Atari has announced a partnership with N-Dream AG that will bring its AirConsole cloud-based gaming platform together with the Atari VCS PC/console hybrid gaming and entertainment system. The AirConsole app will bring over 150 video games to the Atari VCS audience when the system launches this coming fall.
The dedicated AirConsole app will allow Atari VCS owners immediate access to their broad library of original single-player and local multiplayer party games, and allow them to use their iOS and Android mobile devices as VCS gamepads. Atari VCS owners will also get a free month of AirConsole's Hero premium subscription at launch.
Founded in 2015, N-Dream AG is the Zurich, Switzerland-based team behind the AirConsole cloud-based virtual game service. According to the press release, the AirConsole platform was designed “to recreate the casual and social gaming experiences of yesteryear, before online gaming was the standard.” The service will be accessed via a “virtual console” screen in the Atari VCS dashboard, connecting players to the AIrConsole selection of over 150 games, including 8Bit Fiesta, The Neighborhood, Fling to the Finish, Burning Rubber Air, and Go Kart Go among others.
“Atari is such a legendary name and as soon as we heard about the reimagined Atari VCS, we knew that AirConsole could be a great addition to the platform,” said Anthony Cliquot, COO of AirConsole at N-Dream AG. “Our huge collection of family-friendly games is ideal for the Atari VCS audience, who can immediately benefit from AirConsole’s simple phone-based controls and fun couch-side play.”
Many of the AirConsole titles are 100% free to play, while other games (and additional content for many games) are available with a US $4.99/month AirConsole Hero premium subscription. Multiple AirConsole games have cutting-edge features only accessible with a smartphone, including swipe gesturing, utilizing the touchscreen for drawing, sending game info privately to individual players, and using a gyroscope when playing golf games. This aids in getting groups of families and friends together to play games quickly and easily, without having to be concerned with not having enough gaming peripherals for everyone to use.
AirConsole also offers a free version of the service, which comes with 11 games and limited multiplayer features. Find out more when the AirConsole becomes available as a launch app with the Atari VCS launch in fall 2020.
“At a time when the industry is discussing $70 games, we are delighted to welcome N-Dream AG and their AirConsole gaming platform to the Atari VCS,” said Michael Arzt, COO of Atari VCS & Connected Devices. “AirConsole features a wonderful online library of original games, from a multitude of genres, that will help keep Atari’s historic spirit of couch co-op gaming alive. AirConsole’s affordable on-demand gaming further solidifies the Atari VCS as a must-own multi-media and entertainment device for the living room.”
The Atari VCS is currently available to pre-order at AtariVCS.com, GameStop.com, and Walmart.com. According to the press release, the base 8GB Atari VCS 800 Onyx will retail for just $299.99 USD. The Atari VCS 800 “All-In” system bundles include the Atari VCS Classic Joystick (available separately for $59.99) and Atari VCS Modern Controller ($59.99) for $399.99 USD.
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Source: Press Release