Atari

 

Founding and Early Years

Atari was founded by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972. While initially established to create video arcade games like *Pong*, the company ventured into home computers to capitalize on the growing demand for personal computing. By the late 1970s, Atari was a significant player in the electronics industry and turned its attention to creating affordable yet sophisticated home computers to complement its video gaming success.

In 1979, the Atari 8-bit family of computers debuted with the Atari 400 and 800 models, featuring groundbreaking hardware design and a commitment to user-friendly interfaces. These computers became popular for both gaming and productivity, heralding Atari's formal entry into the computer market.

Notable Products

Atari computers gained renown for their innovation and versatility. Among their most notable products are:

• Atari 400 and 800 (1979): The first models in Atari's 8-bit computer lineup. The Atari 800, in particular, was a powerhouse with its custom-built ANTIC and GTIA graphics chips, making it capable of producing stunning visuals for its time.

• Atari ST Series (1985): The Atari ST marked Atari’s entry into the 16-bit computer era. Its name, "ST," stood for Sixteen/Thirty-two, referencing its Motorola 68000 processor architecture. It became popular among musicians for its built-in MIDI ports and was a cost-effective rival to Apple's Macintosh.

• Atari Portfolio (1989): One of the world’s first palmtop computers, the Portfolio was tiny but mighty, running on an Intel 80C88 CPU and offering basic computing functionality. It even made a cameo in the movie *Terminator 2: Judgment Day*!

Key Developments

Atari's journey in the computing industry was defined by bold moves and technological advancements. The development of the 8-bit ANTIC chipset was revolutionary for its time, as it introduced features like hardware acceleration and efficient handling of graphics, sound, and input.

One of Atari's significant achievements was the **Atari ST**, which played a vital role in democratising computing for creative professionals. Its affordability and MIDI capabilities made it particularly popular among musicians and digital artists.

Additionally, Atari was one of the first companies to embrace portable computing with the Portfolio, reflecting its forward-thinking approach to hardware design.

Decline and Dissolution

Despite its early successes, Atari faced increasing challenges in the 1990s. As competitors like Commodore, Apple, and IBM gained traction, Atari struggled to maintain its market position. A combination of mismanagement, limited marketing budgets, and aggressive competition in the gaming and computing sectors contributed to its decline.

The failure of the Atari Jaguar gaming console in the mid-1990s further strained the company's finances, forcing it to scale back its operations. In 1996, Atari merged with JTS Corporation, a hard-drive manufacturer, effectively ending its existence as an independent company.

What Are They Doing Today?

While the original Atari Inc. ceased to exist, the brand name has been revived several times by different entities. Today, Atari operates as a brand focused on retro gaming and new hardware products, such as the Atari VCS, a modern reimagining of its classic consoles. The company also licenses its iconic intellectual properties, ensuring that the legacy of Atari lives on in gaming culture.