[Update] Since publishing this story, we came to learn from Eurogamer that the Ataribox is to be funded through a crowdfunding campaign.

　　“To limit risk taking, this product will initially be launched within the framework of a crowdfunding campaign”, a French note to investors issued at the end of last month reads.

　　[Original story] Atari has shown off the first renders for its upcoming Ataribox console based on the Atari 2600.

　　The renders for the upcoming Ataribox were shared in a newsletter from the project’s development team. Two versions of the console will be released – a version with a wooden front panel, and a black version with a red logo.

　　Atari is aiming for a “smooth design”, inspired by “classic” Atari design elements, and the console will feature four USB ports, a HDMI and SD port. You can watch the renders for the Ataribox below:

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　　According to the newsletter, the Ataribox will be of delivering both “classic” and “current gaming content”. At this point, it’s unsure what Atari means with the latter, but more information will be revealed in the near future. Down below you’ll find a section from Atari’s official newsletter:

　　Our objective is to create a new product that stays true to our heritage while appealing to both old and new fans of Atari.

　　Inspired by classic Atari design elements (such as the iconic use of wood, ribbed lines, and raised back); we are creating a smooth design, with ribs that flow seamlessly all around the body of the product, a front panel that can be either wood or glass, a front facing logo, indicator lights that glow through the material, and an array of new ports (HDMI, 4xUSB, SD). We intend to release two editions: a wood edition, and a black/red edition.

　　As you can guess, those ports suggest modern internal specs. It also means that while we will be delivering classic gaming content, we will also be delivering current gaming content.

　　Atari announced its return to the hardware business last month when the company showed a mysterious video teasing a “brand new Atari product”. You can check out that video below:

　　As said, more information about the Ataribox console will be shared later on. As always, we will keep you updated.