Most (& least) reliable 2600 consoles?

[FOX2600]

Just out of curiosity and wanting to hear from the experienced veterans in the forums, out of the different versions of the 2600 is there one you've found to be the most (or least) reliable through out the decades? Heavy sixer, 4 switch, vader, Jr, telegames, 7800, Coleco add-on, etc.?

 

I just own a 4 switch and it's been really good to me through out the years, no problems! I wouldn't mind picking up a back-up console but wanted to hear what your guys opinions were on reliability of the different versions. Thank you!

[toiletunes]

I had a Vader, a 7800, and a Jr (all bought used) that didn't work. The 7800 just needed new buttons. I forget what was wrong with the Vader, but someone fixed it for me, so nothing too complex. I never bothered to deal with the Jr.

I haven't had any issues with the light sixer, the woody, or the Coleco expansion module.

I haven't tried other options.

[Atarian7]

I used a heavy sixer for 14-15 years before it needed a new computer chip. I haven't checked to see which one yet.

 

I've been using another heavy sixer for the past year.

 

Is 15 years reliable or par for the course?

[hizzy]

Always thought the 4 switch woody was best for reliability. It plays every cart.

[BassGuitari]

In my experience they're all pretty reliable and hold up well, the only appreciable differences being slight variances in RF quality and cartridge fit (Atari Corp. carts fit very tightly in 6-switch systems; some third-party 2600 carts don't fit in the 7800). I haven't really encountered enough faulty 2600/compatible consoles of any type to be able to point at one or another and say it's inherently better or worse...

...Except maybe the Coleco Gemini. Usually, it's pretty piddly minor stuff like controller jacks and power inputs that need a little extra solder, but chances are anytime you happen upon a Gemini, something on it will need to be fixed. They were just cheaply made. Having said that, once they've had their requisite sprucing up, they're nice little units.

[Video]

My Vader from the early 80's is still kicking, never a problem. 2600's as a whole seem pretty reliable. Mostly all I had with problems, came with problems.

 

Well, except the Jr consoles. Those buttons suck, but usually just need cleaning.

 

Of course, I take care of my stuff, don't slam buttons or play apocalyptical amounts of games while its under piles of dirty laundry on shag carpets or anything like that.

Edited December 16, 2017 by Video

[FOX2600]

Thanks everyone I appreciate all your input, each post is helping me decide what I want to end up purchasing.

 

Off-topic - as far as looks go I really have a thing for the telegames version, I love the look of the funky wood paneling :-)

[+doctorclu]

Telegames model was the one I started with as a kid. Good system. I have a 6 switch in a box, but currently use a 2600 Jr. since it is so small.

[x=usr(1536)]

The least reliable: whatever the one you happen to have at the moment is.

 

The most reliable: the ones that everyone else has, even if they're exactly the same as your own.

[FOX2600]

The least reliable: whatever the one you happen to have at the moment is.

 

The most reliable: the ones that everyone else has, even if they're exactly the same as your own.

HA!

 

(I don't get it)