A Comprehensive Guide to Atari's Video Game Consoles
Atari is a legendary name in the world of video games. From the 1970s to the late 1990s, it was a dominant force in the gaming industry, known for iconic systems like the Atari 2600 and the groundbreaking Atari Jaguar. In this guide, we delve into the diverse range of consoles produced by Atari, from their computer-based consoles to handheld devices.
Computer-Based Consoles
Atari 13E
The Atari 13E was a computer originally released in 1985, merging the strengths of both an 8-bit home computer and a gaming console. This machine featured a built-in 8-bit 6502 Microprocessor and could connect to a wide array of cartridges, making it a versatile platform for both gaming and computing.
Atari 400
Lauded for its user-friendly BASIC programming language and expandability, the Atari 400 was introduced in 1980. It offered 4 kilobytes (KB) of RAM and a second controller port for gamers, distinguishing it as a powerful tool for both programming and gaming.
Atari 520ST
The Atari 520ST was a powerful personal computer with a 6 MHz 68000 processor, released in 1985. It featured a graphics card capable of identifying 512 colors, despite having only 32KB of color RAM. This made it a favorite among developers and artists as well as gamers, allowing for richer and more complex graphics than most of its contemporaries.
Atari 800
One of Atari's most popular and influential consoles, the Atari 800 was a home computer released in 1979. It featured a 1.79 MHz 6502 microprocessor, 48 KB of RAM (expandable to 256 KB), and could connect with a wide range of game cartridges. The Atari 800 paved the way for future consoles and home computers, influencing countless designers and programmers.
Atari 80L
Introduced in 1980, the 80L was a continuation of the 800 series with slight improvements, including a monochrome screen with 320-by-192 resolution. Its enhanced display capabilities made it a favorite among gamers and users seeking better performance and graphics than the original 800.
Atari 1040STF
The Atari 1040STF was the successor to the 80L, released in 1985. It featured a redrawn picture chip and a higher resolution of 320-by-192 with 16 colors, which was a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It also included a built-in hard drive, making it a popular choice for both business and gaming applications.
Atari 120L
As the updated version of the Atari 1040STF, the 120L was released in 1985 and featured an improved color Text Mode (16 colors, 240 x 192), which was quite advanced for the time. The console's color-raster display allowed for more detailed graphics, making it appealing to developers and artists.
Video Game Consoles
Atari XE
The Atari XE series of consoles was released in the mid-1980s as a successor to the Atari 800 series. The XE series included the 80E, 65XE, 13E, and 104E, each offering different configurations and improvements over their predecessors. The XEs were known for their advanced graphics capabilities and expandability, making them favorites among both gamers and developers.
Atari 2600
First released in 1977, the Atari 2600 remains one of the most recognizable and influential consoles in gaming history. It featured a joystick controller and could play over 100 games through cartridges. The 2600 established many of the norms and conventions still in use in video game design today.
Atari 5200
The Atari 5200 was released in 1982, aimed at competing with titles on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It featured a graphical processing unit (GPU) that could handle more complex graphics and sound effects than the 2600. While it wasn't as popular, the system still had a substantial following and produced several classic titles.
Atari 7800
The Atari 7800 was launched in 1986 as a reboot of the 5200. It included upgrades such as better graphics, a sound chip, and built-in RAM. The 7800 was brightly colored and included a joystick and two controllers. It also came with two free game cartridges, offering a fun and engaging gaming experience right out of the box.
Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar was a high-end 64-bit home video game console released in 1993. It featured advanced 3D graphics, CD-ROM drives, and had a powerful RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) processor. Despite its impressive specifications, the Jaguar struggled in the market due to poor marketing and competition from mature consoles like the Sega Saturn and the PlayStation.
Atari Jaguar CD Add-on for the Jaguar
The CD-ROM version of the Jaguar added a CD drive to the console, which was a significant upgrade in terms of storage capacity and flexibility. The add-on allowed for higher-quality graphics and sound, and it supported playing CDs, adding multimedia capabilities to the system.
Atari Lynx
The Atari Lynx, released in 1989, was the first handheld gaming system to use backlit LCD screens. It featured a sleek design and included MMORPGs, RPGs, and action games. The Lynx was a groundbreaking console, offering a vivid screen display and a rechargeable battery, making it a popular choice for gamers on the go.
Atari VCS
Alternatively known as the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), this was the first product released in 1977 under the Atari brand. It was a pioneering console, introducing popular genres like sports and adventure games. The VCS set the foundation for what would become the Atari 2600, making it a vital part of gaming history.
Conclusion
Atari's legacy in the video game industry is unparalleled. From retro gaming classics to advanced gaming machines, their consoles have left their indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Whether you're a fan of the Atari 2600, the Atari Jaguar, or the Atari Lynx, there's something for every gamer in Atari's expansive catalogue.