With a design loosely inspired by the original Atari 2600 — minus a cartridge slot — the VCS was a Linux-based, AMD-powered mini PC that could emulate a large collection of pre-loaded classic Atari games, but its functionality could be expanded through an online software store that included access to streaming platforms, and in recent years, game streaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now.
Atari VCS owners will still be able to download and add software to their libraries through Atari’s official online store up until January 31st, 2027. After that the store will officially shut down, but previously downloaded apps and games will still be usable. Atari says that following the store’s closure it plans to “make an OS update available that allows you to migrate all functionality to your local machine, removing any dependencies on Atari infrastructure for authentication and software.” The company also plans to release an Atari Home Brew app allowing owners to continue to add new games to their console’s library shared to the community by third-party developers who still want to develop and support the VCS.