The Power of Vintage
Greek Joysticks
🕹️ The 9-Pin Greek Joysticks That Refuse to Die
In the 1980s, several Greek manufacturers produced remarkably durable and high-performance joysticks for 8-bit and 16-bit home computers. Built with hard plastic shells, microswitches, and arcade-style sticks, these joysticks rivaled the quality of those found in professional arcade machines.
Atari Jaguar
Atari Jaguar Games Console
Released in November 1993 and discontinued in 1996, the Atari Jaguar was a 32-bit video game console notable for its advanced hardware and unique architecture. Despite being marketed as "the only 64-bit system," it was, in fact, a 32-bit system with 64-bit elements in its memory architecture. The Jaguar featured four specialized processors capable of delivering high-quality graphics and sound but proved challenging for developers due to its complex design.
- At launch, the Jaguar was priced at $249.99 in the U.S. (equivalent to around $530 in 2023 money)
- It is estimated that 150,000-250,000 units were ever sold
Atari PC
Atari's Line of Personal Computers
Released in January 1987 and discontinued in 1990, the Atari PC series marked Atari’s entry into the IBM PC-compatible market. The first model, later renamed the Atari PC1, was followed by the PC2, which featured a larger case and five expansion slots. Atari ultimately released five desktop PC models: the PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, and PC5.
- The Atari PC1 originally retailed for $699 (about $1,900 adjusted for inflation)
Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn: A 32-Bit Powerhouse from the '90s
Launched in November 1994 and discontinued by 1998, the Sega Saturn was a technologically advanced 32-bit console and the successor to the iconic Sega Mega Drive (Genesis). Featuring a dual-CPU architecture with eight processors and a CD-ROM drive, the Saturn aimed to compete with Sony’s PlayStation in the early 3D gaming era.
- Launch Price (US, 1995): $399
- Worldwide Units Sold: Approx. 9.26 million
Vectrex
Vectrex: A Vector-Based Console Ahead of Its Time
Released in November 1982 and discontinued in 1984, Vectrex is a vector display-based home video game console. The system was developed by Smith Engineering and manufactured and sold by General Consumer Electronics. Later, it was licensed to Milton Bradley.
- Initially sold for $199 in the US
- It is estimated that about 500,000-600,000 units were manufactured
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