electronicsibley

I went back to check and it’s actually all of my 7800 games *except* Centipede. They all work, but they’re snug, and I have to be careful removing them. I also checked my 2600 collection and all carts fit fine except the Activision titles, which is what I would’ve expected. It is a bit weird. I bought the console recently off eBay, so who knows if it had been worked on in the past and something is misaligned internally. I’d be more bummed if it prevented me from playing the games, but it’s still disappointing. BTW, thanks for the tip about the Lock-On adapter. I may look into that!

So, I’m having a possible issue with getting 7800 cartridges *out* of my console. I’m aware of some 2600 carts not easily fitting at all, but this isn’t that. Is it normal to have to really work at a 7800 cart to get it out? For me Karateka seems to be the worst offender. Karateka also makes a bit of a “crunching” sound when the circuit board makes its connection. Pretty sure that can’t be good. If this is all par for the course, I can certainly live with it, but I’d definitely like to speak to the manager at some point! While we’re on the topic, can anyone share details on work being done to solve these issues?

Well’p, to bring this thing full circle, I just received two Best-modified CX78 joypads, and tested them out this evening. Long story short, I’m a fan! The work done by Best seems to be top notch. All buttons and the d-pad are clicky and precise. The cord is a good length, and seems very durable. As for the design, I like it. The thumb-stick works better than it has any right to, and is a neat engineering flourish that really sets the controller apart. If you’re not into it, it can easily be unscrewed. I also like the diagonal offset of the Atari logo and the recessed space below the 1&2 buttons. I suspect this is related to similar features on the XEGS case. There’s also a textured grip on the backside of the controller behind the buttons that can be helpful depending on how you hold the controller itself. YMMV, but I have no significant complaints about this pad vs. those for the NES and SMS, both of which I owned during their release. I have to wonder what effect packing in these controllers would’ve had on US 7800 sales. It certainly couldn’t have hurt. Finally, my experience with Best was great. You do have to email or call them directly, which is odd in this day and age, but once I placed my order the package arrived via USPS in about 3 days (CA to VA). I do plan to purchase a Ed Laddin controller at some point for a true arcade experience, but I’m more than happy with these controllers in the meantime.

Wow! I’d love to hear the story about how these got collected. Are they yours?

Ah, thanks. Something weird going on with my browser. I didn’t see that a moment ago. Carry on everyone. Don’t mind me! ?

Awesome! Should Millie & Mollie and Dragons Cache move to completed as well? May also be worth updating reference to Popeye as a full game given the good news on that thread. Lots of action!

Glad to hear. I love to tinker, but this time I’m going to take advantage of someone else’s ingenuity. If you’ve never seen it, Best’s write up of their modified controller is something else. After reading, I basically feel obligated to experience it. http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/Best CX78 Upgrade kit 2.htm#CX78

That’s about where I’m landing on it. Even if I’m not crazy about it, it’ll make a good conversation piece as long as it’s around.

That’s good to hear. The general consensus seems to be that they’re fine for what they are.

I see what you’re saying. That’s definitely something to consider. FWIW, I see an Ed Laddin controller in my future at some point, so I’m definitely not giving up on joysticks!

Thanks, I forgot about those. I’ll check them out!

So I’m thinking about taking the plunge and picking up a euro-style Joypad for the 7800. I’ll probably order a modded one from Best Electronics if they have any left in stock. I’m not expecting it to work wonders, but I am looking for more of a NES/SMS-like experience vs. the Proline. Also, one of my Proline controllers is out of commission, so it’s now or never! I’m just looking opinions of the controller, good and bad, to inform my purchase. FWIW, I know Sega controllers are an option, but I’d rather pick up the Atari product for authenticities sake, unless it’s a total dud.

Seems so, according to Atariprotos.com: http://www.atariprotos.com/rumormill/7800/7800rumor.htm Hunting one of these games down and getting it released would be pretty awesome.

This is a subject I’m really interested in. Of the prototypes known, which are the farthest along, and could potentially be released? I think that was done with Klax. Have there been others? I’d love to see Rampart get over the hump, especially with trackball and Atarivox support. I think Tengen released it for NES and SMS, so maybe some of that work is transferable? That’s not to mention the port on the Lynx! If we’re talking Atari Games, ‘System 1 & 2’ games probably have the most potential to make good ports without watering them down. And they’d basically all bring something new to the platform.

Really looking forward to this! It’s like the video game equivalent of a resto-mod vehicle. I love finding ways to optimize and make things more efficient. You guys may also be able to produce shells in different colors as well, a la Rikki & Vikki. Do you have a dedicated thread in the forums for this project?

Maybe! I have a lot of general knowledge about Atari, and lots of ideas. Probably not enough to start a podcast, but certainly enough to hold a few good conversations.

Hear, hear! The 7800 is getting at least as much *quality* programming, and potentially hardware attention now as it ever did during its release. I’m just a collector myself, but I’ve been thinking about how to find a niche in the 7800/2600 homebrew scene. It’s too much fun not to get involved somehow!

Hey @Albert! I have some doubles (2600 & 7800) I’d be happy to donate to the cause, but probably not enough to cover shipping. They’re all in good shape cosmetically (see pics). Thought maybe you’d be interested anyway. Let me know.

Just curious. Do you plan to publish this with the next batch through Atari Age? I’d love to get a copy, especially boxed. Also, looks like Arkanoid’s getting close. Can’t wait for that one too!

Congrats! Someone should move this one into the ‘completed’ section in the 7800 2020 games tracker post.

My 7800 doesn’t have the port unfortunately. I wonder what percentage of consoles in circulation actually have it?

That’s terrible. Kurt was a funny guy. I really enjoyed hearing his stories in the interviews I’ve listened to.

I just received the pictured 7800 from an eBay purchase. It does not have the expansion port, and is currently NOT A/V-modded, although I plan to have that done. Serial #: 72R4BR A1 7C 5026112 Glad to add it to the list!

Well’p @TailChao, I just took the plunge and bought a 7800 off of eBay, and a copy of Rikki & Vikki from your site. This game tipped the balance for me at least! There will probably never be the critical mass of users to make development on the 7800 financially viable on its own, but it’s inching in the right direction. I’m amazed at how the homebrew community (software and hardware) is putting the pieces in place to keep the scene viable for years to come. That may only ever amount to a few thousand people, but who knows? Remember, vinyl was dead 20 years ago too. Anyway, thanks for creating a killer game. I can’t wait to play it!

Yup. Just for posterities sake, it looks like the Quadtari will do exactly what I was inquiring about - allowing 2-player/2-joystick single player games to work while keeping the second controller port open for a Save Key or Atarivox. Very exciting!