martyg
01-04-2007, 02:13 AM
ATARI Community
Legacy Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: 2005.09.30
Maintained by Martyg (Martin Goldberg)
**Some timeline info regarding Atari Games came from
A Brief timeline of Atari Holdings 1984-Present
http://home.centurytel.net/hunmanik/atariholdings.html
0.1) Table Of Contents
Support
1.1) My system doesn't work any more. Will Atari still fix it?
1.2) Where Can I get it Fixed?
1.3) Can I still get games for these systems?
History
2.1) How Did Atari get its name?
2.2) What Does The Atari Logo Symbolize?
2.3) What's the History of Atari?
2.4) Where Can I find more historical info?
What Game Systems Did Atari Release?
3.1) Atari Pong Systems
3.2) Atari Stunt Cycle
3.3) Atari Video Music
3.4) Atari Touch Me Handheld
3.5) Atari VCS
3.6) Atari 5200
3.7) Atari 7800
3.8) Atari Lynx
3.9) Atari Jaguar
What Computer Products Did Atari Release?
4.1) Atari 400/800
4.2) Atari 1200XL
4.3) Atari 600/800XL
4.4) Atari 65/800/130XE, XEGS
4.5) Atari 520/1040ST/STFM/STE
4.6) Atari Mega
4.7) Atari TT
4.8) Atari Stacy/STBook
4.9) Atari Transputer
4.9) Atari ABC/PC 1/PC-5 IBM Compatibles
4.10) Atari Porfolio
4.11) Atari Falcon
What's With These New Systems With Atari's Name?
5.1) Atari 10-in-1 Joystick
5.2) Atari Paddle
5.3) Atari Flashback
5.4) Atari Flashback 2
Support
-----------
1.1) My old system doesn't work any more. Will Atari still fix it?
Unfortunately no, Atari Inc. does not support any legacy hardware.
1.2) Where Can I get it Fixed?
A number of sources exist that provide services (replacement parts, upgrades, manuals, repair services) for legacy Atari products. These include:
B & C ComputerVisions
5917 Stope Way
El Dorado, Ca. 95623-4816
(530) 295-9270
www.myatari.com
Best Electronics
672 Commercial Street
San Jose, CA 95112-1406
(408) 278-1092
(815) 364-3703 (Fax)
www.best-electronics-ca.com/
1.3) Can I still get games for these systems?
Games for all legacy systems are easily found on eBay (www.ebay.com). The previous mentioned vendors also still sell new games and peripherals, as do the following:
Video 51 & Atari Sales
www.atarisales.com
O'Shea Limited
www.oshealtd.com/atari.htm
History
---------
2.1) How Did Atari Get Its Name?
The name Atari actually comes from Japan. And yet the company is most definitely American. Ever wondered why? It's an interesting story and one well worth telling.
In 1972 two friends decided to invent and market the first commercially feasible video game. They were Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. To become a partner each man had to submit $100 to the project - a remarkably small sum when you consider the company's success! The next step was to find a name.
Drinking beer and thumbing through the dictionary one day, the three friends came across an interesting entry under "S". The word was Syzygy, or "the straight-line configuration between three celestial bodies". What a perfect name they thought, for three such astronomically talented people! The set up a shop in Santa Clara, California, and incorporated the business.
Bushnell and Dabney applied for the name Syzygy to the Office of the California Secretary of State, which regulates Californian corporations, but were told that they were too late. The name was already taken.
Following unsuccessful attempts to buy the rights to the name from the first Syzygy corporation, which appeared to be inactive, the friends' solicitor pressed them to think up an alternative.
This proved difficult. BD Inc and DB Inc were tested and then rejected in turn: the first bore too close a resemblance to Black & Decker, the second to Dunn and Bradstreet.
Inspiration occurred at last, once again in an informal atmosphere. Bushnell and Dabney were both keen players of Go, a Japanese strategy game, and their best brainstorming always occurred over a good game and a bottle of beer.
This time, they decided to make a list of several Go words to see if one of them would fly as the new corporate name.
First choice was "Sente", which means "the upper hand" - something that greatly appealed. Second and third choices were "Atari", which has a similar meaning to the English word "check", and "Hanne", an acknowledgement of an over-taking move.
Bushnell and Dabney submitted the list once again to the Office of the Californian Secretary of State, which approved "Atari". The rest is history.
When the company name changed, Bushnell and Dabney decided to update the logo too. They incorporated the "S" from Syzygy and the "A" from Atari into the new design. A little later they invented Pong.
It was not until later, as the company became increasingly successful, that an advertising agency designed the slicker and now famous Atari logo - the "fuji" or stylized "A" design.
2.2) What Does The Atari Logo Symbolize?
Designed by George Opperman in late 1972, the logo was meant to serve a dual purpose. First an foremost it represents a stylized letter "A" to stand for "Atari". However, the stylized "A" was also meant to represent Atari's initial claim to fame - Pong(r). The two side pieces of the Atari symbol represent two opposing video game players, with the center line of the Pong(r) court in the middle.
Sometime over 1973-1975, the description changed to reflect the Japanese origins of the Atari
name. Looking similar to Japan's famous Mount Fuji as well, the logo soon became referred to
as the Atari "Fuji" symbol.
2.3) What's the History Of Atari?
The following is an abbreviated timeline:
1972 - Atari founded June 27th by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. Their first game was
the smash Pong(r).
1973 - Ted Dabney Leaves after other companies release Pong(r) copies, feeling the new
market is to shaky. Nolan creates Kee Games to create a "controlled" competition. Kee
is run by his next door neighbor, Joe Keenan. Atari earns 3.2 Million for the year.
1974 - Atari "merges" with Kee Games, Joe Keenan is installed as President of Atari. Work
is begun on the home version of Pong(r). Atari releases new arcade titles every six weeks.
1975 - Home Pong(r) debuts under the Sears label. Atari buys Cyan Engineering, where it's
advanced R&D will be done. Work begins at Cyan on a "programmable" home video game
system, one that can use interchangeable games. Atari's Consumer Division is formed.
Atari earns $40 million in sales.
1976 - Atari begins developing pinball machines. The prototype for the programmable
home video game system is finished, which is now nicknamed Stella. Atari assigns the
design of a new game entitled Breakout to then employee Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs gets friend
Steve Wozniak to actually design it, who completes it in five days. The design is considered
unusable, because its advanced layout does not lend itself well to manufacturing.
Atari sells itself to Warner Communications for $28 Million. Nolan is named Chairman of
the Board, Joe Keenan remains President.
1977 - Atari releases its programmable console, now called The Atari Video Computer System
(VCS).
1978 - Ray Kassar is hired by Warner Communications to head Atari's Consumer Division.
Problems begin forming between Warner and Atari's original staff (with an engineering
background) as more Warner hired people (with a business background). Work is begun
on a home computer.
1979 - Nolan arranges to be removed from the board. He takes Atari subsidiary Chuck E.
Cheese with him. Most of the original staff leaves as well. Several VCS programmers
leave to start the first ever third party game company, Activision. Ray Kassar becomes CEO of
Atari. Ray moves to promote Atari games all year around instead of just the Christmas
season. The Atari 400 and 800 computers debut. Atari releases the smash hit Asteroids(r)
in the arcades.
1980 - Atari releases Space Invaders for the VCS, the first license of an arcade game for a
home console. Atari releases Battlezone in the arcades.
1981 - Atari releases Tempest in the arcade, the first color vector graphics arcade game.
1982 - Atari changes the VCS to the Atari 2600. Atari licenses Pac-Man from Namco and begins
packing it in with new Atari 2600's. Atari releases E.T. for the 2600, the first video game/movie
tie-in. Atari releases the 5200 Super System. Atari's annual income is $203 Million.
1983 - Sales of the 5200 are disappointing and the 2600 sales begin to dip. Poor reviews and
sales of E.T. and Pac-Man for the 2600 begin to take their toll on the company, as does a
flood of 3rd party games on the market. The home video game market is saturated with 9
competing consoles and more announced on the way. Atari posts losses of $536 million
and Ray Kassar resigns over allegations of insider trading. He is replaced by James Morgan.
Atari announces the formation of AtariTel, and advanced telephone/communications
division whose products also include a video phone. Nintendo approaches Atari on selling
its Famicom video game system world wide, talks eventually fall through.
1984 - Atari moves manufacturing operations to Taiwan. The Atari 7800 ProSystem is
announced and released in limited numbers to test the market. Warner, posting record
losses the previous year because of its Atari subsidiary, decides to break sell off Atari.
The Consumer Division (home consoles, computers) is sold to Commodore founder Jack
Tramiel (who recently left Commodore) and renamed Atari Corporation. Jack buys it
for essentially nothing, by giving Warner shares in the new company in lieu of money.
Warner retains the arcade division, AtariTel, and Atari Adventure Corp., a recently created
string of arcades. The group of them are combined as Atari Games, Inc, a division of
Warner. The arcade division is named Atari Games. AtariTel is sold to Mitsubishi, who
eventually releases some of its products under the LumaPhone name. Atari Corp. ceases
support for the Atari 5200.
1985 - Atari Corp. releases the 520ST, the first in a new line of 16 bit computers. Warner sells
controlling interest of the Atari Games division of Atari Games Inc. to Namco, still keeping
major investments in the company. Warner's Atari Games, Inc. was then renamed Atari
Holdings, Inc., still maintaining some patents and the Atari Adventure Corp. which was then
sold later in the year.
1986 - Atari Corp. releases the Atari 7800 in wide release. A group of employees purchases
Namco's controlling interest in Atari Games, make the company independent.
1987 - Atari Corp. also releases the Atari XE Games System (XEGS), a full fledged Atari 8-bit
computer in game system clothing. Atari Corp. buys electronics retailers Federated
Electronics as a commercial venue for Atari products. Atari Games begins producing games
for home consoles under the name Tengen, starting with the Nintendo Entertainment System.
They also find a way to crack the NES's security system and release unlicensed games, which
leads to a landmark lawsuit. Atari Games purchases Barrel of Fun, Inc. owner of "Barrel of
fun" and "2001 Entertainment Center" arcade chains, and spins them off under the Atari
Games subsidiary, Atari Operations, Inc.
1989 - Atari Corp, releases the Atari Lynx, the world's first color portable gaming system. Atari
Games/Tengen and Nintendo simultaneously release versions of Tetris for the NES, touching
off another landmark lawsuit. Atari Corp. sells Federated Electronics.
1990 - Atari Games repurchases the entire share of the company still held by Namco America,
giving Namco ownership of Atari Operations, Inc. instead. Warner Communications (now
a division of Time-Warner) is now a major shareholder.
1992 - Atari Corp. releases the Atari Falcon, a 32-bit computer and the last computer to carry the
Atari name. Atari Corp. begins work on a next generation console. All support for the 2600,
7800, and 8-bit computers is dropped.
1993 - Atari Corp. releases the Atari Jaguar, the world's first 64-bit game console. Atari Corp.
sues Sega for patent infringements. Warner Communications gains a 79% controlling
interest in Atari Games.
1994 - Atari Corp. drops Lynx support. Time-Warner Interactive Group, Atari Games, and Tengen
integrate their operations under the new name, Time Warner Interactive. Use of the Atari
Games name ceases. Warner owns 100% of Atari Games by years' end.
1995 - Atari Corp. releases the Jaguar CD-Rom expansion.
1996 - Atari Corp. forms Atari Interactive, a division whose job is to release Atari properties
on other platforms. Atari Corp. merges with disk drive maker Jugi Tandon Storage (JTS) Inc.
Atari Corp. gives an extended bridge loan of $25,000,000 to JTS Inc. in return for a merger.
The two companies merged together under the newly formed Jugi Tandon Storage
Corporation (JTS Corp.), each existing as a separate entity (division) under the new
corporations. Executives/management from both JTS Inc. and Atari Corp. were then put on
the board of the new JTS Corp. Minimal Jaguar support is still kept. Chicago based Midway
Interactive, Inc. (a subsidiary of Midway Games, Inc., who in turn is owned by WMS Industries
(owner of Williams coin-op and Bally pinball properties) acquires Atari Games from Time-
Warner Interactive. The Atari Games name is brought back and becomes a division under
Midway Games, Inc. Midway soon discovers it must license the Atari Games name and fuji
logo from Atari Corp because of a previous Time Warner Interactive agreement.
1998 - Midway Games, Inc. is sold to shareholders and spun off as a separate entity, which
includes Atari Games. Under threat of investigation for fraud (shareholders were promised
Atari Corp. would remain intact and support would continue, yet patents were sold and
Atari Corp. remained a ghost of its former self), JTS Corp. sells Atari Corp. to Hasbro's
Hasbro Interactive division for $5 million.
1999 - Hasbro makes the Jaguar an "open platform." All Atari Corp. properties are organized
under Atari Interactive, a division of Hasbro Interactive. Midway Games, Inc. begins closed
door proceedings with Hasbro regarding Atari properties and the name and logo.
2000 - After proceedings are concluded, Midway Games, Inc. will no longer be leasing or
using the Atari name or logo, and renames Atari Games to Midway Games West, Inc. Hasbro
sells Hasbro Interactive to Infogrames Entertainment for $95 million in stock and $5 million in
case. Infogrames splits off Atari Interactive as a separate division.
2001 - Midway Games, Inc. leaves the arcade industry, and Midway Games West, Inc. becomes
solely a console games development unit. What was left of the original Atari arcade division
started in 1972 is now gone.
2003 - Infogrames spins off its United States operations as a separate entity renamed to Atari
Inc. of which Atari Interactive becomes a subsidiary of. Infogrames retains a controlling
interest. The other world wide divisions are simply renamed with the Atari name (Atari
Europe, Atari Australia Pty Ltd., Atari Japan Co. Ltd., Atari Korea Ltd., Atari Taiwan, Ltd., and
main corporate operations in France remain Infogrames Entertainment.
2004 - Atari Inc. releases the Atari Flashback Classic Game Console, the first new Atari hardware
since the Jaguar.
2005 - Atari Inc. releases the Atari Flashback 2 Classic Game Console, a complete re-release
of the Atari 2600.
2.4) Where Can I find More Historical Info?
Several websites exist that are dedicated to preserving and promoting Atari history and products.
These sites are not affiliated with Atari Inc., and their listing does not imply endorsement by Atari inc.
Atari History Museum
www.atarimuseum.com
Atari Gaming Headquarters
www.atarihq.com
Atari Explorer
(Atari in Europe)
www.atari-explorer.com
Ancient Atari Pal*Division
(Atari In Europe)
www.atarihq.com/pal-division
Atari Games Museum
(Atari Arcade History)
http://www.atarigames.com/
World Of Owen Rubin
(Atari arcade history)
http://www.orubin.com/
What Game Systems Did Atari Release?
Since 1975 and across various ownerships and entities, there have been numerous video
game and electronic entertainment devices released under the Atari name.
3.1) Atari Pong(r) Systems
Atari Pong(r) systems are dedicated systems that only play Pong(r) and Pong(r) derivative games. These systems include Pong (C-100), Super Pong (C-140), Super Pong 10 (C-180), Super Pong Pro-Am (C-200), Super Pong Pro-Am 10 (C-202), Ultra Pong (C-402-S), Ultra Pong Doubles (C-402-D), and Video Pinball (C-380). The following Atari OEM Pong (r) consoles appeared under the Sears Tele-Games label: Pong (25796), Pong IV (99717), Super Pong (99736), Super Pong IV (99737), Pong Sports II (99707), Pong Sports IV (99708), Hockey-Pong (99721), Hockey-Tennis II (99733), Hockey-Tennis III (99734), Speedway IV (99748), Pinball Breakway (99704).
3.2 Stunt Cycle
Atari Stunt Cycle (SC-450) was a dedicated home version of the 1976 arcade hit. The Sears
Tele-Games version was Motocross (99729).
3.3) Atari Video Music
Atari Video Music (C240 ) was consumer electronics device that interfaced between a stereo and television set. The Video Music component would produce colorful geometric shapes in relation to the music.
3.4) Atari Touch Me Handheld
A hand held version of Atari's 1974 arcade game, the inspiration for the more well known Simon.
3.5) Atari VCS
Introduced in 1977, the Atari Video Computer System (CX-2600) was Atari's first fully programmable home system that featured interchangeable cartridges. The system went through several revisions and cosmetic changes over its lifetime and remained Atari's longest running and most popular console. As with the Pong(r) consoles, the VCS was also OEM'd to Sears under the Tele-Games label.
3.6) Atari 5200
The Atari 5200 Video Super System was Atari's answer to Mattel's Intellivision, and was released in 1982. Featuring more advanced graphics than the 2600, its controllers used full 360 degree speed sensitive joysticks and keypads as well as featuring innovative Start, Pause, and Reset buttons. The 5200 was not backwards compatible with the 2600, though a special compatibility device was later sold.
3.7) Atari 7800
The Atari 7800 Pro-System was initially released in limited quantities in 1984 and wide released in 1986. Fully backwards compatible with the Atari 2600, it also featured the advanced graphics of the 5200 along with other advanced graphical features. Designed with input by Atari focus groups and fans, it featured a much smaller profile than the 5200 and 2600, and sleeker controllers than the 5200 as well as 2 separate fire buttons.
3.8) Atari Lynx
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989, and was the world's first full color portable gaming system. A powerful handheld system that graphically was comparable to a portable Atari 7800. The Lynx went through two revisions in its lifetime.
3.9) Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar was introduced in 1993, and was the world's first 64 bit video game system. Also the first Atari system to include a CD unit (through the Jaguar-CD add-on peripheral), the CD unit included a built in version of Atari's Video Music Machine called the Virtual Light Machine (VLM).
What Computer Products Did Atari Release?
Beginning in 1979 and ending in 1993, Atari was involved in the home computer industry.
4.1) Atari 400/800
A set of 8-bit computers and related peripherals that featured advanced graphics capabilities and sound through the addition of the very first use of graphics and sound coprocessors in a personal computer. Also featured an advanced method of attaching peripherals called the SIO, which was the forerunner to today's USB. Both also included cartridge ports for games and programs. The 400 used 16k of ram and featured a membrane keyboard. The 800 used 48k of ram and used a
full keyboard.
4.2) Atari 1200XL
8-bit computer released in 1982 to replace the 400/800 series. Added advanced function keys, a better overall keyboard, 64k of ram, and a more advanced internal design.
4.3) Atari 600/800XL
Set of 8-bit computers released in 1983 as the replacement to the 1200XL and discontinued 400/800 series. Both featured a cost effective reduced internal design, and a new interface called the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI) besides the normal SIO interface. The 600XL had 16k of ram, the 800XL had 64k.
4.4) Atari 65/800/130XE, XEGS
A set of 8-bit computers released by Atari Corporation after it took over Atari's Consumer Division, meant to replace the 600/800XL series of computers. Further cost reduced internally, they also featured an advanced memory management chip, and replaced the PBI with a new port called the Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI) (the 65XE did not contain a PBI or ECI). The Atari 65XE was the 64k ram model, the 130XE was the 128k ram model, and the 800XE was the European version of the 65XE. The XE Game System (XEGS) as released in 1987 and was Atari's last 8-bit product. An Atari 65XE in a redesigned case with detachable keyboard that was promoted as a game console that could expand in to a fully functional Atari 8-bit computer.
4.5) Atari 520/1040ST/STFM/STE
Atari Corporation introduced these advanced 16-bit computers starting in 1985. The series included 512k (520ST) and 1 meg (1040ST) of ram, parallel and rs232 ports, TV and monitor support, floppy disk ports, a hard drive port, and was the world's first personal computer to come with built in midi musical device interfaces. They also featured a mouse and full GUI based operating system. The later introduced STE expanded it with more advanced graphical support (hardware based scrolling, blitter and shifter, 4096 colors, and the ability to accept an external video source. It also featured more advanced sound.
4.6) Atari Mega
Intended to be a more office orientated version of the STE, it also featured the Blitter chip for more advanced memory operations and came in 1, 2, and 4 megabyte models. Featured a detached keyboard
4.7) Atari TT
Atari's first 32 bit system, it featured a modular design with a detached keyboard. 4 megabytes of ram (expandable to 12), and separate expandable memory reserved solely for the CPU. Had the same advanced graphics and sound support as the STE, and added a 1280 x 960 graphical mode. Had all the ports of the ST/STE/Mega series plus RGB, VGA, SCSI, ASCI, and VME ports as well as Stereo output and networking through a LocalTalk port.
4.7) Atari Stacy/STBook
The Stacy was the first portable version of the ST, released in 1989. Built in 9" monochrome LCD screen (as well as the ability to hook up a standard ST color monitor), all the standard ST features and ports, 1 meg of ram (expandable to 4), plus the option of a built in 20 meg hard drive. It also included a full size keyboard and built in trak-ball for mouse control. The STBook was the 1990 replacement that was trimmed down in to a much sleeker model, with a smaller more "standard" laptop style keyboard and mouse pad.
4.8) Atari Transputer
The Atari Transputer (ATW800) was released in 1987 and was a high end, high powered system which blended an ABAQ Transputer system with the Atari Mega series. The transputer allowed connection of multiple processor (CPU) cards to form a powerful parallel processing computer system. Furthermore, ATW workstations could be linked together to share processing resources and form a parallel processing network.
4.9) Atari ABC/PC 1/PC-5 IBM Compatibles
Atari released a series of IBM-PC compatible computers during the late 80's. The PC-1 featured an 8088 Intel CPU, 512K ram, EGA/CGA/Hercules graphics, parallel and serial ports, 5 1/4" disk drive, and mouse. The PC-3 featured the same with an expanded 640k ram and built in 20 meg hard drive. The PC-4 was the same, with an 80286 CPU. The PC-5 was the last in the series, and contrasted to the custom internals of the others it featured an off the shelf generic 386XS based motherboard with 40 meg hard drive. The ABC series was Atari's last PC-compatible computers and were the most deluxe. Full custom case, 386SX or DX models, 40 meg hard disks, 3.5" floppy, 4 or 8 ISA slots, 1 mb (expandable to 8) or 8 mb (expandable to 64) or ram, and prepackaged with MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0. Atari also released the N386SX Laptop as part of the ABC series, which were OEM'd versions of SOTEC's stylish 386SX laptop.
4.10) Atari Porfolio
The world's first palmtop computer, the Atari Portfolio was released in 1989. Basically a portable
IBM XT, it featured an 8088 CPU, 128k of ram expandable to 256k, 260 x 64 mono LCD display, 63 key keyboard, memory expansion bus and PC Card expansion bus. It came prepackaged with an MS-DOS 2.2 compatible OS, text processor, phone book, Lotus 1-2-3 compatible spread sheet, personal calendar/appointment book with programmable alarms, transfer software, and a clipboard. It also featured a full line of interface cards.
4.11) Atari Falcon
Atari's last computer, released in 1992. Released in an ST style case, the Atari Falcon was a 32 bit computer that packed an impressive set of built in features. Featuring a Motorola 68030 CPU, 4 megs of ram (expandable to 14), built in 3.5" disk drive and IDE hard disk, as well as an advanced Digital Signal Processor (DSP) chip for advanced 16 bit sound processing capabilities (including voice and sound digitization). It had an internal direct processor slot (for PC compatible boards or DMA coprocessors). The graphics included the features of the STE plus was capable of genlock video support, Super VGA mode, True Color 16 bit mode (65, 536 colors), paletted mode (262,144 colors), and could be outputted to RF, RGB, VGA and standard ST monitors. It also featured the standard STE ports as well as a SCSI-2 port, stereo microphone input, headphone output, and a DSP port. The Falcon also featured Atari's last and most advanced version of its GUI driven OS that featured true preemptive multitasking.
What's With These New Systems With Atari's Name?
Starting with the acquiring of Atari's properties by Infogrames in 2000 and the reformation of Atari Inc. in 2003, Atari began getting back in to the video game hardware business.
5.1) Atari 10-in-1 Joystick
Working with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., this unit was released in 2002 as part of their TV Games plug-and-play series. A return to the dedicated consoles of Atari's early years, this unit was self contained in a reproduction of an Atari 2600 joystick that plugs directly in to a TV. Includes 10 built in 2600 games.
5.2) Atari Paddle
Released in 2004, again by JAKKS Pacific, Inc. as part of the TV Games series. This time in the shape of a self contained Atari 2600 paddle controller with 13 built in paddle games. Also came in a 2 controller model for 2 player action.
5.3) Atari Flashback
Released in 2004 directly by Atari Inc., this plug-and-play device featured a mini Atari 7800 style
console design with 20 built in games (14 Atari 2600 games and 5 Atari 7800 Games). Also features detachable Atari 7800 style controllers,
5.4) Atari Flashback 2
Released in 2005 directly by Atari Inc., this plug-and-play device is a smaller reproduction of the Atari 2600 - right down to including an actual Atari 2600 inside. Comes with 40 built in games, two brand new Atari 2600 joysticks, and is fully compatible with all original Atari 2600 controllers.
Legacy Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: 2005.09.30
Maintained by Martyg (Martin Goldberg)
**Some timeline info regarding Atari Games came from
A Brief timeline of Atari Holdings 1984-Present
http://home.centurytel.net/hunmanik/atariholdings.html
0.1) Table Of Contents
Support
1.1) My system doesn't work any more. Will Atari still fix it?
1.2) Where Can I get it Fixed?
1.3) Can I still get games for these systems?
History
2.1) How Did Atari get its name?
2.2) What Does The Atari Logo Symbolize?
2.3) What's the History of Atari?
2.4) Where Can I find more historical info?
What Game Systems Did Atari Release?
3.1) Atari Pong Systems
3.2) Atari Stunt Cycle
3.3) Atari Video Music
3.4) Atari Touch Me Handheld
3.5) Atari VCS
3.6) Atari 5200
3.7) Atari 7800
3.8) Atari Lynx
3.9) Atari Jaguar
What Computer Products Did Atari Release?
4.1) Atari 400/800
4.2) Atari 1200XL
4.3) Atari 600/800XL
4.4) Atari 65/800/130XE, XEGS
4.5) Atari 520/1040ST/STFM/STE
4.6) Atari Mega
4.7) Atari TT
4.8) Atari Stacy/STBook
4.9) Atari Transputer
4.9) Atari ABC/PC 1/PC-5 IBM Compatibles
4.10) Atari Porfolio
4.11) Atari Falcon
What's With These New Systems With Atari's Name?
5.1) Atari 10-in-1 Joystick
5.2) Atari Paddle
5.3) Atari Flashback
5.4) Atari Flashback 2
Support
-----------
1.1) My old system doesn't work any more. Will Atari still fix it?
Unfortunately no, Atari Inc. does not support any legacy hardware.
1.2) Where Can I get it Fixed?
A number of sources exist that provide services (replacement parts, upgrades, manuals, repair services) for legacy Atari products. These include:
B & C ComputerVisions
5917 Stope Way
El Dorado, Ca. 95623-4816
(530) 295-9270
www.myatari.com
Best Electronics
672 Commercial Street
San Jose, CA 95112-1406
(408) 278-1092
(815) 364-3703 (Fax)
www.best-electronics-ca.com/
1.3) Can I still get games for these systems?
Games for all legacy systems are easily found on eBay (www.ebay.com). The previous mentioned vendors also still sell new games and peripherals, as do the following:
Video 51 & Atari Sales
www.atarisales.com
O'Shea Limited
www.oshealtd.com/atari.htm
History
---------
2.1) How Did Atari Get Its Name?
The name Atari actually comes from Japan. And yet the company is most definitely American. Ever wondered why? It's an interesting story and one well worth telling.
In 1972 two friends decided to invent and market the first commercially feasible video game. They were Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. To become a partner each man had to submit $100 to the project - a remarkably small sum when you consider the company's success! The next step was to find a name.
Drinking beer and thumbing through the dictionary one day, the three friends came across an interesting entry under "S". The word was Syzygy, or "the straight-line configuration between three celestial bodies". What a perfect name they thought, for three such astronomically talented people! The set up a shop in Santa Clara, California, and incorporated the business.
Bushnell and Dabney applied for the name Syzygy to the Office of the California Secretary of State, which regulates Californian corporations, but were told that they were too late. The name was already taken.
Following unsuccessful attempts to buy the rights to the name from the first Syzygy corporation, which appeared to be inactive, the friends' solicitor pressed them to think up an alternative.
This proved difficult. BD Inc and DB Inc were tested and then rejected in turn: the first bore too close a resemblance to Black & Decker, the second to Dunn and Bradstreet.
Inspiration occurred at last, once again in an informal atmosphere. Bushnell and Dabney were both keen players of Go, a Japanese strategy game, and their best brainstorming always occurred over a good game and a bottle of beer.
This time, they decided to make a list of several Go words to see if one of them would fly as the new corporate name.
First choice was "Sente", which means "the upper hand" - something that greatly appealed. Second and third choices were "Atari", which has a similar meaning to the English word "check", and "Hanne", an acknowledgement of an over-taking move.
Bushnell and Dabney submitted the list once again to the Office of the Californian Secretary of State, which approved "Atari". The rest is history.
When the company name changed, Bushnell and Dabney decided to update the logo too. They incorporated the "S" from Syzygy and the "A" from Atari into the new design. A little later they invented Pong.
It was not until later, as the company became increasingly successful, that an advertising agency designed the slicker and now famous Atari logo - the "fuji" or stylized "A" design.
2.2) What Does The Atari Logo Symbolize?
Designed by George Opperman in late 1972, the logo was meant to serve a dual purpose. First an foremost it represents a stylized letter "A" to stand for "Atari". However, the stylized "A" was also meant to represent Atari's initial claim to fame - Pong(r). The two side pieces of the Atari symbol represent two opposing video game players, with the center line of the Pong(r) court in the middle.
Sometime over 1973-1975, the description changed to reflect the Japanese origins of the Atari
name. Looking similar to Japan's famous Mount Fuji as well, the logo soon became referred to
as the Atari "Fuji" symbol.
2.3) What's the History Of Atari?
The following is an abbreviated timeline:
1972 - Atari founded June 27th by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. Their first game was
the smash Pong(r).
1973 - Ted Dabney Leaves after other companies release Pong(r) copies, feeling the new
market is to shaky. Nolan creates Kee Games to create a "controlled" competition. Kee
is run by his next door neighbor, Joe Keenan. Atari earns 3.2 Million for the year.
1974 - Atari "merges" with Kee Games, Joe Keenan is installed as President of Atari. Work
is begun on the home version of Pong(r). Atari releases new arcade titles every six weeks.
1975 - Home Pong(r) debuts under the Sears label. Atari buys Cyan Engineering, where it's
advanced R&D will be done. Work begins at Cyan on a "programmable" home video game
system, one that can use interchangeable games. Atari's Consumer Division is formed.
Atari earns $40 million in sales.
1976 - Atari begins developing pinball machines. The prototype for the programmable
home video game system is finished, which is now nicknamed Stella. Atari assigns the
design of a new game entitled Breakout to then employee Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs gets friend
Steve Wozniak to actually design it, who completes it in five days. The design is considered
unusable, because its advanced layout does not lend itself well to manufacturing.
Atari sells itself to Warner Communications for $28 Million. Nolan is named Chairman of
the Board, Joe Keenan remains President.
1977 - Atari releases its programmable console, now called The Atari Video Computer System
(VCS).
1978 - Ray Kassar is hired by Warner Communications to head Atari's Consumer Division.
Problems begin forming between Warner and Atari's original staff (with an engineering
background) as more Warner hired people (with a business background). Work is begun
on a home computer.
1979 - Nolan arranges to be removed from the board. He takes Atari subsidiary Chuck E.
Cheese with him. Most of the original staff leaves as well. Several VCS programmers
leave to start the first ever third party game company, Activision. Ray Kassar becomes CEO of
Atari. Ray moves to promote Atari games all year around instead of just the Christmas
season. The Atari 400 and 800 computers debut. Atari releases the smash hit Asteroids(r)
in the arcades.
1980 - Atari releases Space Invaders for the VCS, the first license of an arcade game for a
home console. Atari releases Battlezone in the arcades.
1981 - Atari releases Tempest in the arcade, the first color vector graphics arcade game.
1982 - Atari changes the VCS to the Atari 2600. Atari licenses Pac-Man from Namco and begins
packing it in with new Atari 2600's. Atari releases E.T. for the 2600, the first video game/movie
tie-in. Atari releases the 5200 Super System. Atari's annual income is $203 Million.
1983 - Sales of the 5200 are disappointing and the 2600 sales begin to dip. Poor reviews and
sales of E.T. and Pac-Man for the 2600 begin to take their toll on the company, as does a
flood of 3rd party games on the market. The home video game market is saturated with 9
competing consoles and more announced on the way. Atari posts losses of $536 million
and Ray Kassar resigns over allegations of insider trading. He is replaced by James Morgan.
Atari announces the formation of AtariTel, and advanced telephone/communications
division whose products also include a video phone. Nintendo approaches Atari on selling
its Famicom video game system world wide, talks eventually fall through.
1984 - Atari moves manufacturing operations to Taiwan. The Atari 7800 ProSystem is
announced and released in limited numbers to test the market. Warner, posting record
losses the previous year because of its Atari subsidiary, decides to break sell off Atari.
The Consumer Division (home consoles, computers) is sold to Commodore founder Jack
Tramiel (who recently left Commodore) and renamed Atari Corporation. Jack buys it
for essentially nothing, by giving Warner shares in the new company in lieu of money.
Warner retains the arcade division, AtariTel, and Atari Adventure Corp., a recently created
string of arcades. The group of them are combined as Atari Games, Inc, a division of
Warner. The arcade division is named Atari Games. AtariTel is sold to Mitsubishi, who
eventually releases some of its products under the LumaPhone name. Atari Corp. ceases
support for the Atari 5200.
1985 - Atari Corp. releases the 520ST, the first in a new line of 16 bit computers. Warner sells
controlling interest of the Atari Games division of Atari Games Inc. to Namco, still keeping
major investments in the company. Warner's Atari Games, Inc. was then renamed Atari
Holdings, Inc., still maintaining some patents and the Atari Adventure Corp. which was then
sold later in the year.
1986 - Atari Corp. releases the Atari 7800 in wide release. A group of employees purchases
Namco's controlling interest in Atari Games, make the company independent.
1987 - Atari Corp. also releases the Atari XE Games System (XEGS), a full fledged Atari 8-bit
computer in game system clothing. Atari Corp. buys electronics retailers Federated
Electronics as a commercial venue for Atari products. Atari Games begins producing games
for home consoles under the name Tengen, starting with the Nintendo Entertainment System.
They also find a way to crack the NES's security system and release unlicensed games, which
leads to a landmark lawsuit. Atari Games purchases Barrel of Fun, Inc. owner of "Barrel of
fun" and "2001 Entertainment Center" arcade chains, and spins them off under the Atari
Games subsidiary, Atari Operations, Inc.
1989 - Atari Corp, releases the Atari Lynx, the world's first color portable gaming system. Atari
Games/Tengen and Nintendo simultaneously release versions of Tetris for the NES, touching
off another landmark lawsuit. Atari Corp. sells Federated Electronics.
1990 - Atari Games repurchases the entire share of the company still held by Namco America,
giving Namco ownership of Atari Operations, Inc. instead. Warner Communications (now
a division of Time-Warner) is now a major shareholder.
1992 - Atari Corp. releases the Atari Falcon, a 32-bit computer and the last computer to carry the
Atari name. Atari Corp. begins work on a next generation console. All support for the 2600,
7800, and 8-bit computers is dropped.
1993 - Atari Corp. releases the Atari Jaguar, the world's first 64-bit game console. Atari Corp.
sues Sega for patent infringements. Warner Communications gains a 79% controlling
interest in Atari Games.
1994 - Atari Corp. drops Lynx support. Time-Warner Interactive Group, Atari Games, and Tengen
integrate their operations under the new name, Time Warner Interactive. Use of the Atari
Games name ceases. Warner owns 100% of Atari Games by years' end.
1995 - Atari Corp. releases the Jaguar CD-Rom expansion.
1996 - Atari Corp. forms Atari Interactive, a division whose job is to release Atari properties
on other platforms. Atari Corp. merges with disk drive maker Jugi Tandon Storage (JTS) Inc.
Atari Corp. gives an extended bridge loan of $25,000,000 to JTS Inc. in return for a merger.
The two companies merged together under the newly formed Jugi Tandon Storage
Corporation (JTS Corp.), each existing as a separate entity (division) under the new
corporations. Executives/management from both JTS Inc. and Atari Corp. were then put on
the board of the new JTS Corp. Minimal Jaguar support is still kept. Chicago based Midway
Interactive, Inc. (a subsidiary of Midway Games, Inc., who in turn is owned by WMS Industries
(owner of Williams coin-op and Bally pinball properties) acquires Atari Games from Time-
Warner Interactive. The Atari Games name is brought back and becomes a division under
Midway Games, Inc. Midway soon discovers it must license the Atari Games name and fuji
logo from Atari Corp because of a previous Time Warner Interactive agreement.
1998 - Midway Games, Inc. is sold to shareholders and spun off as a separate entity, which
includes Atari Games. Under threat of investigation for fraud (shareholders were promised
Atari Corp. would remain intact and support would continue, yet patents were sold and
Atari Corp. remained a ghost of its former self), JTS Corp. sells Atari Corp. to Hasbro's
Hasbro Interactive division for $5 million.
1999 - Hasbro makes the Jaguar an "open platform." All Atari Corp. properties are organized
under Atari Interactive, a division of Hasbro Interactive. Midway Games, Inc. begins closed
door proceedings with Hasbro regarding Atari properties and the name and logo.
2000 - After proceedings are concluded, Midway Games, Inc. will no longer be leasing or
using the Atari name or logo, and renames Atari Games to Midway Games West, Inc. Hasbro
sells Hasbro Interactive to Infogrames Entertainment for $95 million in stock and $5 million in
case. Infogrames splits off Atari Interactive as a separate division.
2001 - Midway Games, Inc. leaves the arcade industry, and Midway Games West, Inc. becomes
solely a console games development unit. What was left of the original Atari arcade division
started in 1972 is now gone.
2003 - Infogrames spins off its United States operations as a separate entity renamed to Atari
Inc. of which Atari Interactive becomes a subsidiary of. Infogrames retains a controlling
interest. The other world wide divisions are simply renamed with the Atari name (Atari
Europe, Atari Australia Pty Ltd., Atari Japan Co. Ltd., Atari Korea Ltd., Atari Taiwan, Ltd., and
main corporate operations in France remain Infogrames Entertainment.
2004 - Atari Inc. releases the Atari Flashback Classic Game Console, the first new Atari hardware
since the Jaguar.
2005 - Atari Inc. releases the Atari Flashback 2 Classic Game Console, a complete re-release
of the Atari 2600.
2.4) Where Can I find More Historical Info?
Several websites exist that are dedicated to preserving and promoting Atari history and products.
These sites are not affiliated with Atari Inc., and their listing does not imply endorsement by Atari inc.
Atari History Museum
www.atarimuseum.com
Atari Gaming Headquarters
www.atarihq.com
Atari Explorer
(Atari in Europe)
www.atari-explorer.com
Ancient Atari Pal*Division
(Atari In Europe)
www.atarihq.com/pal-division
Atari Games Museum
(Atari Arcade History)
http://www.atarigames.com/
World Of Owen Rubin
(Atari arcade history)
http://www.orubin.com/
What Game Systems Did Atari Release?
Since 1975 and across various ownerships and entities, there have been numerous video
game and electronic entertainment devices released under the Atari name.
3.1) Atari Pong(r) Systems
Atari Pong(r) systems are dedicated systems that only play Pong(r) and Pong(r) derivative games. These systems include Pong (C-100), Super Pong (C-140), Super Pong 10 (C-180), Super Pong Pro-Am (C-200), Super Pong Pro-Am 10 (C-202), Ultra Pong (C-402-S), Ultra Pong Doubles (C-402-D), and Video Pinball (C-380). The following Atari OEM Pong (r) consoles appeared under the Sears Tele-Games label: Pong (25796), Pong IV (99717), Super Pong (99736), Super Pong IV (99737), Pong Sports II (99707), Pong Sports IV (99708), Hockey-Pong (99721), Hockey-Tennis II (99733), Hockey-Tennis III (99734), Speedway IV (99748), Pinball Breakway (99704).
3.2 Stunt Cycle
Atari Stunt Cycle (SC-450) was a dedicated home version of the 1976 arcade hit. The Sears
Tele-Games version was Motocross (99729).
3.3) Atari Video Music
Atari Video Music (C240 ) was consumer electronics device that interfaced between a stereo and television set. The Video Music component would produce colorful geometric shapes in relation to the music.
3.4) Atari Touch Me Handheld
A hand held version of Atari's 1974 arcade game, the inspiration for the more well known Simon.
3.5) Atari VCS
Introduced in 1977, the Atari Video Computer System (CX-2600) was Atari's first fully programmable home system that featured interchangeable cartridges. The system went through several revisions and cosmetic changes over its lifetime and remained Atari's longest running and most popular console. As with the Pong(r) consoles, the VCS was also OEM'd to Sears under the Tele-Games label.
3.6) Atari 5200
The Atari 5200 Video Super System was Atari's answer to Mattel's Intellivision, and was released in 1982. Featuring more advanced graphics than the 2600, its controllers used full 360 degree speed sensitive joysticks and keypads as well as featuring innovative Start, Pause, and Reset buttons. The 5200 was not backwards compatible with the 2600, though a special compatibility device was later sold.
3.7) Atari 7800
The Atari 7800 Pro-System was initially released in limited quantities in 1984 and wide released in 1986. Fully backwards compatible with the Atari 2600, it also featured the advanced graphics of the 5200 along with other advanced graphical features. Designed with input by Atari focus groups and fans, it featured a much smaller profile than the 5200 and 2600, and sleeker controllers than the 5200 as well as 2 separate fire buttons.
3.8) Atari Lynx
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989, and was the world's first full color portable gaming system. A powerful handheld system that graphically was comparable to a portable Atari 7800. The Lynx went through two revisions in its lifetime.
3.9) Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar was introduced in 1993, and was the world's first 64 bit video game system. Also the first Atari system to include a CD unit (through the Jaguar-CD add-on peripheral), the CD unit included a built in version of Atari's Video Music Machine called the Virtual Light Machine (VLM).
What Computer Products Did Atari Release?
Beginning in 1979 and ending in 1993, Atari was involved in the home computer industry.
4.1) Atari 400/800
A set of 8-bit computers and related peripherals that featured advanced graphics capabilities and sound through the addition of the very first use of graphics and sound coprocessors in a personal computer. Also featured an advanced method of attaching peripherals called the SIO, which was the forerunner to today's USB. Both also included cartridge ports for games and programs. The 400 used 16k of ram and featured a membrane keyboard. The 800 used 48k of ram and used a
full keyboard.
4.2) Atari 1200XL
8-bit computer released in 1982 to replace the 400/800 series. Added advanced function keys, a better overall keyboard, 64k of ram, and a more advanced internal design.
4.3) Atari 600/800XL
Set of 8-bit computers released in 1983 as the replacement to the 1200XL and discontinued 400/800 series. Both featured a cost effective reduced internal design, and a new interface called the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI) besides the normal SIO interface. The 600XL had 16k of ram, the 800XL had 64k.
4.4) Atari 65/800/130XE, XEGS
A set of 8-bit computers released by Atari Corporation after it took over Atari's Consumer Division, meant to replace the 600/800XL series of computers. Further cost reduced internally, they also featured an advanced memory management chip, and replaced the PBI with a new port called the Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI) (the 65XE did not contain a PBI or ECI). The Atari 65XE was the 64k ram model, the 130XE was the 128k ram model, and the 800XE was the European version of the 65XE. The XE Game System (XEGS) as released in 1987 and was Atari's last 8-bit product. An Atari 65XE in a redesigned case with detachable keyboard that was promoted as a game console that could expand in to a fully functional Atari 8-bit computer.
4.5) Atari 520/1040ST/STFM/STE
Atari Corporation introduced these advanced 16-bit computers starting in 1985. The series included 512k (520ST) and 1 meg (1040ST) of ram, parallel and rs232 ports, TV and monitor support, floppy disk ports, a hard drive port, and was the world's first personal computer to come with built in midi musical device interfaces. They also featured a mouse and full GUI based operating system. The later introduced STE expanded it with more advanced graphical support (hardware based scrolling, blitter and shifter, 4096 colors, and the ability to accept an external video source. It also featured more advanced sound.
4.6) Atari Mega
Intended to be a more office orientated version of the STE, it also featured the Blitter chip for more advanced memory operations and came in 1, 2, and 4 megabyte models. Featured a detached keyboard
4.7) Atari TT
Atari's first 32 bit system, it featured a modular design with a detached keyboard. 4 megabytes of ram (expandable to 12), and separate expandable memory reserved solely for the CPU. Had the same advanced graphics and sound support as the STE, and added a 1280 x 960 graphical mode. Had all the ports of the ST/STE/Mega series plus RGB, VGA, SCSI, ASCI, and VME ports as well as Stereo output and networking through a LocalTalk port.
4.7) Atari Stacy/STBook
The Stacy was the first portable version of the ST, released in 1989. Built in 9" monochrome LCD screen (as well as the ability to hook up a standard ST color monitor), all the standard ST features and ports, 1 meg of ram (expandable to 4), plus the option of a built in 20 meg hard drive. It also included a full size keyboard and built in trak-ball for mouse control. The STBook was the 1990 replacement that was trimmed down in to a much sleeker model, with a smaller more "standard" laptop style keyboard and mouse pad.
4.8) Atari Transputer
The Atari Transputer (ATW800) was released in 1987 and was a high end, high powered system which blended an ABAQ Transputer system with the Atari Mega series. The transputer allowed connection of multiple processor (CPU) cards to form a powerful parallel processing computer system. Furthermore, ATW workstations could be linked together to share processing resources and form a parallel processing network.
4.9) Atari ABC/PC 1/PC-5 IBM Compatibles
Atari released a series of IBM-PC compatible computers during the late 80's. The PC-1 featured an 8088 Intel CPU, 512K ram, EGA/CGA/Hercules graphics, parallel and serial ports, 5 1/4" disk drive, and mouse. The PC-3 featured the same with an expanded 640k ram and built in 20 meg hard drive. The PC-4 was the same, with an 80286 CPU. The PC-5 was the last in the series, and contrasted to the custom internals of the others it featured an off the shelf generic 386XS based motherboard with 40 meg hard drive. The ABC series was Atari's last PC-compatible computers and were the most deluxe. Full custom case, 386SX or DX models, 40 meg hard disks, 3.5" floppy, 4 or 8 ISA slots, 1 mb (expandable to 8) or 8 mb (expandable to 64) or ram, and prepackaged with MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0. Atari also released the N386SX Laptop as part of the ABC series, which were OEM'd versions of SOTEC's stylish 386SX laptop.
4.10) Atari Porfolio
The world's first palmtop computer, the Atari Portfolio was released in 1989. Basically a portable
IBM XT, it featured an 8088 CPU, 128k of ram expandable to 256k, 260 x 64 mono LCD display, 63 key keyboard, memory expansion bus and PC Card expansion bus. It came prepackaged with an MS-DOS 2.2 compatible OS, text processor, phone book, Lotus 1-2-3 compatible spread sheet, personal calendar/appointment book with programmable alarms, transfer software, and a clipboard. It also featured a full line of interface cards.
4.11) Atari Falcon
Atari's last computer, released in 1992. Released in an ST style case, the Atari Falcon was a 32 bit computer that packed an impressive set of built in features. Featuring a Motorola 68030 CPU, 4 megs of ram (expandable to 14), built in 3.5" disk drive and IDE hard disk, as well as an advanced Digital Signal Processor (DSP) chip for advanced 16 bit sound processing capabilities (including voice and sound digitization). It had an internal direct processor slot (for PC compatible boards or DMA coprocessors). The graphics included the features of the STE plus was capable of genlock video support, Super VGA mode, True Color 16 bit mode (65, 536 colors), paletted mode (262,144 colors), and could be outputted to RF, RGB, VGA and standard ST monitors. It also featured the standard STE ports as well as a SCSI-2 port, stereo microphone input, headphone output, and a DSP port. The Falcon also featured Atari's last and most advanced version of its GUI driven OS that featured true preemptive multitasking.
What's With These New Systems With Atari's Name?
Starting with the acquiring of Atari's properties by Infogrames in 2000 and the reformation of Atari Inc. in 2003, Atari began getting back in to the video game hardware business.
5.1) Atari 10-in-1 Joystick
Working with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., this unit was released in 2002 as part of their TV Games plug-and-play series. A return to the dedicated consoles of Atari's early years, this unit was self contained in a reproduction of an Atari 2600 joystick that plugs directly in to a TV. Includes 10 built in 2600 games.
5.2) Atari Paddle
Released in 2004, again by JAKKS Pacific, Inc. as part of the TV Games series. This time in the shape of a self contained Atari 2600 paddle controller with 13 built in paddle games. Also came in a 2 controller model for 2 player action.
5.3) Atari Flashback
Released in 2004 directly by Atari Inc., this plug-and-play device featured a mini Atari 7800 style
console design with 20 built in games (14 Atari 2600 games and 5 Atari 7800 Games). Also features detachable Atari 7800 style controllers,
5.4) Atari Flashback 2
Released in 2005 directly by Atari Inc., this plug-and-play device is a smaller reproduction of the Atari 2600 - right down to including an actual Atari 2600 inside. Comes with 40 built in games, two brand new Atari 2600 joysticks, and is fully compatible with all original Atari 2600 controllers.