The Atari 7800 System offers you an extensive library of games at a price half that of the competition. Arcade classics, Thrilling action and adventure games. And exciting sports hits. And add to your 7800 game collection with the 7800's exclusive "super games" series which offers you the hottest titles from computer formats and arcades. And remember, the Atari 7800 system plays all Atari 2600 games. The Atari 7800 - The Choice of Experts
The Atari 7800 was released in 1986 to compete with the NES and the Sega Master System. It was to late for the once powerful Atari Corp. The really cool thing about this system, is that it is compatible with all 2600 games. The funny thing about all of these Atari systems is that they came out pretty close to one another. This may account for the huge lull in video game sales back in the mid-'80s until the original Nintendo came out. An interesting story is that Nintendo came to Atari with their 8-bit Famicom system and the deal was botched at the last minute by Atari. So instead of the Nintendo 8-bit from Atari, gamers were able to play games on the good, old 7800. The 7800 was compatible with the 2600 (but not the 5200) which was the main reason why the 5200 didn't succeed. Most of the games were similar to the NES but they didn't have as many colors and nothing really came close to Super Mario Bros. After the video game crash at the end of '83 Atari was left to single-handedly compete with the NES in 1985. Guess what happened.
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Atari 7800 Review: A Solid Console with Untapped Potential
Released in 1986, the Atari 7800 was the successor to the Atari 2600, and it was Atari's attempt to compete in the 16-bit era while maintaining compatibility with its legacy 8-bit games. The 7800 was marketed as a mid-generation console designed to take advantage of both backward compatibility and more powerful graphics, making it an interesting hybrid of past and future. Despite its promise, the Atari 7800 never gained the same widespread attention or success as some of its contemporaries, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or the Sega Master System.
Let's break down what worked and what didn't for the Atari 7800.
Design & Build
The Atari 7800's design is functional but not particularly striking. It features a boxy, no-nonsense look, with a matte black finish that was typical of many consoles from the 80s. The controller is a significant improvement over the Atari 2600, featuring a traditional joystick design with a single button. It's simple but effective, although it does feel a bit dated compared to the more ergonomic controllers that would come later.
One of the notable features of the 7800 was its backward compatibility with the Atari 2600, allowing players to enjoy a large library of classic games. This was a huge advantage for those already invested in the Atari ecosystem, but it also meant that the 7800 was somewhat tied to the past rather than offering a completely fresh start like its competitors.
Performance & Graphics
For its time, the Atari 7800 was a technically capable console. It supported up to 256 colors and offered improved graphics compared to the Atari 2600, providing more detailed environments and smoother animations. However, it still lagged behind other consoles like the NES, which had superior sound and graphics capabilities. The 7800's graphics were functional but lacked the polish that its competitors were able to offer in their games.
The system's sound was adequate but underwhelming, especially when compared to other consoles of the time. The 7800 didn't have the same rich, dynamic soundtracks or effects that could be found on the NES or Sega Master System, which made games feel a bit flat in comparison. Still, it was a noticeable improvement over the Atari 2600's primitive audio capabilities.
Games and Software
The Atari 7800 had a solid, if unspectacular, library of games. It had a decent mix of arcade ports, such as "Pole Position II", "Asteroids", and "Centipede", along with original titles like "Robotron: 2084" and "Galaga". However, the game library never really hit the same level of quality and variety that its competitors, like the NES, enjoyed. Despite being backward compatible with the Atari 2600, many players felt the 7800's library lacked the must-have exclusives that other systems offered.
The console's lack of third-party support was a critical issue. While it had several decent titles, it failed to attract many major developers, leaving the system's library relatively sparse compared to the NES or Sega Master System. The 7800 ultimately struggled to build the type of diverse and engaging catalog of games that would help it compete with Nintendo's rising dominance.
Backward Compatibility
One of the Atari 7800's strongest selling points was its backward compatibility with the Atari 2600 library. For owners of the 2600, this was an appealing feature, as it meant they could continue to enjoy their old games without the need for a separate console. While it was a great feature for long-time Atari fans, it also meant that the 7800 didn't offer a fresh start in the way other consoles like the NES did. It made the system feel somewhat tied to the past, which may have turned off players looking for something new and innovative.
Market Position & Legacy
Despite its backward compatibility and decent technical specifications, the Atari 7800 had a tough time competing with the NES and Sega Master System. Atari's poor marketing strategy, combined with the rising popularity of Nintendo, meant that the 7800 never achieved the same level of success. Additionally, Atari's reputation from previous console failures, like the Atari 5200, contributed to a lack of consumer confidence.
The Atari 7800 was discontinued in 1992, marking the end of Atari's foray into the 16-bit generation. Despite its short lifespan, the console has developed a cult following over the years, and it's often seen as an underrated classic. It remains an interesting relic of gaming history, representing an effort to recapture some of the magic of the Atari 2600 while attempting to compete in a rapidly evolving console market.
Limitations & Drawbacks
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Limited Game Library: While the Atari 7800 had some decent arcade ports, its library lacked the variety and quality of other consoles like the NES.
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Lack of Third-Party Support: The system struggled to attract major third-party developers, limiting its appeal to a broader audience.
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Weak Sound: The audio quality was underwhelming, especially when compared to the NES or Sega Master System, making the system feel less immersive.
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Poor Marketing: Atari's marketing efforts didn't do enough to distinguish the 7800 from its competitors, and it failed to generate the buzz needed to take off.
Final Verdict
The Atari 7800 was a solid system that could have been a strong contender in the mid-1980s gaming market. It offered backward compatibility with the Atari 2600, improved graphics, and a decent selection of arcade ports. However, the lack of a standout game library, limited third-party support, and weak marketing left it struggling to compete with the juggernaut that was the NES.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, the Atari 7800 is worth checking out, particularly if you're a fan of classic Atari games or are interested in consoles from this transitional period in gaming history. While it didn't achieve commercial success, the 7800 remains a nostalgic relic and an important chapter in Atari's legacy.
Score: 6/10
? A solid system with decent hardware and some great arcade ports, but it lacked the library and support needed to compete with Nintendo and Sega. Still, a worthy console for retro gaming fans.
Would you like to dive deeper into its game library or learn about other mid-generation consoles from the same era?
