Atari Jaguar CD
Type Console Add-On Developer Atari
Release Date Oct-95 Region(s) North America
Initial Price $149 USD Games Released 16
  1. History & Reviews
  2. Models & Clones
  3. Console Ratings
  4. Games & Emulation
  5. Specs & Manuals
  6. Other Media
  7. Web Resources
DW FACTS
     by Dark Watcher
In 1995 Atari finally wised up and created a CD-ROM add on to tap the 700+ megabit CD format.  The Jaguar CD retailed for $150, and came equipped with a double speed CD-ROM capable of running Jaguar games, Audio CDs and CD+Gs.  Games could run full motion video at 24 frames per second.  The Jaguar CD also featured a built in Virtual Light Machine (color and visual effects that react to the music and sounds).  The add-on connected to the Jaguar through the cartridge slot, but had its own pass through slot so Jaguar carts could still be played.  The package also included the Tempest 2000 soundtrack audio disc, a sampler for the CD game "MYST" and two CD-ROM games: "Vid Grid" and "Blue Lightning".

The Jaguar CD was a an impressive deal, but it came too late. Interest was growing with the 32-bit CD based Sony and Sega consoles.  The Jaguar CD saw only 16 total CD titles.  Atari seeing a need to regain interest due to failing sales began spreading news of a Jaguar II.  In 1996 however Atari Corp entered a reverse merger with a company called JTS.  All Jaguar products became liquidated and the Jaguar became a fond memory.
MODELS
     Officially licensed releases
Atari Jaguar CD Atari Jaguar CD Box Atari Jaguar CD
Atari Jaguar CD - Side Atari Jaguar CD Atari Jaguar CD
CLONES
     Non-licensed hardware releases
No clones were released for this system.
CONSOLE RATINGS
     by Marriott_Guy
Consoles are rated based upon the available technology at the time of its release.  A 10 point scale is utilized, with 10 being excellent.
Atari Jaguar CD Memory Track (cartridge)
CRITERIA RATING NOTES & COMMENTS
Console Design 04 The Jag CD is constructed of very cheap plastics and definitely feels like it.  I have to admit that I get nervous every time I attach to my base Jaguar console.
Console Durability 04 Expect loading problems galore with this add-on.  From the optical drive to the switch sensors, the Jag CD is not the most dependable device known to mankind.
Controllers N\A The Jaguar CD does not utilize any unique peripherals.
Graphics 04 Compared to the competition, the Jag CD falls way short.  Graphics appear blocky at times and frame rate issues plague most titles.  The addition of the built-in VLM is a nice touch though.
Audio 07 The Jag CD does not enhance the sound performance of existing Jag titles.  Overall, like the Jaguar, the audio is very good.
Media 06 Though utilizing the popular CD-ROM format, the load times are much longer than equivalent titles released for its contemporaries.  I am not sure if this is a programming or hardware issue - I just know that loading times are LONG.
Game Library 03 Nothing extravagant to be honest.
Gamer Value 02 With only 16 titles released, the gamer has little reason to venture down this road since many comparable titles are available on other systems a at a fraction of the cost.
Collector Value 07 With its modest production run, the Jaguar CD is a solid addition to any collectors stable of consoles.
FORMAT, PACKAGING & GENERAL INFO
     Interesting facts on software for this system
Software for the Atari Jaguar CD was distributed in tall, cheap cardboard boxes.  As you can imagine, these casings are extremely prone to being crushed due to the lack of structural integrity of the design.  These oversized containers were unnecessary as all they contained (for the most part) was the instruction manual, controller overlay(s) and the actual game.  The CD was protected by a cardboard jewel style case.

If you own a Jaguar CD, then you must acquire the optional Memory Track peripheral.  This device allows for game saves and preferences.  These can be a little pricey, but should only run you around $25 USD for a boxed unit.

The homebrew community is quite strong and has released a number of titles for the Atari Jaguar CD.
Sample Game Play
Atari Jaguar CD Game Boxes
SCREENSHOTS
     Captured in-game images
Baldies
Atari Jaguar CD - Baldies		 Battlemorph
Atari Jaguar CD - Battlemorph		 Blue Lightening
Atari Jaguar CD - Blue Lightening
Braindead 13
Atari Jaguar CD - Braindead 13		 Dragon's Lair
Atari Jaguar CD - Dragon's Lair		 GORF Classic
Atari Jaguar CD - GORF Classic
Highlander: The Last of the MacLeods
Atari Jaguar CD - Highlande: The Last of the MacLeods		 Hover Strike: Unconquered Lands
Atari Jaguar CD - Hover Strike: Unconquered Lands		 Iron Soldier 2
Iron Soldier 2
Myst
Atari Jaguar CD - Myst		 Ocean Depths
Atari Jaguar CD - Ocean Depths		 Painter
Atari Jaguar CD - Painter
Primal Rage
Atari Jaguar CD - Primal Rage		 Space Ace
Atari Jaguar CD - Space Ace		 Vid Grid
Atari Jaguar CD - Vid Grid
World Tour Racing
Atari Jaguar CD - World Tour Racing
EMULATION
     First and third party system emulators
Virtual Jaguar

Windows based emulator for the Jaguar/Jaguar CD.
Not fully functional, but is still being actively developed.
SPECS & MANUALS
     For the hardware enthusiasts out there - all the detail you\we love.
Processor Type  Processor Speed  Other Processor Information RAM \ Video RAM
See the Atari Jaguar See the Atari Jaguar See the Atari Jaguar See the Atari Jaguar
Screen Resolution Color Palette Polygons \ Sprites Audio
800 x 576 (max) 16.8 million colors See the Atari Jaguar See the Atari Jaguar
Media Format Media Capacity Games Released Other Supported Formats
Custom CD-ROM (2x speed)  Up to 790 MB 16 Audio CD, CD+G
Internal Storage External \ Removable Storage Game Controllers Other Game \ Peripheral Devices
None Memory Track Cartridge (optional) Not applicable None
Controller Ports Network Ports Other Ports Audio \ Video
Not applicable None None See the Atari Jaguar
Power Supply - External Other Outputs  Other Details \ Notes
Input: AC 120V 60Hz 20W
Output: DC 9V 1.2A		 None Contains built-in Virtual Light Machine technology
Manuals
Not available.  Can you help us out?  You will definitely receive full credit for your contribution.  Email MG@videogameconsolelibrary.com.
OTHER MEDIA
     Peripherals, Promotions, Commercials, Brochures, Etc.
Atari Jaguar CD Television Commercial
Atari Jaguar CD Advertisements
WEB RESOURCES
     Highly recommended websites for this system
AtariAge

Best internet resource for everything Jaguar		 JagCube

Nice summary of the Jag CD and its launch		 Graeme Hinchliffe

Excellent, no-nonsense Jag CD repair guides
DISCUSS
     Visitor insights and feedback
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