New York City, US, December 11 — Atari announces the pre-order start date of the rumored Ataribox console via email, to those who signed up for the newsletter earlier this year, following a teaser campaign.
The units are planned to cost $249-$299 depending on specific editions and memory configurations and will also enable users to stream what they play.
A “new” retro console by Atari
There have been some rumors whether or not Atari will bring out a new console but we now have confirmation that pre-order for the Ataribox will start on the 14th of December. As of now, the Indiegogo campaign page does not give much info yet but make sure to return after the 14th for a chance to get your hands on one of the limited Ataribox units.
What we know right now is that the Ataribox will be a retro console, much like the ones that Nintendo pushed out before, and that more than 100,000 gamers have already signed the waitlist to get exclusive crowdfunding deals.Whether or not the Ataribox would arrive before the holidays is unclear as of now, but we’ll learn more about that once the campaign went live.
Ataribox quotes from earlier this year
In an official press release from Atari, published in September, they shared some more insight on what they plan for the Ataribox.
“With Ataribox, we wanted to create an open system, a killer product where people can game, stream and browse with as much freedom as possible. Atari games and content will be available as well as games and content from other providers,” said Fred Chesnais, Atari Chief Executive Officer. “We also wanted to launch Ataribox with our community, and reward our fans with exclusive early access, special editions, and include them as active participants in the product rollout.”
“People are used to the flexibility of a PC, but most connected TV devices have closed systems and content stores. Ataribox is an open system, and while our user interface will be easy to use, people will also be free to access and customize the underlying OS,” said Feargal Mac, Ataribox General Manager. “We’ve chosen to launch Ataribox with Indiegogo given their focus on delivering technology products, and their strong international presence in over 200 countries, allowing us to reach and involve as many Atari fans around the world as possible.”
If you want to learn more, you can also visit their official website here.
Update 14th of December
Apparently there has been an issue that delayed this campaign. Atari representatives contacted us with this information:
“The countdown to the Ataribox launch on Indiegogo has been officially paused. Because of one key element on our checklist, it is taking more time to create the platform and ecosystem the Atari community deserves. Building Ataribox is incredibly important to us and we will do whatever it takes to be sure it is worth the wait. An updated launch plan is underway and more detailed information will be available soon.”
YouTube: First look: A brand new Atari product. Years in the making.
Photo credit: Atari
Source: Email from Atari / Atari press release
Editorial notice: The quotes have been provided as part of a public press release.
