Atari Lynx vs Microsoft Xbox Series X S

The Atari Lynx was a groundbreaking handheld console released in the early 1990s, known for its color display and innovative features. On the other hand, the Microsoft Xbox Series X S is a modern powerhouse, offering cutting-edge graphics and performance for the latest gaming titles.

General information

Atari Lynx
Microsoft Xbox Series X S
Introduction :
The Atari Lynx was released in 1989 as one of the first handheld gaming consoles with a color LCD screen. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering a wide range of games and innovative features such as multiplayer capabilities. While not as well-known as other consoles of its time, the Atari Lynx has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic collectible item.
Introduction :
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is the latest addition to the Xbox family, released in 2020. It boasts powerful hardware for smooth gameplay and fast loading times. With its sleek design and impressive graphics capabilities, the Series X S is a popular choice among gamers worldwide. It offers a wide range of exclusive titles and backward compatibility with previous Xbox games, making it a versatile and highly sought-after gaming console.
Advantages :
  • Portable design allows for gaming on the go
  • Color LCD screen provides vibrant graphics
  • Multiplayer capabilities for shared gaming experiences
  • Wide variety of game genres available
  • Long battery life for extended gameplay sessions
Advantages :
  • Faster loading times for games, enhancing overall gaming experience.
  • Improved graphics and performance for more immersive gameplay.
  • Backward compatibility with previous Xbox games, expanding game library.
  • Quick Resume feature allows for seamless switching between multiple games.
  • Xbox Game Pass subscription service offers a vast library of games.
Disadvantages :
  • Bulky design may not appeal to modern gamers.
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Short battery life hinders portability.
  • Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
  • Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited exclusive game titles available at launch.
  • Higher price point compared to previous generation consoles.
  • Potential compatibility issues with older games.
  • Larger physical size may not fit in all entertainment centers.
  • Limited availability and potential supply chain issues.
Year launched : 1989
The Atari Lynx was launched in 1989, offering gamers a color handheld gaming experience ahead of its time. Despite facing tough competition, it remains a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Year launched : 2020
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S was launched in 2020, offering gamers powerful performance and next-gen features for an immersive gaming experience. It competes with other consoles in the market.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari manufactured the Atari Lynx, a handheld game console released in 1989. It was the world's first handheld electronic game with a color LCD screen, offering innovative gaming experiences for its time.
Manufacturer : Microsoft
The Xbox Series X S is manufactured by Microsoft, a leading technology company known for its gaming consoles and software. Microsoft has a strong presence in the gaming industry with its Xbox brand.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari Lynx had limited commercial success compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with the dominant Game Boy and lacked a strong library of popular games, resulting in lower sales and market share.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S has seen moderate popularity among gamers, with solid sales figures and a loyal fan base. It holds a decent share of the market compared to its competitors.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Atari Lynx is a portable console, designed for gaming on the go. Its compact size and built-in screen make it easy to take your games anywhere you go.
Form factor : Home console.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is designed as a home console, meant to be placed in a living room or entertainment center for gaming on a TV screen. It is not intended to be portable.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari Lynx
Microsoft Xbox Series X S
Console markets :
The Atari Lynx was available in North America, Europe, and Japan, making it a global release. It was not limited to a specific country or region, allowing gamers worldwide to enjoy its features.
Console markets :
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. It is widely distributed through major retailers and online stores globally.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari Lynx is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique features and library of games have sparked nostalgia among collectors.
⚪ Collectible : Unknown.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is still a current-generation console, so its retro/collectible status is uncertain. However, with its advanced technology and popularity, it may become sought after in the future.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari Lynx can be found on the secondhand market fairly easily, but availability of new units is limited. It is considered a collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is moderately available in both new and secondhand markets. While it may require some effort to find, it is not overly scarce or abundant.
🟡 Console cost : Average.
The relative cost of the Atari Lynx is average. It can vary depending on the condition and availability in the second-hand market. Prices may be reasonable for collectors or retro gaming enthusiasts.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is currently in high demand due to its advanced features and limited availability. It retains its value well in the second-hand market, making it a relatively costly option.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari Lynx can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to come by compared to more popular consoles.
🟢 Game availability : Good.
Games for the Microsoft Xbox Series X S are readily available both physically and digitally. The console has a strong library of current and upcoming titles, making it a great choice for gamers.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari Lynx games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles can be expensive due to their collectibility, there are also many affordable options available in the second-hand market.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Microsoft Xbox Series X S is average. While new games may be priced similarly to other current-gen consoles, the availability of second-hand games can offer more affordable options.


Technology

Atari Lynx
Microsoft Xbox Series X S
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Atari Lynx uses a 16-bit architecture, providing advanced graphics and gameplay capabilities for its time. This architecture allowed for more complex and visually impressive games to be developed.
Architecture : 64-bit.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S uses a 64-bit architecture, allowing for powerful performance and advanced capabilities in gaming. This architecture enables seamless gameplay and stunning graphics for an immersive gaming experience.
CPU : 65C02
The Atari Lynx uses a 65C02 CPU, which is a modified version of the MOS Technology 6502 processor. It is a popular choice for many retro gaming consoles due to its efficiency.
CPU : AMD Zen 2 CPU
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is powered by a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads, providing high performance for gaming and multitasking capabilities.
Memory : 64 Kb
The Atari Lynx has 64 Kb of memory, which was considered impressive for a handheld console in the late 1980s. This allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its competitors.
Memory : 1 TB
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S comes with 1 terabyte (TB) of storage capacity, allowing gamers to store a large number of games, apps, and media files on the console.
Video output : Composite
The Atari Lynx has composite video output connections, which can be used to connect to older TVs or modern TVs with the use of a composite to HDMI converter.
Video output :
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari Lynx features a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its time. This allowed for smoother gameplay and more detailed visuals compared to other handheld consoles of its era.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is equipped with a dedicated GPU, offering impressive graphics performance and allowing for smooth gameplay experiences with high resolutions and frame rates.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx does not have built-in internet connectivity capabilities, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Online features were not a part of its design during its release in the early 1990s.
🟢 Internet connected : Yes.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S is internet connected, featuring both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options for online gaming, streaming, and downloading content. It also supports online multiplayer gaming.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari Lynx is cartridges. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, offering a convenient and portable gaming experience.
Game media format : Download.
The primary game format for the Microsoft Xbox Series X S is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Xbox store, eliminating the need for physical discs or cartridges.


Gaming

Atari Lynx
Microsoft Xbox Series X S
Controllers : Up to 8 controllers / players
The Atari Lynx supports multiplayer gaming with up to 8 players using the ComLynx cable, allowing for exciting multiplayer experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 4 controllers
The Xbox Series X/S supports up to 4 controllers for local multiplayer gaming, allowing for a fun and engaging experience with friends and family on a single console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari Lynx did not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. Some games may have supported local multiplayer using a Comlynx cable, but online multiplayer as we know it today was not possible.
🟢 Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S allows players to enjoy multiplayer online gaming, connecting with friends and other gamers worldwide for competitive and cooperative gameplay experiences.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari Lynx were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there are options for players to enjoy.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Microsoft Xbox Series X S have been released consistently, with a strong library of both exclusive and third-party games. The console's backward compatibility also adds value to its game selection.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari Lynx has notable exclusive games such as 'Blue Lightning' and 'Ninja Gaiden'. These games helped define the console's library and are still remembered by fans today.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Microsoft Xbox Series X S has exclusive games such as Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Fable. These iconic titles are highly anticipated by fans and showcase the console's gaming capabilities.


When choosing between the Atari Lynx and the Microsoft Xbox Series X S, it ultimately comes down to your gaming preferences and needs. If you’re a fan of retro gaming and nostalgia, the Lynx may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for top-of-the-line graphics and performance, the Xbox Series X S is the clear choice for a modern gaming experience.