Atari Lynx
The first handheld with a backlit colour screen
- 1989Released
- 4thGeneration
- AtariDeveloper
Atari Lynx Specifications
- Processor
- MOS 65SC02 (8-bit)
- Processor Speed
- 4 MHz
- RAM
- 64 KB
- GPU
- Suzy (16-bit custom CMOS chip)
- GPU Speed
- 16 MHz
- Resolution
- 160 x 102 pixels
- Available Colors
- 4,096 (12-bit) palette
- Maximum Colors
- 16
Overview
The Atari Lynx is a handheld console released by Atari in September 1989. It is widely recognised as the first handheld game console with a colour LCD screen.
The Lynx had several innovative features for its time, including the colour screen, a backlit display, a switchable left- or right-handed layout and the ability to network with up to 17 other units.
The Lynx started well, but sales slowed as more competition arrived. Combined lifetime sales of the Lynx and Sega’s Game Gear were about 7 million units, while the Game Boy had sold 16 million by the same time.
Critics praised the handheld at the time, with one claiming that it “throws the Game Boy into the prehistoric age”, citing its built-in sprite scaling and strong multiplayer support as big advantages over the Game Boy.
Key Features
Colour LCD Screen
The first handheld with a backlit colour LCD screen.
Ambidextrous Layout
A switchable layout for left- or right-handed players.
Multiplayer Networking
Could network with up to 17 other Lynx units.
Sprite Scaling
The 16-bit Suzy chip gave it built-in sprite scaling.
