The history of backwards compatibility in game consoles

In 1982, Atari tried to leap ahead with the 5200. It had better graphics, analog controls, and a redesigned cartridge slot that made it incompatible with the Atari 2600’s massive game library. That one change cost them. Players weren’t interested in starting over, and without support for older titles, the 5200 struggled to build momentum. Atari eventually released an adapter, but by then it was too late.