130XE

Launched in 1985, the Atari 130XE was the most powerful and final flagship computer in Atari’s 8-bit XE series. Featuring 128KB of RAM, the 130XE offered twice the memory of the 800XL and full backward compatibility with earlier Atari 8-bit software. It retained the ANTIC, GTIA, and POKEY chips for high-quality graphics and sound, while adopting a new, sleeker ST-inspired case design. Although it offered a bank-switched memory system, very few programs took advantage of the extra RAM. Still, the 130XE became a popular and affordable choice for European gamers, coders, and students, especially in the late 1980s.

Notable Features

• Doubled RAM compared to the 800XL (though only partially accessible by standard apps)
• Fully compatible with Atari 400/800/XL software and most hardware
• Shared design language with the Atari ST line — sleek and modern look
• Used bank-switching to access upper 64KB – ideal for RAMdisks, large games, compilers
• Expanded SIO and ECI connectors for modern upgrades (SD card interfaces, etc.)

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Historical Significance

• Final flagship model in the Atari 8-bit computer family
• Atari’s response to the Commodore 128 and Amstrad CPC 6128
• Popular in Europe and Eastern Europe well into the 1990s
• Continued to inspire homebrew demos and software due to its large RAM and compatibility
• Often paired with the XF551 disk drive and XC12 datasette for full capability

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Collector's Notes

• Rarity: Common – but boxed, pristine, or original bundle units are highly collectible
• Desirability: High – especially among European Atari fans and demo coders
• Common Issues:
  • Faulty RAM chips or banking logic
  • Ribbon cable issues between keyboard and motherboard
  • RF shielding rust or corrosion
• Display Tips: Great with 1050 or XF551 drive, classic Atari joystick, and a demo scene favorite like Numen or Crownland

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	130XE
Manufacturer	Atari
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Discontinued	1992 (last sold in Europe)
Launch Price	$249 USD (varied widely by region)
Country	United States
CPU	MOS 6502C @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.77 MHz (PAL)
Units Sold	1–2 million worldwide
Power	External 5V DC PSU (regulated externally)
Storage	Cassette (XC12), 5.25" disk (XF551), via SIO interface
Expansion	SIO port, Parallel Bus Interface (PBI) / Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI)
Cartridge Slot	1 × front cartridge port
Keyboard	61-key full-stroke keyboard with function keys
Sound	4-channel sound via POKEY chip
Graphics	Player/Missile Graphics, smooth scrolling, programmable color
Display	ANTIC + GTIA: 320×192 resolution, 16 colors
ROM	24KB (10K OS, 8K Atari BASIC, 6K I/O)
RAM	128KB (64KB accessible directly; 64KB via bank-switching)