In Atari’s half-year earnings report for 2022/23, the company reported a $4.65 million revenue number, which is a 27% decrease compared to 2021/22’s half-year report If that wasn’t already telling enough, hardware sales fell off a sheer cliff, with a 92% year-over-year drop-off, landing at $212,466 (which used to be $2.44 million). In an attempt to counteract these staggering losses, Atari began reorganizing its hardware business. Part of this reorganization involves the suspension of direct hardware manufacturing relationships when it comes to the VCS. Spoilers: the console underperformed pretty significantly. Strangely enough, almost despite the console’s commercial failure, Atari is still pushing by starting a new strategy that focuses on the development of “new hardware complementary to the Atari VCS with partners under licensing contracts.” The hardware department is very obviously in serious trouble. For what it’s worth, the executives could very well cut their losses and stop producing the VCS and anything relating to the console soon. It certainly isn’t out of the question, as the company has a history of cutting and running. At least we still have the Atari 50 Celebration game. This story is currently developing, and we’ll provide updates on the Atari VCS’s future as they’re available.
