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---
title: Atari Lynx/Lynx II
categories:
- Consoles
params:
name: Lynx/Lynx II
image: /media/museum/photos/atari_lynx_double_1s.jpg
company: /companies/atari
company_name: Atari
tabs:
- photos
- software
- emulators
- videos
forum_thread: 1208
photos:
- title: ATARI LYNX & LYNX II
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/atari_lynx_double_1.jpg
- title: ATARI LYNX & LYNX II
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/atari_lynx_double_2.jpg
- title: ATARI LYNX "1"
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/atari_lynx_1.jpg
- title: LYNX II
subtitle: ''
text: ''
image: /media/museum/photos/atari_lynx2_1.jpg
emulators:
- title: Handy
url: http://sourceforge.net/projects/handy
platform: Windows
text: Probably the best Lynx emulator available
videos:
- title: Atari Lynx TV commercial
url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB6ux--w4S4
text: 'Length: 29s'
software:
- /software/alien-vs-predator-prototype
- /software/apb-all-points-bulletin
- /software/awesome-golf
- /software/basketbrawl
- /software/batman-returns
- /software/battle-wheels
- /software/battlezone-2000
- /software/bill-ted-s-excellent-adventure
- /software/block-out
- /software/blue-lightning
- /software/bubble-trouble
- /software/california-games
- /software/centipede-prototype
- /software/checkered-flag-235
- /software/chip-s-challenge
- /software/crystal-mines-ii
- /software/desert-strike-return-to-the-gulf
- /software/dinolympics
- /software/dirty-larry-renegade-cop
- /software/double-dragon
- /software/dracula-the-undead
- /software/electrocop
- /software/european-soccer-challenge
- /software/eye-of-the-beholder-prototype
- /software/fat-bobby-prototype
- /software/gates-of-zendocon
- /software/gauntlet-the-third-encounter
- /software/gordo-no-106-the-mutated-lab-monkey
- /software/hard-drivin
- /software/hockey-267
- /software/hydra
- /software/ishido-the-way-of-stones
- /software/jimmy-connors-tennis
- /software/joust
- /software/klax
- /software/krazy-ace-minature-golf
- /software/kung-food
- /software/lemmings
- /software/lexis
- /software/lode-runner-318
- /software/lynx-casino
- /software/malibu-bikini-volleyball
- /software/ms-pac-man
- /software/nfl-football
- /software/ninja-gaiden
- /software/ninja-gaiden-episode-iii-the-ancient-ship-of-doom
- /software/pac-land
- /software/paperboy
- /software/pinball-jam-featuring-police-force-and-elvira-and-the-party-monsters
- /software/pit-fighter
- /software/power-factor
- /software/qix
- /software/raiden-374
- /software/rampage
- /software/rampart
- /software/road-riot-4wd
- /software/roadblasters
- /software/robo-squash
- /software/robotron-2084
- /software/rygar
- /software/s-t-u-n-runner
- /software/scrapyard-dog
- /software/shadow-of-the-beast
- /software/shanghai
- /software/steel-talons
- /software/super-asteroids-and-super-missile-command
- /software/super-off-road
- /software/super-skweek
oc_id: 1241
source:
url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230603214125/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1241
date: '2023-06-03'
---
Atari's first (and only) handheld console was released in 1989. Unfortunately for Atari though, Nintendo had recently released their all conquering Game Boy. Despite being technologically superior, the Lynx just couldn't compete.
Originally developed by software publisher Epyx and named Handy (which is also the name of one of the machines best emulators), financial difficulties meant a development partner was needed. A deal was agreed which would see Atari manufacture and market the machine while Epyx handled software development.
The Lynx was far more powerful than the Game Boy, using custom chips and benefiting from a 3.5" colour screen. It also had a duplicate set of buttons and the ability to flip the screen which meant it could be used left handed. However, the better specs meant that the Lynx could drain its batteries in just 4 hours! Sales were steady, but nothing like those of the cheaper Game Boy.
In 1991 a redesigned Lynx II arrived, featuring a backlit screen and stereo sound output. Battery life improved 25% to around 5 hours and a price drop to $99 helped sales but by this time the Lynx was already a long way behind. With Atari's popularity on the slide and the release of Sega's [Game Gear](/museum/sega-game-gear/) in America and Europe the same year, which received numerous games already popular on Sega's home consoles, the Lynx was relegated to a distant third in the handheld battle.
<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this console ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>