Esoteric Devices Wiki

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== Atari Lynx ======

Released on September 1st, 1989 in the USA, the Lynx was Atari's only portable console. Coming in at $179.95 at launch, it sold at an acceptable rate throughout it's lifespan, but was unable to crush the monster that was the [[eop:video_game_consoles-portable:4th_generation:nintendo_game_boy|Game Boy]]. When it comes to specifications, the Atari Lynx is a relatively capable system, containing two 6502 variant CPUs that run on a 16-but bus, alongside 64K RAM, 4 sound channels, and the obvious 12-bit color 160x102 screen. As with other portables of this era that are not by Nintendo, the battery life of the Atari lynx was weak and is probably why it failed to do much in the market.

https://www.giantbomb.com/atari-lynx/3045-7/

https://www.consoledatabase.com/consoleinfo/atarilynx/

===== Operating Systems (WDC 65SC02 + 16bit custom CMOS) =====

=== 8-Bit OS ===

>8bit-OS is a new and exciting “App” oriented Operating System currently under development

Finally, a proper EOP for the Atari Lynx! While it’s not absolutely clear, this EOP even appears to have a connection to the internet, somehow. There are mentions of a “mini web-browser”, “downloadable app library” and a lot more. In essence, a little “OS simulator” with potential network capability, which is backed up by an EOP under “Internet”…

http://8bit-unity.com/?page_id=593

https://atarigamer.com/lynx/game/8BitOS/559421284



=== Contiki ===

Postulated, and never materialized, but it should be possible.

https://sourceforge.net/p/contiki/mailman/message/3590552/



=== PC emulation (potential) ===

Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. PCs without meaningful OSes are not included.

CHIP-8 – WIP CHIP-8 emulator

https://atariage.com/forums/topic/43405-chip-8-emulator-wip/

https://atarigamer.com/lynx/game/CHIP8Emulator/373357128



===== Internet =====

=== 8-Bit web ===

>The simple 8bit-Unity API allows you to process HTTP requests and send back HTML pages

Somehow, a proper HTTP web server has been ported to the Atari Lynx?! It’s even capable of serving images, and has been ported to other platforms.

http://8bit-unity.com/?page_id=585

https://atarigamer.com/lynx/game/8BitWeb/499227097

===== Version & Revision Guide =====

For general information, see the [[eop:essays:game_console_revisions_overview|Game Console Revisions Overview]].
==== Versions ====

//There are two versions of this console, arranged chronologically.//

=== Model 1 (1989-1991) ===

The original version of the Lynx. Featuring an absolutely gargantuan form factor, the Model 1 Lynx is generally a little bit worse than the Model 2 in certain features, unless you have massive hands and don't care about these things - which is completely understandable. To be specific, the Model 1 has shorter battery life (at 4-5 hours), mono instead of stereo audio, and a slightly worse screen (although neither model's screen is exactly "good" nowadays). Outside of this, the Model 1 and 2 are the same in crucial functionality, such as region lock (both have none), and hacking/modding capability: both models are capable of receiving all important mods and can use flashcarts.

=== Model 2 (1991-1995) ===

//RECOMMENDED OVERALL; BEST RELIABILITY//

Released at the relative peak of the Lynx's life, the Model 2 is generally the better system in all ways but form factor (for people who have large hands). Featuring an improved battery life (at 5-6) hours, stereo audio, a vaguely better screen, power saving functions (can turn off the backlight - if you hate yourself), and "rubber hand grips", the Model 2 is a bit nicer and appears to be about as common as the Model 1 within the 2nd hand market. While these changes do make it a slightly better system, it doesn't really matter if one ends up getting the Model 1, as the 2's improvements are pretty minor and will probably be a target for user modding anyways.

==== Revisions ====

Both the Model 1 and Model 2 feature motherboard revisions, but they appear to have no impact to the end user outside of the different PCBs which change how a system will be modded. Pages documenting this have been linked for posterity.

https://atarigamer.com/pages/hardware-details

https://atarilynxdeveloper.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/lynx-model-2-hardware-revisions/

//LOWEST PRICE couldn't be assigned.//

https://www.retrorgb.com/lynx.html

https://atarigamer.com/pages/atari-lynx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_Lynx