Should Atari keep making consoles???

[atarimuseum]

So with Atari's introduction last year with the Atari Flashback and now with its fantastic evolution into the all new Atari Flashback 2, the question is:


Should Atari keep making more hardware like consoles are accessories or should it just stick with making CD-ROM games?


If you wanted Atari to make another console product, what would you want it to be? Remember, Atari does not have at its disposal the millions of dollars in R&D funds to pour into a next-gen console like an Xbox360 or PS3 or Revolution, so think it realistic terms and not in wish-list fantasy terms...





Curt

[atwwong]

I would like to see the Flashback console line continue. The next machine after the FB3 could be an "arcade console" featuring Atari arcade games, with good quality dual joysticks/paddles and an expansion/cartridge/memory slot for add-on game packs of 10-20 games (make them more worthwhile for consumers than the Jakks' game keys). I think consumers wouldn't mind playing slightly more for better quality, i.e., accuracy and good materials, than paying less and having the console rushed through.

While we are on the topic, it would be nice to have a new Atari 2600 console with either a cartridge or memory slot that we would not have to hack in. With all the time and resources already put into the Flashback 2, it should not be too difficult to improve the 2600's TIA compatibility to make it nearly 100% compatible with old Atari carts. And before anyone at Atari screams "user support nightmare!" put a huge disclaimer all over the packaging saying that Atari will not troubleshoot original carts that don't work with the system and send everyone over to AtariAge if they need help.

I believe carts/memory sticks/etc. is the way to go to extend the revenue and lifetime of a product and both old and new games (created by homebrewers) can add to the value of a consumer's investment to benefit all.

Cheers,
Tony

[Flojomojo]

I liked the idea of the original Flashback, and I *loved* the execution of the Flashback 2.0. I'm not sure how you'd top such a nice product except by offering MORE.

More games. More expandibility. More licenses -- if at all possible. So much of the fun of the old Atari games were the licensed games from the arcade, TV, and movies. Parker Brothers games were awesome but we never get to play those -- we only get the same recycled Atari, Namco, Midway, and Activision stuff.

I've read on Atari Age that you're considering an Atari 8-bit standalone. I'm not sure what to think about that. For me, there's no history or nostalgia, and without that, I'm not sure the crude graphics would stand up under scrutiny. Then again, I said the same thing about the C64 stick (I never had one as a kid), and I think that's as good a product as FB2.

In short -- my preference would be to stick with hardware if at all possible, trying to squeeze as much into each ROM chip as you can. Stay authentic, try to add new stuff, but not at the expense of old material.

[ShaggyAtarian]

Yes they should.

I would love to see console re-releases of all of Atari's old hardware but over time of course.

1: A 2600/5200/7800 combo with some type of cart port. Offer built-in games as well as games on small flash cards. Would be nice to have.

2: A Lynx type Flashback. Whether it was an independent handheld or TV unit or both (both would be nice, but probably expensive) it would be awesome. The Lynx is one of Atari's better systems and there is a good community of developers out there that could take better advantage of the hardware. Less of a learning curve than the 2600, which could equal more homebrew interest in such a unit.

3: A Jaguar Flashback: If this was to be done, the most important aspects would be give it networking capabilities and add both Doom and BattleSphere onto it. Just BattleSphere alone would make me buy one. :)