Atari XE Video Game System

The Atari XE Video Game System, released in 1987, was a dedicated console that doubled as an 8-bit home computer, leveraging the existing Atari 8-bit software library. Bundled with a detachable keyboard, light gun, and joystick, the XEGS had the unique ability to function as both a gaming console and a basic computer. Although it faced stiff competition from Nintendo and Sega, the system’s versatility and access to Atari’s library of games made it an appealing option for some. The XEGS ultimately had a limited impact on the market but remains a notable example of Atari’s innovative, if not entirely successful, attempts to blend computing and gaming. Today, it’s a collector’s item and a nostalgic reminder of the 1980s gaming landscape.