1. What Was the Dragon 32/64?

The Dragon 32 and Dragon 64 were 8-bit home computers released in the early 1980s by Dragon Data Ltd in the UK. The Dragon 32 launched in 1982, with 32KB of RAM, and was followed by the Dragon 64 with 64KB. Both machines were built around the Motorola 6809E processor and were largely compatible with the American TRS-80 Color Computer (CoCo).

They gained a modest but loyal following in the UK and parts of Europe thanks to their solid design, expandability, and strong support for BASIC programming.

2. Key Features of the Dragon 32/64

• Motorola 6809E CPU: a powerful 8-bit processor known for its flexible instruction set.
• BASIC in ROM: both models included Microsoft Extended BASIC, great for learning and creating games.
• Color graphics and sound: offered multiple display modes and simple sound generation via the CPU.
• Expandable I/O: supported joysticks, printers, cassette recorders, and floppy drives.
• Cross-compatibility: could run many TRS-80 CoCo programs and peripherals with minor modifications.

3. Software and Usage

• Strong in education: used in British schools for programming and computing literacy.
• Programming-friendly: ideal for users learning BASIC and assembly language.
• Modest game library: featured ports of arcade-style titles and homebrew favorites.

4. Legacy and Enthusiast Community

Though overshadowed by rivals like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, the Dragon 32/64 remains a beloved part of 8-bit computing history. Its small but dedicated fanbase continues to preserve and celebrate its legacy.

• Retro revivals: emulators and clone hardware help keep the Dragon alive.
• Collector's interest: complete systems are sought after by British retro fans.
• Historical value: remembered as one of the UK's boldest efforts to build a homegrown computing platform.