Atari Falcon

Atari Falcon030
ManufacturerAtari Corporation
TypePersonal computer
Release date1992; 32 years ago (1992)
Discontinued1993 (1993)
Operating systemTOS/MultiTOS
CPU
Memory1, 4, or 14 Megabytes of RAM
GraphicsVIDEL video controller
SoundSDMA sound/DMA co-processor (16-bits, 50 kHz; 8 stereo channels); Yamaha Y3439-F (3 channel PSG)
PredecessorAtari TT030
Atari MEGA STE

The Atari Falcon030 (usually shortened to Atari Falcon), released in 1992, is the final personal computer from Atari Corporation.[1] A high-end model of the Atari ST line, the machine is based on a Motorola 68030 CPU and a Motorola 56001 digital signal processor, which distinguishes it from most other microcomputers of the era. It includes a new VIDEL programmable graphics system which greatly improves graphics capabilities.[2]

Shortly after release, Atari bundled the MultiTOS operating system in addition to TOS. TOS remained in ROM, and MultiTOS was supplied on floppy disk and could be installed to boot from hard disk.[3]

The Falcon was discontinued in late 1993–a year after its introduction–as Atari restructured itself to focus completely on the release and support of the Jaguar video game console. The Falcon sold in relatively small numbers, mainly to hobbyists.[4]

  1. ^ Hutchinson, Andy (October 1992). "Falcon Launched to the world". ST Format. Vol. 39. p. 24.[dead link]
  2. ^ "Atari ST TT Falcon". www.atarimania.com. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  3. ^ Richards, Paula (July 1993). "Multitasking for all Atari Machines". ST Format. Vol. 48. p. 7.
  4. ^ "Atari: From Boom to Bust and Back Again". Next Generation. No. 4. Imagine Media. April 1995. p. 39.