History

Under the auspices of Jack Tramiel, Atari re-released two game consoles in 1986: the Atari 7800, which had previously been released in a brief test run in 1984; and the Atari 2600 Jr., an updated version of the Atari VCS/2600. The XEGS followed, building on Atari's 8-bit computer line which had started with the Atari 400 and 800. In practice the XEGS is essentially a repackaged Atari 65XE, in a move not unlike that taken for the Atari 5200, which is effectively a repackaged Atari 400/800 computer. However, unlike the 5200, the XEGS is still compatible with the existing range ofAtari 8-bit computer software and peripherals, and thus could function as a home computer.

Atari conceived the console in a plan to increase the company's console market share while improving sales of its 8-bit home computer family. Providing a "beginning computer" and "sophisticated game console" in one device, was thought to convince more retailers and software developers to support the platform. In May 1987, Atari's then Director of Communications, Neil Harris, updated the online Atari community by outlining this plan. It noted that the XEGS was intended to further the 8-bit line by providing mass-merchants with a device that was more appealing to their markets. Popular home computer games from the early 1980s such as Archon: The Light and the Dark, Lode Runner, andDavid's Midnight Magic made up much of the XEGS catalog.

The system co-existed with the Atari 2600 Jr. and Atari 7800 on store shelves and was occasionally featured alongside those systems in Atari print ads and television commercials. It was eventually followed by the Atari Lynx handheld system and the Atari Jaguar.

Games

The XEGS shipped with the Atari 8-bit version of Missile Command built in, Flight Simulator II bundled with the keyboard component, and Bug Hunt which is compatible with the light gun. As the XEGS is compatible with the earlier 8-bit software, many games released under the XEGS banner were simply older games rebadged. This was done to the extent that some games were shipped in the old Atari 400/800 packaging, bearing only a new sticker to indicate that they were also compatible with the XEGS.