We know what Ataribox will cost now, but the numbers don't add up
New details have emerged about Atari's mysterious upcoming game console, and as has been the case all along with this "Ataribox," we're once again left with more questions than answers.
The crowdfunding-bound gaming hardware will be powered by a chip from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and run on a Linux-based operating system. Pricing is expected to fall into the $250-300 range, but it definitely won't be lower than $250.
Both details come from a new interview with the console's creator and general manager, Feargal Mac, via GamesBeat. He also confirmed that the crowdfunding campaign will launch in the spring of 2018.
The price is, by far, the most compelling piece of info to emerge from this new interview. Knowing the console's CPU designer doesn't tell us much unless there are hardware specs to go along with it. But with the price, we get something helpful: A point of comparison.
The stated price range puts Ataribox on roughly equal competitive footing with the other major consoles on the market. You can get a PlayStation 4, Switch, or Xbox for $300 or less.
There's just one problem. Note this bit from the GamesBeat story, a paraphrased mention of what you can expect from Ataribox in terms of game support and performance:
As far as games go, the machine will run the kind of games that a mid-range PC can do today, but it won’t run Triple-A games that require high-end PC performance.
You know what can run "Triple-A games that require high-end PC performance"? Those $300 consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony. It sounds like Ataribox will do fine with less demanding indie titles -- which, hey, great! -- but for the Destinys and Wolfensteins of the world, you'll need something else.
It's hard to know for certain until more specs and a list of supported games are revealed, but it sure sounds like Ataribox is banking on nostalgia above all. Yes, you don't get as much horsepower and no, you can't play as many new games. But you can play 30-year-old Atari games and newer indies.
Maybe you see the value in that, but I don't. For that kind of money, I'd much rather play all the latest games and -- if I ever do want to scratch the old Atari itch -- just buy something like this instead.
Topics Gaming
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
