The Power of Vintage
Introducing the Atari ST
Computer Made for the Masses, not the Classes
Released in April 1985, the Atari ST was one of the first 16-bit home computers in the world.
Based on Motorola 68K, the ST offered processing power, 512K of RAM, a GUI, 512 colors, and a 3-voice sound. All that for $799, when the IBM PC and Macintosh could do less for a much higher price tag.
Introducing the Amiga
Amiga – The Multimedia Powerhouse of the 1980s
The Amiga was a groundbreaking line of home and professional computers developed by Commodore between 1985 and 1994. Based on the Motorola 68K architecture, Amiga systems introduced a host of innovative features far ahead of their time, including:
- 4,096 on-screen colors
- Hardware-accelerated graphics
- Stereo PCM audio
- Preemptive multitasking
- A mouse-driven graphical user interface
These capabilities made the Amiga the first affordable multimedia computer, long before the term “multimedia” became mainstream. It quickly became the go-to platform for graphic designers, digital artists, animators, musicians, DJs, and video editors—many of whom launched their careers on an Amiga. That said, its most popular application was undoubtedly video gaming.
Amiga CD32
The Amazing Amiga CD32 Console
Released in Europe in September 1993, the Amiga CD32 was a 32-bit video game console built on the architecture of Commodore's A1200 computer. Although initially launched in Europe, it was also sold in Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
The CD32 enjoyed a strong start in Europe, quickly capturing a 50% share of the UK’s CD-ROM-based console market. However, Commodore’s expansion into the US was halted when 30,000 CD32 units were seized in the Philippines due to a patent dispute. This legal setback had a serious impact on the company’s already fragile financial state. As a result, the console was discontinued in April 1994.
- It is estimated that only 200,000 units of the CD32 were ever produced
Atari Falcon
Atari Falcon 030 – The Talented Home Micro
Released in 1992, the Atari Falcon 030 was the final home computer developed by Atari, and arguably its most advanced. The Falcon featured a 32-bit CPU, the powerful Motorola 56001 DSP as a co-processor, 24-bit graphics, and high-fidelity 16-bit audio with 8 stereo PCM channels. Despite its impressive hardware, the Falcon struggled in the market, facing stiff competition from the more affordable Commodore Amiga 1200. Production of the Falcon ceased in 1993 when Atari shifted its focus entirely to the Jaguar gaming console. In 1995, the German company C-Lab licensed the Falcon technology and released Falcon Mk I, Mk II, and Mk-X.
- In the UK, the Falcon was priced at £599 (with 1MB RAM) and £999 (with 4MB RAM and a 65MB hard disk)
- Production numbers are estimated at 29,000 Falcon 030 units and around 10,000 C-Lab Falcon units
MT-32 Midi
Roland MT-32: The Orchestra Inside Your Computer
Launched in 1987 by Roland Corporation, the MT-32 Multi-Timbre Sound Module brought high-quality MIDI music to personal computers. As the de facto standard for PC game audio in the early '90s, the MT-32 was supported by hundreds of games across platforms such as IBM PC, Atari ST, Commodore Amiga, Apple Macintosh, Apple IIGS, NEC PC-8800/PC-9800, and Sharp X68000.
- Its cinematic, orchestral-quality sound made it a favorite for titles from Sierra On-Line, Lucasfilm Games, and many others
- In 1987, the MT-32 retailed for $695—around $1,700 in 2023 dollars
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