AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 Series APUs Announced, Will Power Atari VCS Game Console

The Ryzen Embedded R1000 family consists of two SKUs: the R1505G and the R1606G. Both are dual-core APUs that are SMT-enabled, meaning that they are capable of executing four threads. The onboard Vega GPU each have 3 CUs and they can support up to 3 external 4K displays at 60 fps.

The primary difference between the two are CPU and GPU clocks. The R1505G is the lesser of two with a base CPU clock of 2.4GHz and a boost clock of 3.3GHz, while the GPU clock is at 1GHz. As for the R1606G, its base clock increases to 2.6GHz, while its boost frequency stands at 3.5GHz. The GPU clock is slightly higher at 1.2GHz.

AMD has a number of customers already lined up for its new Ryzen Embedded R1000 SoCs including ASRock Industrial, IBASE, and Quixant. However, the most high-profile customers -- at least for our audience -- is Atari. The company recently announced that its upcoming VCS game console would feature a more powerful Ryzen embedded processor, and Atari now confirms that the VCS features one of the aforementioned R1000 parts (although it won't specify which one).

“With the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 powering the Atari VCS, we can support the 4K 60fps HDR content that users expect from a modern, secure gaming and entertainment system,” said Atari Connected Devices COO Michael Arzt. “AMD’s new Ryzen Embedded SoC will also help protect the VCS’ environment and content as we support an unprecedented open-access model that allows Atari’s highly-creative community to install any other operating system side by side with the Atari OS.”

At this point, the Atari VCS is seeming more like vaporware than an actual shipping product. The game console has been delayed numerous times; the most recent delay was announced last month. Atari is saying that the console will now ship in late 2019, which will probably end up being 2020 when all is said and done.

The Atari VCS is retro-themed not only in its exterior design and controller choice, but also because of its support for classic Atari games. The console will also support modern games specifically designed for the platform. At the moment, Atari is targeting a launch price of $249 to $299.