Released in October of 1989, the Atari Lynx was the first handheld gaming system to feature a color LCD screen. Though originally developed by software developer Epyx, an agreement was reached with Atari to manufacture, promote, and distribute the Lynx under its own brand name while Epyx focused on creating games. The system was originally packaged with a carrying case, link cable, AC adapter, and Epyx’s California Games. Unfortunately for Atari, the Lynx was released within months of the Game Boy, and did not have the installed customer base or positive brand recognition that Nintendo enjoyed. Furthermore, while Nintendo was able to draw content for the Game Boy from its wildly successful home console, Atari and Epyx had to develop original games for the console along with ports of then-current Atari arcade titles, with little help from third-party developers thanks to the Lynx’s small market share. Once Sega’s own color handheld, the Game Gear, entered the market in 1991, there was little room left for the Lynx. Although technologically superior with features such as 16-system multiplayer support, reversible ambidextrous controls, and pseduo-3D graphics capabilities, the Lynx was ultimately able to sell fewer than 500,000 units before it was discontinued in 1993.
