It looks like initial sales of Atari’s new VCS console are going well. With more than a week remaining in the Indiegogo campaign, the wood-paneled Collector’s Edition has sold out, leaving the modern-styled Onyx as the only choice for fans who’ve waited to jump into the mix. But fear not, latecomers still craving that sweet woodgrain look for their entertainment systems, because Atari has your back with the newly announced VCS Tribute Edition!
Cosmetically similar to the initial batch of Collector’s Edition units, the new VCS Tribute Edition differs primarily by not being individually numbered like the 6,000 First-Run certified Collector’s Edition consoles. As of this writing, the Tribute edition is available on the Indiegogo site at two different levels: a $379 “All-In” package that contains the console and both the modern and retro controllers, and a $299 console only package.
The Atari VCS has enjoyed unprecedented support, blasting past Atari’s $100,000 USD Indiegogo goal in a matter of hours. To-date, the campaign has raised nearly $3 Million USD with 10 days remaining in the current campaign, thanks to the broad support from gamers eager to enjoy both nostalgic and contemporary entertainment in Atari’s first connected device.
The full family. Console, retro joystick, and modern controller
Last week, Atari also wrapped up a successful E3 2018, showcasing an exciting lineup of both reimagined Atari classic revivals and completely new original titles. Atari Connect COO Michael Arzt (Atari VCS / Atari Life) was also on hand at E3 to answer questions about the Atari VCS, including a detailed interview with Danny Pena of Gamertag Radio.
While this writer has certainly been somewhat sceptical of the new Atari foray into the console/living room appliance arena, there’s no denying that retro is hot right now, and Atari has absolutely nailed the look of the VCS. Hopefully 2019 will give us a chance to check this rig out, and perhaps even put it side by side next to an original Atari 2600 in a few living rooms.
