The Atari 8-bit computers, formally launched as the Atari Home Computer System, are a series of home computers introduced by Atari, Inc., in 1979 with the Atari 400 and Atari 800. The architecture is designed around the 8-bit MOS Technology 6502 CPU and three custom coprocessors which provide support for sprites, smooth multidirectional scrolling, four channels of audio, and other features. The graphics and sound are more advanced than most of its contemporaries, and video games are a key part of the software library.
Facts
SignificanceStar Raiders is considered the platform's killer app 1 Sources
1. Atari 8-bit computers - Wikipedia
Software section
The 1980 first-person space combat simulator Star Raiders is considered the platform's killer app.
Infobox
discontinued=1992
- In Group: Atari Home Computers, lead
View the Source2. Wikidata: Atari 8-bit family
- Wikidata Q249075, resolved via en.wikipedia pageprops (wave rule R-L)
- Wikidata Q249075 P577 (publication/release date) claim -> 1979; checked 2026-09-28
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