Atari Special

Atari Special was a German-language magazine published by CA Verlag in the late 1980s, focusing primarily on the Atari ST family of computers. Launched around 1988–1989, it catered to German-speaking Atari enthusiasts seeking deeper technical coverage beyond the standard offerings of more general magazines.

Aimed at an audience of hobbyists and semi-professional users, Atari Special delivered in-depth articles on ST‑series hardware and software, programming tutorials (including GFA BASIC and Motorola 68000 assembly), hardware modifications, MIDI and music applications, graphics tools, and productivity software. It emphasized practical, hands-on content—such as machine tutorials, performance tweaks, and detailed benchmarking of peripherals. Regular columns included coverage of emerging software, local user‑group events, and hardware reviews targeting the Atari ST, STe, and peripherals widely used in German-speaking markets.

Distinctive for its technical rigor and focus on the ST ecosystem, Atari Special filled a niche that mainstream publications like ST Format or Atari User didn't fully reach. Though its run was relatively brief—with available issues like 02/89 known to exist—it remains valued among collectors and retrocomputing enthusiasts for its specialized depth and insight during the Atari ST’s heyday.