The Atari VCS (codename Ataribox) is a home video game console produced by Atari, Inc. While its physical design is intended to pay homage to the Atari 2600, the new Atari VCS plays modern games and streaming entertainment via a Linux-based operating system called AtariOS that will allow users to download and install other compatible games, including those compatible with Windows 10. The system shares a name with Atari, Inc.'s 1977 Video Computer System, usually shortened to VCS, which was renamed to the Atari 2600 in late 1982. The system was first revealed in June 2017 and partially crowdfunded starting in May 2018. After several delays, the console was expected to ship in March 2020, but was delayed again to that December due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial units for backers were shipped in December 2020, while the console had a general release in Australia and New Zealand on June 10, 2021, with the VCS released in North America on June 15, 2021. Shipping was initially restricted to the United States only by Atari and official distributors. As of October 2021, shipping has been expanded to include Canada, when ordering directly from the Atari VCS Store.
