 Atari Jaguar
 Remember Pong?
Atari was the pioneer on console, cartridge or TV games, but the effort of theirs to go in to the 3D generation of gaming consoles did not even meet the most juvenile of expectations. Released in the early 90’s (’93 -‘96), it had a short-lived, ill-fated lifespan. Claiming to be the first 64-bit console (though it really could process 64 bits at a time), it was later exposed that the CPU itself is not even a 64-bit engine but rather a 32-bit. This produced controversy and bad publicity Atari did not need at that time.
The console itself, looked slick and simple, few buttons on it, a bright red on and off switch, a cartridge slot and two inputs for the controllers nicely placed on the console. The controllers featured a weird numeric keypad (which few game developers took use of or found a use for) and only three buttons, albeit that the SNES made the six-button controller a standard a year before.
The cartridges were about the size of the Genesis’ and were ergonomically designed for easy pull out but none of the consumers really took notice of this and it was really never rewarded any merit. The CD on the other hand, did not really have an upper hand to the cartridges; they only took up more time loading and were much more easily broken compared to the cartridges.
 Claiming to be all this and that, it all boiled down to how the games played and felt. The graphics and sound are good enough by its day’s standards but still falling short of what everyone expected. A few good titles did emerge from the Jaguar but not enough to keep the system and its titles in demand as Atari would hope.
The Jaguar also released an add-on CD attachment and an eight-button controller with shoulder buttons later on, but it was too late and interest for the Jaguar never really boomed. The system’s unsuccessful run subsequently led to the company’s demise and thus dissolving Atari.
Merits for collection, but for the lack of good titles (both on the cartridges and CD’s) and if you are expecting to have the time of your life playing the system, it is just a waste of time to go look for this “cutting edge” console. Unless if you love polygons.
CPUs:
"Tom"
(contains 3 video-related processors), 25.59 MHz
- Graphics processing unit (GPU) – 32-bit RISC architecture, 4K internal cache, provides wide array of graphic effects
- 64-bit object processor – programmable; can behave as a variety of graphic architectures
- 64-bit blitter processor – high speed logic operations, z-buffering and Gouraud shading
- 64-bit DRAM controller (not a processor)
"Jerry"
- 26.6 MHz
- Digital Signal Processor – 32-bit [RISC]] architecture, 8k internal cache
- CD-quality sound (16-bit stereo)
- Number of sound channels limited by software
- Two DACs (stereo) convert digital data to analog sound signals
- Full stereo capabilities
- Wavetable synthesis, FM synthesis, FM Sample synthesis, and AM synthesis
- A clock control block, incorporating timers, and a UART
- Joystick control
- Motorola 68000 (processor #5)
- General purpose control processor, 13.295 MHz
Other Jaguar features:
- *RAM: 2MB
- *Storage: Cartridge – up to 6MB
- *Support for ComLynx I/O
|
Our
Sponsors
More Gaming Gadgets
 Microsoft’s Xbox360
The Xbox360 is Microsoft’s much-awaited follow up to the almighty Xbox first released on November 15 of 2001 in North America. Described by most console enthusiast as a PC disguised as a gaming console, armed to change the way you look at your gaming console, as ‘just’ a gaming center. Beefed up, equipped and poised to be the center of your home entertainment system...
Nintendo DS
Nintendo has always been the leader in handheld game consoles before I even knew what handhelds were. In fact, I think they coined the term and it is probably patented in their name. Anyways, Nintendo in the handheld console business is not that big a deal. It is for the most part expected of them in a way...
Sony PS2 (Slim Factor)
1.1 inches tall
23 inches wide
6 inches deep
You would think it’s a books’ dimensions I’m talking about. The new revamped version of the best selling game console ever just went on a diet and did lose the pounds but none of its power...
Sony PS2
I remember the first time I ever played on the PS2 at a friend’s house; my original PS was still hot from me using it day in and day out. Tekken3 was on and it was the first time I ever saw the game on a new platform. Needless to say, I was mesmerized, the graphics, the games, everything was amazing. It was as if a brand new world just opened up before me. The following day I woke up driven to save up and get my own PS2...
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
The Game Boy line of handheld consoles has been around for the longest time. With the release and success of the original Game Boy, it was only a matter of time that there would be a successor to this successful design and formula of a hand held console. The release of the Game Boy Advance was greatly met with much anticipation and it did deliver and meet expectations. With capabilities of connecting with its bulkier cousin, the Game Cube...
Nintendo Game Boy Micro
The latest from the Game Boy line of handheld consoles, the Micro truly is Micro!
Looking more like a controller from the old SNES rather than a gaming console, this amazing feat of engineering can still deliver what we have all come to expect from a Game Boy. Following the GBA SP, modifications were made with the screen resolution, its much brighter and much more detailed although its screen is dwarfed by the SP, it still makes up for its screen output quality...
Tiger Telematics Gizmondo
Ah the multitasking devices, it has become standard for multitasking devices to come in small packages and offer or promise big punches.
The Gizmondo is a tight little lightweight multi-functional unit capable of many applications. Its design is sleek and compact, grips great and has a fairly easy interface to navigate and interact with. The unit measures in at 5inches wide by 3 inches tall, an inch deep, and has a 2-inch screen...
Nintendo N64 Console
The N64 came out, in my honest opinion, in the wrong time. It was during the transition time of cartridges to CDs that the N64 came out and the developers at Nintendo opted to stay with their tried and tested cartridges...
Nintendo GameCube
As the name might suggest, obviously it is simply a gaming console shaped like a cube. Very compact and came in two colors, indigo and black, a Japanese version of the Game Cube was released in orange. A limited Resident Evil 4 version of the console came in platinum and black. It is quite evident that this console was designed to be a “carry anywhere” type of unit, with a carrying handle and all...
|
