Identifying Valuable Editions and Variants
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Collector's Guides: Identifying Valuable Editions and Variants
![Pacman retro video game from Atari on a screen](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_13d8f2fe48574f3eb2eabdefb9f3b6df~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/nsplsh_13d8f2fe48574f3eb2eabdefb9f3b6df~mv2.jpg)
Dive into the captivating world of Atari consoles, where pixels and nostalgia intertwine to create a timeless gaming experience.
From the iconic Atari 2600 to the lesser-known gems of the collection, each console tells a story of innovation, challenges, and the evolution of video gaming.
Whether you're a dedicated Atari enthusiast or a curious explorer of gaming history, this comprehensive guide will navigate you through the labyrinth of Atari's legacy, shedding light on valuable editions and sought-after variants that have shaped the gaming landscape.
Evolution of Atari consoles - Editions and releases:
1. Atari 2600 (1977):
![Atari 2600 (1977)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_f87f4df94bae405bbf9c7b9c23e36f3c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_599,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_f87f4df94bae405bbf9c7b9c23e36f3c~mv2.png)
Model: Atari 2600
Manufacturer: Atari
Release Year: 1977 → Released worldwide
Release Countries: Worldwide release
Launch Price: $
Released Colors: Multiple
Best-selling Game: Various
Notable Features: Pioneering joystick and paddle controllers
Notable Games: Numerous classics
Notable Accessories: Various peripherals
Technical Specifications:
Audio: -
Controllers: Joystick and paddle controllers
Network: None
Optical Drive: Cartridge-based
2. Atari 5200 (1982):
![Atari 5200 (1982)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_2fb2cd6e25f743048ba631190b257979~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_609,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_2fb2cd6e25f743048ba631190b257979~mv2.jpg)
Model: Atari 5200
Manufacturer: Atari
Release Year: 1982 → Released in North America
Release Countries: (US)
Launch Price: $
Released Colors: Black
Best-selling Game: Various
Notable Features: Enhanced graphics, non-centering joystick
Notable Games: A library of titles
Notable Accessories: Various controllers and peripherals
Technical Specifications:
Audio: -
Controllers: Non-centering joystick
Network: None
Optical Drive: Cartridge-based
3. Atari 7800 (1986):
![Atari 7800 (1986) North American release](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_8dfdb75aae8e4522a1eeacb1acda7bb7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_515,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_8dfdb75aae8e4522a1eeacb1acda7bb7~mv2.jpg)
![Atari 7800 (1986) European release](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_33bd97b8e4d54008892ecd861982ba42~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_584,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_33bd97b8e4d54008892ecd861982ba42~mv2.jpg)
Model: Atari 7800
Manufacturer: Atari
Release Year: 1986 → Released in North America
Release Countries: (US)
Launch Price: $
Released Colors: Black
Best-selling Game: Various
Notable Features: Backward compatibility with 2600 games, improved graphics
Notable Games: Atari classics
Notable Accessories: Controllers and light gun
Technical Specifications:
Audio: -
Controllers: Joystick and light gun
Network: None
Optical Drive: Cartridge-based
4. Atari XEGS (1987):
![Atari XEGS (1987)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_5bcf960cdf6a4a9495f9f698ae17e1f9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_737,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_5bcf960cdf6a4a9495f9f698ae17e1f9~mv2.jpg)
Model: Atari XEGS
Manufacturer: Atari
Release Year: 1987 → Released in North America
Release Countries: (US)
Launch Price: $
Released Colors: Black
Best-selling Game: Various
Notable Features: Hybrid gaming console and computer, detachable keyboard
Notable Games: Atari software library
Notable Accessories: Joysticks and keyboards
Technical Specifications:
Controllers: Joystick and keyboard
Network: None
Optical Drive: Cartridge-based
5. Atari Lynx (1989):
![Atari Lynx (1989)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_813a345420004796b031ca0e051302fc~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_580,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_813a345420004796b031ca0e051302fc~mv2.png)
Model: Atari Lynx
Manufacturer: Atari
Release Year: 1989 → Released in North America, Europe
Release Countries: (US, Europe)
Launch Price: $
Released Colors: Multiple
Best-selling Game: Various
Notable Features: First color handheld console, forward-thinking design
Notable Games: Exclusive handheld titles
Notable Accessories: Comlynx cable for multiplayer
Technical Specifications:
Audio: Stereo sound
Controllers: Handheld with built-in controls
Network: Comlynx cable for multiplayer
Optical Drive: Cartridge-based
6. Atari Jaguar (1993):
![Atari Jaguar (1993)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/aa7471_ff4372564a4d464293d1c5a76e921014~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_422,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/aa7471_ff4372564a4d464293d1c5a76e921014~mv2.jpg)
Model: Atari Jaguar
Manufacturer: Atari
Release Year: 1993 → Released in North America, Europe
Release Countries: (US, Europe)
Launch Price: $
Released Colors: Black
Best-selling Game: Various
Notable Features: 64-bit powerhouse, introduced CD add-on
Notable Games: Jaguar exclusives
Notable Accessories: Various controllers and the Jaguar CD
Technical Specifications:
Audio: Stereo sound
Controllers: Unique controller with numeric keypad
Network: None
Optical Drive: CD and cartridge
Conclusion: A Voyage Through Atari's Timeless Tapestry
Our journey through the realms of Atari consoles has unveiled an array of iconic and lesser-known treasures, each contributing to the rich tapestry of gaming history.
Atari's legacy echoes through the pixels of classic titles, the innovation of controllers, and the unique design of its consoles. From the humble beginnings of the Atari 2600 to the forward-thinking Lynx and the powerful Jaguar, every console bears witness to Atari's indelible mark on the gaming world.
As you venture forth, remember that "Retro Quest Collect" is your portal to a world of gaming wonders. Explore further, engage with our captivating articles, and allow the legacy of Atari to inspire your own gaming odyssey. The pixels await your touch, and the adventure continues as we celebrate the timeless allure of Atari.
You are invited to leave a comment, and check out further blog articles!
So have a CT 380 console in both Atari and Sears variants. Not sure when they were realeased nor their approximate value. Have seen them in YouTube videos, but no one seems to know when they were released. Thanks.