The Ataribox Unveiled... Well A Little

Photo: Atari

So Atari is back in the hardware business, huh? That was the word a few months back when the company released a teaser video of what is known as the Ataribox - a gaming system/PC for TV thingamajig. When news first broke about the former titan of hardware gaming making a come back the 9 year old inside of me jumped for joy, but of course the adult gamer in me had some questions that needed to be answered. Although the company is back to the console arena (in some capacity) exactly what type of system is it? Will it be a throwback system playing solely retro video games like the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition? Or will it be something that directly rivals the established console giants Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo? Or God forbid, it's something remotely like the ill-fated Ouya. 

To be frank, I was hoping it would be a console that plays retro games, but it's primary function would be to play triple A titles including but not limited to it's own exclusive titles. Could you imagine if the Ataribox released exclusive remakes of some of it's most popular games? Who wouldn't want to play a 3D Defender or Space Invaders made into a first person shooter? The potential for Atari to knock it out the park is there, but as we know it takes time, money and the execution must be as close to perfect as humanly possible. 

Photo: Atari

The good news is some of my questions have been answered, albeit vaguely. Let's start with what exactly the Ataribox is. So far Atari has described it as a "gaming device" and a "...full PC experience for the TV." You can currently stream movies, music  and access social media from all of the major consoles.  You could even run Linux from a LiveCD on the Xbox360 and use the system as a full fledged computer so this isn't anything new. Hopefully Atari's way of doing these things will be new and exciting. The unit is said to be utilizing custom Linux and AMD technologies. Not too many specifics were released but the unit will be using a "...customized AMD processor with Radeon Graphics technology." Enthusiast will have the option of a black unit with a wood grain face which is a nod to the classic 2600 or a black and red unit. The Ataribox will come pre-loaded with all those retro games we grew up loving but will also be able to play current games at a price point of $249 - $299 making it cheaper than some Steam Machines. 

Follow me on Twitter @ITSecPr0