the old stuff, but also streams video, has a web browser, etc. And it's all wireless. Neato!

So is this a pure nostalgia move?

Totally. There is nothing this thing can do that I couldn't do on my laptop already. But...

1. I got it on Black Friday sale for $80 all-in.

2. I needed to replace my oldest/slowest Roku anyway.

3. I needed wanted a bluetooth joystick, and the classic styling of this one hit me in the feels.

So, I figure I can't lose. If/when the nostalgia wears off, I'll still get use out of it as a streaming box. And the joystick will get use beyond this setup. All good.

And in the meantime, the ATARI logo lighting up below my TV sparks joy. 😍