The Atari VCS saga will come to an end next year when its software store closes

<figure> <img alt="A close-up of a controller next to the Atari VCS retro console bathed in red light." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Atari" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/atarivcs.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following a decade long saga of delays, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/6/12/15783074/ataribox-teaser-new-atari-product">name changes</a>, and Atari having to assure backers of a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/30/17408184/ataris-vcs-console-preorder-specifications-release-date-pricing">crowdfunding campaign</a> that its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/10/20907755/atari-vcs-troubled-development-architect-operating-system-crowdfunding-campaign">retro console wasn't doomed</a>, the Atari VCS platform is being retired early next year. On February 1st, 2027, the Atari VCS software store is shutting down, according to an announcement <a href="https://discord.com/invite/atariclub" data-type="link" data-id="https://discord.com/invite/atariclub">posted to the Atari Club Discord</a> and <a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/retro-atari-vcs-platform-will-end-with-the-closure-of-its-software-store-in-february-2027-os-update-will-be-released-removing-reliance-on-atari-servers-and-opening-up-homebrew-development">shared by <em>Tom's Hardware</em></a>.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">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 sto …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1016481/atari-vcs-console-shutting-down-software-store-2027">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>