Atari VCS 800 set for November release, priced at $390

2020 is the year of the next-generation consoles with the gaming world eagerly awaiting the release of Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X which are due to hit shelves in time for being wrapped up and tucked under a tree, global pandemic be damned.

However, if modern-day games aren't really your thing but are still looking to spend a considerable amount of money come the Holidays, Atari (yes Atari) have got a sweet deal for you in the form of the Atari VCS 800.

(Picture: Atari)

Aping the style of Atari's console heyday the VCS 800 packs a powerful punch under its retro hood with 4K streaming promised, upgradeable components and a wide variety of connectivity options that will at the least make it a serviceable, and very stylish, media centre.

What are the specifications of the Atari VCS 800?

You may be asking does it only play retro games? And the answer would be no, it's technically a PC, initial specs include 8GB of RAM (upgradeable), an AMD Raven Ridge 2 APU and Ryzen GPU, all running on a bespoke Linux distro, users will have the ability to install different operating systems like Windows, Steam OS, or Chrome OS allowing you to use it as an, admittedly quite basic, PC.

Other features built into the console include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, four USB 3.1 ports, gigabit ethernet, and HDMI. 32GB of built-in storage with the ability to expand via USB.

How much does the Atari VCS 800 cost?

(Picture: Atari)

That's right, the long-awaited return of the one of the OG's of the console market (preorders started in May 2018 for Indiegogo backers) is finally set for release this November 27th, with sites like GameStop and Walmart taking preorders at a price tag of $390.

Yes, this is not a typo nor a placeholder number, for those Atari enthusiasts out there, that is the price you will have to pay if you wish to get your hands on the version that includes a retro joystick and a regular controller. Included in the bundle is also a copy of Atari Vault of 100, a collection of retro arcade games.

A less expensive version, called Atari VCS 800 Onyx Base, is also available for preorder and will ship for $279.99. However, it doesn't come with any peripherals or games which will have to be purchased separately.

If your interest is peaked, check out a video from their official YouTube channel with the console running Fortnite.