Retro Video Gamer

The Atari XE Video Game System (Atari XEGS) is a video game console released by Atari Corporation in 1987. Based on the Atari 65XE computer, the XEGS is compatible with the existing Atari 8-bit computer software library. Additionally, it is able to operate as either a stand alone console or full computer with the addition of its specially designed keyboard. In computer mode, it may utilize the majority of peripherals released for Atari's 8-bit computer line. Atari packaged the XEGS as a basic set consisting of only the console and joystick, and as a deluxe set consisting of the console, keyboard, joystick and light gun. Source: Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_XEGS)

The folks from Classic Game Room have posted a review of this system and it is below. Any XEGS owners here? I have to honestly say that I've been very tempted to get one.

Sure, i have all different version original boxed. The housing is a little big cheap and the functionkeys looks like a toy. But it is the uncomplicated gaming experience who counts.

I don't have one of these yet but I will one day. But I agree it does have a toy look about it.

I have two broken one in my storage (one with memory faults the other is simple dead due to a shortcut elsewhere). May be I will paint them black or use the housing for another console.

I like the design.  I think the look was very intentional on Atari's part to make it more attractive to a younger audience.  After all, it was intended to mainly be a gaming system.

It would be cool to own one. I have an Atari 400 so I do not feel to left out. Atari computers still have one of the best cart versions of Donkey Kong, all four screens and fast gameplay.

I have one, but it's been sat in the cupboard since I bought it.  It was one of those impulse purchases - I even bought an Atari tape deck for it too!  Can't say I've ever really used it, apart from testing it out originally, and then checking the tape player.

[align=center:1wpcoh83]20 Games That Defined the Atari XEGS (//http)[/align:1wpcoh83]

Nice video. I've played most of those games at some point but Star Raiders II was arguably the best game on the system with a real plot, great game play and GFX and an ending. Atari certainly came up with a good design with the XEGS but it was just too late to market. It's a great little collectors item for sure especially if you can get the later XE (blue box) games for it like Mario

Star Raiders II looks like an amazing game.  One that I wish had been ported to one of the consoles!  It would have probably worked fine on the 5200.

Star raiders ii for atari homecomputers is named "the last starfighter". It was one of theses stolen game copies cycled first in the scene nearly 30 years ago (like behind jaggileins or star wars arcade). It is based on the movie with identical title. Later renamed to defender ii for unknown reason.

Quote from: "retromod"Star raiders ii for atari homecomputers is named "the last starfighter". It was one of theses stolen game copies cycled first in the scene nearly 30 years ago (like behind jaggileins or star wars arcade). It is based on the movie with identical title. Later renamed to defender ii for unknown reason.

Indeed, though I thought Defender II was a 2600 title.

In response to TrekMD, Star Raiders II/The Last Star Fighter, it is a really good game. It has depth, really good gameplay IMO and very good GFX. Also, it is nothing like the original Star Raiders. As @retromod said, it is based on the film which, again, wasn't too bad if you like your Sci-Fi with a little cheese SR 2 is a complete game that is not too difficult to play but very enjoyable.

Defender II was the name given to Stargate in all home ports of the game due to a legal issue with Williams Electronics.  Only the 2600 had some carts with the name Stargate on them (my cart says Stargate )  I had heard of The Last Starfighter and did not know it had been renamed Star Raiders II.  That's kinda cool. 

I love my XEGS  but I wish it had a 256K RAM upgrade.

the XEGS is the first 8-bit homecomputer having SMD HF modulator. that's scary as all other machines using standard components. as it was only "recycled" technology for quick money the quality is not very high, too.

the design is not sexy, the atari logo implemented by plastic in very large letters - more a toy so the funky functionkeys matches perfectly. Why not simple used a small 10:1 mega st chassis or gray 7800 housing?
that made more sense but as told it was a "quick money" attempt from Atari side. Like the flashback consoles today.... bundle existing titles/hardware into a cheap housing with ugly design and throw it out to the stores.
Voila a lot of quick cache for an unbeloved job.

the XEGS itself has a great concept, by adding a 2nd bios and automatic switches it might be no rocket science having 5200 compatiblity as well. Unbelievable they have not addressed that potential specially as by adding $10 components you'll get A2600 compatiblity as well (at the time of XEGS a one-chip 2600 was possible as all china cloners already used them for their 2600 clone consoles).

Just thought I'd share this video...