The 7800+ Experience is Flawed but is there an Alternative!

Hey guys, I know the 7800 plus has been covered to death, but I wanted to put my experience out there for everybody to enjoy, discuss and dispute! I have a feeling that I'll be in the minority but I wanted to get this alternative out for people feeling as I do. Plus this method will give you access to so much more than the 7800 plus can! But if you still want a 7800+ then herer is the link! I hope you enjoy it!
atari.com/prod...
And if you want the newest firmware, then go here!
forums.atariag...
If you want the experience I recommend in the video, then start with these links!
OGHUGO 2 Button Gamepad!
www.ebay.com/i...
Stock 7800 Consoles on eBay!
www.ebay.com/s...
7800 Game Drive (with RIkki & Vikki rom!)
stoneagegamer....
Mega 7800 Mega Drive/Genesis Controller Adapter!
stoneagegamer....
Check out Vinnie Vineyards channel, subscribe and tell him the Atari Network sent you!
/ @funkmasterv
And check out his video on Bounty Bob Strikes Back! The word on the street is that its better than mine!
• Atari 7800 Bounty Bob ...
or just watch mine instead! Its good I promise!
• Bounty Bob Strikes Bac...
And here's some more 7800+ related reviews!
• Atari 7800 Space Duel ...
• Bentley Bears Crystal ...
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Thanks for watching and please subscribe. It does way more than you'll ever know for me.
#atari #7800plus #retroHQ #retrogaming #videogames #atari7800

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Am I the only one that finds it hard to get excited about 3 Berserk style games (Berserk Enhanced, Berserk and Frenzy) and 2 asteroids games (space duel, asteroids deluxe)? It feels like wasted slots when they have access to alien brigade, planet smashers, time salvo, motor psycho, Harpy's curse, EXO, Dark Chambers, Knight Guy, Scrapyard Dog, Plumb Luck DX, and more! I think that's a big point I left out of the video!

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

@TheAtariNetwork Point one: Just because Atari has a game on the VCS does not mean they have the rights to release those games as cartridges. The people who made the games do not have to let Atari have physical publishing rights if they do not want to. Point two: Most people are not buying every single release. Pick which game you want and buy that one. If 7800 Berzerk is enough for you, then you do not have to buy other versions of Berzerk.

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

@@TheAtariNetwork And we know Atari is not done. They still have two more Bob DeCreczenso games and at least one enhanced 2600 to 7800 game being worked on. And I think maybe one more original game, but not sure on that one.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@jeremiahthomas8140 I feel like 3 versions of essentially the same game is excessive. And could be better used elsewhere. Especially when 2 of them were on one cart before. And the doors are open. I'm sure if they got the rights digitally it wouldn't be a stretch to get the rights physically. You just can't convince me that we need physical releases of Berzerk Enhanced, Berzerk and Frenzy all separate when resources could be used elsewhere. It feels wasteful and redundant

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@jeremiahthomas8140 yeah Frenzy Enhanced, a re-release of Asteroids and a brand new 2600 version of Space Duel lol.

[@Jolt7800]

Berserk is my favorite arcade game of all time, yet I find all the releases totally unnecessary. So many games they could be marketing.

[@adm712]

After 2 weeks, I unboxed my 7800 + today along with all new games. While I thought the system and new games were good, it lacked that excitement factor that the 2600 + had last year. Thanks for review and happy new year.

[@coppermutant]

$159 for a Game Drive, plus the price of a decent condition 7800/ProSystem that has 40 year old components inside. I understand this passion even though I am new to the 7800+ as I have it for Commodore 64 RPGs and text adventures, and all I ever see are arcade-y games released in modern retro devices like the C64 Mini/Maxi (usually cassette-based UK stuff). The Atari 400 Mini has the same issue. Your approach, while good for someone like me with a lot of old hardware (change my stacks of Commodore hardware to Atari) is probably price-prohibitive per current eBay prices for a decent-looking/"tested" 7800+ AND the Game Drive. You're likely to have some kind of technical issue like I just did with my Coleco Gemini's joystick port, and the only reason I use that still is for those ARM chip games. In short, it's great for Atari hobbyists who've already invested a lot in the old hardware, but for someone "new" to Atari like me (last one I had was a Vader in the 80s - and the Gemini which I dug out of storage because I thought I could play Zookeeper on the 7800+), the 7800+ is an affordable way to get into it.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@coppermutant I don't believe a 7800 and game drive is as prohibitive as you make it out to be. The game drive can be played on HDTVs with the cords at check out over at stone aged Gamer. It also comes with Rikki and Vikki a game that 7800+ owners will have to pay 400+ for just to find out it doesn't work. Then if 7800+ owners want alien brigade, planet smashers, midnight Mutants, motor psycho, and other late release 7800 games they'll have to shell out 500-1000 dollars. All of a sudden having a game drive that plays all these plus things the 7800+ never will like 1942, Ghost n Goblins, Rikki n Vikki, makes it a better long term value. But I agree it's a commitment that people will have to make up front regardless. I'm presenting this for somebody who's interest might've been peaked by the 7800+ but are either disappointed like I am or want a better overall experience.

[@coppermutant]

​@TheAtariNetwork Thanks for the reply, good points. There is a big Atari aftermarket and options there I am learning about, just as I learned how ARM chip 2600 titles wont work on the Plus systems. Also any kind of multi-cart that can expand and make cheaper your library that doesn't work on the 7800+ is another win.

[@equinox6384]

I like the +. Is it the best way to play? No. But it is one of the more convenient. Sometimes I just don't want to fire up the ol radiation king and it works pretty well in those instances and looks great through HDMI on a modern set. As far as the controller, that's a valid complaint, although an equal amount of people would probably be unhappy if they went changing it from the original euro pad. They're damned if they do there. As you said, different controller options are easy enough to come by.

[@Mohammed1000real]

It should've been using a real 7800 on a chip instead, also happy new year you hard working Atarian.

[@jsttv]

My wife got it for me for Christmas.

[@kranibal]

Love your content! Happy Holidays!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@kranibal I appreciate the kind words thank you so much

[@OGHUGO]

I agree with all of your statements, thanks !

[@chazb8948]

I'm sticking to my Old Atari 7800 Pro System and gamedrive and the Mega Drive adaptor for the controllers. The System works great! Got a controller from RetroGameBoyz. 7800 Plus I had my doubts on it, probably good. If my old one works why bother, just money go down the drain. I may get my Old 7800 a tune up just like I got my Lynx tuned up with new screen and parts on the board to keep it from going bad.

[@danestegman155]

Good video and review of the Atari 7800+ plus system! So far, I would say I was a little disappointed in the Atari 7800+! I have only tested it once! So, I will go back and try it again! I did have problems playing the Crystal Quest and Bounty Bob Strikes back 7800+ games! Took me a little while to get used to the Atari 7800+ wireless joysticks!

[@daleb4148]

It sure why you’d be disappointed in the 7800+. The good news is that with faster computer chips these days, the 7800+ loads the cartridge right away versus back in the 80’s it wasn’t instantaneous and you’d have to wait about 20 seconds for the cartridge to load.

[@urmie]

Great video. I wanted to update the firmware but it looks like it’s bricking systems if you look on AA. I’d say out of the box, it’s “fine”, but like you said, could be way better.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@urmie yeah the firmware update gave me some issues and I gave up. Sounds like that was the smart choice!

[@Bearcade]

I have been wanting a 7800 or 7800 + for a while.

[@cnk9822]

I just bought one and i think its awesome, it's kindda disspointing that the console is not compatible with everdrives, i'm from Spain and in this region the 7800 was a very rare console, so finding cool 7800 games (heck even 2600 games are very uncommon) is very rare. I purchased a copy of food fight and berserk form atari themselfs, i love the console but yeah, not supporting everdrives was a mistake by Atari, hope it can be fixed with and update in the future.

[@Androsynth75]

The gamedrive is a great option -if you already have an old school setup. I think the main appeal of the 7800+ is the fact that it outputs in HDMI and plays everything except for the ARM based Champ Games 2600 stuff pretty affordably. It's also a lot cheaper than the Game drive plus an original 7800, old school tube TV and a new power supply and the like. Frankly, I don't WANT to deal with old, unreliable TVs anymore, as they fail often, take up tons of space etc. Had a big pile of spares, all of them failed due to age, and component video just doesn't cut it these days. To hook it all up to a modern TV flatscreen I'd need another $200 for a good upscaler like a retrotink. To my mind, the main advantage of the 7800+ is future proofing the console. It's a niche product, for sure, but I think it's a pretty playable out of the box solution for most folks.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@Androsynth75 great argument. I feel the game drive will be cheaper in the short term and can run off an HDTV bringing it into the future. But there is no arguing against (the initial) ease of use of the 7800+ and cheaper up front cost

[@southtexasatlatl]

I already bought the 2600+ last year, so I wasn't interested in the 7800+. Later got a S-video modded 7800 for playing carts and the GD 7800. S-video looks great. I have the GD connected via RGB SCART to my Retrotink 5X, looks fantastic!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@southtexasatlatl I've loved having an A/V and S-modded 7800 but I don't think that's an option that many people will go for. I love that the 7800 game drive gives an HD method for hook up just as a simple solution. But I absolutely recommend going the modded route like @southtexasatlatl here!

[@sixersfan105.]

Got a chuckle out of your inventive pronunciation of "plethora" but thanks for your take on the 7800+!

[@supermegagrafx64]

Great video. Love my 7800+ but the gamedrive seems very cool as well. Thank you for sharing my love of this strange little console.

[@hjk7833]

Some thoughts and then some questions Thoughts: Telling someone who is interested in getting into the 7800 experience that they should start with classic hardware and the GameDrive rather than the 7800+ is sort of like telling someone, "Linux is so much easier than Windows or Mac!" If you are deeply invested enough, such that you are willing to go through the hassle of procuring and repairing old hardware, then procuring various new hardware to modify the old hardware, then fiddling with downloading firmware and ROMS, then the GameDrive is probably the better experience. But, let's be honest, that is a lot of hassle compared with just plugging in a 7800+ and firing it up. Let's not forget that old 7800 hardware is prone to fail, and replacing the buttons and proprietary charger is a real hassle. Not to mention the fact that the 7800+ is less expensive than the Gamedrive alone. I have two old 7800 consoles. One has non-functional buttons. The other has a power button that is on the verge of crapping out. So I'm considering picking up a 7800+, rather than fiddling with repairing my old one. Which brings me to my questions.

[@theNZSPY]

Yes, I agree the game selection could have been better, I took me a while to figure out how to do that run jump on Bentley Bear and was about to give up on it (and like you said I think a number of people will just be disappointed and give up on it), I persevered as I watched a number of reviews and couldn't figure out how people where getting so far in the game. It wasn't until watching your video that I decided to try playing it with my profile controller.. Once I had the "run, jump" sorted with that controller, I switched back to the Wiresless CX78 that ships with the 7800+ and have no go the hang of doing the double press on that control. I think it would have been much easier to play if they had made and option to have up as jump, button 1 as fire and button 2 as run etc. And yes agree the release selection seams a bit weak, we already got the Berserk Enhanced with the 2600+ release, Astroids deluxe is good, and yes Frenzy and Space Duel are great games, but as they are sequels etc, Game play is pretty much the same. So would have been nice to see something from a different genre etc.. But at the end of the day I love my 7800+ (and prefer it over the 2600+ I never like the wood grain look)

[@cyrollan]

thank you for the honest take on the 7800+. i think you've successfully swayed me away from wanting one. the VCS is treating me great though!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@cyrollan I'm glad your enjoying the VCS! I'm sure there are lots of people enjoying the 7800+ and I would probably like it a lot more if I hadn't purchased a game drive earlier in the year and if OGHUGO didn't send me all these awesome controllers!

[@ecdhe]

The 7800+ is sold at a decent price, and it seems like Atari sold quite a lot of 2600+. So I'm wondering how come Atari hasn't released more titles. You have tens of thousands of new 2600+/7800+ owners who obviously want good games. As far as the choice of Bentley Bear Crystal Quest as a pack-in game, one possible reason is a financial one: it's using Atari intellectual property, allowing them to pay less for the game (Bob DeCrescenzo admitted Atari brought that up when they purchased the rights for the game).

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@ecdhe I just feel like they are too nervous to mess with some things but they shouldn't be. Moving the buttons a bit closer on the CX78+ would be so smart. And during Ataris past failures they were releasing the same games over and over for the 2600, 8 bits, 5200 etc. And it made sense because they were different platforms but today it feels so weird. To have Berzerk Enhanced, Berzerk and Frenzy as 3 separate releases. It kills the excitement a bit but many people disagree and that makes me feel better! Still I hope they aren't repeating mistakes....

[@ecdhe]

@@TheAtariNetwork given the health of the 7800 homebrew ecosystem (with fresh games, not just ports of old games), one would think it would be a good thing to buy the best homebrew games and sell them ASAP. Hiring DeCrescenzo was a smart move on Atari's part, but he can only produce so many games. And I still think that the 2600+/7800+ is missing an online game store.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

​@@ecdheThat's going to be happening.

[@ecdhe]

@@DaveMoorland-zv3tn do you have insider information or that's just a hunch?

[@tomevil6]

Very interesting, I love 7800 games but I do not have a 7800+, the only official way I can play them is on my VCS . Great video as always!

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@tomevil6 VCS is another alternative that is actually cheaper in the long run. That is if you plan on spending 200-300 on alien brigade, planet smashers, etc.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

They'll get re-issued though. Songbird is doing a run of ATARI Karts for the ATARI Jaguar, so anything's possible.

[@ThePbrook1967]

Very well done sir! I thought about getting one but when I heard you can't use the Gamedrive, hell naw!

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

I had the same fear about the CX78 controller. But I honestly don't have much trouble pressing both buttons at the same time, and I have pretty stubby thumbs. I had hoped Atari would have done a slight redesign of the pad to make the buttons closer. I hope it's not as big a deal as I feared with most folks.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@KrunchyTheClown78 I couldn't get it to work the way I wanted but most people don't seem to have that issue which I'm happy about! I just wish I didn't but at least I got alternatives so it's all good!

[@Ralph-r2i]

You have to use your fingers.. on the buttons …for Bentley… but playing old 2600 titles just feels weird ass hell… I just use my joysticks

[@KrunchyTheClown78]

@@Ralph-r2i Which is unfortunate. Websites like RetroGameBoyz have NES controllers that that have the 7800 plug on the end if you are interested in alternatives.

[@saurondp]

The point of the "+" releases is to give people who may either have an already existing collection of 2600/7800 games or those interested in joining that group of collectors an inexpensive and hassle-free way of getting their foot in the door. The 7800+ is not a be all//end all replacement for the original system. Those who are either brand new or have a long-lost acquaintance with the system will find it much easier and cheaper to get up and running with a 7800+ than by getting an original model + 7800GD + the appropriate cables would allow. And the rarer games be damned, most interest will obviously be centered on the more popular games, both original and homebrew. The only game that newcomers are really missing out on is Rikki & Vikki. It's a shame that they couldn't make the system work with that game. Hopefully that problem can be solved by a future revision of the 7800+ that can probably read that game. As far as Atari's underwhelming collection of new-old carts available, well, there's only so many homebrewers making games. More will become available later, I'm sure.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@saurondp after talking to Osman it's all but officially confirmed that Rikki and Vikki will not be compatible with the 7800+ under any future revisions. Hopefully something can change but in my private dealings it was stressed pretty convincingly that nothing could be done...

[@Atariatari-ky9te]

Does anybody know if it shows that line on the top on the 7800 version of dig dug using an Atari 7800 plus? I know the 7800 plus comes with the updated 2.0.

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Hot dog a new video christmas is here! Lol happy holidays everyone, even though i have yet to see a review of CAVE LORDS for the atari 400 mini.😢🎉🎉🎉🎉 Lol when is the next live stream?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@rameybutler-hm7nx I'm hoping to do something with Vinnie new years day. But if that doesn't pan out I'll do a stream regardless. I miss you guys! Oh and I have it on a list I swear! I just don't know when I'll get to it...

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I just wrote it down and circled it on the content list. Next video is mortal Kombat on the jag but after that I will do cave lord! .... I hope ...

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Lol take your time, i can wait😂😂😂, hey i just had a idea for one of your videos: a comparison between the 7800 and the XE system to see what was more powerful games, sound etc.. i think that may be a good one to do. Enjoy your day we love you and the channel!❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@g4z-kb7ct]

I already have a 2600+ and I don't see any reason to drop almost 200 bucks (in my country) on a 7800+ with the limits and restrictions it has. At this stage i'll wait for the price-slashing bottom-of-the-barrel sales before I get a 7800+

[@ThePbrook1967]

I have my 7800 Gamedrive and cable!!! I love it!

[@JPF_997]

I had a feeling this would be the case, it's obvious they rushed the 7800+ out the door in order to get those sweet Christmas sales. Anyone interested in buying one should wait until next year, maybe three or four more months from now ( after several firmware updates) it will finally be worth owning one.

[@Jolt7800]

There is no one I trust more or who’s opinion I respect concerning the 7800+ than The 7800 ProGamer. I was thinking of getting the 7800+ as a back up, but I will just rely on my two original 7800s for the time being.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@Jolt7800 I appreciate that. But by all means do your own research my opinion is just that. My opinion. I always appreciate your support though Jolt it means a ton!

[@mindthreatx]

Bottom line: Atari doesn’t really care what we want. Ayyyy it must be the moneyyy…

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I mean... Yeah. But they have a bubble at AtariAge telling them they are great and that seems to be the feedback they want and concern themselves with.

[@JPF_997]

​​@@TheAtariNetwork I got banned from Atari Age a week ago just for making a topic stating that Atari Corporation was the true successor to Atari Inc ( the original company ) and not Atari Games ( aka Tengen ). It's a shame really , I like the site and most of the community there but all it takes is one trigger happy mod going after you and you can kiss your account goodbye.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@MrFernandes97 I was accused of being somebody I wasn't for stating that putt 18 was a fun game even if it's simplistic. Apparently that was enough to be ignored and pushed out which (in part) led to me making this KZbin channel. So I understand completely that the community can turn on you at the drop of a dime.

[@JPF_997]

​​@@TheAtariNetworkThanks for responding. Yeah unfortunately I had a pretty similar experience to yours in this past week, I never expected that such a trivial topic could get me banned from the site on Christmas Eve of all days... not exactly the Christmas present I wanted to receive that day ... Hopefully with Atari moving back to the States next year maybe that will have a positive influence on Atari Age going forward. On a more positive note this year was absolutely fantastic for Atari software wise and I have no doubt they will keep that momentum going into next year. Cheers friend and have a happy new year 🥂

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@MrFernandes97 same to you! I'm sometimes critical of Atari but only because I love the company and the history. Overall 2024 has been amazing as a fan and I'm glad to have them in this capacity! I hope you and everyone had a great new year!

[@decadentdave]

I guess I’m lucky I have large hands and long fingers. I had no issues using the 2-button run/jump on Bentley Bear ala Super Mario Bros.

[@jh5124]

the 2600+ updates are on the official Atari website I do believe now for a couple months.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

It is but in a blog post from October and not the product page. At least it's easily searchable from Google now. I just don't understand why it isn't front and center somewhere. It feels like something they are hiding. But I do stand corrected you can dig through blog posts from atari.com or Google search Atari 2600+ firmware update to find it. Or just click below... atari.com/blogs/newsroom/updating-atari-2600-firmware?srsltid=AfmBOooNN2rQUNnj44D7ym_5CnVIkAGYFcSSy-QZANySWIDCjl_QYeAx

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

It's really not hard at all. Just follow the steps. I had no issues updating whatsoever.

[@Ralph-r2i]

I opened up mine Christmas morning… it’s better than the 2600 plus…. Plays all myAtari age games except one…. The controller is terrible for Bentley that’s for sure.why does astroblast seem so much harder on these consoles? I have had that game for 30 years and it’s never beat me down so bad …

[@davemoffett3657]

will the cx78 work with the atari flashback 12

[@stevew8513]

I bought myself the 7800+ for Christmas, it came in yesterday. I never owned a European controller. I plugged in the 7800+, tried the Bentley Bear game, and hated it. For some reason the fire buttons don't do anything, and I couldn't stop jumping constantly. I turned it off within a minute, it felt unplayable. It suddenly occurred to me as I'm looking around for my old 7800 games is that I have no idea where on Earth they are. I have just about the entire library other than Motor Psycho, the two Froggo games, and any sports titles. My old carts are in storage somewhere, I haven't played them in 20 years. I do have loads of weird, oddball Atari 2600 carts that I can play on it (I keep coming across pirates and foreign releases lately) that are within reach, but I haven't seen my 7800 stuff in a long time. Takes the excitement out of the purchase of the 7800+. I wouldn't mind getting a Flash cart, if its not a nightmare to use. I own an old Intelliivision flash cart that has a serial cable coming out of it, getting it to work on a Mac was brutal. That guy only made 100 of those if I recall, and I think I was the only Mac user to buy one, so only myself and the programmer who wrote it were the only ones that ever used the program that moved ROMs to the cartridge. That misery has put me off flash carts, even though they're Micro-SD card driven now.

[@OptimusNiaa]

Regarding Bentley Bear, try setting the difficulty switches as follows (before powering on the game) Left: A Right: B The left being on A activates 2-button mode. (Otherwise up on the stick/d-pad is jump.) The right controls which button does what in 2-button mode.

[@cryptocoffee13]

I like the 7800+ and the games they have put out for it so far. I do wish they would've made it public that both Frenzy and Berzerk were on each cart but I get why they didn't. It is good to see these classic games in the 7800 format. I do like Crystal Quest, but yes, the CX-78 is a pain to use with it. I am hoping future firmware will allow more 3rd party controllers. They did releade Fatal Run, Ninja Golf and Food Fight, I guess you can count Bounty Bob Strikes Back also. The wireless dongle is a nice touch too. I think they need to find a way to provide better, updated controllers or an adapter to be able to use USB controllers on the unit. I hope they have more 7800 titles coming in 2025 including homebrews. Everyone wants these things to come fast, but in reality, these things take time to accomplish, so many moving parts, licensing, production, distribution etc. The 7800+ is also nice to have for those that have the OG carts to play and just don't want to drag out and connect their OG unit perhaps, or never had a 7800 back in the day, they can now have one for a good price and buy some games right away. It's not perfect for sure, but it is the best retro experience for Atari right now.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@cryptocoffee13 they definitely have more titles coming. I just hope they give a little more variety. The releases feel like the same thing over and over and I don't know why they choose that path. I hope it was a strategic move and not poor foresight. I'm glad so many people are enjoying the 7800+ but if somebody isn't (and they want a "better" experience) I hope they try the alternative.

[@tedadamgreen]

Sounds like a great alternative thanks for sharing! 👊🏻🕹️😎

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@tedadamgreen thanks for watching!

[@johneygd]

Am fine with my original 7800. Yes it does not have av but likely i do have an rf demodulator to convert rf into composite video. (i was always dreaming about such device) If’s sadly now the best quality am mean with a professional rf demodulator the quality can be much better. But that fuzzyness image do add to the retro nostalgia experience so that’s that😁 Also i do have a whole library of games for it including all nintendo games for it😁👍

[@drewchaboo719]

Thank you for this I wish here a flash card for the system soon we can use

[@TheAtariNetwork]

It is possible and one was already made but out of production now. So all it takes is somebody with the capability to see the value in it and to produce it...

[@delfmeek5481]

I pretty much agree. I like the idea of the 7800 plus but some of the games I want to play don't work on it, so I'm back to my original 7800 setup. I'm also not sure of Status long term plans for this stuff. In a year, will there be new firmware updates or will this stuff be just a flash in the pan?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@delfmeek5481 so the firmware probably won't have any official but if you dig around on AtariAge forums they will be there. Why they do it like this idk because it alienates a ton of people who don't lurk there. There are more releases planned but no guarantees that they will be anything new or any of the games that are outrageous on eBay. It could end up being already available AtariAge homebrew or more already widely available games. I hope not but I'm not too confident in Ataris decision making process with this console.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

There's literally only a handful of games that don't work. The whine is very real.

[@delfmeek5481]

@@DaveMoorland-zv3tn and those are the games I want to play.

[@hjk7833]

Questions: 1) Does the 7800+ work with periferals like the Seagull78? 2) Does it support save states? That would be a nice bonus. 3) Can you use the Gamedrive or other multi-carts on it? How about Rikki and Vikki? Thanks in advance for any answers to these questions anyone can provide.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Question 1 I don't have an answer as I don't have the seagull right now. I do but I can't find it I should say Question 2 there is no support for save states that I found... Question 3 game drive and concerto flash carts are NOT compatible. Neither is Rikki and Vikki and I was told by sources close to that game that it probably will never be supported. It's possible the game could run but the sound is almost completely out of the question I hope that helps a little bit. There is a flash cart called dragon fly that works on the 7800+ but it's out of production, rare and expensive...

[@80skid61]

I put my 7800+ back in my closet when I found out I couldn't play any of my Champ games cartridges. If Atari fixes the issue I'll pull it back out.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@80skid61 that's a huge issue and one I don't think will be remedied. I completely forgot to mention that and the fact that Rikki n Vikki will never run on the 7800+. Thank you for bringing it up I'll do a short on the topic.

[@Ralph-r2i]

It does play ladybug , but none of the others ,,, which totally blows

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

I've read on Atari Age that the developer is open to ATARI to bring Ricky and Vicky. Nothing's impossible.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@DaveMoorland-zv3tn i talk to Osman the creator of Rikki and Vikki personally and it's literally impossible. They are not interested in using bup system they use Stella and Stella can't support Rikki and Vikki. Sorry

[@mindthreatx]

I didnr even notice the button issue but I guess I have an unusually large thumb? I love the controllers. It’s actually the best thing about it imo. There are so many other issues though.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I'm beginning to think my hands are "dainty"

[@mityace]

I agree that the CX-78+ is a bit of a dud. But, I HATE D-pads. I plan to dig up one of my Pro-Line joystick as that is a much better control. So, for me, the Genesis adapter would only work for the fight stick type controllers. My favorite short-stick controller is the OG ColecoVision controller. Now that can be used for 2600 games as the left had fire button is the same as the 2600 stick's button. I've never tried it with a 7800 as I came to the 7800 long after it's run. IMO, the 7800 is one of two consoles that Atari should have come out with instead of the 5200. The other is the XE-GS, the consolized version of the Atari 8-bit computer. When it was new, I had no use for the 7800 as I consider it of similar caliber to the ColecoVison and inferior to the NES. Plus, the games library was always sparse. The homebrew stuff doesn't thrill be either as I am a collector and preservationist. So, I'm only interested in OG equipment and cartridges. My use of the 7800+ is to reduce wear and tear on my 7800 so the memory/video cart doesn't solve my issue. Also, other than the firmware that I have on them, I regard it as functionally identical to the 2600+. And, I'll mainly be playing 2600 games on mine.

[@jasonfrowe]

I have the 2600+, a modded 7800 with game drive and Misterfpga. I decided to skip the 7800+ based on my experience with the 2600+. The 2600+ is rarely used because it suffers from input lag and poor/no support for paddles and other accessories. Otherwise I would use it much more. I use the Mister for most games but real hardware has 3 advantages: Champ Games, Save States with the GameDrive and Rikki+Vikki has a soundtrack. The Mister has better video, better controller support and works better with my television due to sync issues with scalers and some early 2600 games.

[@Eilghuk]

Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest is absolutely difficult to play with the CX78 controller. Still enjoying the game though.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@Eilghuk finally somebody who agrees with me!

[@davidrin3566]

I really need these modern consoles to be compatible with Melody Boards. My copy of Deepstone Catacomb is on one of these boards and it's only compatible with original hardware. Now that Atari owns Atari Age, do the world a favor and make systems that can handle all of the Homebrew you just took over

[@davidbailey5212]

I finally figured out how to update the 2600+ so it will play Bentley Bear. The buttons are Too FAR APART. The only way I can run and jump is to hold the controller in a weird like crab grasp. Bummer.

[@coderlicious6565]

I'm going to get one probably, but I'm a little dismayed that there a few games that you can no longer get brand new such as Defender. Don't like having to search ebay, amazon used stuff, etc.. for user cartridges. Great video, though, thanmk you

[@TheAtariNetwork]

More cartridges will be coming but there is no guarantee that defender will be one of them

[@RikoRik33]

I was born later after the 7800 had come and gone and overall while I had some enjoyment, the lineup I felt was weak and alot of the games id like to see are just not there. I like older games because they are simple, and relaxing at point and it's always cool to see what older tech can do, though being brand new to it with what's in offer it's a bit miss at the moment. Also really did not like Yars Rising, mostly due to the voice direction and style, would rather play Metroid dread.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@RikoRik33 thanks for your input and thanks for watching! Oh and I completely agree with Yars Rising voice direction and style but if you can get past that there's a fun, if not by the numbers Metroidvania!

[@Mikelp73]

Ninja golf isn’t playable. My character stops moving at random and has even jumped back to the start of the screen. I’ll be doing good then it’s like the game decides to stop me so I can be overwhelmed by ninjas. This is the main problem for me and I do agree about the buttons being too far apart. It’s frustrating

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

I have yet to ever play Crystal Quest. So I am opening up my 7800+, pulling out Crystal Quest, and plugging it into my original 7800 to play it with an original CX-78 JoyPad.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@jeremiahthomas8140 it's great if you like the adventure island of platformers. Not perfect but pretty great!

[@cyrollan]

@@TheAtariNetwork i bought it for the VCS and have a few gripes. the main one is that the jump button is also the shoot crystal button. i still can't master the controls.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@cyrollan sounds like it's in 1 button mode. There should be a dedicated button for shooting crystals and a dedicated button for jumping but I'm not sure how you change it on the VCS. On the 7800 you switch the difficulty switch and reset the game

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

@@TheAtariNetwork I have been playing for a little over an hour and have made it to level 5 round 2. It does not seem like the CX-78 is impediment to me.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

I just couldn't roll my dainty thumb over enough to throw gems compared to using the mega adapter and a Genesis 6 button controller or using the OGHUGO 2 button pad. I had to awkwardly hold the controller with two fingers on the buttons to run and throw gems. But maybe it's a me issue. I have a lot of those

[@g4z-kb7ct]

Your alternative is over-hyped and over-priced. The real alternative is to use one of those cheap 50 dollar ARM chinese TV boxes that comes with 60000 games all accessible from a nice graphical ui. Adding more is as simple as copying across the roms. Plug in a wireless xbox360 controller, sit back on the couch and enjoy it with near perfect emulation of any 8-bit and 16-bit console game you can think of while grinning from ear to ear for many hours :-)

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@g4z-kb7ct an alternative to be sure but I've never enjoyed those units. Even back in the day with my modded OG Xbox you get overwhelmed by the choices. This is an idea for somebody that wants real hardware and a specific console with the ability to download and play works in progress and also using original carts when the mood strikes. Admittedly that would be through RF. There's something to be said for small, cultivated collections of either games or roms. Much like people endlessly searching Netflix, there's a such thing as being overwhelmed by options. Not to mention the dubious quality of some of those units.

[@g4z-kb7ct]

@@TheAtariNetwork The tv boxes are all older official products just re-used.... stock android tv boxes with a sdcard in the slot that loads batocera or emuelec.... nothing dodgy about any of them. I would rather have access to any game I want and take some years to discover all of them than pay todays prices for 7800 carts, they are stupidly expensive even the junk games.

[@sdamon]

Is the OG 7800 + GameDrive a better experience than the 7800+? Sure. But it’s really an enthusiasts choice. Atari was clearly trying to provide an entry level option for people who don’t want to hunt down an old 7800, an obscure cable, a TV that works with that cable, and a pricy multicart.

[@Metro-vq3zl]

Bought my first og 7800 last week with all cables included about a dozen games great working paddle controllers and one og working joystick. Works to perfection. I paid 120 for system and 15 shipping. It took me less than 5 minutes to find on ebay. Not hard to hunt down at all. It also came from a person with a 99 percent rating and a 30 day return policy. Very simple to get. I do suggest if anyone goes to ebay they get at least a 14 day return. Many people say system works great and no return policy and when getting a system it does not work.

[@sdamon]

@ That’s awesome! Enjoy!

[@nomorecontinues6564]

@@Metro-vq3zlAwesome that you found that deal, but the original commenter has a point. If you want to take advantage of the AV out feature of this multicart, it’s around $200 US or more for the multicart and compatible video cable. AND your TV needs to accept a component input.

[@Metro-vq3zl]

@nomorecontinues6564 agreed yet I'm using an old school crt. I have not decided on what multicart to get yet. Much less expensive options but no doubt the one he mentioned is by far the best. I like the idea of saving anywhere at anytime. On my 2600s systems I use a harmony cartridge wich also works with the 7800 but only for 2600 games. Many options around yet I'll probably lay out money for the best. Crazy thing is I mainly play 2600 old school games or top of line new pc games. Really got the 7800 for a game called super circus wich is a spinoff of circus Atari on 2600 plus needed another system for Warlords cause I have over 10 friends that love that game. Wish u well and happy new year.

[@mikewest6569]

Best thing to do is just download the ROMs and play them in an emulator. Save tons of money, as most of these games don't have staying power. Also, you don't clog up your house with a load of worthless rubbish. 90 percent of the games are available for download.

[@Heka41]

I’m loving all this Atari coverage. And I don’t like anything.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@Heka41 lol

[@Mechanicoid]

Why even get a game drive, when theres Mister or Analogue Pocket? The Pocket is a cheaper alternative and uses HDMI.

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

You didn't get a V.I.P. box, did you?

[@TheAtariNetwork]

No I'm not a big enough channel and I don't think they are convinced that I give the type of coverage they want. But full disclosure I do get review codes from time to time

[@DaveMoorland-zv3tn]

I thought this channels would have got the V.I.P. box. Your homebrew features are excellent. I enjoyed the 7800+ and the games. You're forgetting that this will be the first time many have even played these games. We know more is coming too. I see it as a gateway into the 7800 scene. If people want to, they can get a real 7800. I agree with the CX78's buttons being too close together though, but it's way better than the pain-line.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@DaveMoorland-zv3tn oh yes it is great introducing new people to the 7800. I just hope they stay and hoping for more excitement. Maybe I'm jaded as a long term existing fans but as long as people are enjoying it, I'm happy!

[@g4z-kb7ct]

No, the goal of the Atari network is to milk people for everything they can get by doing re-runs of old games that people already played 30 years ago. Additionally their support for paddles is still broken because they designed the unit using a cheap Rockchip which doesn't have a good adc in it and is too laggy to be useful. It's a real shame they refused to support multi-game carts which proves their bottom line is milking dollars from the retro community with inferior cheap chinese products :-/

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@g4z-kb7ct damn somebody found out my paddle and multi cart scheme. Time to pack up guys there's no more milk in these teets

[@g4z-kb7ct]

@@TheAtariNetwork There are ways around it by using a Pi Pico to emulate the rom and bankswitcing but it's a bit limiting due to the Pico not having much on-board memory. I'll stick with my original composite-modded 2600 which plays everything just fine on my 32" Sony Wega CRT ;-)

[@ataribowlingcgc4465]

The 7800+ is a total dud. It has lag issues and the controller is a waste. I already have the Edladdin Dual controller which exceeds the quality of any other controller out there and makes for a perfect gaming experience.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

@@ataribowlingcgc4465 I mean you said it not me... Good as an introduction but far from the best way to play 7800 IMHO

[@ataribowlingcgc4465]

@@TheAtariNetwork 100% agreed and I don't even know who the target market is for this product. It is too much effort for a casual gamer and anyone who knows the 7800 will notice the issues with this system.

[@daleb4148]

And yet you got suckered into buying it anyway. And you purport to be a 7800 fan for many decades.

[@ataribowlingcgc4465]

@@daleb4148 I didn't buy it. I got a free copy to review!

[@ataribowlingcgc4465]

@@daleb4148 I received a copy to review and did not pay anything for it. You're not very intelligent, are you?

[@SmackJs]

In my opinion. Purest . The plus line sucks

[@daleb4148]

I’m not sure why this guy who did this video bought a 7800+. A stock 7800 is much better. The 7800+ takes 10-20 seconds to load the cartridge, emulation, potential for input lag, etc. What did you expect?

[@daleb4148]

It’s like someone selling you a massively inferior product and you decide to buy it anyway, thus helping the company push out more product.

[@talon12020]

Please stop saying "heck" so often. It quickly became distracting.

[@TheAtariNetwork]

Heck I'm sorry! I dunno what the heck is wrong with me but when I listened back you are absolutely right. I'll be more conscious of my filler words. And heck I'm just plain sorry!

[@daleb4148]

Why did you even buy this?

[@2012JvN]

Why is everybody talking about "Atari" as if it really was Atari?

[@JPF_997]

Because it really is Atari... Modern Atari has lineage dating back to the original company, basically it goes like this : Atari Inc ( 1972 - 1984 ) Atari Corporation (1984- 1996 ) Atari JTS ( 1996-1998 ) Atari Hasbro (1998-2001 ) Atari Infogrames ( 2001-2013 ) Atari SA ( 2013 - present day )

[@PT-vv3ep]

7800 2600 sound chip,weak graphics who cares