Atari Provides Images Of New ‘Ataribox’ Console And It’s Confusing

A few weeks ago, Atari hinted at the possibility of a comeback product in the form of a new console. Now, the company has provided publishers with images of what it calls the “Ataribox” and a few other details. However, the console only raises more questions than it answers, hinting at playability for old and new titles.

Based on the exterior appearance of the unit itself, it would seem that the Atari console is capable of connecting to the internet and is able to support USB style peripherals. With an Ethernet port and four USB options, as well as an HDMI and SD Card slot, the “Ataribox” certainly has that air of modernity. On the other hand, the fact that it can play both current and classic games is a bit confusing, Forbes notes.

While many might find it tempting to look at the console and say it’s riding on the coattails of nostalgia that the Nintendo NES Classic has brought to life, the images indicate something different. Sure, Atari wants people to remember the good old days when its classic consoles ruled, but the new unit also comes with a few modern twists.

In the newsletter that Polygon got as a subscriber for more information at Atari, the company hints that it won’t simply be a love letter to the bygone days when it was at the top of the gaming industry alongside Nintendo. Yes, there is the rather retro exterior thanks to the ribbed surface that reminds gamers of the old Atari 2600, but that’s about it.

"We know you are hungry for more details; on specs, games, features, pricing, timing etc.," the newsletter reads. "There are a lot of milestones, challenges and decision points in front of us in the months ahead."

The company is set to provide more details about the game box in the coming months. These will include the prices, the specs, and even the included games.