It looks like an Atari 2600, but I'd use it as a sub-$200 indie gaming Steam Machine
Nov. 1, 2024Looks like your dad’s console, runs Stardew Valley.
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That’s right, you can grab the Atari VCSfor $199.99thanks to a half-price discount. This is something of a nose dive compared to both its MSRP and typical going rate, as it normally sits around the $300 mark. For under $200, it’s also not bad for what is a relatively capablegaming PClaced with someretro consolegoodness. I mean, I can’t think of any other tiny rig that comes with 100 free classic Atari games, a modern take on the 2600 joystick, and a wireless gamepad, can you?
Reading back that last sentence, I am aware that the Atari VCS is a confusing product. Just know that if you do decide to whack $200 on it, you’re effectively investing in aAMDmini PC with a VEGA APU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 32GB MMC storage, and a M.2 slot for SSD upgrades. That should help contexualize things in terms of price, as it’s easy to mistake it for something like theAtari 2600+or even a mini console.
Atari VCS |$399.99$199.99 at AmazonSave $200 -Atari’s AMD-powered mini PC just hit a new record low thanks to a generous 50% discount, helping it break away from its usual $300 price tag. You won’t find many tiny rigs that cost under $200, and even if you do, they won’t come with a joystick, controller, and access to 100 classic games.
Buy it if:✅You want a mini living room PC✅You love Atari games✅You play lots of indie gamesDon’t buy it if:❌You’d rather use a handheld❌You want to play big releases
Price check:Best Buy $239.99 | Walmart $199.99
Should you buy the Atari VCS?
It’s safe to say the Atari VCS targets retro gamers with its 2600 cosplay and easy access to the company’s classics. But, I actually think this could be an incredible machine for Indie fans for a low-spec way to explore their Steam library without buying a full-blown rig.
What you’ll want to get out of your head right away is the idea of playing high-spec games on the Atari VCS. You’ll want to upgrade the machine’s RAM and pop in a larger SSD before really treating it like a proper Windows machine, but even then, its 4GB VRAM isn’t going to like outings like Cyberpunk 2077. That said, it will run a surprising number of recent games, like Sonic Superstars and Tomb Raider Remastered, and plenty of Indie romps are going to run nicely at 1080p.
Of course, I’m also a gaming handheld reviewer, and there’s a case to be made for picking up aSteam Deck OLEDor even theAsus ROG Allyinstead. The main draw here is that it’d enable you to head outside with the portable PC and use a Steam Deck dock to consolize things when at home, but you’ll certainly end up paying more than $200.
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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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