There's a second button that sits on the back of the controllers, right next to the standard red button Atari fans remember. The classic controller gets a 21st century twist, too. Instead, you have two USB ports in the front for charging controllers, an HDMI port for your TV, more ports for USB and Ethernet and the power button. Gone are the analog switches to reset or start games or to choose whether you're playing on a color or black-and-white TV. The VCS design draws inspiration from earlier Atari consoles, including the 2600 and the Atari 7800. The Atari VCS is available to preorder for $399.99 and includes the console, a wireless modern controller and a wireless classic joystick.Īccepting reader submissions: We're creating a gaming community at USA TODAY
However, the VCS delivers plenty of modern touches such as wireless, rechargeable controllers and Wi-Fi support for downloadable games. Having spent some time playing Atari VCS, it's easy to get trapped by the nostalgic feelings of popping in my 'Asteroids' or 'Missile Command' cartridges. It's a fresh home video game console: the Atari VCS. This isn't an old Atari 2600 previously collecting dust in a closet or an emulator I found online. It is 2021, and I'm not playing on an Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.
