1987 Atari XE Video Game System

The Atari XE Video Game System was a home video game console that was manufactured by the well-known company Atari and was officially released to the public in the year 1987.

Background

Atari Corporation, which was founded by the innovative minds Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972, had been a pioneering force in the arcade and home video gaming industries for over a decade prior to the launch of the XEGS. The company had already established a strong reputation for itself with successful platforms such as the Atari 2600 and a variety of home computer systems, which provided a solid technological foundation for their gaming endeavors and aspirations. By the time it reached the year 1987, the video game market had become highly competitive, with Nintendo’s NES capturing a significant portion of sales and consumer attention.

The XEGS came into existence as a strategic response to the evolving home gaming landscape, representing Atari’s attempt to repackage existing hardware into a more marketable and appealing gaming system. Essentially, the device was a rebranded iteration of the Atari 65XE computer, and the console was meticulously designed to leverage Atari’s existing 8-bit technology alongside its extensive game library, thereby providing an alternative to the newer and more advanced gaming platforms that were emerging.

Features

The Atari XEGS was equipped with several distinctive features that set it apart from other gaming systems that were available during its era. It included a removable keyboard, which allowed users to switch seamlessly between gaming and basic computer functionality—this was considered a unique selling point at that particular time. The system was also compatible with existing Atari 8-bit computer peripherals and had the capability to play games from multiple formats, including both cartridges and disk-based software.

The technical specifications for the XEGS included the following:

• Processor: 6502C CPU
• Memory: 64 KB RAM
• Graphics: ANTIC and GTIA chips
• Video output: NTSC composite
• Included accessories: Standard game controller, light gun

Popularity and Legacy

Upon its initial release to the market, the Atari XEGS experienced a level of modest commercial success. Atari claimed to have sold approximately 110,000 units during its first month on store shelves, with projections indicating that over 2 million units would be sold throughout the entirety of 1987. Nevertheless, the console encountered significant challenges stemming from Nintendo’s dominant position in the market and the rapidly evolving landscape of home gaming technology.

The legacy of the system is primarily tied to Atari’s broader history in 8-bit computing. While it did not represent a massive commercial breakthrough, the XEGS served as an important transitional product for Atari, demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt existing technology in response to changing market demands. Additionally, it preserved backward compatibility with Atari’s extensive game library, which was considered valuable for existing owners of Atari computers.

Video Reviews and Commercials

The Atari XE game system was an attempt to repurpose older 8-bit computer hardware as a home console. It came with a keyboard, light gun, and included games like Missile Command and Flight Simulator. However, most games were recycled from previous Atari computer systems, and the console failed to compete with Nintendo’s NES, selling poorly.

Availability and Collectability

In the present day, the Atari XEGS has transformed into a highly sought-after collector’s item among vintage gaming enthusiasts. Original systems and game cartridges can fetch varying prices in the retro gaming market, depending on factors such as condition and rarity. Collectors tend to appreciate the system for its unique design and its historical significance within Atari’s overall product lineup.

Finding fully functional XEGS systems can prove to be quite challenging, as many units have unfortunately degraded over the passage of time. Collectors typically seek systems that come with their original packaging, multiple game cartridges, and exhibit minimal wear and tear. Online marketplaces, retro gaming conventions, and specialized forums dedicated to collectors are common venues for acquiring these vintage gaming systems.