Call me a skeptic, but there is just no way the new Atari console, named Atari VCS, can succeed or survive the stiff competition surrounding it. Aaaaaaand, queue article closing statement now. There’s nothing more to say because there’s just no way. With Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, PC, Amico, and growing streaming-only platforms from Apple, Amazon, and Google, the new Atari console has no place in this crowded gaming landscape.

What is the Atari VCS?

The Atari VCS sees Atari re-entering the gaming hardware business with a new dedicated gaming console after hanging up their cleats in the mid-90s. That era marked a particularly awful period for Atari when their Jaguar and Jaguar-CD add-on failed to compete (or even make a dent) in consumers’ homes. The Atari VCS, however, hopes to be something of a renaissance for the company as it ushers in modern technology and app-based sensibilities. Atari describes the new Atari console as:

“Atari returns to the living room with the Atari VCS — a completely modern gaming and video computer system, blending the best of consoles and PCs to delight a whole new generation of gamers and creators.”

That sounds delightful and fun and all, but the real question remains: Do people really care? Some people might. After all, the specs and system offerings aren’t bad at all. I’m not saying that Atari is delivering an underwhelming product because they’re not. Here’s what the VCS 800 Model is all about:

• HDMI 2.0
• USB 3.1 (4 ports)
• WiFi
• Ethernet
• Bluetooth
• Mouse and Keyboard Support
• 4K HDR Video Streaming
• AMD Ryzen Processor featuring Radeon Graphics Technology
• 8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradeable)
• Different color options at launch
• Classic joystick controller + modern pro controller
• 100 built-in games, included

That’s solid, right? I agree. It looks great on paper. Hell, I want one. Additionally, the system runs on Linux, but gamers can actually upload a different operating system, such as Windows 95 (jk), and use their system like a standard computer. Love it.

It does appear that there will be various models of the VCS as the Atari website states that Atari VCS 800 models feature native 4K HDR video. The Atari VCS 400 model is a little less powerful in some areas but offers a lot of the same functionality. Unsure on the price of the 400 model.

Why the Atari VCS Will Fail

As much as I’d love to see this new Atari console succeed, there’s no denying it’s a long road to glory. The Atari brand is dated, appealing to gamers from the 70s and 80s who may not even care anymore. Sure, nostalgia is strong, and retro is very “in” and “hip” these days. Aside from older gamers, it will also appeal to casual gamers – because let’s be real, hardcore gamers aren’t into this. But here’s the big problem with all of that: this new Atari console is priced at $400, which is wildly expensive for casual gamers or a 50 year old man chasing nostalgic childhood memories.

The Atari VCS does offer compatibility with most PC peripherals, and has the Atari PC mode (as mentioned above), so this system may be the first great “console” to offer the ease of consoles with the flexibility and control of PC gaming. It’s unique, to say the least. But your hardcore PC gamers still won’t be interested because the flexibility and control is still limited by physical space and other specs.

What the Atari VCS offers is impressive, however, with quality processing power, 4K HD output, numerous quality ports, a very sleek design, and a reputable brand that was once synonymous with home-gaming. But with only so many sawbucks in the consumer’s pockets, why choose the Atari VCS over a more powerful Nintendo Switch? If you’re looking for wholesome family games, why not go with the Tommy Tallarico-revived Intellivision (renamed the Amico, I believe)? The Amico will probably cost less than the Atari VCS, and the Switch offers an incredible library + numerous features that even the big dogs haven’t caught up to yet.

Conclusion

Overall, the Atari VCS is, well, let’s say it like it is: Confusing. Head-scratching. Bewildering. Because just… why? There are numerous gaming camps, but simply put there are only four camps in the gaming world (in the broadest of comparative terms):

1. Switch
2. PlayStation and Xbox
3. PC
4. Everyone else

That is in no particular order, mind you. There’s the big three console guys, but Nintendo doesn’t compete with Sony and Microsoft. So it’s not uncommon for Switch owners to also own a PlayStation or Xbox. If the Atari VCS is to succeed, it will be on the concept of its “unprecedented levels of flexibility and control.” (quoted from the website).

Where will gamers find room, time, or motivation to get an Atari VCS? I’m sure the system will move some units, but there’s no way in hell it will be a smashing success. Eventually it will be dubbed a “commercial failure,” a la the Ouya (a promising beautiful little concept that flopped). There’s not enough room under the TV, there’s not enough reason to need this, and there’s not enough money for consumers to justify it.

As an avid retro-gaming fan, I’ll probably end up buying one. I like display pieces and there’s no denying how darn sleek this system looks. The 100 built-in games is a strong motivator, and the awesome old-school boxart displays in the games-menu is heart-warming. Is it enough? I am sincerely pulling for you Atari, but I’m not holding my breath.