Atari XEGS
Encyclopedia
The Atari XE Video Game System (Atari XEGS) is a video game console
released by Atari Corporation
in 1987. Based on the Atari 65XE
computer, the XEGS is compatible with the existing Atari 8-bit computer software library. Additionally, it is able to operate as a stand alone console or full computer with the addition of its specially designed keyboard. In computer mode, it's able to use the full line of peripherals released for the 8-bit computer line. Shipping in a console with joystick only and a deluxe model with a separate keyboard, joystick
and light gun
, the console failed in the marketplace, and was succeeded by the Atari Jaguar
.
, Atari re-released two game consoles in 1986: the Atari 7800
, which had previously been released in a brief test run in 1984; and the Atari 2600jr, an updated version of the Atari VCS/2600. The XEGS followed, building on Atari's 8-bit computer line which had started with the Atari 400 and 800. In practice the XEGS is essentially a repackaged Atari 65XE, in a move not unlike that taken for the Atari 5200
, which is effectively a repackaged Atari 400 computer. However, unlike the 5200, the XEGS is still compatible with the existing range of Atari 8-bit computer software
and peripherals
, and thus could function as a home computer
.
The console was conceived in an attempt to increase Atari's console market share while improve flagging sales of the Atari 8-bit family. Providing a "beginning computer" and "sophisticated game console" in one device that would convince more retailers and software developers to support the platform. In May 1987, Atari's then Director of Communications, Neil Harris, updated the online Atari community by outlining this plan, noting that the XEGS was intended to further the 8-bit line by providing mass-merchants with a device that was more appealing to their markets.
The console was not a success. Unusually, the system co-existed with the Atari 2600jr and Atari 7800 on store shelves
and was occasionally featured alongside those systems in Atari print ads and television commercials. It was eventually followed by the Atari Lynx handheld system and the Atari Jaguar
.
built in, Flight Simulator II, and Bug Hunt which was compatible with the light gun. As the XEGS is compatible with the earlier 8-bit software, many games released under the XEGS banner were simply older games rebadged, to the extent that some games were shipped in the old Atari 400/800 packaging, with only a new sticker to indicate that they were intended for the XEGS.
light gun - the first light gun produced by Atari, which is also compatible with the Atari 7800 and Atari 2600.
Packages containing only a console and a joystick were also available, with the keyboard and the lightgun available separately.
In addition the XEGS can use the standard Atari 8-bit peripherals, allowing the use of devices such as disk drives, modems and printers.
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
released by Atari Corporation
Atari Corporation
Atari Corporation was a manufacturer of computers and video game consoles from 1984 to 1996. Atari Corp. was founded in July of 1984 when Warner Communications sold the home computing and game console divisions of Atari to Jack Tramiel. Its chief products were the Atari ST, Atari XE, Atari 7800,...
in 1987. Based on the Atari 65XE
Atari 8-bit family
The Atari 8-bit family is a series of 8-bit home computers manufactured from 1979 to 1992. All are based on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU and were the first home computers designed with custom coprocessor chips...
computer, the XEGS is compatible with the existing Atari 8-bit computer software library. Additionally, it is able to operate as a stand alone console or full computer with the addition of its specially designed keyboard. In computer mode, it's able to use the full line of peripherals released for the 8-bit computer line. Shipping in a console with joystick only and a deluxe model with a separate keyboard, joystick
Joystick
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling. Joysticks, also known as 'control columns', are the principal control in the cockpit of many civilian and military aircraft, either as a center stick or...
and light gun
XG-1
The XG-1 is the light gun that came bundled with the Atari XEGS that was released in 1987. The XEGS, which stands for "XE Game System", was an Atari 65XE computer reworked cosmetically to give the appearance of a game console. The light gun was bundled to compete with the Nintendo Entertainment...
, the console failed in the marketplace, and was succeeded by the Atari Jaguar
Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar is a video game console that was released by Atari Corporation in 1993. It was the last to be marketed under the Atari brand until the release of the Atari Flashback in 2004. It was designed to surpass the Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Panasonic...
.
History
Under the auspices of Jack TramielJack Tramiel
Jack Tramiel is an American businessman, best known for founding Commodore International - manufacturer of the Commodore PET, Commodore 64, Commodore 128, Commodore Amiga, and other Commodore models of home computers.-Biography:...
, Atari re-released two game consoles in 1986: the Atari 7800
Atari 7800
The Atari 7800 ProSystem, or simply the Atari 7800, is a video game console re-released by Atari Corporation in January 1986. The original release had occurred two years earlier under Atari Inc. The 7800 had originally been designed to replace Atari Inc.'s Atari 5200 in 1984, but was temporarily...
, which had previously been released in a brief test run in 1984; and the Atari 2600jr, an updated version of the Atari VCS/2600. The XEGS followed, building on Atari's 8-bit computer line which had started with the Atari 400 and 800. In practice the XEGS is essentially a repackaged Atari 65XE, in a move not unlike that taken for the Atari 5200
Atari 5200
The Atari 5200 SuperSystem, commonly known as the Atari 5200, is a video game console that was introduced in 1982 by Atari Inc. as a higher end complementary console for the popular Atari 2600...
, which is effectively a repackaged Atari 400 computer. However, unlike the 5200, the XEGS is still compatible with the existing range of Atari 8-bit computer software
Atari 8-bit computer software
This article covers various significant pieces of software available for the Atari 8-bit home computers .For coverage of the operating system, please refer to the section within the main article.- Available programming languages :...
and peripherals
Atari 8-bit computer peripherals
This article covers the range of peripherals available for Atari's 8-bit home computer range .All of Atari's external peripherals used the proprietary SIO port, which allowed them to be daisy chained together into a single string; a method also used in Commodore's home computers from the VIC-20...
, and thus could function as a home computer
Home computer
Home computers were a class of microcomputers entering the market in 1977, and becoming increasingly common during the 1980s. They were marketed to consumers as affordable and accessible computers that, for the first time, were intended for the use of a single nontechnical user...
.
The console was conceived in an attempt to increase Atari's console market share while improve flagging sales of the Atari 8-bit family. Providing a "beginning computer" and "sophisticated game console" in one device that would convince more retailers and software developers to support the platform. In May 1987, Atari's then Director of Communications, Neil Harris, updated the online Atari community by outlining this plan, noting that the XEGS was intended to further the 8-bit line by providing mass-merchants with a device that was more appealing to their markets.
The console was not a success. Unusually, the system co-existed with the Atari 2600jr and Atari 7800 on store shelves
and was occasionally featured alongside those systems in Atari print ads and television commercials. It was eventually followed by the Atari Lynx handheld system and the Atari Jaguar
Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar is a video game console that was released by Atari Corporation in 1993. It was the last to be marketed under the Atari brand until the release of the Atari Flashback in 2004. It was designed to surpass the Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Panasonic...
.
Games
The XEGS shipped with the Atari 8-bit version of Missile CommandMissile Command
Missile Command is a 1980 arcade game by Atari, Inc. that was also licensed to Sega for European release. It is considered one of the most notable games from the Golden Age of Video Arcade Games...
built in, Flight Simulator II, and Bug Hunt which was compatible with the light gun. As the XEGS is compatible with the earlier 8-bit software, many games released under the XEGS banner were simply older games rebadged, to the extent that some games were shipped in the old Atari 400/800 packaging, with only a new sticker to indicate that they were intended for the XEGS.
Peripherals
The XEGS was released in a basic model with a grey colored standard CX-40 joystick, and the deluxe model bundled with the joystick and two peripherals: a keyboard, which allowed it to function as a home computer, and the XG-1XG-1
The XG-1 is the light gun that came bundled with the Atari XEGS that was released in 1987. The XEGS, which stands for "XE Game System", was an Atari 65XE computer reworked cosmetically to give the appearance of a game console. The light gun was bundled to compete with the Nintendo Entertainment...
light gun - the first light gun produced by Atari, which is also compatible with the Atari 7800 and Atari 2600.
Packages containing only a console and a joystick were also available, with the keyboard and the lightgun available separately.
In addition the XEGS can use the standard Atari 8-bit peripherals, allowing the use of devices such as disk drives, modems and printers.