Atari2008

That's how I try to look at it too, I try to pretend I've traveled through time. Plus we have to remember, it was a novelty to be able to control something on a screen.

Bring your RCA Studio II.

I find the Channel F charming as well, actually I'm a really big fan. I find the history of the console fascinating, and I do love the unique controllers. As has been mentioned there aren't as many fun games on it but there are a few gems. I highly recommend the Pac-Man homebrew and the Multi-Cart. Consoles do seem to be a bit pricey these days, and you definitely want to make sure you get one that's fully functional as very few people know how to repair them unless you're handy. And yes, if you play the 2600 right after, it will feel so much more advanced. When I first got the Channel F a few years back, it was the only console I played for months. Then I popped in my 2600 and I was blown away by how colorful and fast the games were, it really did make it feel like a PS3. The RCA Studio II is even more primitive if you really want to have a party. Here's the interview where Jerry Lawson talks about the Studio II, he refers to it as a piece of junk: http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/545 The Video Game Critic has reviewed a few Channel F games to give you an idea of the library: http://videogamecritic.com/channelf.htm This site is also chock full of Channel F info: http://www.fndcollectables.com/CHANNEL_F_INFO/channel_f_info.html

I have yet to order from Steve but will if I get a 5200, but I've emailed him a few times to inquire about items on his for sale list, my experience has been that it takes him quite a while but he always answers, even after I've forgotten, I've asked. I'm glad he's okay!

Let's just hope we don't get pics of that.

Much better than my Phase 3.

I agree, this sounds like a good course of action. I know doing it all at once is beyond my price range, so as you suggested I'm thinking of getting a console, games and controllers as part of phase 1. Then I'll either rebuild (if I feel brave) my controllers or send them to Best Electronics for them to rebuild with their gold circuits as part of phase 2. Then I'll move beyond the stock controllers with either the Wicos with the Y-cables or a Masterplay Interface (knowing it will cost me but it would be nice to open up the world of 2600-compatible controllers) as part of phase 3. Beyond that I'll look into the Multi-Cart, Trackball and just building up my collection of games, and oh yea the 2600 adapter since I love the 2600. Sounds like entering the 5200 world will be fun, a bit more long-term and slower than most systems but I think it'll have great rewards. And I'll play the games on an emulator for now to get a feel for the system.

I think that's one of the things I like about the 5200 which is why I'm leaning over getting one (and all that entails) over the 8-bit computers or XEGS - I like the weirdness and quirkiness of it. To me it adds to the fun and makes it more interesting. I like the description of it as an underground system. Most people know the 2600 and even the 7800 but few people know the 5200. At least among more casual gamers. Glad I can get it for a lot less than $150 because that just seemed too steep a price of admission! The Wico Command Controller looks awesome!! Looks like a very sturdy, arcade quality controller. I just wanted at least one working stock stick initially so I can play games but ultimately I want to get something like the Masterplay Interface so I can use whatever 2600 compatible controller. And no I don't hate myself that much. I saw the Donkey Kong port! It would definitely be on my list. I'll look into Gyruss, does seem like a game that gets hated on but it looks fun to me. @zylon: sounds like you're getting the best of both worlds!

I look forward to it.

Don't worry you didn't discourage me from a 5200 at all. It's actually been interesting to learn of the other Atari 8-bit options, and gives me ideas for other Atari systems and computers I may want to collect down the line. Currently I own a 2600, Odyssey2, and Channel F...the 2600 gets the most play. I had a 7800 back in the day when I was a teen, and I loved it then but as I got older my interest in that particular console faded, and I sold it. The 2600 I've always kept and love playing till this very day. Hence why I'm here. The 5200 just seems intriguing in ways that probably aren't very rational, but I like the look of the console, even though it's big, I think it has a nice sleek look. The controllers although I understand them to be a double edged sword, look plain awesome. Also from what I've seen on YouTube vids and in emulation, I like the graphics, bright colors and awesome audio. I love the Atari logo welcome screen with the rainbow colors raining down. The library also seems like fun versions of classic 80s games that I love but never had the privilege of playing at an arcade - Popeye, Frogger, Mario Bros., Pole Position, Defender, and I could go on for a while. I also like how they updated Space Invaders. I feel the 5200 would be a nice compliment to my 2600, like kicking those titles up a notch. I know it will be a bit more work, I don't have to do anything with my 2600 it's built like a tank and just works, but I know the 5200 needs upkeep. But it might be a fun part of the hobby for me to get into. I'll see...I suspect the cost is what will keep me waiting for a bit but the 5200 does seem like a cool machine. @boxpressed: Thank you! I've seen various threads with the 5200 vs. the 8-bit computers so I appreciate your summary. From your assessment, I feel the 5200 would be worthwhile for me.

Thanks for the link. The XEGS does seem interesting, although I must admit it's quite the ugly looking console. But I can see the benefits since it uses regular 2600 or compatible controllers. So aside from a few titles that are different between the 8-bit and 5200, I wouldn't be missing much by going the 8-bit route vs. the 5200 route? Seems it boils down to personal preference for most people. I'm not handy fixing electronics so I probably wouldn't be able to do the handiwork required to keep a 5200 running optimally.

Thank you boxpressed, I found your article to be a very good read! I have a better sense of what's entailed in owning a 5200. Also the link to Atarimania is awesome, I'm enjoying looking at the old ads and commercials. Also, I liked reading about the alternative controllers, since I think I will ultimately go down that road if I get a 5200. As far as getting a 7800 instead, I know that they are more practical, lower maintenance and more within my price range, but I used to own a 7800, and I didn't like it much. Not that it's a bad system, just not my cup of tea. I like the sound of 5200 games better, and while it is graphically inferior to the 7800, I do find its colors to be more vibrant and those of 7800 games to be more washed out. Also the 5200 has nice versions of Defender, Popeye and Frogger 2 which the 7800 doesn't. I also see more games overall in the 5200's library that I want to play than on the 7800. I've never considered the Atari 8-bit computers since I solely focus on consoles and am possibly looking for another game system, but I know that game systems are essentially just simplified computers. So perhaps I have no rational reason for wanting a 5200. I do understand that while most games are identical some are different. Pac-Man on the 5200 has intermissions while the 8-Bit doesn't, also I believe the 5200 Pac-Man is faster. Mario Bros. looks different in both systems. I noticed there aren't as many homebrews for the 5200 as say the 2600 or even 7800, but Adventure II, Beef Drop, Koffi and Tempest all look like fun titles. Also the Multi-Cart seems like a good investment. I don't have a Harmony for the 2600, but I just clicked on the link and I'm pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive they are.

The 5200 sounds like a fun machine. Sounds like a bit of work to get into and maintain, but from what I've seen from playing an emulator, they do seem like a lot of fun! I'm thinking a 2-port version is best since I won't have to deal with the switchbox? Also thank you for the tip on the SD Multi-Cart, will be a good way to play all the titles including the super rare ones like Bounty Bob Strikes back. The Coins Control Comp Pro joystick looks awesome! I'm interested in a Masterplay Interface as I'd like to be able to use Genesis controllers on a 5200 but they go for $125 on eBay so I'll have to wait on that. I'm not very tech savvy so I doubt I'll ever AV modify it although I may attempt a controller rebuild. Does Best Electronics sell 5200 consoles? And yes their site is quite an eyesore. I'll keep a trackball in mind, I've actually never owned a trackball controller for any system, so that'll be fun. The 5200 I was looking at is from Atari Sales, all the way at the bottom of the page: http://members.tcq.net/video61/5200new.html I thought the price was steep but since the controllers are guaranteed to work, I thought it might be cheaper then getting a system off eBay and then having to either replace the controllers are buy new internals from Best. Although I like the idea of only paying $50-$75 on a console vs. $150. Currently I have a 2600 that I'm a big fan of so I thought the 5200 might be a nice step up.

Thank you for the warning on the rebuilt controllers! I just assumed since they cost more and are "rebuilt" that they do something advanced to them that keeps them working for years to come.

Hey everyone, I'm sort of thinking of maybe getting an Atari 5200. I'm not at the stage where I'm asking for offers, but I just want to get my feet wet and see how much it would cost. I know that finding working controllers is an issue so I wanted to know how much would it cost for an Atari 5200 console (either 4 port or 2 port) without the box, with 1-2 working controllers and of course the RF cable and power supply. I know of a store that sells an Atari 5200 system with 2 rebuilt controllers for $150...is this a good deal? Also, where should I look? I know eBay can be a bit of a gamble especially with the controllers most likely not working and sellers not willing to test. I'm thinking the Marketplace here at Atari Age is my best bet? Thanks!

Thank you for the update Al and for all your hard work getting these homebrews out. I've been out of the 2600 homebrew scene for a while but this thread has got me interested in the holiday themed games. Are these all of the ones that are released and available at the AA store? Am I missing others? Toyshop Trouble Reindeer Rescue Stella's Stocking (currently unavailable)

I like being impulsive and being spur of the moment as well. Matter of fact I've been looking at consoles to add to my collection on eBay lately. However it would be better for my budget and clutter reduction if I just focused on what I already own. I might draft some similar rotation...maybe every 2 weeks instead of monthly but we'll see, monthly might allow for deeper console exploration. I need to focus!

I've never played the 3DO but when it came out I did want one. The games looked cooler to me than the Jaguar ones and the ads seemed color (Atari's "do the math" campaign was quite obnoxious). However I ended up getting a Jag since I wanted so badly to support Atari. I liked it at first, I even thought Cybermorph was cool (fortunately I have never played Sky Fox). I had read enough reviews to know which ones were the good games so I bought them all: Zool 2, Tempest 2000, Defender 2000, Rayman, and Iron Soldier. I never got around to getting the coveted Alien vs. Predator. However the library dried up from there and the games just seemed like 2nd rate knock-offs of cooler games on the Genesis and SNES - Kasumi Ninja, Atari Karts or lame attempts at games done better on the Playstation or Saturn (Fight for Life). Plus while more graphically powerful, the Jag lacked titles in 2 of the biggest genres of the time - side scrolling platformers and fighting games. The Genesis and SNES easily had way more and better games in those categories. Zool 2 was good but easily trumped by Sonic, Super Mario Bros, etc. Seems like the 3DO suffered in these departments too, although Gex seems cool. Honestly if it wasn't an Atari product, I probably wouldn't have ever given the Jag a second or first look.

This is such a good idea! Please keep us posted on your progress. I've been struggling with something similar, while my game collection is much smaller than yours, I feel that my gaming suffers from a lack of focus which has decreased enjoyment for me and increased spending. I'm working with limited funds so I can't afford to spend as much on gaming as I would like, but I realize that I keep wanting to acquires consoles and each system I just have a handful of games for and then I move on to the next. I feel I never get too in-depth into any season and never really get the full experience. I have so many games I haven't played yet I keep wanted to get other systems. Maybe I'll try that, a system a month to get myself back in focus.

Tempest 2000 is a fun game, I bought it when I had my Jag back in the day since it was one of the few games on the system that was universally praised. But in light of the fact that today it can be enjoyed on other systems and even on a PC with some work, the Jag doesn't seem worth it. Given the high prices too.

Wow! Congratulations!! This is one great-looking game. Looks like it plays nicely too. Thank you for making it!

I remember the Jag emulators being very slow on my laptop last time I tried, maybe I'll try again. I suspect my laptop is too old.

Same here!

Looks great! Very professional.