Legacy & History
Released in 1986 (delayed from 1984). It was respectable but couldn't stop Nintendo's dominance.
Cultural Impact
The underdog of the 8-bit era.
Modern Legacy
Ninja Golf. That is all.
Under the Hood
Its Maria graphics chip allowed for moving up to 100 sprites at once, far more than the NES, but its sound was often limited to the old 2600 TIA chip unless the cartridge included a POKEY chip.
CPUAtari SALLY (6502 derivative)
MEMORY4 KB RAM
DISPLAY320 x 200
AUDIOTIA (2600) + POKEY (Optional)
Defining Titles
Food FightAction • 1987
Ninja GolfAction/Sports • 1990
Midnight MutantsAction-Adventure • 1990
Alien BrigadeShooter • 1990
CommandoRun and Gun • 1989
Best Selling Title
Pole Position II