Which Unit to Get?

[dvdguy]

Ok, here's my sad story...

 

A few years back I was forced to unload my massive 2600 collection on Ebay for far less than what it was worth. However, I'd now like to start rebuilding again.

 

Those of you who still play on the actual console... which one do you use? Which one seems to hold up the best? I just want to get one working console for my gaming needs. Should I just get another 7800, even though they don't necessarily play all 2600 carts?

 

Let the arguing begin...

[kevin242]

IMO the 6 switch Tawain model (light sixer) has the best video output.

[Philflound]

I've always been fond of the Jr. Takes up much less space.

 

Phil

[christianscott27]

go with a piggyback system to save space and wire swaps.

 

i havent used an actual 2600 in years, instead i can go with whichever piggyback strikes my mood. i've got the 7800, the CV expansion, the 5200 expansion and even the INTV 2 expansion to play on. nothing looks as cool as a 2600 but if you have a lot of systems going its just one more mouth to feed.

[Red 5]

I would say a jr. or a 4 switch.

 

A lot of red labels and some various other carts. don't fit in my 6 switch as nicely.

 

Although emulators are great and serve their purpose, nothing beats playing with the real thing.

 

I have a 7800 and a 2600 hooked up but never play my 2600 carts on the 7800... not really sure why... just love the 2600.

[shadowdoggie]

Dang this is hard and depends on so many things. To make it simple I will ignore the part about the 7800 and say... look for a nice condition heavy sixer on ebay that the seller is guaranteeing has no defects. Why?

 

1. Games produce much better color than the 4 switch machines.

2. Future resale value.

3. Bragging rights - Limited quantities of these exist.

4. Made of stronger materials - more durable - less likely to chip or crack.

5. Atari branding - not Sears.

[shadowdoggie]

Desperately seeking an edit button

 

Just to clarify, I was referring to the 1977 Atari brand Heavy Sixer above.

[dvdguy]

How much do those 1977 heavy sixers usually go for?

 

I had three of these once :-(

[shadowdoggie]

The more original items that you offer with the unit, the more valuable it would be. For example, a working heaver sixer model in decent shape without the original power cord or original paddles & joysticks may only sell for $50. If you have everything original, it may sell for $100. If you also have the original box with matching serial numbers, maybe $150.

 

These are all ballpark figures and would increase as you increase the number of games that go along with the unit and accessories.

[Aurora77]

I have three working consoles, a CX-2600A from Taiwan, a CX-2600A promo from Sunnyvale, and a 2600 Jr. Out of mine, the Sunnyvale promo gives a far better picture than the other two.

 

Just my two cents.

[keilbaca]

My sears light sixer gives me the best picture on my newly-acquired old tv. My Taiwan light sixer gave a OK picture, it now is my modified a/v console, soon to be completely modified (power light, possibly a pause button if I can figure it out, maybe paint it white... depends what i want to do). I also have a promo but its only OK quality as well.. although I suggest a 4-switch for the simple fact, river raid 2 doesn't work on six switchers for some odd reason.

[Stingray]

I probably use my 7800 more often than any of my 2600 systems. It's just more convenient to have one console hooked up that can play games from two systems.

 

-S

[Lord Helmet]

While I think the sixer's look cooler, I use a 2600 Jr because of it's size. I used to use a 7800, but some of the carts don't seem to fit quite right.

[shadowdoggie]

Filmjax - just to update you on how much the heavy sixers are worth... there was one on ebay today in the original box, never opened, that sold for $229.50.

[King Atari]

I use my 7800. You can say not all games fit, but you get the same problem the 6-switch console (or at least the 1978 one) too. With the 7800, you can play MOST of the library, as well as advanced 7800 carts. Plus, it's a late-80's nostalgia rush.

[flinxrap]

If you can find a good one, I would recommend the original heavy sixer. IMO the one I have dipslays the best picture and color quality, even better than an Atari 4 switch which I've done the composite mod to.