Atari Reveals Its New Ataribox Console

Atari has revealed new details and images of its first console in over 20 years, the Ataribox. You’re just witnessing one of the granddaddies of video gaming attempt to make a comeback with its first console since the ’80s. The main objective with this release is to “create something new that stays true” to Atari’s heritage and appeals “to both old and new fans” alike.

Tech-wise, all we know so far about the Ataribox is that it will feature a variety of new ports, including outlets for HDMI, SD, and 4 USB connectors. Maybe sometime soon they will also share some details regarding the hardware specs, price and release date! Atari wants to get this system done right, and they promise they’re not teasing people intentionally, but they’re sharing a little bit of information at a time to keep us in the loop.

Known as the Ataribox, the new machine pictured below is designed closely with the original Atari in mind. Both will have different appearances and the other style will scrap the wood panels for a black and red ribbed colour scheme. There will be two versions of the Ataribox available: black/red and a wood edition, notes The Verge.

While it’s unlikely that the Ataribox will be anywhere near as powerful as the expensive Xbox and PlayStation consoles now on the market, it could definitely do well in the retro console sector.

It’s certainly been a bumpy ride for Atari, since they claimed bankruptcy back in 2013 and bought out by Chesnais. In terms of games, there’s likely to be a digital store and the games you purchase are downloaded to an SD card.

As for content, we should expect a mix of classic games and “current content” whatever that means. But while the Nintendo consoles are largely exact [design] replicas of their respective counterparts (after being hit with a shrink ray, of course), the Ataribox melds retro touches with a modern flavor.