Atari XEGS

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The Atari XE Video Game System (Atari XEGS) sometimes pronounced zegs, 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. The machine itself shared some styling with the XE range of computers, which in turn were made to match the Atari ST.

It certainly has a more playful look than the other 8-Bit computers, different coloured round buttons on the top of the machine were used for starting the software, select and option buttons and the reset were used for quick loading software, the was also the power button and the cartridge slot, which was moved from the back of the other XE machines.

The rear of the machine has the DIN plug for power, the peripheral port for connecting disk drives etc, then an RF socket for TV and audio, lastly there is a monitor socket for video and a sound one, these will attach to a composite source. All other Atari 8 Bit machines had an AV DIN socket.

The left side of the machine has the connector for the separate keyboard, while on the right, there are two sockets for the 9 pin style Atari joysticks.

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, these plug in the interface in the back of the machine, with the tape deck daisy chaining off of a disk drive such as the 1050, thanks to the universal connector on the Atari 8 Bit range, printers could also be used.

This meant the machine could play all the disks, tapes and cartridges already on the market, meaning any new buyer had a very impressive, if some what elderly in parts games and software library, the 8 Bit Atari by now was getting on for a decade old.

The machine shipped in a console only pack, which was the base unit and joystick, there was also a rebranded cartridge range, colour matched to the XEGS, but otherwise the games were unaltered.

A deluxe model with a separate keyboard, joystick and light gun, was also available, and it sold reasonably well, but was up against a reinvigorated Sinclair brand in the hands of Amstrad, cheaper 8 bit machines such as the C64, and also the emerging 16 bit machines in Atari's own ST and the Commodore Amiga.

Also Sega was gearing up for the launch of its Master System in Europe, all these rival factors made the machine's attempt to dent the UK market very difficult indeed.

The XEGS shipped with the Atari 8-bit version of Missile Command built in, Flight Simulator II, and Bug Hunt which was compatible with the light gun.

The machine could use the standard 9 pin joysticks.

Our machine is in excellent condition and is complete with the Light Gun, keyboard and the full system, all manuals, and the Flight Sim and Bug Hunt carts.

System serial number: A1 B3003802 and the keyboard has a serial number of A1 B1033486.

Manufacturer: Atari
Date: 1987

Magazines RELATED to Atari XEGS in our Library

Item Manufacturer Date
Personal Computer World - June 1985 1 Jun 1985
Personal Computer World - January 1991 Jan 1991
Personal Computer World - August 1993 1 Aug 1993
Personal Computer World - November 1993 1 Nov 1993
Personal Computer World - September 1995 1 Sep 1995
Edge - Issue 168 - November 2006 Future Publishing Nov 2006
SNES - The Complete Manual Retro Gamer 2016

Other Systems Related To Atari XEGS:

Item Manufacturer Date
Atari 800 with Programmer Kit Atari Inc 1st January 1979
Atari 400 with Aftermarket Keyboard Atari November 1979
Atari 800 Atari November 1979
Atari 400 Atari November 1979
Centipede Arcade Cabinet Atari 1980
Atari 1200XL Atari 1982
Atari 800XL Atari 1983
Atari 600XL Atari June 1983
Atari 520 STFM Atari 1985
Atari 65XE Atari 1985
Atari 520ST (boxed) + External hard drive + software Atari 1985
Atari 520 STM Atari 1st January 1985
Atari 1040 STE Atari 1986
Atari 520 STM Atari 12th September 1986
Atari Mega ST 2 Atari 1987
Atari ST Mega 1040 Tower Power Atari 1988
Atari 1040STFM Atari 1989
Atari 1040STFM (David Arnold) Atari 1989
Atari 520 STE Atari 1989
Atari 1040STF Atari 1989
Atari Portfolio Atari 1989
Atari Stacy 2 Atari 9th December 1989
Atari Mega 4 Atari 1990
Atari TT030 Atari 1990
Atari Falcon Atari 1990
Atari Mega/STE Atari 1991

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH20731. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 
Atari XEGS


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