Manufactured by Atari and originally released in 1972, Pong was one of the earliest arcade video games, created by Allan Alcorn as a training exercise assigned to him by Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell. Now, Atari Mini Pong Jr. brings that arcade classic to your tabletop, measuring just 30-centimeters in length, complete with an LCD screen. Featuring a single-player mode that pits you against an AI or 2-player local multiplayer.
GSD Group partnered with world famous architecture firm Gensler to unveil their video game-inspired Atari Hotels with the first two hotels opening in Las Vegas. These resorts will blend the past, present, and future of video games as well as entertainment for a destination that offers guests a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience. Guests can enjoy the latest video games, immersive entertainment, browse exclusive Atari Hotels merchandise, and coolest of all, play in retro-style gaming arcades.
We’ve covered the Evercade before, but if you haven’t yet heard about it, this portable Atari handheld has just launched with an expanding library of cartridges, including Namco Museum (Pac-Man, Dig-Dug and Galaxian), Atari (Asteroids, Centipede and Pong), Interplay (Earthworm Jim and Clayfighter) and more. So far,over 100 games have been confirmed for the system, and each one comes loaded with 6-20 games in classic numbered plastic cases.
Just about any gamer has played some form of Pong, but did you know that back in 1977 there was a tabletop version called Blip? This electro-mechanical version of the game was marketed by Tomy and can only play two-player matches similar to Atari’s video game. The timer provided the game’s motor function and when it was turned, a spring is wound via several gears, which then drove the arm upon which the LED light was mounted.
Photo credit: Engadget
Atari announced today at E3 that they’ve signed exclusive distribution agreements for the Atari VCS with Walmart and GameStop, with online pre-orders begining this week for U.S. customers – deliveries start in March 2020. The VCS systems pre-ordered on Indiegogo will be delivered in late 2019 as planned. Just to recap, it’s powered by an AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 processor and support for 4K60 video output, while running a custom Linux-based operating system called Atari OS. It ships with more than 100 classic games pre-installed, but also support new titles when available. Pricing starts at $249.99 for the Atari VCS 400 Onyx (4GB) and tops off at $389.99 for one of three Atari VCS 800 (8GB). Read more for another video, additional pictures and information.
Tesla has released its Software version 9.0 firmware update for all of its vehicles, provided they’re connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot to start the process. In addition to a ‘dash cam’ mode that enables the vehicle to record and store video from its front-facing camera in 10-minute clips, you also get Atari games that can be played when the car is parked. Continue reading for two more videos and additional information.
Elon Musk Tweeted today that Tesla’s V9.0 vehicle software update will have a few hidden classic Atari games when it’s released in “about four weeks.” The rumored games include: Pole Position, Tempest, and Missile Command “in this release,” which could means that many more could be coming in future updates. Continue reading for another video and more information.
Finally, after many months of speculation, and a delay, the Atari VCS is now up for pre-order. You can either choose a “collector’s edition” that features a wood-front finish for $299, or a classic black Onyx edition at $199. Both models and classic joysticks will only be available for pre-order on Indiegogo, but unfortunately, nothing will ship until mid-2019.Just to recap, it’s powered by an AMD custom processor that runs a variant of Linux. Continue reading for two more videos, including Tempest 4000 footage.
Formerly known as the Ataribox, the Atari VCS was officially unveiled at GDC 2018, and it’s basically a Linux-powered gaming computer that can be used as both a PC and video game console, pre-loaded with a Atari classic games right out of the box. It will be powered by a semi-custom AMD processor with Radeon graphics, and feature an SD card slot, HDMI, USB, Ethernet ports, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. Continue reading for more pictures and information.
Unlike other tablets, the Atari 9000 doubles as a portable gaming console, complete with joystick and paddle controllers. It’s powered by Android, and also offers scrolling, zooming, and use with a stylus, which is basically the joystick handle. You can also hook it up to the big screen for a truly retro gaming experience. Continue reading for more pictures.