Atari’s 8-bit computer family was launched in November 1979, with the Atari 400 and Atari 800 models. Featuring coprocessors for graphics and sound, the Atari 8-bit machines were some of the most advanced of the time. Famously, or infamously, the architecture of the Atari 8-bit computers was originally meant to be a video game console, released as a replacement for the Atari 2600. The 2600’s surprising longevity, coupled with the growing market for personal/home/micro computers, spurred Atari’s management to mandate that the design be converted to become the 400 and 800 computers. The design did eventually make its way into a video game system, as the Atari 5200.
Although only marginally successful from the 400/800 generation through the Atari 1200XL, Atari’s 600XL and 800XL were much more popular and allowed Atari to outlast all of their “home computer” competitors other than Commodore. The rivalry between Atari and Commodore would rage throughout the 1980s and into the 16-bit computer era, with the Atari ST family and Commodore’s Amiga lineup. Eventually the founder of Commodore, Jack Tramiel, left the company and bought Atari, which only deepened the competition between the two companies even further.
An Atari 8-bit machine was my first computer and I have incredibly fond memories of the fun and discovery it enabled. Eventually I upgraded to an Atari ST and had fantastic time with it as well! Relive those times with these throwback Atari computer wallpapers and backgrounds for your modern Windows, Mac or Linux system, and for your phones and tablets as well!
Atari 8-bit Wallpapers and Backgrounds –
Atari 8-bit Fonts:
Atari ST/Mega/TT Wallpapers and Backgrounds –
