== 8 bit ==
The Atari 8-bit computer series, launched in 1979 as the Atari Home Computer System, included the Atari 400 and 800. Powered by the 8-bit MOS Technology 6502 CPU and custom coprocessors, these computers offered advanced graphics and sound for their time. Video games were a major focus, with Star Raiders (1980) becoming a standout title.
The Atari 800 was the high-end model, while the 400 was a budget-friendly option with a membrane keyboard and 8 KB of RAM. Both shared the same CPU and supported plug-and-play peripherals via the Atari SIO serial bus, a precursor to USB technology. The architecture was later used in the 1982 Atari 5200 console, though the systems were not software-compatible.