Atariman Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Heh. I've been waiting for a new console from Atari for a long time. Even though it isn't exactly what I expected, I'm going to buy it anyway. Besides -- it's an interesting item. And unlike the other X-in-one game systems, this one is officially by Atari, so that's a plus IMO. You don't suppose there will be lines outside of stores everywhere on the release day for this, do you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Kay Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Certainly an interesting product... It's a shame that the controllers are not backward compatible, as a source for new 7800 controllers would be great. As for a cartridge slot, while it would be nice for us Atari enthusiasts, really, how many seven year olds are going to go pawn-shop hopping to get some crappy used game that smells like a mildew-filled basement? It doesn't make sense. Imagine the start-up costs to start pumping out "new" re-issued cartridges for this unit. Even with 20 game multi-carts, who would pay more than 10 or 15 bucks for one? Make the carts any bigger and how many could be sold to each unit owner? Two... three? Doesn't leave much room to turn a profit. And I don't suspect a huge shelf life for a retro-gaming machine. As is, it'll be in "blowout sale" status by next spring. Even with a cart slot and full expandability, I would give that type of product til next Christmas max... as somebody pointed out, a PS1 is fifty bucks, and an Atari classic game pack can be found dirt cheap. Still, looking forward to this - I may have to pick one up for the hell of it! Best Joey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariDude Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 If it allowed people to play their 2600 / 7800 libraries, I would have considered getting one as I worry about my older 7800 some day breaking down. I think it is great that they are releasing this system but I wonder just how well it is going to sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariLeaf Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 And I don't suspect a huge shelf life for a retro-gaming machine. As is, it'll be in "blowout sale" status by next spring. Bingo! As far as we know, its a self contained unit with no expandability. People like to control what games they buy instead of being force fed the 20 games they must play. Thats why we went from stand along pong units to the VCS in the first place. Its a nice idea, but it will most likely be bargain-bin fare by next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulEMoz Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Huge pricing error. For $44.95, there should be way more than 20 games on there. Either that or the unit should be sold at a price comparable to the other Plug N Play TV games that are out there now. It's far too expensive at that price, and I can only see it being a massive flop, unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VidGameKing Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Huge pricing error. For $44.95, there should be way more than 20 games on there. Either that or the unit should be sold at a price comparable to the other Plug N Play TV games that are out there now. It's far too expensive at that price, and I can only see it being a massive flop, unfortunately. okay, but who is it being sod to? not us collectors!, and not the kids who are playing EverCrack! That system is getting sold to the nestalgic 30 somethings! dudes, who've "mad it big in life" but want to remeber their youth! If I was a 30 something, who only had an XBOX, but I grew up on Atari, and then saw this ad, I might consider getting one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 I'll buy one if for no other reason than to set it on the shelf next to my other Atari consoles. I think it's neat that there's going to be a new Atari branded console on the market despite the fact that it's not everything I would have hoped for. It's a shame that the controllers are not backward compatible, as a source for new 7800 controllers would be great. They won't plug right in, but I'll betcha they could be hacked to a genny extension cable without a huge amount of effort. I'll be very likely be buying two, one to add to the collection and the other to take apart and experiment. -S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZylonBane Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 So Atari is working around this trademark issue, the actual rom code itself is copyrighted, so while they may have tweaked the packaging name, the actual game and title screen is the same and doesn't have to be changed. Aha! So this unit runs the original ROM code, eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+davidcalgary29 Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 And I don't suspect a huge shelf life for a retro-gaming machine. As is, it'll be in "blowout sale" status by next spring. Bingo! As far as we know, its a self contained unit with no expandability. People like to control what games they buy instead of being force fed the 20 games they must play. Thats why we went from stand along pong units to the VCS in the first place. Its a nice idea, but it will most likely be bargain-bin fare by next year. Oh, c'mon. This is a Christmas last-run-through-the-checkout-line impulse gift, and is not being marketed as any type of lasting testament to retro gaming. $40-$50 may seem pricey, but that's far cheaper than the cost of most console games today. I'm going to treat it as a unique 2600/7800 multicart (which would be almost as costly) and have some fun with it later this year. I'm sure I'd end up spending twice as much if I had to buy "Planet Smashers", "Saboteur", and some of the other games that I don't already have separately. Besides, how often can you ask friends and loved ones to buy your holiday gift (e.g. an Atari console) at the local store? This will probably sell in the millions, and might even exceed total sales for the original 7800 sales run. Nothing wrong with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VidGameKing Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 I'll probably ask a few people to give it to me as a gift, for my Birth Day in November! or christmas, depending on when it's released Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liveinabin Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 I might have one for Saboteur. Although I've already got the cartridge (for doing the artwork etc..), it doesn't look too hot on a PAL 2600. What I'd be getting here is a fully composite modded piece of hardware with the game in it. Yeah, I'll go for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy_bernstein Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 What I'd be getting here is a fully composite modded piece of hardware with the game in it. I haven't seen my 7800's in a while (9000Kms away in Paris) but, from what I remember, my PAL 7800 used a SCART output (no RF) - would that count as a composite output ? I remember for sure that my 7800 NTSC required an extra NTSC tuner as it only used a RF output (Most European TV's have NTSC video but no NTSC tuner). If the Flashback indeed does come with an updated 2600/7800 chipset, let's hack it ! AB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trip_Cannon Posted September 9, 2004 Author Share Posted September 9, 2004 I wonder if the pause function will work in the 2600 games. Anyway, isn't it funny how history repeats itself? Almost 30 years ago these single system Pong and Pinball units were the thing. Paddle and buttons built right into the system itself. And now what's happening? I keep seeing more and more of these things pop up. I don't see it slowing down anytime either... Nevertheless it's pretty cool that the 7800 is finally getting some sort of recognition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZylonBane Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Saw this article on Fark today, seemed applicable to this discussion-- A digital generation's analog chic Here's the relevant portion: For some, retro joy comes in bulkier, less technologically advanced packages. At eBay last year, John Henry Flood, a 21-year-old Harvard sophomore, bought the 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System along with the Atari 2600, a console that makes the Nintendo system appear positively cutting edge. Covered in wood-grain paneling and plastic molding, the first Atari 2600 made its debut in 1977 and was the first widely popular gaming system, used to play video games like "Space Invaders" and "Asteroids." Another reminder of its age is a switch that gives gamers the option to optimize color resolution for black-and-white televisions. But the vintage nature of the machines means that games are cheap and easily grasped by a wide audience. Flood bought the first-generation consoles mainly so he could play video games with his college friends, who he said were more inclined to play low-tech games like Super Mario Brothers than to invest the time needed to play today's more complex games. Then there is the "wow" factor. "Everyone's like, oh my gosh, where'd you get these?" Flood said. While he also owns a Microsoft Xbox and a Sony PlayStation 2, the retro consoles see far more playing time in his dorm room, he said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atariboy2600 Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Oh boy, I wonder now that they are bringing both the 2600/7800 are they going to make a 800/5200 unit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moycon Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 Oh boy, I wonder now that they are bringing both the 2600/7800 are they going to make a 800/5200 unit? One can dream! What an awesome site that would be, especially if the controllers were done right. Now that would sell millions!! I suspect everything depends on how well this first console does. I suppose I'll have to pick one up if only to encourage future projects like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vic George 2K3 Posted September 9, 2004 Share Posted September 9, 2004 An improved version of the Intellivision 25-in-1, perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATARIeric Posted September 10, 2004 Share Posted September 10, 2004 me wonders what the power supply looks like, you dont think they went with...nah couldnt be the blue tip again. maybe it just operates off batteries and uses A/V cables Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray Posted September 10, 2004 Share Posted September 10, 2004 It's cot a plug on the back for a power adapter. My guess is that it's just a D.C. brick, similar to what the 2600 used. -S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stingray Posted September 10, 2004 Share Posted September 10, 2004 cot=got I keep forgetting that the edit button is gone. Must remember to proofread more closely. -S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATARIeric Posted September 10, 2004 Share Posted September 10, 2004 im sure they will sell a ton of them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMila75 Posted September 10, 2004 Share Posted September 10, 2004 An improved version of the Intellivision 25-in-1, perhaps? Amen to that. I was so excited to get that thing only to find out that it totally blows. They should have been embarassed to package it and sell it for real money. Now, an Atari 8-bit X-in-one would be pure heaven! But I'm thinking more of a 50-in-one rather than 20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shannon Posted September 11, 2004 Share Posted September 11, 2004 Just replying to this topic so I can keep an eye on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Vendel Posted September 11, 2004 Share Posted September 11, 2004 me wonders what the power supply looks like, you dont think they went with...nah couldnt be the blue tip again. maybe it just operates off batteries and uses A/V cables Uses a 9VDC 350ma power supply with a standard (not the custom blue Atari connector) connector Composite A/V output. CUrt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atariboy2600 Posted September 11, 2004 Share Posted September 11, 2004 me wonders what the power supply looks like, you dont think they went with...nah couldnt be the blue tip again. maybe it just operates off batteries and uses A/V cables Uses a 9VDC 350ma power supply with a standard (not the custom blue Atari connector) connector Composite A/V output. CUrt Cool! Thats mean now we can replace that plug with any other in Radio Shack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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