New Atari Console?

[Rob_Merritt]

If you haven't heard, Atari is releasing the Atari 7800 in a plug to TV game form. Its called Atari Flashback. However thats not what I'm talking about.

I've been picking up rumors here and there that Atari is planning on releasing a real console next year. Not a console to compete with Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo but a real console just the game. I've been told two stories. One is a Vsmile like system to play classic and classic like games. It would be retro looking with carts but more advance than straight up emulation. Another is a more or less modern DVD based system aimed at classic, family, and Atari properties.
I don't follow the console news too much so I don't know if this is common knowledge or not.

[Laner]

That is the first I've heard of it, and I've been hanging out at AtariAge a lot lately.  I'd love to see a retro-console that could actually play the old cartridges, but I seriously doubt that will ever happen.

[Rob_Merritt]

In the atari age forums they had some guy hinting about this when flashback was annouced. Can't find it at the moment though...

[ebane67]

All I can say is...Jaguar...
I dont think I will fall for it again.

[Laner]

All I can say is...Jaguar...
I dont think I will fall for it again.

Eh... the Jaguar was put out by the Atari of old.  The current "Atari" is just a renamed Infogrammes... that's the only connection between the two.

[Rob_Merritt]

All I can say is...Jaguar...
I dont think I will fall for it again.

Eh... the Jaguar was put out by the Atari of old.  The current "Atari" is just a renamed Infogrammes... that's the only connection between the two.

Not entirely because all this console talk is coming from Atari Labs (Atari US) which is close to the original Atari in location and several ex-atari developers do work for Atari Labs. One of the Flair II (aka Jaguar) does.

[Laner]

All I can say is...Jaguar...
I dont think I will fall for it again.

Eh... the Jaguar was put out by the Atari of old.  The current "Atari" is just a renamed Infogrammes... that's the only connection between the two.

Not entirely because all this console talk is coming from Atari Labs (Atari US) which is close to the original Atari in location and several ex-atari developers do work for Atari Labs. One of the Flair II (aka Jaguar) does.

Really?  Hmm... interesting.  Hopefully there is something to the rumors.

[JuniorDan]

I would not waist my time.

[Flojomojo]

I wouldn't hold my breath ... hardware is a tough business.  Sure, you reap the rewards if you control the platform, but it's pretty much winner take all.  I wouldn't want to go up against Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo even if I were the biggest software publisher in Europe, just like Infogrames.

The Flashback looks like a neat little toy for the price, though ...

[Gratch]

I'd was initially excited about the Flashback, until they said it only came with about 20 games.  Hell, I can go buy one of those joysticks that has about that many games in it for $20.

[Laner]

I'd was initially excited about the Flashback, until they said it only came with about 20 games.  Hell, I can go buy one of those joysticks that has about that many games in it for $20.

True... I thought it was originally offered with 30 games.  Either way, you could get a real Atari 2600 + 20 somewhat common games for not much more than the Flashback:

http://www.4jays.com/atari2600.11.html

Scroll down to the Junior Special Package... It's $70, but I'm sure you could find a similar lot on ebay for less.  I'd rather have that anyway - there's just something about playing the real thing.