The Atari VCS launched on Indiegogo last March and was originally set to arrive in spring 2018. Now, making good on its latest promise to release the console at the butt-end of 2019, Atari has announced that original backers will receive their VCS in December of this year, while those the Atari website can expect their console to ship in March 2020.

There are two differently-specced Atari VCS models:

  • the entry-level model – the Atari VCS 400 Onyx with 4GB RAM – can be picked up for $249.99 ( 220€ more or less )
  • the higher-spec the Atari VCS 800 with 8GB RAM costs $279.99 ( 250€ more or less )

Both models, which ship with more than 100 games, come with either an AMD Embedded R1606G or Embedded R1505G chip, both of which are Zen-based dual-core, four-thread CPUs and offer an onboard Vega GPU. These two chips are also capable of providing 4K at 60Hz; this isn’t your run-of-the-mill retro console remake.

Atari is also selling a VCS bundle for $389.99 ( 345€ ), which includes a classic joystick and modern controller, though both can be bought separately for $49.99 (45€) and $59.99 (55€), respectively.

Atari says that you “will be able to download your favorite home and entertainment apps, such as Redbox, Netflix, Vudu and more; with others to be announced and added post launch.” But you will only be able to play Atari games on the supplied Atari OS.

If you haven’t already guessed, pre-orders are only live in the US for now, where it can Walmart.com and GameStop.com. Atari CEO Frédéric Chesnais commented on the upcoming Atari VCS:

“Atari made a commitment to its fans to make the new VCS the best and most versatile game and home entertainment platform it can be, with a wide array of options. After so many months of work defining and refining the products, and after the strong initial support of thousands of Indiegogo backers, we are excited to finally and officially announce our product launch configurations, first key retail partnerships, and the kickoff of the Atari VCS Official Online Pre-sale that will put the products into the hands of gamers.”

Atari CEO Frédéric Chesnais