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The '''Atari Jaguar CD''' is a [[CD-ROM]] peripheral for the [[Atari Jaguar|Jaguar]] [[video game console]].
The '''Atari Jaguar CD''' is a [[CD-ROM]] peripheral for the [[Atari Jaguar|Jaguar]] [[video game console]]. Only 13 games were released for the Jaguar CD during its lifetime. However, previously unfinished and [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] games have since been released.


== History ==
[[Atari]] announced a CD-ROM drive for the Jaguar before the console's November 1993 launch.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Atari's 64-bit Jaguar Stalks the Competition|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=61 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=October 1993|pages=16–17}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=112 | title=Atari Jaguar Unveiled—Stalks 3DO | magazine=Computer Gaming World | date=November 1993 | access-date=28 March 2016 |pages=10–11 }}</ref> [[Codename]]d Jaguar II during development,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Atari Gears Up for Battle |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=4|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=April 1995|pages=14–15}}</ref> the Jaguar CD was released on September 21, 1995 for {{US$|149.95|1995|about=yes|round=-1}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Corp.-a017358217|title=Atari Corp.|publisher=HFN|date=1995-09-04|access-date=2011-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Jaguar+CD+system+pounces+onto+multimedia+marketplace.-a017456629|title=Atari Jaguar CD system pounces onto multimedia marketplace.|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date=1995-09-21|access-date=2011-05-15|archive-date=2013-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114141/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Jaguar+CD+system+pounces+onto+multimedia+marketplace.-a017456629|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was originally scheduled for launch during the 1994 holiday shopping season, with multiple delays.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=1995: The Calm Before the Storm?| magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=13 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=January 1996|page=45}}</ref> The drive fits into the [[ROM cartridge]] slot atop the console, with its own pass-through cartridge slot to optionally run software that uses cartridge only or that uses cartridge and CD in tandem.<ref name=EGM74>{{cite magazine|last=Wise |first=Carey |title=Gamer's Day at Atari |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=74|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1995 |pages=64–66}}</ref> {{anchor|MemoryTrack}}The Memory Track cartridge stores [[saved game]] position and high scores. Several publications have criticized the Jaguar CD's design for resembling a [[toilet]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Elston |first=Brett |title=Consoles of the '90s |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/consoles-of-the-90s/5/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=June 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Henry |title=Weirdest console redesigns in gaming history |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/weirdest-console-redesigns-gaming-history/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=August 28, 2013 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Andrew |title=12 new games created for long-obsolete consoles |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/12-new-games-created-for-long-obsolete-consoles |website=TechRadar |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=March 10, 2017 |page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The 10 ugliest pieces of technology ever made |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/09/12/10-ugliest-pieces-technology-ever-made/atari-jaguar/ |access-date=November 30, 2021 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>
[[Atari]] announced a CD-ROM drive for the Jaguar before the console's November 1993 launch.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Atari's 64-bit Jaguar Stalks the Competition|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=61 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=October 1993|pages=16–17}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=112 | title=Atari Jaguar Unveiled—Stalks 3DO | magazine=Computer Gaming World | date=November 1993 | access-date=28 March 2016 |pages=10–11 }}</ref> [[Codename]]d Jaguar II during development,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Atari Gears Up for Battle |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=4|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=April 1995|pages=14–15}}</ref> the Jaguar CD was released on September 21, 1995 for {{US$|149.95|1995|about=yes|round=-1}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Corp.-a017358217|title=Atari Corp.|publisher=HFN|date=1995-09-04|access-date=2011-05-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Jaguar+CD+system+pounces+onto+multimedia+marketplace.-a017456629|title=Atari Jaguar CD system pounces onto multimedia marketplace.|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date=1995-09-21|access-date=2011-05-15|archive-date=2013-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114141/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Atari+Jaguar+CD+system+pounces+onto+multimedia+marketplace.-a017456629|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was originally scheduled for launch during the 1994 holiday shopping season, with multiple delays.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=1995: The Calm Before the Storm?| magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=13 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=January 1996|page=45}}</ref> In mid-1994 Atari and [[Sigma Designs]] signed an agreement to co-develop a [[PC board]] that would allow Jaguar CD games to be played on home computers, with a scheduled release by the end of 1994.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 1994 |title=Jaguar to Roar on PC |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |page=160 |issue=72}}</ref> However, it was never released.

== Technicals ==
The drive fits into the [[ROM cartridge]] slot atop the console, with its own pass-through cartridge slot to optionally run software that uses cartridge only or that uses cartridge and CD in tandem.<ref name="EGM74">{{cite magazine|last=Wise |first=Carey |title=Gamer's Day at Atari |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=74|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1995 |pages=64–66}}</ref> {{anchor|MemoryTrack}}The Memory Track cartridge stores [[saved game]] position and high scores. Several publications have criticized the Jaguar CD's design for resembling a [[toilet]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Elston |first=Brett |title=Consoles of the '90s |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/consoles-of-the-90s/5/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=June 19, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Henry |title=Weirdest console redesigns in gaming history |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/weirdest-console-redesigns-gaming-history/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=August 28, 2013 |page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Andrew |title=12 new games created for long-obsolete consoles |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/12-new-games-created-for-long-obsolete-consoles |website=TechRadar |access-date=November 30, 2021 |date=March 10, 2017 |page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The 10 ugliest pieces of technology ever made |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2019/09/12/10-ugliest-pieces-technology-ever-made/atari-jaguar/ |access-date=November 30, 2021 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>


The Jaguar CD has a double-speed (2×) drive<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Jaguar CD|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=86|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1995|page=20}}</ref> and built-in VLM ([[Virtual Light Machine]]) software by [[Jeff Minter]], using a [[spectrum analyzer]] for a sophisticated video light show for [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|audio CD]]s.<ref name=EGM74/> It is bundled with ''[[Blue Lightning (1995 video game)|Blue Lightning]]'', ''[[Vid Grid]]'', the ''[[Tempest 2000]]'' soundtrack CD, and a ''[[Myst]]'' demo disc. Every startup screen is unique, using the VLM for a random light show.
The Jaguar CD has a double-speed (2×) drive<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Jaguar CD|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=86|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=November 1995|page=20}}</ref> and built-in VLM ([[Virtual Light Machine]]) software by [[Jeff Minter]], using a [[spectrum analyzer]] for a sophisticated video light show for [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|audio CD]]s.<ref name=EGM74/> It is bundled with ''[[Blue Lightning (1995 video game)|Blue Lightning]]'', ''[[Vid Grid]]'', the ''[[Tempest 2000]]'' soundtrack CD, and a ''[[Myst]]'' demo disc. Every startup screen is unique, using the VLM for a random light show.


Jaguar CDs can store up to 790[[Megabyte|MB]],<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Jaguar Plugs into the CD Revolution | magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=6|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=June 1995|pages=18–19}}</ref> more than conventional CD-ROMs. Its proprietary CD format is based on the [[Compact disc|audio CD]] format, instead of standard CD-ROM data formats. It allows for more storage, and its incompatibility foils casual [[Copyright infringement of software|piracy]], at the expense of reduced [[Error detection and correction|error correction]].
Jaguar CDs can store up to 790[[Megabyte|MB]],<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Jaguar Plugs into the CD Revolution | magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=6|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=June 1995|pages=18–19}}</ref> more than conventional CD-ROMs. Its proprietary CD format is based on the [[Compact disc|audio CD]] format, instead of standard CD-ROM data formats. It allows for more storage, and its incompatibility foils casual [[Copyright infringement of software|piracy]], at the expense of reduced [[Error detection and correction|error correction]].

Only 13 games were released for the Jaguar CD during its lifetime. However, previously unfinished and [[homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] games have since been released.

In mid-1994 Atari and [[Sigma Designs]] signed an agreement to co-develop a [[PC board]] that would allow Jaguar CD games to be played on home computers, with a scheduled release by the end of 1994.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Jaguar to Roar on PC|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=72|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=September 1994|page=160}}</ref> However, it was never released.


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Latest revision as of 17:41, 27 August 2024

Jaguar CD
Jaguar CD atop the console with the ProController
ManufacturerAtari Corporation
TypeVideo game console peripheral
GenerationFifth
Release dateSeptember 21, 1995; 29 years ago (September 21, 1995)
Introductory priceUS$149.95 (equivalent to $300 in 2023)
Discontinued1996 (1996)
MediaCD-ROM
Online servicesAtariNet

The Atari Jaguar CD is a CD-ROM peripheral for the Jaguar video game console. Only 13 games were released for the Jaguar CD during its lifetime. However, previously unfinished and homebrew games have since been released.

History

[edit]

Atari announced a CD-ROM drive for the Jaguar before the console's November 1993 launch.[1][2] Codenamed Jaguar II during development,[3] the Jaguar CD was released on September 21, 1995 for US$149.95 (equivalent to about $300 in 2023).[4][5] It was originally scheduled for launch during the 1994 holiday shopping season, with multiple delays.[6] In mid-1994 Atari and Sigma Designs signed an agreement to co-develop a PC board that would allow Jaguar CD games to be played on home computers, with a scheduled release by the end of 1994.[7] However, it was never released.

Technicals

[edit]

The drive fits into the ROM cartridge slot atop the console, with its own pass-through cartridge slot to optionally run software that uses cartridge only or that uses cartridge and CD in tandem.[8] The Memory Track cartridge stores saved game position and high scores. Several publications have criticized the Jaguar CD's design for resembling a toilet.[9][10][11][12]

The Jaguar CD has a double-speed (2×) drive[13] and built-in VLM (Virtual Light Machine) software by Jeff Minter, using a spectrum analyzer for a sophisticated video light show for audio CDs.[8] It is bundled with Blue Lightning, Vid Grid, the Tempest 2000 soundtrack CD, and a Myst demo disc. Every startup screen is unique, using the VLM for a random light show.

Jaguar CDs can store up to 790MB,[14] more than conventional CD-ROMs. Its proprietary CD format is based on the audio CD format, instead of standard CD-ROM data formats. It allows for more storage, and its incompatibility foils casual piracy, at the expense of reduced error correction.

Game library

[edit]
See also: List of Atari Jaguar games

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Atari's 64-bit Jaguar Stalks the Competition". GamePro. No. 61. IDG. October 1993. pp. 16–17.
  2. ^ "Atari Jaguar Unveiled—Stalks 3DO". Computer Gaming World. November 1993. pp. 10–11. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  3. ^ "Atari Gears Up for Battle". Next Generation. No. 4. Imagine Media. April 1995. pp. 14–15.
  4. ^ "Atari Corp". HFN. 1995-09-04. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
  5. ^ "Atari Jaguar CD system pounces onto multimedia marketplace". Business Wire. 1995-09-21. Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
  6. ^ "1995: The Calm Before the Storm?". Next Generation. No. 13. Imagine Media. January 1996. p. 45.
  7. ^ "Jaguar to Roar on PC". GamePro. No. 72. IDG. September 1994. p. 160.
  8. ^ a b Wise, Carey (September 1995). "Gamer's Day at Atari". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 74. Ziff Davis. pp. 64–66.
  9. ^ Elston, Brett (June 19, 2008). "Consoles of the '90s". GamesRadar. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  10. ^ Gilbert, Henry (August 28, 2013). "Weirdest console redesigns in gaming history". GamesRadar. p. 4. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  11. ^ Williams, Andrew (March 10, 2017). "12 new games created for long-obsolete consoles". TechRadar. p. 3. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  12. ^ "The 10 ugliest pieces of technology ever made". The Daily Telegraph. September 12, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  13. ^ "Jaguar CD". GamePro. No. 86. IDG. November 1995. p. 20.
  14. ^ "Jaguar Plugs into the CD Revolution". Next Generation. No. 6. Imagine Media. June 1995. pp. 18–19.
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