The Ataribox was revealed to the world in June 2017 as a new gaming console "based on PC technology" that had already been in development for years at that point. Despite this, it didn't take long for things to take a major turn: a planned Indiegogo campaign was suspended at the last minute (although it eventually went ahead and was a huge success, raising over $3.6 million), there was a conversion to cryptocurrency for some reason, and in 2019 the Atari VCS reemerged as the Atari VCS, a Ryzen-powered box capable of running Windows, but Linux-based out of the box.

Despite rough patches, including an ugly interview with The Register and the resignation of system architect Rob Wyatt, who claimed in October 2019 that he hadn't been paid in over six months, it finally began shipping for Indiegogo backers in October 2020 The company has been working hard to achieve this milestone. At the end of this month, the company will hit an even bigger milestone, with Atari announcing that it will begin selling the product through regular retail channels on June 15. [Atari VCS Chief Operating Officer Michael Arzt said, "Atari VCS has been well received by the early adopter community, and as we roll out more new content and features now and in the future, we are excited that more people will have the opportunity to enjoy all that this platform has to offer. We are excited that more people will have the opportunity to enjoy all that the platform has to offer now and in the future as we roll out even more new content and features." [Boulder Dash Deluxe, Danger Scavenger, Guntech, Jetboard Joust, Sir Lovelot, Something Ate My Alien, Tailgunner, Missile Command, etc. and "more than 10" games at launch: not a very impressive selection for a $300 console. Every console comes with an Atari VCS Vault bundled with over 100 Atari 2600 games, all of which are optimized for use with the new (and optional) wireless Classic joystick.

Atari adds that it is "actively reaching out to several game publishers and independent developers," and expects more new and updated games to be released for the VCS in the coming months.

Hardware heads may also be intrigued by the new VCS. While we won't be able to judge its performance until we get our hands on one, Atari says it supports 4K, HDR, "60fps content," has expandable storage options, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB 3.0.

"For advanced users and PC hobbyists who enjoy ultimate configurability and customization, an optional PC mode allows Windows or Linux to be installed as an alternate operating system, turning the Atari VCS into a flexible, full-featured transforming it into a powerful mini-PC," Atari states.

The Atari VCS base units cost $300 each, and the "All-In" bundle, which includes a joystick and controller, costs $400. They are available from Best Buy, GameStop, Micro Center, and directly from Atari.