The PS5 and Xbox Series X aren't the only new gaming hardware coming out this fall, and while it may seem odd to think that a new Atari console might be coming out in 2020, that's exactly what's happening.

The Atari VCS represents the return of this iconic gaming brand to the console market. It is certainly an interesting approach: it combines the feel of both PC and console, allowing the brand to showcase the latest games as well as arcade and retro titles. It can also stream movies and TV in 4K.

Atari last took the reins of the console with the Jaguar in 1993. The system was essentially a commercial and critical failure, and the Jaguar has not stood the test of time. Since then, Atari has been overshadowed by the release of various new consoles, falling in and out of bankruptcy, and ultimately fading somewhat into obscurity.

Now, with the new Atari VCS, this may be the company's best chance for a comeback; the system, slated for release in the fall of 2020, could revive the company's position in the industry. With original Atari games, modern conveniences, and plenty of surprises, the Atari VCS could be the way Atari brings long-needed gamers back into their homes

According to Atari, the console will ship in the fall of 2020. Since it is almost November, the system will debut late in the year, between now and December. The Atari VCS will compete with the PS5 and Xbox Series X

: Black Walnut, Onyx, and Carbon Gold. This price is for the All-In Bundle, which includes the Atari VCS 800 system, Classic Joystick, and Modern Controller. Pre-orders are $10 off the MSRP of $399.99 and can be placed through Walmart, GameStop, and Atari's website.

If you prefer, you can also opt for the Atari VCS Base System, which does not come with an additional controller, but you only have to pay $299.99, which is a more affordable price.

Currently, Atari VCS seems to be focusing on a selection of classic games taken straight from the arcades. The console comes with the Atari Vault streaming service, which includes 100 arcade and home video games, including Centipede, Asteroids, and Missile Command. Given Atari's vast collection of classic games, the service is expected to offer a variety of games for the whole family to enjoy.

The Atari Vault will offer its titles through a subscription service by Antstream Arcade. At launch, 50 games will be offered with a 30-day free trial. After the trial period, users will need to purchase a $10/month subscription or an annual subscription, bringing the monthly cost down to just $8.

Atari plans to support both triple-A and indie titles in the future, but this no titles have been finalized in this regard yet. Nothing has been announced at this time regarding developer support or parties interested in working with Atari. Atari has revealed in the past few months that several developers are already creating experiences for the system.

The Atari VCS is powerful enough not only to handle retro and modern games, but also as an open platform where users can install their own apps, games, and other utilities. According to Digital Trends, at launch, the system will be able to handle Netflix Redbox, VUDU TV, and a few other apps will be available at launch, with more to be added after launch, including YouTube, Twitch, and Hulu.

The Atari VCS appears to be set up to function more like a set-top box than a gaming console that can play games. The VCS may end up replacing platforms like Apple TV and Roku boxes in some homes, if it still has that capability after launch.

The Atari VCS is more like a powerful computer than a console, with an AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon graphics, and an Ubuntu-based OS to run whatever you need: USB 3.0, HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other ports for connectivity.

HDR and 4K output are included, so if watching TV or movies is your primary use, you can even stream at 60 frames per second in 4K. Users can tinker with the Atari VCS to install a new operating system or customize it to their liking by adding RAM, external hard drives, etc.

AtariVCS supports two official controllers. One is a joystick made to look like the classic Atari joysticks of the past, and the other is a classic controller that resembles the modern controllers found on other systems. Both are sold separately, with the joystick costing $49 and the classic controller around $59. Users can opt for a mouse and keyboard instead, or additional controllers for other platforms, due to the open nature of the system.