A computer with a detachable keyboard
The XE Game System can work as a games system or as a computer with a keyboard. The main unit has two controller ports, a cartridge slot and START, SELECT, OPTION and RESET keys. ROM contains Missile Command and Atari BASIC. Other programs load from cartridge, disk or cassette.
What starts at power-on
Without a keyboard or cartridge, the XEGS starts Missile Command. Connecting the keyboard starts Atari BASIC. To run the built-in game with the keyboard attached, hold SELECT at power-on. An inserted cartridge takes priority and runs its own program.
External devices and video outputs
SIO allows a disk drive, cassette recorder and printer to be connected. BASIC programs can therefore be saved as on other Atari XL/XE computers. Video and sound have separate composite and audio sockets; typical PAL/NTSC versions also have RF.
The XEGS has no PBI or ECI and cannot use expansions requiring those buses.