With revenue of only 200000 euros in the second half of this year, Atari announced that it would stop production of VCS game consoles.

Thanks to CTOnews.com netizen OC_Formula for the clue delivery! CTOnews.com December 20, Atari VCS is a retro-style game console, but also an entry-level low-power Linux computer. Atari said recently that it had suspended its "existing VCS production contract" due to poor sales of the mainframe.

Atari said the poor sales were due to insufficient game cassettes and poor performance of VCS game consoles, which had revenue of only 200000 euros in the second half of this year and 2.3 million euros (about 17.02 million yuan) in the first half of this year.

This does not mean that the company will withdraw from hardware altogether, and the report also indicates that Atari is planning to implement a "new business strategy for VCS" and to launch a "supplementary hardware strategy through partnerships and licensing agreements". In other words, Atari may introduce third-party rockers, handles and other accessories for VCS in the future. The company plans to continue to launch new "premium games" based on Atari intellectual property rights, which will be realized through the "New NFT Program" and other blockchain-related projects.

CTOnews.com learned that the Atari VCS (English: Atari VCS), codenamed Ataribox, is a home game console prepared by Atari and SA. The machine was first made public in June 2017 and booking began on May 30, 2018.

Although it is designed to pay homage to the Atari 2600, the new Atari VCS is expected to be able to perform modern games and streaming media entertainment with an Linux-based operating system, as well as allow users to download and install other compatible games. This machine has the same name as the Atari video computer system (Atari Video Computer System, usually referred to as Atari VCS) launched by Atari in 1977; the system was renamed Atari 2600 in November 1982.

Atari then issued a statement:

As we pointed out in the 2022 / 23 half-year results, we have restructured our hardware business and laid the foundation for a new business strategy. As part of the restructuring, we suspended our relationship with Atari VCS's original manufacturing partners, but we will continue to receive new orders to sell existing inventory.

Atari remains committed to developing the VCS platform. We have been increasing our support for game developers and continue to add new games to the store. Hardware is an important part of Atari's legacy and will continue to be part of our long-term strategy.

Under the license contract, we have several hardware and software projects under development that will expand the VCS ecosystem and create more utilities for users.