How do you play Atari VCS 2600 games?

[Schizophretard]

I prefer an original console a/v modded with a Harmony Cart. After that preference emulation would come second. A Flashback isn't even third because I consider them junk.

[Two-in-the-Belfry]

I'm a sucker for original hardware. My brother plays retro games on emulators only and thinks I'm an idiot for buying 2600 games when I could download them, but I just love the experience of popping in a cartridge, picking up my joystick, and playing a game on a good ol' CRT.

[Keatah]

I can tell you that the clarity, sound and colours are GORGEOUS. In the mean time here are some pics of the system hooked up to an inexpensive HDMI upscaler. I'll be getting a Framemeister later for when I'm doing the actual video series.

 

Looking almost as good as my prime emulation setup!

[Nutsy Doodleheimer]

I have many ways to play Atari 2600 games by physical media or by emulation. It just depends on my mood. I'll fire up the modded xbox or wii which has all the rom files. Or if I feel like being a relic and popping in a cartridge I'll use one of the many console variations I own. I have my Light Sixer sitting in the game center all set up for that need. I preferably like using the console as it's just like listening to old records on a turntable or cycling through everything that you own on emulation like going through your favorite tunes on an mp3 player. Only Flashback I own is the model 2.

[BydoEmpire]

On my original 7800. I've somehow either gotten rid of all my 2600s (or they broke) except for a 2600jr, which isn't plugged in at the moment.

[Gentlegamer]

Emulation all the way. Though I have no problem or dislike of real hardware --- I do have a problem with the mess and clutter and tediousness it can potentially create.

 

I also like the repeatability and consistency of a modern display and what comes of operating entirely in the digital domain. Gosh, it's had to have been 2 years now and I've not tweaked any settings on my LCD's. Once set they stay for a long long time. But as a kid in grade school back in the 70's and 80's, I recall almost always having to adjust those pots. Something always need a tweak here and there.

 

That, plus the setup and teardown of systems when wanting to play Atari 400 or Intellivision or Colecovision. Always had to mess with wires and adaptors, and then even re-adjust the picture sometimes. Keeping track of it all. Keeping it in working order. I couldn't handle that today.

 

I use emulation, too... is there a solution for paddle controllers?

[LynxHandyCaster]

Original hardware all the way.

Edited September 12, 2016 by MillipedeMan

[adamchevy]

I play on original hardware only, I am one of those people. Once my heavy sixer gets back from electronic sentimentalities, I will be playing in Svideo on my Sony Trinitron. I almost decided to go RGB, but the cost and over crispness of the image changed my mind. I love retro hardware, I think it's what drew me to the VCS in the first place. And now that there are so many wonderful mods, home brews, and multi cart options I'm really hooked. I'm working on a full Atari CIB set because I love putting them into the cartridge slot each time, and the box and manual really add to the experience for me.

Edited September 12, 2016 by adamchevy

[AskewTV]

I usually play them on an emulator before I buy them so I know if the game is any good or not! If I enjoy the game I then go scavenge trade it and eBay for my own cartridge to play on the original hardware!

[keilbaca]

S-video modified Sears Video Arcade II, for me.

 

Unfortunately my HDMI Upscaler hates the signal.

[rednakes1]

I have a Colecovision but I use the Expansion Module 1 to play the Atari 2600 cartridges. I prefer using "real" hardware as opposed to emulation, because I want to experience everything in 100% accuracy - audio, game speed, flicker rate, etc. The expansion module is real enough for me, and I only got it a couple days ago. Even though it's been over 30 years since it's been sold, it still looks like a very cool gadget in 2016!

 

I also prefer the RF connection to TV because it brings back the old-school feeling and memories of playing with crappy sound and video. It's good enough for me. If I want superior audio and graphics I'll occasionally play emulated 2600 games on my Raspberry Pi's RetroPie setup with HDMI.

 

I like also buying the old cartridges, but over time the costs add up, so I'll likely be getting the Harmony cartridge soon. However, the art on the cartridges really intrigue me, so that's why I'm still going to collect some more.

 

Now all I need to buy is a CX-40 or equivalent joystick and a CRT TV

[Clay B. Hammock]

I use a 2600 AV moded Jr. 2600 and use a Sega three button controller. Games like Hero play great with the two button version that is

played on the Sega Controller. ....... ----- *****

 

But I have a question pertaining to the Atari Vox. Recently I found a program on an old forum, that

looks like the old Mattel game, Speak and Spell. If you type in a word or phrase, Atarivox will speak it.

I typed in " Save Me From Master Control " and got a big laugh. ---- **** But !

your suppose to be able to save four phrases. But when I pressed S to save, it only showed the letter

S on the screen. Only one person made a comment on this forum, and he was able to save the phrases.

There are four numbers at bottom of screen, that must be where phrase is saved. Your suppose to push

S for save and push L to load it on screen and get the Vox to speak. But it didn't work for me.

I saved two L letters but don't know how I did it. Does anybody Know How To Save A Phrase. ???

[The Mr. Video]

I mostly use original hardware, an Atari 2600 jr. and Atari 7800 to be exact.

I do use emulation when playing homebrew games or a rom hack, as I don't have neither a harmony cart nor a supercharger.

And there's always the occasion when I dust off my flashback and play a round of aquaventure and saboteur.

[oyamafamily]

Currently, I play 2600 games mostly on Stella Emulator using the keyboard.

In May 2016, I started using an NTSC composite modded Atari 7800 Prosystem Console, with the 2600 game Pac-Man and Sega Master System controller.

[davyK]

Stella is quite superb but I prefer the original hardware. Mainly because I quite like paddle games and I don't have any other way to play them.

[Wyluli Wolf]

I play original (and homebrews from AtariAge) on my heavy sixer I generally use the cx-40 joysticks but I also have a couple of wicos and Epyx joysticks. Working to build an arcade style stick to use for the 2600 and 7800.

[BurritoBeans]

I play most-all of my 2600 games on the actual 2600, but if I want to play anything other than the 50 carts and their duplicates then I resort to Stella and a romset with an old USB joystick to cover my atari needs.

[Mad-Mike]

Most of the time these day's it's a 1980 Sears Light Sixer I bought through glitched E-bay auction in 2001 through a Sony WEGA TV via COAX, I only use Stella when I can't get to the Atari or can't find a certain title and want to play it.

[+FujiSkunk]

A little bit of everything, but for most casual play I use an Atari 7800 I have "permanently" connected to my gaming TV.

[exo]

Original hardware or bust.

[Syzygy1]

I emulate it on my phone via an app called 2600.

[atarifan88]

All of the above!

[FOX2600]

Currently playing on a 4-switch with either a gemstik or comrex commander joystick.

[Hank Rearden]

 

I use emulation, too... is there a solution for paddle controllers?

Yep....Original hardware.

[Hank Rearden]

I've been playing on both an AV modded 4-switcher, an RF 4 switcher, and an RF 6 switcher. I will soon be modding one for RGB. I'm in the camp of wanting the old school game but a crisp clear picture. When I was a kid living in the middle of nowhere in upstate New York we got one crappy channel on TV. The Atari picture was far better than the off air TV. I don't want to relive it that way. Plus, I'm more likely to enjoy the games with my kids if I don't have to hear about a crappy RF or AV picture. Plus I prefer the original sticks over the WICO and Sega controllers I recently acquired. Upgraded with Best Electronics gold boards of course! I will soon upgrade my paddles as well.