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Atari 8-bit computers

Microcomputer

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
Year
1979 2
Significance
Star Raiders is considered the platform's killer app 1
Status
Status
Discontinued 1
FAQs

What was the best-known game on the Atari 8-bit computers?

Star Raiders is considered the platform's killer app.

Star Raiders, a first-person space combat simulator from 1980, is considered the platform's killer app. Its best-known status reflects how central video games were to the Atari 8-bit software library.
Connections

In Field

Source Atari 8-bit computers - Wikipedia
In the Other Atlases

Developed By

Also in Business Atlas: the developer of this subject.

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
  • In Field: Computer Architecture, Lead sentence
    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 cust
View the Source
2. 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
View the Source
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