A new console that runs Linux is announced and the internet reacts with excited skepticism / fire with pitchforks. But what's different this time from last and why is the Ataribox perhaps on track to a mediocre success in a market where Valve and their Linux based Steam Machines flopped.
What It Is
The Ataribox is a $250 - $300 X86 based (PC) computer running an AMD CPU with Radeon graphics likely in the form of an all in one APU. The OS is Linux with it's own user interface but it will run any Linux compatible games that it's hardware and drivers will allow. The Ataribox will come preloaded with classic Atari games and some new games that are yet to be named, it will also allow you to install other services on it like Steam and access the vast library of Linux compatible games available there, Humble, GOG and Itch should also work with their Linux titles. It seems like Atari are going to have their own App/Store for their own games on the Ataribox, could we finally see some commercial Linux exclusive games? Maybe??
On top of that it's a full PC with a desktop, full real up to date web browsers from Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Vivaldi etc. and access to streaming services and all Linux native apps.
What It Isn't
The Ataribox is not a PS4 killer. While on paper the final specs may rival a PS4 point for point what the Ataribox lacks is good optimization, this is true of Linux games in general. People who play AAA games on Linux usually compensate for poor performance by buying more powerful computers. The Ataribox is a fairly weak computer by gaming computer standards but since Linux doesn't have many highly demanding AAA games compared to Windows or PS4, that's kind of okay.
What Linux has are quality indie and AA games most of which can run fairly well on a weaker computer.
Copyright © 2017 Atari, Inc.
Why You Might Want One
You've seen the pictures, it looks cool. The Ataribox with it's real wood face is stylish in a nostalgic yet modern way. It holds appeal to those with fond memories of the classic Atari and the pixel graphics crowd who love all things retro gaming related could eat it up. Valves main misstep may have been trying to go toe to toe against the PS4 and take a slice of the hardcore gamer market, if Atari go after the casual indie gamer they may strike a cord with their versatile console slash PC device.
There are almost 4,000 Linux compatible games on Steam right now, today, and even more on other services like Itch. This preexisting catalog of games (while being mostly garbage shovelware) is home to hundreds of great titles in many different genres with new games released everyday, and that's not even talking about video game emulators which are free and easy on Linux.
Linux native titles that could run perfectly well on the Ataribox are Left 4 Dead 2, Portal 2, Rocket League, Unturned, Brutal Legend, Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, Stardew Valley, Rust, Half Life 2 and many many more. Lots of people already own all these games on Steam and could play them on the Ataribox without repurchasing them.
Unlike on PS4 and Xbox online gaming is free on PC and the Ataribox. No pay per month for online play like on Xbox live or PSN, it's free.
Raspberry Pi devices running Linux have exploded in popularity with tinkerers and hacker types. The Ataribox, being an x86 PC could be used in many of the same ways as the Rasp-pi and with it's vastly higher power could do much more.
Copyright © 2017 Atari, Inc.
Why You Might Not Want One
If you're only interested in playing all the new AAA games and you need one device that can do that for you then this isn't it.
If you don't need a PC or indie games system to hook up to your TV then you probably don't need one of these.
If you don't like the way it looks then why buy it it's not for you.
Copyright © 2017 Atari, Inc.
I'm not personally sure what to expect in terms of sales numbers, and it seems Atari aren't either as they are going to launch preorders on indiegogo.com this fall and ship next spring. Worst case is that the whole scheme falls apart after launch and you're left with a cool PC in a slim Atari case that you can do whatever you want with, so the risk is low in that sense.
Are you excited for a new Linux console from Atari or are you just confused about the whole thing?
Sources of info
http://us16.campaign-archive2.com/?u=514d5e8e2ca64b78c0c6f5a2e&id=600c7d1b9d
http://store.steampowered.com/search/?category1=998&os=linux
