Should I Buy an Atari 7800+

[@GenXX1976]

I’m going to grab one.

[@coppermutant]

Already bought one. Never had the original, and most of my vintage systems have horrible video out, so I look forward to getting it in the mail soon!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yeah, the hdmi is pretty awesome. I’m a big fan.

[@Kalamari-contra]

I’ll buy the 7800+ even though I already have the 2600+. It’s a better design and I’m old so I didn’t do the software upgrade on the 2600+

[@elmediodia]

Great video. I'll look into 7800+.

[@RikoRik33]

Was born a bit after the 7800 though look's kinda neat, probably will pick it up, hopefully Atari and fund some development for some newer 8-bit style 7800 games through their own teams or the community.

[@Boswd]

I'm glad they came out with the 7800 shell.... I already have an original 2600 modded with a retrotink but I want to play 7800 games. . I was about to breakdown and get the 2600+. now i can get it but still have something different. So i was one of those who was cheering this release.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Perfect timing then. Good things come to those who wait.

[@buckit7837]

The cool thing now that they have both we can pick the one we like the look of best

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Absolutely. I wish I had the choice when I first got mine. But I’m not mad it’s available now.

[@markracer3281]

Considering how you can have a spare system for $65 (after cart and controller costs) I have pre-ordered one!!!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I feel like they are tricking me into an upsell. But who wants to live forever, right?

[@PitfallHarry72]

It's sort of the same thing, but improved. It has more up to date, better internal hardware, and more up to date software to go with it. One of the improvements that attracts me is better paddle play, as in less jitter. If you've tried paddle games with the 2600+ you'll notice the paddle jitter problem. It's not terrible, but it's not smooth like on the original system. One of the games where it's VERY prominent is Super Breakout. The jitter is simply too much with that game for me to enjoy it. With this said, I'm going to wait for a while to see if there's a firmware update for the 2600+ that improves paddle play, but if not, I'll likely get the 7800+ and put the 2600+ on the shelf. I never had a 7800 as a kid, as by the time they came out I wasn't playing Atari games nearly as much, but hey, I'm always up for something new.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Ok, if it smooths out the paddles that would be great. It did make some of the games more difficult. So that alone might make it worth it. If you want you can always find way to play all the old 7800 games. The more exciting part is the homebrew scene.

[@ericinla65]

I ALREADY HAVE a modded original 7800 with a hard drive with every game ever made for it. Works great.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Then you, my friend, are set! That sounds pretty awesome.

[@markrotondella4689]

with a hard drive!?

[@jdd3786]

They really shoulda made a 5200+ next. That really woulda been a unique surprise. Imagine that monster console in miniature form.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I’m hoping but not holding my breath. I have been collecting games just in case it does ever happen though, heheh.

[@lachlanfraser3147]

Pros of the 7800 are the PAUSE button on console and the ports are on the front instead of the back

[@CoachTroyRetro]

The 2600+ can pause 7800 games using the B/W switch but it’s a little unwieldy. I do much prefer those front ports though.

[@b.o.4492]

I’m grabbing one. Hoping for a 5200+ someday.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I’m not holding my breath for the 5200+ but if it does ever release I’m going to be ecstatic!

[@b.o.4492]

@@CoachTroyRetro yeah I know it’s a total pipe dream, but would be an insta buy for me as well.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Me too, I’m stocking up on games just in case. The 5200 I’ve got now I’ve been unable to repair and I don’t want to risk money on another faulty one.

[@nicksterwixter]

I couldn't justify getting the 7800+ if I already have the 2600+. That being said, if you don't own either, than it's purely an aesthetic choice in my mind. I will say that I am really glad that Atari gave the 2600+ compatibility with 7800 games right out of the gate. This would have felt like an extra huge burn if that wasn't the case.

[@Mr.Chickenz]

Great video, well said! I for one am in favor of the 7800+! I like what Atari is doing. They’re giving options for buyers at a great price! Any modern retro systems I see out there is just the console and one controller. Atari throws in a game as well! They brought back an Atari experience like it’s yesteryear! Only it’s not because you’re playing on a crisp clear HDMI screen! So it’s even better. Anyway Coach Troy, just do it! Buy that 7800+ you won’t regret it and whatever you do don’t ditch the 2600+, it’s fantastic! One other difference is the 7800+ has an improved cartridge slot. A much more solid cartridge connection. I will also say the support they have for the plus series products is outstanding! They have gone above and beyond.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

The more solid connection is actually a selling point for me. I noticed some issues with the 2600+. I do like what they are doing with Atari, so I’m going to keep supporting. Atari 50 and the + consoles are pretty amazing. Much better than just doing plug n play consoles.

[@fireguyCO]

I'm getting the 7800+. I can't figure out how to do the update for the 2600+. So with the latest firmware updates I hope that will help play some of the games I can't play on the 2600+. Also I ordered Frenzy and Caverns Of Mars.

[@hsjmusic]

I'm getting the 7800+ even though I already have the 2600+ and haven't even took it out of the box yet. So I guess it will be the same with the 7800+ just keep it in the box on the shelf

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Oh you gotta at least break out some Centipede or Asteroids!

[@datassetteuser356]

I'm in the no camp for now as well, after the initial excitement settled down 😅. I'll get the game, I might get the wirless controllers and maybe, just maybe, I'll get the console when it'll be down to 70 or 60 bucks after a few months, or I'll buy it used, if at all. Also: do games with pokey chips now run and sound well on the 2600+? And for me, it'll also be interesting to know how PAL compatible it will be (I guess rather good, as it's basically using the 2600+ updates firmware, right)? So currently, it's a clear "meh" for me 😅

[@Mr.Chickenz]

If you purchase the game and the wireless controller, you might as well just get the console. 65 for the console 30 for the game 35 for the wireless controller = 130

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Not sure on the pokey chip compatibility. Haven’t heard anything yet. But that is my dilemma. Since I’m going to get the game and the controller anyways do I just buy the console for another $65?

[@allenantonio4389]

Coach, you need one

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That seems to be the consensus.

[@UncleGus]

Why don't they just release original hardware but with HDMI out?

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I’m guessing money. It’s gotta be cheaper this way.

[@Jasonv65]

I can’t justify buying a 7800+ and cartridges. If the cartridges weren’t so expensive it would have been much better option. There’s not much difference between the 2600+ and the 7800+ in my opinion, not mention the Gamestation Pro plays everything they do plus a lot of other console roms. It can’t play carts but I hate having to get up to change the cartridge when I want to switch games. Oh, one advantage the 7800+ has is it’s easier to dust/ clean it compared to the 2600+.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I enjoy collecting the cart. They aren’t too expensive or take up too much space.

[@Jasonv65]

@ I like having the physical carts too, just hate getting up and down to change carts. Not to mention having other consoles that already takes up a lot of room.

[@Spider_Rico]

"Should I buy an Atari 7800+" Yes.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Ha, well that settles it.

[@allenantonio4389]

Hell yeah

[@yllib2012]

Emulation rather than FPGA generally means Everdrives won't work. That is a deal breaker for me.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Yeah, that part is a bummer. I wonder what the price difference would be.

[@AloanMoreira1]

do new 2600 homebrews work in the 2600 plus?

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Some do, some don’t. Depending on how they were made. AtariAge is a great place to look to find info on specific games. I know people have been working on firmware updates to make them more compatible as well.

[@AloanMoreira1]

@@CoachTroyRetro Do you know at least if a game made using Batari basic can work though? thanks for the answer!

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I’m reading that it can but I haven’t personally tried it.

[@kyleshepard8894]

Atari will not make a 5200 plus. They said if you like the 5200; get the atari 400 mini which has the whole 5200 library and launch into the computer games. They deem this all the same.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

That’s too bad. But never say never, it may happen someday… heheh. I have been debating getting the 400. But just haven’t pulled that trigger yet either.

[@Junofirstdefender3394]

Yes. Just sell the 2600+ now and swing the money into that beautiful new 7800. Boom. Done.

[@CoachTroyRetro]

I see, it’s just that easy, heheh.

[@LanceHayabusa]

no cuz atari is shit

[@CoachTroyRetro]

Compelling argument.

[@whodafaqareyou]

No one's calling them sega genesis in 1985 levels of good. But, the history is there, it's made for fanatics and those who wish to experience the old era with a modern(and much needed touch) The only thing that's shit... Is the fact it's a dump and load system, it doesn't natively run the games. It emulates.