A new Atari console is on the way in the form of the VCS, and we have the release date for you. A PC/Console Hybrid, the Atari VCS is a really interesting creation, and it’s coming to storefronts and the Atari VCS website in just a few weeks. On Tuesday, June 15th, 2021, the newest Atari device comes to life and aims to change the console game. It has an old-school aesthetic, but an interior that’s both modern and powerful. What can we expect from the Atari VCS when the June release date comes around?

The idea here is that the Atari VCS will have something for every gamer. For those of us who grew up in the 80s and played Atari games at home or in the arcade, it has some classic Atari titles on it. Every Atari VCS comes with a free copy of the Atari VCS Vault. It unlocks access to 100 arcade and Atari 2600 classics, optimized for use with their Wireless Classic Joystick. 

There are over a dozen titles available at launch as well. Boulder Dash Deluxe, Danger Scavenger, Guntech, Jetboard Joust, Sir Lovelot, Something Ate My Alien, Tailgunner, Atari’s Missile Command: Recharged, and more. The Atari VCS also ships with access to Antstream Arcade. This is a streaming platform that offers on-demand access to the world’s largest collection of licensed retro titles. Now, this appeals greatly to me, as a lover of classic arcade games – beat ‘em ups in particular. 

Michael Arzt, COO of Atari VCS and Connected Devices had this to say:

“The day that many eager Atari fans have been waiting for is almost here. The Atari VCS has been well-received by our early adopter community, and we are thrilled that more people will have the opportunity to enjoy everything that the platform has to offer today, and as we roll out more and more new content and features in the future. We also deeply appreciate the strong support of our retail launch partners, including GameStop, Best Buy, and Micro Center during this exciting time.”

Atari has also stated they’re courting a variety of game publishers and indie developers, and anticipate more new and retro titles to come to the Atari VCS. This is more than just a gaming platform though. Like most modern consoles, you can also access the latest in streaming services on the Atari VCS dashboard, or through the Atari VCS Companion app. The Google Chrome browser is built-in, and Google’s Workspace apps are also available. 

So whether you want to the latest in 4k HDR content, or keep up with your workflow, you can do both on the Atari VCS. The Atari VCS has a genuinely interesting setup, such as the optional PC Mode. This lets you install Windows or Linux as an alternate OS, making the console into a fully-featured, powerful min-PC. For those interested in the details, it has an AMD Ryzen processor, powerful Radeon Graphics Technology, and can has 4k resolution support. 60FPS and HDR compliant, it has dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. 

The release date again for the Atari VCS is June 15th, and there are some specials. For those who buy the Atari VCS All-In Bundle from Gamestop or BestBuy also receive a free Atari Speakerhat while supplies last. Those who purchase the bundle from Micro Center or AtariVCS.com on June 15th receive a free digital copy of Missile Command: Recharged. As far as costs, the Atari VCS Onyx Base System is 299.99 USD, and the Atari VCS Black Walnut and ONyx All-In System Bundles include the Atari VCS Classic Joystick (normally separately for 59.99) and the Atari VCS Modern Controller for 399.99. It’s important to note that these prices may change in the future.