Atari is retiring the VCS console, with its store closing in February 2027

[Otto71]

Atari's modern VCS console is coming to an end. Tom's Hardware's Mark Tyson reports that Atari is retiring the Linux based hybrid console and PC, which launched in mid 2021 after delays following a Kickstarter campaign

Users can buy software until 31 January 2027, and the store will close on 1 February 2027. After that, Atari will release an operating system update that moves everything onto the local machine and removes the need for Atari's authentication servers

Importantly, Atari will also release an Atari Homebrew app so users and developers can keep adding and sharing games. Support will end once that transition is complete, with more details promised early in 2027

The VCS uses an AMD Ryzen Embedded R1606 processor, 8GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Tom's Hardware's 2021 review criticised its 399 dollar price and noisy fan, and it never became a big seller

It is good to see Atari handling the shutdown responsibly. Removing the need for authentication servers means owners can keep using what they bought, and opening up homebrew gives the console a second life. More companies should end products this way

Did anyone here buy an Atari VCS? And should all companies unlock devices when they end support?

Retro Atari VCS platform will end with the closure of its software store in February 2027 - OS update will be released removing reliance on Atari servers and opening up homebrew developmentwww.tomshardware.com