XEGS
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| Released: | 1987-??-?? |
| Discontinued: | 1992-01-01 |
| Developer: | Atari |
| Type: | Hardware |
The XEGS (which stands for XL-Expanded Video Game System) is a video game console developed by Atari. The console uses the same hardware as the 65XE home computer with a more console-like case. Being based on existing hardware, the XEGS is fully compatible with all software released for the Atari 8-bit line, and featured ports where Atari 8-bit peripherals could be connected and used, even modems and printers.
The XEGS was released as a basic set and a deluxe set. The basic set included only the console and a joystick, while the deluxe set came with the console, a joystick, a keyboard, and the XG-1 light gun (though few games utilized it).
Despite having a huge software base upon its release the XEGS was based on hardware that was three years old, making it severely outclassed by competing consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System which had already been out for two years. The XEGS failed to make waves and Atari stopped releasing games for it the same year it was released.
Games
Only about 30 games were released specifically for the XEGS, but it is compatible with the entire Atari 8-bit line, which includes over 1,000 more. Likewise, all XEGS games can be played on Atari 8-bit computers.
Music and Sound
Since it used the same hardware as the Atari 8-bit line, the XEGS featured the same on-board C012294 chip, known as the POKEY. The POKEY features 4 square wave channels, each could produce and independent frequency, volume, and noise level.
Links
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_XEGS - Wikipedia.
- mobygames.com/browse/games/atari-8-bit - MobyGames (Note: doesn't differentiate between Atari 8-bit and XEGS games).
