Difference between revisions of "Atari 8-bit"

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*[https://youtu.be/WDAZAgrzNoo How Atari 8-Bit Computers Work!] by [[The 8-Bit Guy]]
 
*[https://youtu.be/WDAZAgrzNoo How Atari 8-Bit Computers Work!] by [[The 8-Bit Guy]]
 
*[[Media:Altirra Hardware Reference Manual - 20240921.pdf|Altirra Hardware Reference Manual]] Latest (09/2024!) Atari XL hardware documentation
 
*[[Media:Altirra Hardware Reference Manual - 20240921.pdf|Altirra Hardware Reference Manual]] Latest (09/2024!) Atari XL hardware documentation
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*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp4SFtRE0fQ&list=PLIX9fyYxV0k-vpin8ZBWzWe-wdPmS2j6e C64 vs Atari 800XL]
  
 
[[Category:Non CPC Computers]]
 
[[Category:Non CPC Computers]]

Revision as of 06:03, 6 March 2025

The Atari 8-bit computer series, launched in 1979 as the Atari Home Computer System, included the Atari 400 and 800. Powered by the 8-bit MOS Technology 6502 CPU and custom coprocessors, these computers offered advanced graphics and sound for their time.

The Atari 800 was the high-end model, while the 400 was a budget-friendly option with a membrane keyboard and 8 KB of RAM. Both supported plug-and-play peripherals via the Atari SIO serial bus, a precursor to USB technology. The architecture was later used in the 1982 Atari 5200 console, though the systems were not software-compatible.

Newer models followed, beginning with the short-lived 1200XL in 1983, replaced by the 600XL and 800XL. After Atari Corporation took over, the 65XE and 130XE were released in 1985, featuring a lighter design, two joystick ports, and built-in Atari BASIC. The 130XE had 128 KB of RAM.

In 1987, to compete with gaming consoles, Atari repackaged the 65XE as the XEGS, a hybrid console-computer compatible with 8-bit software and peripherals. This marked the final chapter of Atari’s 8-bit computer line.

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