Atari 2600 Plus Vs Retron 77! Which Should You Buy?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Ok so a bunch of stuff that either changed or I got wrong. First, the Retron 77 comes with a 128 megabyte card not a 256 as I said. Also, all prices were looked at during the writing and I got the video later so that's why none of the numbers match up. The Atari 2600 plus is $129.99 not 120 dollars. Also I messed my settings up and failed to capture audio with the gameplay. Sorry guys, that's my bad but will be fixed for future videos. Now to the downloads... If you want to try the 1.1 BETA firmware for the 2600+ then instructions and files are here. You can also ask questions in this same link! forums.atariage.com/topic/358796-atari-2600-beta-update-11 If your interested in upgrading the Retron 77 like I did, in order to run games from an SD card, then you'll want to check these out! hyperkin.com/r77 github.com/DirtyHairy/r77-firmware-ng And I think that's it guys! Thanks for watching!

[@markracer3281]

The best of both worlds would be the 2600+ and the Game Station Pro. And yes, I own both. The 2600+ is perfect for my many shoe boxes of 2600/7800 carts and the GSP for homebrews, hacks, and the ability to play other systems via micro-sd card. I've tried Hyperkin products in the past and was not pleased with performance, build quality, and less than overall value for my dollar. Thanks for the review!!!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Thank you for watching!

[@audrisampson]

Ive been really happy with my 2600+.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Me too! And I think it's only going to get better!

[@OriginalGrasshopper]

I have the 2600+ and I absolutely LOVE IT! I nearly bought a Retron 77 a couple of years ago but I’m glad I waited for an actual Atari licensed product instead. My only complaints about “The Plus” are that they made it a 4 Switch instead of the original 6 Switch….and that this firmware update is so complex and confusing to me, so I didn’t bother with it. Hopefully it’ll be simplified when it’s officially released.

[@virtualdavey1527]

What makes the Retron 77 superior to the 2600 plus, for me, is the Retron 77 has state saving and state loading . Very useful for games such as Mindmaster, Dragon Stomper, Circus Convoy, etc. Some of those games are quite long, and it's great to take a break and return later right where you left off.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

You know I didn't even use that feature at all so I didn't think to mention it but that's a great point. I think for the majority of games it's not necessary as I can't think of a single game in my collection that I would want it for... outside of maybe secret Quest. Maybe there is a few. Still it's a good feature to have and a good point that I overlooked completely even after reading about it in some forums!

[@jonathont5570]

save state for the win, too much do to at my age now, cannot hope to get through any game in one sitting.

[@GTV-Japan]

For me it’s been Stella since at least 1998!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

It seems all these devices use a version of stella, so I guess just downloading and using Stella on a PC would be cheaper and better. Can't say I blame you but what can I say? I'm just an Atari nerd! To be honest I don't care how people experience these games and enjoy them just please do! I think that's the most important part!

[@garypranzo9334]

Pretty sure I am the angle adapter Guy from Facebook you mentioned. LOL

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I loved your idea!

[@PapaBradLive]

I have both units. I agree with your take 100 percent! Great video.

[@tomflanagan3889]

The retron 77 does play Activision carts. I have gotten Pitfall, keystone Kapers, Kaboom, River raid, kung fu master, commando Double Dragon, Enduro to work on the retron 77 via cart

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Huh not sure why I couldn't then. Maybe it's a firmware thing.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Also I did update the firmware but after that I loaded an SD card with roms and plugged it in and never retested the carts. I'll have to go back and check but I didn't have much success with my Activision carts and things like real sports boxing. But they worked from ROM files though

[@tomflanagan3889]

@@TheAtariNetwork I am on the latest firmware as well but it did work on the default firmware too. I was an early adopter of the Retron 77. To be honest it actually plays most of 2600 carts. Which I think is close to 50. I will probably eventually get a 2600+ but it needs tightening up still for the price they are asking and the 2600+ will most likely never be able to play more sophisticated arm based homebrews like Galagon unless they allow side loading.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@tomflanagan3889 gotcha. It might of been used error I'll have to try again and I'll post a short correcting it if I find I was wrong. Yeah I doubt the real advanced stuff will ever work but who knows

[@Jolt7800]

I got the orange Retron 77 before I graduated to the Atari 7800. Even though I never utilized the SD card I really enjoyed playing my original 2600 collection with this system. I can definitely see the allure of the 2600+ I am glad many people are reconnecting to Atari and that this is a success for Atari as well.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Do your Activision games work with the retron? Mine didn't but others say theirs does...

[@Jolt7800]

Most of my Activision games do work with my Retron.

[@chris.b0]

Ich liebe den atari 2600+ und unterstütze atari

[@chris.b0]

Sowie die neuen Entwicklungen von Spielen sowie nie fertiggestellte Spiele die es geben wird so wie überarbeitete alte spiele

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Das freut mich zu hören!

[@chris.b0]

@@TheAtariNetwork Deutsch oder übersetzt ?

[@dad7275]

Im still with your previous feelings as I dont need either as I have a 7800, and a crt tv but can see the appeal of both because of the modern tv projection. I'll stick with my 7800 for now with practically 100% compatibility.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Smart decision!

[@edgeofeden7583]

Nice Comparison! Though I didn't need it (I have two 7800's), I broke down and bought the 2600+ specifically because it could play 7800 games and because of its HDMI connection. It also looks good. I'm near 70 and I have no desire to go back to CRT TVs. Yes, I understand Purists who love to play their games on CRT's just the way the consoles were originally designed. I'm thrilled they can still do that. However, the clarity on an HDMI TV is simply stellar in my opinion. I also have no desire to go back to 8-track or VHS tapes either. While I like the 16x9 aspect ratio, I'm grateful the 2600+ also allows you to switch to a 4x3 aspect ratio. I will admit that playing Atari Pinball in 16x9 looks very strange. On the other hand and in my opinion, games like Atlantis, Battlezone, and Commando look good in widescreen mode. If Atari can make sure that the 2600+ can play both the classic Atari games as well as modern home brews, this console will be around for quite a while. Now if they would just have added an SD Slot or multi-cart compatibility, this would have been a "classic" retro-gamer's dream machine. Frankly after we Atari fans have all purchased the 2600+, it wouldn't surprise me to see a gen 3 released with the additional features we wanted all along. (Sigh.) Such is the nature of tech, marketing, and business -- gotta keep us coming back. 😄

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Great comment and perspective! I think the majority of people would agree with you, they don't want to go back to CRT TVs and this console will be a good solution for the ones who don't have a 7800 like us! And honestly however people want to play and experience these games isn't all that important to me. I just want them to play and enjoy them! And I'm almost positive there will be upgraded models and so forth. Good call! Might be better to wait for those! But for future videos I'm going to flick that 4:3 switch I think...

[@bi30]

Regarding left-handed use of the original VCS controller: One clever company made an adapter that simply let you rotate the controller to the right 90' so the button was now on the right side, rerouting all the other wires to their proper positions. Atari could easily put a tiny switch on the 2600+ controller to let you do the same thing.

[@darwinamara3237]

Thanks for sharing. Used to be my favorite game played on Atari 400 ever.

[@Gen-X-Memories]

I've considered buying a Retron 77 but its just so darn easy to play the 2600 games on my laptop with Stella. I purchased a 2600 daptor 2 so I can use regular Atari joysticks and paddles also.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Yeah if your not interested in collecting and playing original cartridges then these aren't for you. All this stuff has been easy to emulate forever now but it is nice to be able to hook something up to your HD display and play your collection of cartridges!

[@sabertoothretro]

Great overview! Just a note that XP carts aren't compatible with the Retron77, but are with the 2600+.

[@rushkiss2012]

What's an XP cart ?

[@sabertoothretro]

@@rushkiss2012 Atari XP is a line of Collector's edition carts for the 2600. They are available from Atari and manufactured in the U.S. They won't work with the Retron77, but do work in a 2600+.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Good information, thank you!

[@fensthespook]

!I've owned the retron 77, and currently owned the game station pro and 2600 plus. I can definitively say the retron is made irrelevant by the GSP. Then when you combine that with the cartridge play of the 2600 plus and the nostalgia factor the retron 77 really doesn't have a place in my setup anymore. Don't get me wrong I really loved it during it's time, but paddle support never really came to fruition and like you said it doesn't play a lot of games. Also I found the color palette on the 77 to be off for a lot of games. Your point about the SD card is well taken but like I said I think having the GSP makes that fairly irrelevant as you can do that with that system too as well as add NES games, game boy advance and super Nintendo. Overall I love the 2600 but I would agree it's a bit of a niche gaming system. I think the GSP is going to be better for the average consumer although I would recommend both if you could afford it. My only issue with the 2600 plus is that it appears Atari is already being tardy on the support. No official release for any update yet and I haven't heard anything from them regarding the 2600 plus since January. This makes me a little concerned about the ongoing support for the system in the future, but even if it never goes any further it's a great console and I'd recommend it to any Atari fan. Cool video, liked and subscribed!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

First off your username and avatar is awesome. I think there's a good market for a crypt creeper of gaming on KZbin! Maybe not what you're going for but it came to mind when I saw the avatar. But most importantly there have been 3 updates for the 2600 plus with massive improvements to compatibility. Why they aren't on Atari.com or publicized I don't know. But head over to AtariAge because the new firmwares have improved compatibility massively!

[@SevenlivesDesigns]

I recently sold my R77 (which I liked) in the hopes Atari will release a 7800 variant of their plus console. Im not nostalgic for the woodgrain, but a silver bezel with pulsing rgb lights would be a day one purchase for me.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I'd buy one that's for sure!

[@kranibal]

Awesome video!

[@mikemayberry7121]

I am also one of those people who figures they don't need either one of these because I have a perfectly functional 2600 and a CRT television just for retro gaming. If anything this video has convinced me that I was right ; I still don't need either one of these. The compatibility issues make them both impractical in my eyes. I didn't know the Retron77 had as many issues as it has, nor did I know it had a "fry" button, so your video was still very helpful to me. But yeah, I think both of these systems frankly suck and if you want to play old school video games you're still best off going with an original console on a CRT television.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Nothing beats a CRT and a 7800 but these can be acceptable alternatives to me. The fry button scares me I haven't tried it and I don't know how it does what it does but it doesn't sound safe lol

[@mikemayberry7121]

@@TheAtariNetwork I'm sure it's safe, unless it states in the manual that it isn't. But I think if I had the dough to blow I'd get the Retron77 just to fry my carts for fun.

[@mikemayberry7121]

@@TheAtariNetwork Oh, hey! Did you see they just announced a new Atari 8bit computer mini? It's not the 5200 mini with authentic feeling yet reengineered, backwards compatible joysticks like I've always dreamed of, but if this one can happen, maybe my dream can still come true one day?

[@XV250]

I have to say it.. playing these games in 16:9 when they were designed for 4:3 just looks wrong... terrible, even. The first thing I did with my 2600+ was flip the switch to 4:3 and I've never changed it back.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Maybe I should do the same!

[@m0nde]

The Retron 77 has save states, accessible via the Save and Load buttons on the front. I'm surprised you didn't mention this, a big plus for that console.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Yeah somebody else mentioned it and honestly I didn't feel that I needed it in my testing. So I basically forgot about it. It is nice to have for longer games but I think the majority of games don't need it. Still it is a pro for Retron and it should've been mentioned. I plan on doing a follow up video with corrections and a few additions

[@jbponzi1]

thrilled with the 2600+.

[@jefflanoux1063]

If you just want a rom player, I would suggest a Gamestation Pro instead of the Retron 77.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Another good choice and I've heard it's available cheap right now at certain places if you can find it!

[@Monhamd1000]

Ironically, neither of them. A modded Atari 7800 is the ideal way.

[@OGHUGO]

You didn't talk about the controller cable lenght, the retron 77's controller has a longer cable !

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Yeah your right it was a non factor for me either way because of my set up but usually with these consoles and depending what your playing you want the console itself close to you, as to start the games or sometimes part of the controls are on the unit itself. But if controller length is an issue I recommend getting an adapter, the non branded Sega ones worked best for me in the past...

[@bellissimo4520]

I bought a Retron 77 when it was new, and it was OK, but actually failed with some games I tried, and I didn't really find it that great also in terms of design, look and feel etc. Ever since I got the 2600+ I never used the Retron again. The 2600+ is great, and the only thing that would make it even better would be a proper FPGA core. Oh, and... how about analog video output to be able to connect to a CRT? That would be pretty sweet... (but obviously way too niche).

[@510newguy]

Where's the 5200 love? Is it left out because of the weird controller?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Well two fold I think the controller and the cartridges are much larger where 2600 and 7800 use the same form factor. But I think Atari has been dropping hints that they're planning to support 5200 and Jaguar a bit more and when they do, make sure you support it if you want it! Unless it's really bad of course...

[@Atarifan72]

Ben at Plaion has stated that they are considering a cartridge adapter to add 5200 compatibility. He stated this in a recent podcast.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@Atarifan72 that would be cool

[@markdoyle9728]

Don't know if it's because I'm in the UK and have pal games but I do have Activision games that work. Pitfall 1. Empire strikes back. Hero and finally gi Joe or action force as it's called here all work

[@througtonsheirs_doctorwhol5914]

The DreamCast i bought 2 years ago still has no motor chip replacement available... so it's a lost money total of about 350$ wsith the games, controllers, memory cards i had bought... so buying an old Atari is scary to me... making me sad to say I'd rather get the Retron 77 for 119$+tx canadian from anazon at free shipping that's a good price (137$ CAN) so about 100-110$ Us

[@BullsDeepHook]

I'll stick to OG hardware on my CRT.

[@andrewdupuis1151]

there are nice however i like buildin it games like on atari flashback or Atari game station pro

[@jonathont5570]

Some of this data is outdated, activision worksmuch better now.

[@Atarifan72]

Why not get a gamestation pro if you want to play Atari roms on an SD card. The Retron was half-baked and not supported like the Atari 2600+. I sold my Retron and will never look back. On top of which the 2600+ is actually a 7800 and Retron doesn’t do that at all. I mean it’s worth the additional price just to be able to play 7800 games and now homebrew games. There’s no comparison imo. Good video.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I like the Retron 77 for the ability to use original controllers and paddles natively. I played night driver, demons to diamonds and super breakout with my original paddles from the 80s. Notice the jitter? Lol but yeah in most cases if you're interested in 5200, 7800, arcade and more the gamestation pro may be better. But my purpose of this video was to compare two consoles trying to serve the same purpose and give a positive beat for them both, but it's obvious one is superior!

[@OGHUGO]

Jon, "you're weiner" LOL