Atari 800XL — released in 1983 as a slimmer, cheaper successor to the Atari 400 and 800.
Why it matters
Atari’s custom ANTIC and GTIA graphics chips were genuinely ahead of most 8-bit rivals on paper, giving the 800XL smoother scrolling and a broader colour palette than many competitors. It never achieved the same cultural foothold in the UK market that the Spectrum and C64 did, but it built a fiercely loyal following, particularly in the US and parts of Europe.
What to check before you buy
- Check for the well-known ‘CTIA vs GTIA’ chip revision differences affecting compatibility
- RF modulator output can be poor — a composite or S-Video mod is a common, worthwhile upgrade
- Keyboard membrane connectors are a common failure point on this model
- Verify power supply is the correct original spec — third-party swaps have damaged units