The SWTPC 6800 became one of the most popular 6800-based systems of its time, owing to its ease of use and ample documentation.

Though rudimentary, the MIKBUG resident monitor built into ROM allows the immediate entry of program data after power-up, as opposed to other microcomputers of its day which required bootstrapping such software.

Southwest Technical Products introduced the SWTPC 6800 in November 1975 for US$450 (equivalent to $2,500 in 2023) in kit form only.

[2] SWTPC sold their own television-set-based terminal, for $275; a crude dot-matrix printer was another optional accessory, for $250.

The SWTPC 6800 can be converted to a S/09 with a system board kit sold by Southwest Technical Products, which is also compatible with existing 6800 peripherals and cards; while the 69/K, 69/A, and 69/56 features a redesigned system board and chassis that is incompatible with the 6800.