5200 vs. 7800, which to get

[Streck]

(I posted this over in the General Classic Gaming forum too, but went here because this seemed a little more active. If they delete it, fine.)

 

I'm looking into buying either an Atari 5200 or 7800, because I want my retro, and I don't want it on a freaking emulator.

 

What I've read about the 5200 is that its sound is better than that of the 7800, which used the same sound chip as in the 2600. Basically, if I get one or the other, it'll be a trade-off -- superior graphics on the 7800, but inferior sound, and superior sound on the 5200, but inferior graphics. My question is: How superior or inferior? Is the sound really that bad on the 7800? Are the graphics that horrible on the 5200? Screenshots don't tell me everything I would like, I guess. Probably these questions can only be answered by someone who has played or observed both systems. A lot of the games I'm looking for will be arcade ports, so I'm wondering how close to the original those come on each console, too. I read a review that said the 7800 ports of certain games have "dead-on sound" with the arcade versions, but given all that's said about the limitation of the sound chip, I find that a little hard to believe...

[ubersaurus]

graphics on the 5200 aren't that bad on most 5200 games, to be sure. However, sound on the 7800 is a mixed bag-some games sound good, others sound mediocre, others suck ass, and some just have so little sound you won't even notice.

 

Arcade ports that appeared on both platforms are generally better on the 7800, although both have some exclusive ports. Most 5200 games can also be found on the atari 800, and the sticks for it, though not as bad as alot of people say, still aren't as good as the 7800 ones (and thats not saying too much, albeit the 7800 euro pads are nice).

 

Personally I play my 7800 far more then my 5200. Between Food Fight, Xenophobe, Mario Bros, Robotron, and Galaga, I'm happy with it.

[Room 34]

5200 games take better advantage of the capabilities of the system than most 7800 games, due to the cheapness of the Tramiel approach in the era of the 7800. The biggest benefits of the 7800 are that it was available in a later era, so it has SOME better games than the 5200, and also it is backwards-compatible with the 2600 so you can play its whole library on the 7800.

 

The 5200 also suffers with mediocre controllers. But overall I'd say it all comes down to the 2600... if you want to play 2600 games as well as later games, get the 7800. Otherwise, the 5200 is a better choice. (Bear in mind, I say this owning 4 2600s, 2 7800s, and no 5200s...)

[Gunstar]

Definately a tuff choice. Both systems have very good versions of the classics like ms. pacman, galaxian or galaga, Donkey Kong, centipede, etc. Personally, I think the 5200 controllers are much better than the 7800, the 7800 controllers start to cramp the hand in about 5 min., the 5200 you can use longer before cramping occurs. Games like Ballblazer and centipede are better with the analog controls too, but the graphics are better in the 7800 versions. Ballblazer has the same great sound on both systems, as the 7800 version has the same sound chip as the 5200 (Pokey) built into the cart. this is true of several 7800 games, but most do use the 2600 sound chip. But in these older games, the sound just isn't THAT much of an improvement to me to make a difference; it's not like one has stereo sound and the other doesn't or something. 2600 sound is good enough for me on these classic games. the 5200 is HUGE if there are space issues, the 7800 may be the better choice. 2600 comaptibility is also a big plus, but the 5200 does have more games in it's library than the 7800 (2600 games not included). I say get both, but which ever you choose, you will not be disappointed. the 7800 does have some cool games that are must owns if you have the system that the 5200 jus doesn't have, like Commado, Double Dragon and Ikari Warriors...Tower Toppler too. 5200 has Star Raiders and Rescue on fractalus which are must owns that the 7800 doesn't have...etc. Bottom line, look at the game libraries and get the one that has the most games you like personally. About half the games on each are on the other too.

[tyranthraxus]

I hate to tell you this but you can't really go wrong with either system.

As mentioned before browse each systems list of games and pick

which one has the most games you like. The 7800 does have some

really stinky sound do more to rushed programming than hardware

limitations IMHO. 7800 Galaga & Ms Pacman are dead on! Then there

is its version of Donkey Kong which is painful!!!

 

Any titles the 7800 does not have can be found on the 2600 however

after playing the 7800 games you might be a little dissapointed in just

how primitive some 2600 games are. The 5200 & Colecovision I think

are the best for covering that early 80s era of gaming with good

sound & graphics. The 7800 is more of an oddball collection, half are

early 80s arcade games the other half being ports of computer games and a few late 80s arcade games.

 

5200 joysticks are troublesome but the 7800 are more painful to use.

The joypads can be found are quite a bit better but are not the most

precise directionally.

 

For each system you can get a good chunk of their libaries quite cheaply.

For the 7800 you can get almost half of the games in sealed boxes for

$5 or less! For the 5200 boxes are harder to get but loose common games

can be had for a buck or two. A month ago I got off ebay 6 5200 games

for 99 cents!

 

Try each one out in an emulator to help you decide. Its a tough decision

I went for the 7800 first but eventually got the 5200

 

John

[King Atari]

I guarantee you'll be happy either way, but it's only after much consideration that I say get the 7800. While I love my 5200 a lot, the 7800 covers more ground. You have games from the early 80's, the late 80's (though few), computer ports, and a few original titles, plus all 2600 titles. The 5200's library is larger though, and it has that distinct golden era of gaming feel, so it's really up to which system has more games you like. Trying them out on an emulator is a very good idea, gives you an up-close idea of what the systems are capable of.

[Shannon]

Forget the 5200... buy an XEG gaming system and an sio2pc cable and you'll be able to play all those cool arcade translations and then some!

 

Use the leftover money to get a 7800 for your 2600/7800 game fix.

[JB]

Forget the 5200... buy an XEG gaming system and an sio2pc cable and you'll be able to play all those cool arcade translations and then some!

 

Use the leftover money to get a 7800 for your 2600/7800 game fix.

Not all 5200 games were released in alternative forms.

 

Space Dungeon and Qix were both 5200 exclusives, as well as both quite enjoyable, if not exactly the best-known games ever.

The 5200 version of Space Dungeon is quite special in that it is the only home version EVER. Tragically, it's never been released on any other platform, and likely never will be, unless you count emulators.

[DracIsBack]

As I type this, I'm looking at QIX on the XEGS.

[video game addict]

Yep Qix was released for the 8-bits as well, but it doesn't play the same as the 5200 version. I think Sunmark has released their 5200 multicart for the 8-bits now though, so you can play Space Dungeon on an 8-bit.

[JB]

As I type this, I'm looking at QIX on the XEGS.

Gah!

 

Apologies.

...

How'd they handle there being 2 drawing speeds? I'm sure Qix plays better with a digital stick, but 1 button?

[ApolloBoy]

As I type this, I'm looking at QIX on the XEGS.

 

The 8-bit Qix is horrible. It's just too slow to be Qix. The 5200 version is much better, and its been ported over to the 8-bits (not by Atari).

[Shannon]

Hate to break it to ya, but I've played the 5200 space dungeon on my 130xe ages ago, so I know it is out there. Someone else stated the qix version was done as well.

 

Hail to "Glenn the 5200 man"...

 

Anyways your right, the 8-bit version of Qix was so slow it was painful.

 

But seriously.... I like the 5200 and all but considering it's drawbacks (controllers and size), my alternate suggestion is much more appealing (and flexible) and maybe even cheaper in the long run.

 

With the keyboard one has the ability to witness all the text adventures (scott adams, infocom) and all kinds of other goodies just not possible without a keyboard.

[Goochman]

Ive said it before on these threads - 800XL - cant go wrong

[JB]

Hate to break it to ya, but I've played the 5200 space dungeon on my 130xe ages ago, so I know it is out there.  Someone else stated the qix version was done as well.

Okay, Space Dungeon was never OFFICIALLY ported to anything else. That better.

 

1-button Qix is still scary. I mean, it may as well be a porn game at that point.

Wait a second...

 

 

But seriously.... I like the 5200 and all but considering it's drawbacks (controllers and size), my alternate suggestion is much more appealing (and flexible) and maybe even cheaper in the long run.

It IS big, and the controllers ARE unreliable.

 

Honestly, I like the size. When combined with the shape, it makes for a system that LOOKS powerful, even next to the Sega Frankenstein... errr, I mean, a Genesis with both SegaCD and 32X expansions.

Certainly not a very PRACTICAL reason to get one, but...

 

With the keyboard one has the ability to witness all the text adventures (scott adams, infocom) and all kinds of other goodies just not possible without a keyboard.

Scott Adams has made his old games freely downloadable for Windows-based computers.

 

Infocom... well, there's DOS/Windows versions, but they aren't freely downloadable... Not that I would EVER advocate piracy of out-of-print software...

[vanman]

I say, get the 7800. Cant you play 5200 games on it? Then get the self centering joysticks. You can play the 5200 on the 7800 games until you save enough money for the 5200. You can play 2600 games on either system, so you can get those games too.

[JB]

I say, get the 7800. Cant you play 5200 games on it? Then get the self centering joysticks. You can play the 5200 on the 7800 games until you save enough money for the 5200. You can play 2600 games on either system, so you can get those games too.

The 7800 isn't 5200-compatible. The 7800 is VCS/2600-compatible.

[Gunstar]

As I type this, I'm looking at QIX on the XEGS.

Gah!

 

Apologies.

...

How'd they handle there being 2 drawing speeds? I'm sure Qix plays better with a digital stick, but 1 button?

 

One speed with the button depressed, one speed without. :wink:

[JB]

As I type this, I'm looking at QIX on the XEGS.

Gah!

 

Apologies.

...

How'd they handle there being 2 drawing speeds? I'm sure Qix plays better with a digital stick, but 1 button?

 

One speed with the button depressed, one speed without. :wink:

Ah.

 

...

 

Sub-optimal, but if you've only got 1 button, I guess it's the best you can do.

[Nall3k]

7800...... why? Because it has the better graphics, better controller, and better games(no offense to 5200) but think of this(PAUSE BUTTON)anyway 7800 should be the choosen one, but its your money.

 

P.S. Id buy a 5200 for Gremlins alone.

[Shannon]

5200 has a pause button two.

 

I say get a 7800 and an XEG with SIO2PC cable, you'll be in gaming heaven. I have an XEG for sale in the marketplace, but it is currently on hold for someone.

[JB]

5200 has a pause button two.

And on the controller, not the deck. Always a plus to have it accessable when you need it.

[Shannon]

ok.... since I'm bored I'm gonna make a break down...

These are "relative" comparisons, hence why the 5200 section is so short. Cause relative to the XEG it doesn't offer much "more".

 

But feel free to add cause I'm sure I missed stuff.

 

------------------------------------

Atari XEG with SIO2PC cable...

------------------------------------

You can play pretty much every 5200 game that came out, except for homebrews.

This includes the 5200 versions of centipede, dig dug, etc.

No non-centering joysticks.

(most games will let you pause by hitting the space bar)

No weird controls with games like Frogger, Gorf, and Q*bert.

You can use paddles for Kaboom!, and Super breakout.

You can use the track -n- field controller for track -n- field.

You don't need a 4 port (or bios) to play Pitfall I and II.

There are tons more games that never even made it to the 5200, and this includes text adventure besides the scott adams, infocoms. You can get practically any game in existence off of the internet.

 

With the built in menu program for APE you pretty much have access to 80% of your collection with no fuss, no muss. Disk based titles require the disks to be selected on APE before booting.

 

Since it has a keyboard some games can be more complex as well. You can program it too if you want. If your really insane you can type in letters and junk and print them on your PC thru the SIO2PC cable.

 

You have a light gun, decent joystick, paddle controllers, and even (akk) a trak ball. Though missile command is the only game that uses it. Get the 7800 joypad and you will be in seventh heaven.

 

Disadvantages....

 

From a collectors point of view games are a little harder to find, and more expensive then the 5200/2600/7800. Also alot of titles came on disk which is susceptible to magnetic fields.

 

Some games require a translator disk, but this is easy to get around if you use the SIO2PC cable (or a translator cart), etc.

 

If you use the SIO2PC cable you need a PC nearby.

 

I never saw the realsports titles come out for the 8-bit but I could be wrong about that.

 

------------------

Atari 7800/2600

------------------

Tons of classic games available for the 2600 that you just wont find on the 5200 or 8-bit. Although some of the 5200/8-bit arcade counterparts are better alot of the 2600 versions have enough playability to make them worth playing.

 

Cuttle Cart!

 

Multiplayer asteroids, and centipede. Sure the 5200/8-bit have 4 player asteroids, but it does not have a co-op mode.

 

7800 dig dug, robotron, and ms. pac-man are better than the 5200/8-bit counterparts. Joust is respectible (better framerate?) and some people think Mario Bros is better.

 

Joysticks, paddles, driving controllers for different style games.

 

From a collectors point of view the 2600/7800 is great. Loose games are fairly easy to get (0nce you find a source). A fair amount of 2600 stuff can still be found boxed and probably a good 70-80% of the 7800 titles can be boxed. Very few hard to find 7800 titles.

 

All around a classic system.

 

Disadvantages...

 

Crap-man, uh I mean Pac-man, and even far worse no 7800 version of pac-man.

 

------------

Atari 5200

------------

Great arcade title selection, but most can be played on the XEG with less hassle.

Analog stick (just non-centering)

From a collectors point of view... easier to find alot of titles than the 8-bits. Titles tend to hover slightly cheaper as well.

Games that use the track ball (centipede, missile command) are just a thrill to play!!

Only system to have a dual stick controller holder (robotron, space dungeon)

 

Disadvantages....

 

Need a 4 port (or bios) to play some titles

Lose that TV connector box and your shit out of luck.

Non-centering controllers.

Hard to find working controllers (but easy to repair once you know how)

Fire buttons that don't work half the time without maintenance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Don't get me wrong... I love the 5200 and it's a great system to collect for, but when it comes to playing.. the only joy I get is when I whip out the trakball and play some good trak games.

 

So I was trying to break this down between "collectibility" and "playability"

 

Runs and hides while everyone throws stones in my directions.

[tyranthraxus]

Thats an awesome breakdown on the pros and cons. As much as I am

loving the 5200 I got a few months ago, the 7800 is the best system

to start on. Its just simply easier to use and with out the hardware

hassles that could spoil a newcomers experience. But eventually

you have to get all three the 2600 Jr, 5200 and 7800 look good

beside each other

[JB]

Now be fair...

If you're gonna cite the 3 games that don't work on a 2-port 5200 as a failing with the 5200, then how about citing the 5200 games that don't work right with the digital sticks on the XEGS?

 

From half-compatibilities like the Galaxian ship only moving at high speed to flat-out busted ones like Star Wars: Arcade?

 

Or the games that demand 2 fire buttons, like Qix?

I don't feel the computer adaptation's solution is adequate, though I do acknowledge it's the best they could do given their input limitations.

 

 

 

Pressing space to pause is a BAD THING, since it requires you to remove a hand from your joystick, whereas the 5200 pause can be stabbed by a finger while keeping both hands on the stick.

 

 

 

There's no point to listing the trackball as a pro on the XEGS since the 5200 also had one. Trackball only belongs in cons under 7800, unless you want to put "trackball only works with Missile Command" under XEGS cons.

 

 

 

The 5200 switchbox is only used on the 4-port. 2-port models used a "normal" switch.

Honestly, I view the 4-port switch as a plus. You don't have to get behind the TV to flip a switch.

 

 

 

And lastly...

Non-centering 5200 sticks have proven a non-issue for me. My problem has come from games with an overly large "dead zone" programmed in, which can interefere with quick actions.