Over the weekend Atari announced the release of the latest update for the Atari VCS (Videogame Computer System). This new update continues the commitment of steadily adding new and highly-requested features and Quality-of-Life (QoL) improvements to the living room mini-pc.
If you are someone who is looking to add to your console collection or want something that provides a massive library of games, the Atari VCS 800 is a must-have. Especially if you are someone who loves retro gaming. But it isn’t just retro games you can expect. This new console has additional game system emulators, user interface improvements, 4k graphics, and online multiplayer gaming. And with the latest update now available for download for all users, it’s only getting better. Players will be excited to learn that the new update adds online leaderboards, public “Friends” profiles, helpful dashboard notifications, expanded support for the game developers, and several other system optimization features.
The majority of gamers are competitive, no matter if it’s against themselves or their friends. This is why probably the best thing regarding the new update is the leaderboards. Players will be able to track and compare scores across their favorite Atari titles online. But it isn’t just your friends you can do this with, you will be able to see how you stack up against the rest of the VCS community. Now while not all titles have this benefit yet, the first titles that do are Atari’s Recharged series (Black Widow, Asteroids, Breakout). But don’t worry, there is more to come in the future. Plus these leaderboards will track daily, weekly, and monthly across regions and globally.
Friends really make up a huge aspect of gaming. This is why Atari has added enhancements to the friends system. Including expanded public profiles that make it easier to discover and connect with other players.
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What good is a gaming system if new games aren’t being produced? With the update, Atari has created an easier way for developers to create content for the Atari VCS system. DIY Developer Private Beta helps turn every VCS into a dev kit. Creating a pathway for homebrew developers to create games and apps for themselves. While also allowing a pathway to eventually share that content with other VCS users. Now, this isn’t available to the full community just yet, Atari will be working with a small group of independent developers to gather feedback before rolling out fully.
Some Atari VCS In-Game Screenshots
Another feature of the latest update is that Stella, the popular Atari 2600 emulator system, is fully integrated with the Atari VCS operating system. This integration helps make bringing classic and new third-party Atari 2600 titles to the VCS Storefront easy. As well as VCS owners can expect 2600 titles to join the expanded collection of retro titles. If you haven’t already added this to your must-have list, do it now. Or better yet, treat yourself by getting it from stores like Amazon and the Official Atari VCS website. Retail is around $399.99 and includes the Atari VCS system, one Wireless Classic Joystick, and one Wireless Modern Controller.
Are you getting an Atari VCS? Already have one? Do you live it? Let us know in the comments below and Tweet us what games are you most excited to play on the new mini-PC.
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