Sabertooth

I got the new PC-Mode USB from Atari for the VCS which uses the latest version of Debian. It is very snappy for the Office compatible applications (LibreOffice), web browsing, and YT (via browser). I also messed around with GIMP and it worked as well as it does on my PC. I don't see it replacing my super fast Razer Windows laptop but if I didn't have that already the VCS with Linux could easily be used for productivity applications, emulation and light gaming. I'd add that it's fairly easy to make a USB image of something like Debian or Ubuntu for use in the VCS. I picked up Atari's branded USB just to check it out.

This is the same emulator that Digital Eclipse used in Atari50. It was built for that purpose and is really solid. There were a lot of questions about whether a standalone emulator was forthcoming. I'm glad that the author is making it available.

The USB is a very streamlined, plug and play experience. Plug in the USB and Debian will launch without any action. Account setup and navigation are straightforward. The interface feels very snappy for lack of a better word. AtariOS and BIOS recovery are also on the stick and can be selected at boot-up, if needed. Overall, a neat little package for $30 and it definitely all but eliminates the barrier for PC-Mode.

I got mine today but haven't had a chance to launch it yet. My version is slightly different from what is pictured on Atari's website. I'm told that I got one from the initial batch but that it's functionally equivalent.

Here's a video from @Davpa going over initial setup and functionality on a prototype version of the stick.

Nice score @RickR! $22.50 for the t-shirts is a great deal. I had the yellow Tempest tee in my cart but I'm currently in-between sizes so I'm holding off on shirts. From Discord, the stick also includes things like GIMP and sound editing tools. I am getting one at the Black Friday price just to see what it's about and how usable it is.

One of the coolest features of the Atari VCS is its ability to double as a fully functioning mini-PC via "PC Mode." Personally, I run Windows off of a fast USB for emulation on my VCS. Others use an external HDD or have installed a partitioned SSD and boot manager. However, not everyone has the technical wherewithal to put a boot image on a second drive to access PC-Mode. Well, Atari has heard their cries. Enter The Atari VCS PC-Mode USB. This "PC On-A-Stick" is an Atari branded, 128 GB USB that is preloaded with the newest Debian OS. Just put it in the USB port of your VCS, turn it on and you've unlocked the mini-PC potential of your VCS. The stick itself is a Kinsgston 3.2 USB. No info on the transfer rate. Here are the specs: - 128 GB with 110 GB of usable free space for storage - Debian OS, version GNU/Linux 11 (Bullseye) - LibreOffice suite (fully compatible with Office 365) - Chrome web browser - Etcher (used to create bootable USB drives to use alternate operating systems on the Atari VCS) - Atari VCS OS and Bios disaster recovery images Now, it's cool that Atari have gone through the trouble of providing this "PC On-a-Stick", productivity software and VCS recovery images on a slick branded USB. But they didn't do it free. The retail price of the sucker is $39.99! What do you think of new Atari VCS PC-Mode USB?

Atari is partnering with LRG to release the first 4 Recharged games on physical: Switch, PS4, PS5.

15,315. I had to give it one more shot before shutting down for the day.

I had to get at least one entry in before the 30th. 10,525 with the Classic. I will try again over the long weekend once family leave.

Amazing! You are a legend BTB!

There is a lot of rumour mill/speculation going on about the continued delay of the VCS version of Atari50. Here is a recap of what we know from Atari & Digital Eclipse: The Atari team hosted a live Q&A on the Atari VCS Discord to discuss the delay of the VCS version last week on 11/10 - the day before expected release. Part of the delay is attributed to a personal emergency on the Digital Eclipse side which Atari could not disclose specifics of due to privacy issues/concerns. The Atari team acknowledged the disappointment by users/fans. They are working with Digital Eclipse to get the VCS port out as soon as possible. Once the VCS version releases it will be $10 off for the first 24 hours it's in the VCS store. It will also include Circus Atari as a bonus which isn't on any other version of the collection. My thoughts are with the devs working to bring this port out on Atari hardware. Here are some screen caps from the Discord from members of the Atari team, including @Davpa who is now on the VCS team! Also, the last public responses from Digital Eclipse on the issue via Twitter.

Very cool @stirrell! Glad to see that they both arrived safely and thanks for sharing the pic of Sir Lovelot!

It's great to see an Atari collection get such universal praise. IGN just gave Atari 50 a 9 in one of the more comprehensive reviews I've seen. https://www.ign.com/articles/atari-50-the-anniversary-celebration-review

We asked this on Twitter too last week. I definitely prefer the Classic for Gravitar.

Congratulations @btbfilms76 on a terrific final score! I was glad to be able to play this one! I had only played the original arcade game and SMS port. I never played the sequel. It's really a lot of fun. I've been diving into Atari50 the last few days and think that Turbo Sub on the Lynx has major Space Harrier vibes. Or maybe it's the other way around? The arcade games were both released in 1985.

I picked it up on PS4 while I wait for the VCS version to drop. The reviews are accurate. The presentation, scans, interviews, and emulation are all fantastic so far. There are several hours of content to explore. I can't imagine that anyone here would be disappointed. A few critical notes: You have seen many of these games in previous collections, but not presented in this context or fashion. It is not your run-of-the-mill retro collection. My only real complaint is that the years 1998-2020 are glossed over. I would have liked to see the PS1 Hasbro-era content included and maybe a timeline for Atari SA which did have some big titles up through 2010 or so. Anyway, this is 100 percent recommended by me to any Atari fan.

A must read blog post on Atari 50 from @fultonbot of Into The Vertical Blank podcast. I think lifelong Atarians will appreciate this take. https://intotheverticalblank.com/2022/11/11/atari-50th-anniversary-collection-review/

Here's another YT review from John Hancock:

From the Yak himself: