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A redesigned version of the Lynx handheld from 1989, which holds the distinction of being the first colour handheld game console. The 6502-based device hosted several innovations, including the use of custom graphics hardware (allowing polygon filling and zooming/distortion effects upon sprites) and allowing up to 17 devices to be connected together for multiplayer gaming (via the cable-based ComLynx system). A further interesting feature was its ability to be used 'upside down', thus supporting both left- and right-handed players. Despite its technical advantages, however, the Lynx ultimately finished third behind the Nintendo Game Boy and Sega Game Gear, both of which enjoyed better software support in the marketplace.
Atari, 1991
Donated/on loan from: Prof. Steven Furnell, Plymouth University
The 800XL is part of Atari's extensive family of 8-bit home computers, which began with the Atari 400 and 800 in 1979. The XL range essentially used the same technology (6502 processor alongside custom graphics and sound chips) as these earlier systems, but received a cosmetic overhall and, it t... (read more)Atari, 1983
The Falcon was the final computer product to emerge from Atari Corporation. Sharing a visual similarity with Atari's highly successful ST range, and using the same TOS operating system and GEM-based graphical environment, the system was based on a Motorola 68030 CPU and had 4MB of RAM. Graphics ... (read more)Atari, 1992
The Atari VCS (later known as the 2600) popularised the use of cartridge-based games as opposed to dedicated TV game hardware with all games built in. Originally shipped with a tank and plane warfare cartridge (Combat), the VCS utiltimatley played host to the hundreds of original games, as well ... (read more)Atari, 1977
The Portfolio distinguishes itself as the first PC-compatible palmtop computer, with Atari having licensed the technology from a Guildford-based company called DIP. Powered by an 80C88 processor running at 4.9152MHz, the Portfolio had 128K of RAM and 256K ROM. The latter held the operating sys... (read more)Atari, 1989
Atari Computer 600XL/800XL Connection Instructions for PAL TV Systems, (read more)Atari, 1983
One of the original Atari 8-bit range, the 6502-based Atari 400 was one of two systems released to capitalise on the growing home computer market already, and to build upon Atari's existing success in video gaming. The 400 was released alongside the more powerful Atari 800, which bettered it by ... (read more)Atari, 1979
The 7800 was the successor to the ill-fated Atari 5200 Super System, which had failed in the market due to lacking a native ability to play games from its popular Atari VCS / 2600 predecessor. As such, one of the fundamental design decisions for the 7800 was that it must accept the 2600's game c... (read more)Atari, 1986