Please talk me out of wanting an Atari 5200

[diskoboy]

I've wanted one for so long, but have heard so many horror stories, and have been hesitant, say the least. But the craving to buy a new console hits, and you just cant resist it's call...

So give me all your 5200 stories - good or bad, because I'm about to start hitting up Ebay.

Recommendations on what to buy. What not to buy. I'm talking peripherals, controllers,games, whether I should buy the 2 or 4-port model - the works.... I WANNA KNOW THE 5200 LIKE THE BACK OF MY HAND....

[dao2]

http://www.lolsauce.com/RandomBS/Atari%205200.jpg

[Leo_A]

First of all, get it modded with a 8 Bit Domain video circuit for decent composite and s-video out. If it's a 4 port, have it modded at the same time to use a normal power supply rather than the hybrid RF/Power box it originally used that your getting rid of for decent video. If it's a 2 port, it doesn't need the power supply modded when you get the video mod done, but make sure a 4 port bios is installed for full compatibility (This might be unnecessary, I'm forgetting exactly what benefit this has, and if I have it backwards).

Next, the stock controllers are fine for most games, but most will be more or less dead on arrival, or poorly rebuilt. Order repair parts from Best Electronics, not only will your controller act like its 1982 again, but it won't be dead a year later like back in the day and will survive for years and also not die from inactivity. I believe OldSchoolGamer can take care of most, if not all of this system modding and controller rebuilding for you. He's also a DigitalPress and AtariAge user.

http://oldschoolgamer.ca/information.aspx?SID=19

Next, buy the AtariMax USB multicart and go to AtariAge and download their 5200 roms (Not even really illegal since Atari and Activision are aware they're there and turn their head to it rather than officially (AFAIK) condone it in writing or ask for their removal), and the other companies don't exist or don't know they ever developed for the thing now anyways. Also hunt around their forums, there's some nice homebrews and a lot of Atari 8 bit computer conversions for the 5200 available there if you dig around.

http://atarimax.com/usb5200/documentation/

Then go into AtariAge's store and at least buy Adventure II, even though the other three releases available are great as well.

http://www.atariage.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=22_35

And the hard part. Some 5200 games are best played with a digital controller. You'll want to someday track something down like one of AtariAge's Redemption adapters (Out of production sadly now), a Competition Pro Joystick, a Masterplay Interface (Allows use of 2600 controllers on it), or a Wico Command Control.

Down the road, if you fall in love with Miner 2049er on your USB multicart, consider 8BitDomain's multicart. It's inferior and mostly useless to you if you already own AtariMax's, being forced to just play the games included on it rather than your own for example (As far as I know its not reprogrammable like AtariMax's). But it includes Miner's sequel, Bounty Bob Strikes Back. BBSB's backswitching routine is not supported by AtariMax's USB multicart, the sole advantage 8BitDomain's has over it (Being inferior to AtariMax's otherwise). It's one of the system's greatest games, and it's hundreds of dollars cheaper buying the multicart than buying the original cart on Ebay. Only do this if you fall in love with Miner 2049er.

Also the track-ball controller for the system is great, the best any console system has seen in my opinion. It makes the 5200 the best home console to play Centipede, Millipede, and Missile Command on. Very much worth the cost in time and money in tracking down a operable 5200 track-ball.

You also might want to consider getting a second stock 5200 stick rebuilt if you weren't planning on it if you just want to play solo, and a 5200 joystick coupler to play Space Dungeon (One of the system's gems) and Robotron 2084 with proper 2 stick control.

If your planning (I doubt you are) to use the 2600 adapter to play 2600 games on your 5200. I believe (But I'm not 100% sure) that you can't use the modded system's video out for the 2600 adapter, just the original sucky rf out. Also, 2 ports and some later run 4 port systems are the only 5200's compatible with the 2600 adapter out of the box without some modifications. I'd suggest avoiding it completely, especially if you already have a 2600 or 7800 (I'd suggest investing in a 8 Bit Domain video circuit for your 7800, or 2600 if you don't have a 7800, someday as well if you haven't already modded their video with some composite or s-video mod).

And if it's not obvious at this point in my message, I think you should do it. :)

And my multicart suggestions are based on my expectation that you want to play the system, not collect for it. You'll be missing out on the boxes, artwork, instruction manuals, etc. But you'll have all the games available to play on the original hardware on day 1, which is what's important. A cartridge collection can always come later, might as well get everything to play first and save that for consideration in the future. It's far cheaper than buying everything in original form, and a lot more convenient.

Also watch this AtariAge thread. The incompleted prototype of Tempest for the 5200 that was shelved back in the day is slowly being completed by the original programmer to his original vision of what he wanted to achieve back in the day. Will be well worth paying attention to and downloading or buying whatever comes out of it in the end.

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=125307

[DefaultGen]

.....

[dao2]

My trackball works about as well as a Power Glove pointed at a strobe light.

the power glove would at least look really cool in strobe light ;p

[Leo_A]

I assume that's a bad thing...

Sounds like your track-ball is wore out, I'd suggest trying to rebuild it. I know others have managed to replace the rollers and such, returning it to operable condition. They're great when they're in working order, but like any track-ball, they suck badly when they've been heavily used over the years and have been wore out.

[Blitzwing256]

the system requires ALOT of upkeep ,if you just want to play a new system right out of the box i'd recomend passing on it, I picked it up relatively cheap with 5 controllers and none of them worked correctly, hooking it up was confusing (4 port) but the games are interesting and were very much ahead of thier time when the system was released, I was very impressed with space dungeon and the port of vanguard (very differnt then the atari version)

[Spartacus]

I've been lugging an Atari 5200 around with me for 28 yrs now.
I NEVER use the damn thing.
I do consider River Raid to be a timeless classic, however I'll be damned if I'm going to unscrew my cable TV to play it. Mod it? I dunno. Hopefully, if I ever get a really, really, REALLY retro urge, I can find all my favorites on an Activision or Atari compilation disc.

[8bitgamer]

If you get a 5200, be sure to include Pengo in your game library. Great port of a great game.

[BydoEmpire]

I can't talk you out of it, because it's a great system! Of all my classic systems, it gets by far the most play time (in fact, it's gotten more play time than my 360 this year). While obviously there are reliability problems with the controllers, there is hope. I picked up my 2-port 5200 at a flea market a couple years ago and the controller worked fine.

You may want to get a rebuilt gold-dot controller from Best Electronics, though (or buy the parts from them and do the rebuild yourself - it'll be a lot cheaper). A rebuilt controller is $35, but worth every penny. Mine's been flawless. Also note that there's a potentiometer inside the 5200 you might need to occasionally adjust to center the analog stick. If you can't move in one direction or another, it's probably fixed in 2 minutes with a screwdriver, and not a problem with the controller. Other than adjusting that pot once a year, I never have to do any upkeep on my 5200.

Finally, the controllers deserve criticism for breaking down, but in their defense they're reasonably comfortable and functional. *Most* games work fine with them, despite being non-centering. Even games like Pac Man control perfectly. And they're much more comfortable than either the Inty or CV controllers. As far as functionality and comfort go, they work fine. There are a couple games that the analog stick make pretty unplayable, but that's a small minority.

There's something special about the 5200. Yeah, you could save some trouble and get an 800xl or XE system and play *most* of the same games. But the 5200 has a unique charm. There are so many great games for the system, but it's also a small enough library that it's certainly possible to get a complete collection. There's also a solid homebrew and A8 conversion scene. Adventure 2 is obviously the highlight - by far the best homebrew I've ever seen.

A few of my favorite 5200 games: Missile Command (analog stick control!), Pac Man (my favorite home version - it's perfect), Miner 2049er (great on any platform), Berzerk (with voice!).

[cyberfluxor]

There's a lot of crap about the system but it is a true underdog when it comes to game systems. I'll start with the basics, look at the classic discussions about various aspects of the system:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/search.php?searchid=1448333

I wrote a post about 2 months ago on what I believe should be considered:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1352588&postcount=10

And of course you have the wonderful small community of 5200 experts on AtariAge, just browse through the sub-forum they have on the console:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showforum=3

Not knowing every game system you own it may or may not be the absolute best choice to get this sytem, but overall you'll enjoy it if you ensure to keep a diverse controller collection. Get the tracball, Wico controllers, official Atari controllers, a modified Saturn controller, and maybe build an arcade stick.


Now I have an unmodded 4-port model that may one day get modified but truthfully it isn't that terrible as is. I actually find it nice to have one cable going out and splitting behind the TV into RF and power as it reduces the wiring comming out the back of my entertainment center tower. It's all up to you, but the Wico controllers thus far have been the greatest with the ability to lock and unlock the X and Y axis of the stick for the various games. For example, you'll want to lock the Y axis and unlock the X axis while playing Breakout or Space Invaders! For Pac-Man you'll want both Axis locked for a more solid up, down, left and right movement through the maze OR just use a modified Saturn or Genesis controller. For Robotron and Space Dungeon (which both require 2 controllers -- directional movement on 1, directional shooting on the other) you'll want both Axis unlocked for a more fluid direction flow or 2 Atari controllers. Centipede needs a Tracball by far for best performance.

The frame rates are wonderful and is amazing gameplay for the games I've played thus far on the system. I'm only aiming for CIB titles locally, which is really rough. Expect loose cartridges unless someone dumps their old collection nearby, which isn't too likely.

And finally, the #1 thing I'm sure you want: Berzerk
Sound chip so you can hear: Chicken, fight like a robot!

[NoahsMyBro]

Firstly, I'd like to second everything Bydo and Leo just wrote.

The only system I've ever liked as much as the 5200 is my Dreamcast. The 5200 is hands-down one of my all-time favorite systems. And think of the controllers as a fine Italian sports car - they suffer reliability problems, but are fantastic when working properly. I rebuilt mine before the gold dot parts were avaialble, and used the 'Rev. 9' flex circuits, which worked well for me.

As for the VCS adapter mentions -
1) If your system is incompatible with the adapter (most 4-port models), Best Electronics sells the factory service center retrofit kit cheap - mine was $5 a few years ago.
2) If you do the AV mod mentioned above, I can confirm that only 5200 games will feed through the AV outputs. VCS games will still output through RF.

My favorite games on the system?
* Space Dungeon
* Star Raiders
* Football and Baseball
* Kaboom, but with a homebuilt paddle controller
* Miner 2049er
* Dreadnought Factor
* Ballblazer
* Joust
* Pac Man
* Beef Drop (Ugh, I *HATE* the title, though!)

Really, this is a can't miss system. I absolutely love it. I even love the very sensible design of it, with obvious thinking being put into how to minimize cord clutter. There is built-in storage for the controllers, a cord-reel on the bottom to store excess RF cable, and on the 4-port, the AC cord attaches to the RF switchbox. When all of these features are used, the end result is 1 single cord going from the TV to the system, and controllers stored out-of-sight when not in use. VERY ELEGANT.

[chrisbid]

get an atari 8-bit computer instead. you get a good number of games that are carbon copies of 5200 games, some outstanding exclusives (donkey kong), and standard vcs controllers.

[RadiantSvgun]

I picked up one last month. The system works, but the controllers don't. I got a 2 port so I don't have to worry about the weird power thing.

I hate the 2600, but I love the 5200. The sound, the colors, I can see why it was cool back in the day. If I ever get a working controller, I'll play it more often.

[Sniderman]

http://i32.tinypic.com/2lvcz9y.jpg

[RJ]

The controllers suck & most of the games are identical to Atari 8-bit computer games w/ very few exclusives (Space Dungeon, Vanguard). You may as well get an 800XL & a disk drive for a larger/better game library.

Hey guys, he asked us to talk him OUT of it!

[Buyatari]

Not hard to talk you out of this one.

The controllers suck.

Not a huge library.

Its basiclly an Atari 8bit computer minus the keyboard with a lack of the software, functional joysticks and disc drive capability.

Buy an Atari 8bit computer instead.

[Leo_A]

the system requires ALOT of upkeep ,if you just want to play a new system right out of the box i'd recomend passing on it

The system is durable, as good as any classic gaming system. Even the controllers become reliable when rebuilt using the parts Best Electronics sell that they've done a lot of research on to develop and bring to production, drastically improving the controller over what it originally was. Not a issue anymore.

The controllers don't suck unless you just want to put zero effort into the system and refuse to do anything to correct it. Trying to play with a controller that was probably all but dead by 1984 a quarter of a century later with no refurbishing of it is of course going to cause you problems.

But if you realize this and buy the parts to correct it, you'll have a durable controller that works well for years to come, and won't be posting on DigitalPress about how the controllers suck and you never really got to even try the thing as a result.

For roughly about $300 or so, you can acquire a 5200, have a controller rebuilt using Best Electronics parts, have it AV modded by OSG, and buy AtariMax's multicart. Then your basically all set to experience nearly everything the 5200 has to offer, and can someday consider going after a track-ball, digital controller, and Bounty Bob Strikes Back.

A bargain if your a classic gaming fan, and you can now play many great Atari 8 bit computer games on it like Donkey Kong, that have been converted to work on the 5200 in recent years. The reason why digging around AtariAge's forum will be a lot of help to you if you buy the console and AtariMax's multicart.

[Buyatari]

The system is durable, as good as any classic gaming system. Even the controllers become reliable when rebuilt using the parts Best Electronics sell that they've done a lot of research on to develop and bring to production, drastically improving the controller over what it originally was. Not a issue anymore.

The controllers don't suck unless you just want to put zero effort into the system and refuse to do anything to correct it. Trying to play with a controller that was probably all but dead by 1984 a quarter of a century later with no refurbishing of it is of course going to cause you problems.

But if you realize this and buy the parts to correct it, you'll have a durable controller that works well for years to come, and won't be posting on DigitalPress about how the controllers suck and you never really got to even try the thing as a result.

For roughly about $300 or so, you can acquire a 5200, have a controller rebuilt using Best Electronics parts, have it AV modded by OSG, and buy AtariMax's multicart. Then your basically all set to experience nearly everything the 5200 has to offer, and can someday consider going after a track-ball, digital controller, and Bounty Bob Strikes Back.

A bargain if your a classic gaming fan, and you can now play many great Atari 8 bit computer games on it like Donkey Kong, that have been converted to work on the 5200 in recent years. The reason why digging around AtariAge's forum will be a lot of help to you if you buy the console and AtariMax's multicart.

Even when working 100% few games were meant for the 360 degree movement it offers. Just try to play pacman on that controller. I still say the Atari 800 etc is a better buy. More games (some of which were directly ported over to the Atari 5200) and it uses a standard controller which is cheap.

[Leo_A]

I think they work well with most of the 5200's lineup. Only the games requiring precise 4 way control like the 5200's three Pac-Man titles suffer.

And there's plenty of digital alternatives that resolve that issue anyways,

[BydoEmpire]

Just try to play pacman on that controller.Seriously? Have you ever tried Pac Man on the 5200? It controllers PERFECTLY with the stock controllers: better than 2600 pac man, better than Pac Man on the Inty. Plus, it looks and plays smoother than the A8 version. I've played it quite a bit over the last couple of years - so no nostalgia speaking. I've never missed a turn or died because of the controllers. The stock controllers do cause problems for some games, but Pac Man is not one of them.

True, not a lot of games use the analog control, and an A8 will get you many of the same games. I'm not arguing that. Pac Man is just not a good example of the 5200's controller causing problems. Just my 2c.

Also, you don't have to spend $300 (though that will get you an ideal setup). I picked up my system for $35 with a working controller a couple years ago. If you're not technically inclined, a rebuilt gold-dot controller will run you $35 and it will last. One of the things I like about the 5200 is that carts are easy to find and pretty cheap, you you can get a lot of games for it without much trouble or cash. There are only a handful of really rare titles (Meteorites and Bounty Bob Strikes Back come to mind). I like my A8, too, but I find 5200 carts much more often.

[cyberfluxor]

I like my A8, too, but I find 5200 carts much more often.

I've yet to find an A8 locally and on top of that never seen a game for it once. I'd end up just downloading and transferring or buying online, but then how are we for sure the floppies are up to par. On top of that, if something happens to the computer I have no idea how much of a head ach it is to fix it, maybe better off buying another one and keeping the other as spare parts?

[mnbren05]

"This is not the video game system you are looking for"</jedimindtrick>

[RadiantSvgun]

http://i32.tinypic.com/2lvcz9y.jpg

Now I want to buy another 5200.

[Flack]

This thread has inspired me to dig out my old (boxed) 5200 and sell it at OVGE this year. I even think I still have my trackball.

[Xizer]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/17031.html

[murdoc rose]

get one if nothing else to set it on a shelf.:villagepeople:

[boatofcar]

Here's another vote for getting an 800XL over the 5200. You get a ton more games and standard controllers out of the box.

[Steve W]

I guess I'm luckier than everybody here, since I bought my 5200 in a thrift with two working controllers. They still had a pink plastic film over the brushed aluminum faceplates. They still work, which makes me think that they were final generation models. And when I bought it, I got a dozen games with it (all scotch-taped together in a giant electronic mass like a Katamari ball) which turned out to be good ones, and since it was half-off day, I got the whole thing for.... $3.50. Mega-deal!

Too bad the 5200 had so many things working against it. It's gargantuan size, the horrible controllers, and the incompetently run company that designed and manufactured it. Still, it's not a purchase I've ever regretted for any reason. But I don't hook it up too often. I bought Adventure II for it since I was so stoked playing demos of it at game conventions, and now that I have a copy, I just haven't motivated myself to dig it out of the clutter pile I refer to as a 'storage solution' and play it. It's mainly the difficulty of using those dang controllers that's the real hangup for me.

Another reason for the 5200 rather than an 800XL: It is far easier to find 5200 cartridges in the wild in comparison to Atari XE/XL carts. I have hardly ever found any Atari computer cartridges in thrifts and flea markets, whereas I tend to come across the stray 5200 games on a fairly frequent basis. Of course, if you've got an Atari XE/XL system, you can get a set-up that will let you download games from online archives and channel them through your current computer to the Atari, giving you thousands of games to play. For a collector that isn't quite as fun, but it would be a better investment for gameplaying.

[Buyatari]

Seriously? Have you ever tried Pac Man on the 5200? It controllers PERFECTLY with the stock controllers: better than 2600 pac man, better than Pac Man on the Inty. Plus, it looks and plays smoother than the A8 version. I've played it quite a bit over the last couple of years - so no nostalgia speaking. I've never missed a turn or died because of the controllers. The stock controllers do cause problems for some games, but Pac Man is not one of them.

Ehh I always liked the 8 bit version better. Mostly because of the controller. You can't even mention the 2600 version lol its one of the worst games ever and the Atarisoft versions were intenionally bad to make the Atari systems look better.



Also, you don't have to spend $300 (though that will get you an ideal setup). I picked up my system for $35 with a working controller a couple years ago. If you're not technically inclined, a rebuilt gold-dot controller will run you $35 and it will last. One of the things I like about the 5200 is that carts are easy to find and pretty cheap, you you can get a lot of games for it without much trouble or cash. There are only a handful of really rare titles (Meteorites and Bounty Bob Strikes Back come to mind). I like my A8, too, but I find 5200 carts much more often.

5200 systems are fairly reasonable but so is are the 8bit systems. 8bit carts are tough to find but discs loaded with games are not.

[MachineGex]

If you are gonna buy one, do yourself a huge favor and buy a rebuilt controller and at less one other third party controller. You wouldnt play it much without those two things.
The only game I miss playing is Space Dungeon. That game is a blast. It is the only reason I would ever get a 5200 again. I dont remember too many great 2 player games like the 2600. I loved the 2600 so much because of the great 2 player games like Indy 500, Slot racer, Maze Craze, etc. I dont remember playing any 2 player games via the 5200 although I am sure it had its share. Just stick with the 7800 and play all the 2600 & 7800 games. I do hope you have a 7800, I wouldnt buy a 5200 ahead of a 7800.

[RadiantSvgun]

Hurry up and get one so Sniderman can shoot that dog.

[hex65000]

You've already read about the downsides to the 5200, the controllers, the size, and that it is RF only (funny switchbox is required based on which version you buy). If you can snag good 3rd party accessories, the machine becomes much more attractive. There are some solid titles that keep me coming back and happy to own one.

If you can handle or don't mind the downsides, there's nothing to talk you out of.

Hex.
[ Thinking about doing something else... ]

[Ze_ro]

most of the games are identical to Atari 8-bit computer games w/ very few exclusives (Space Dungeon, Vanguard). You may as well get an 800XL & a disk drive for a larger/better game library.
I agree with this. Most classic gamers dismiss the Atari 8-bit line as computers, when really they work just as well as a console, and almost every significant classic game was released in cartridge form. If you can't get over the fact that it has a keyboard, then get an XEGS and toss the keyboard in the garbage if you want. You'll end up with a very competent game system with most of the same games as the 5200 (plus many more the 5200 never got), but you can use standard joysticks instead of the terrible 5200 ones. Also, the cartridges are smaller and usually cheaper, since most classic gamers don't play with computers.

--Zero

[rbudrick]

My trackball works about as well as a Power Glove pointed at a strobe light.

Iirc, the Power glove uses an ultrasonic frequency, not a light detector of sorts. It's not like the old light guns.

-Rob

[OldSchoolGamer]

LOL! Nice try there buddy. Like a obssesive masturbator walking in to a porn shop asking the clerk "Please talk me out of buying this Jenna Jameson video!" I see through your scheme, you REALLY want a 5200 and so you have REALLY come hear in hopes enough of us will finally convince you to get one, so you can blame us and not take responsibility for yourself! Well sir I for one will have no part in this! Good day sir!

[Porksta]

Well, nobody has mentioned how much the graphics suck.

[NoahsMyBro]

Well obviously, that's because they don't.

[Greg2600]

Well obviously, that's because they don't.

Aren't Colecovision's better?

[RadiantSvgun]

LOL! Nice try there buddy. Like a obssesive masturbator walking in to a porn shop asking the clerk "Please talk me out of buying this Jenna Jameson video!" I see through your scheme, you REALLY want a 5200 and so you have REALLY come hear in hopes enough of us will finally convince you to get one, so you can blame us and not take responsibility for yourself! Well sir I for one will have no part in this! Good day sir!

Well then, with that said, Sniderman needs to euthanize that dog.


http://i32.tinypic.com/2lvcz9y.jpg

Cmon, 5200> dog any day :D

All jokes people, don't go shooting a dog on my account.

[MrSparkle]

I heard the controllers suck..... wellllll looks like my job here is done.

[MrSparkle]

get one if nothing else to set it on a shelf.:villagepeople:

if that is you have a shelf massive enough to support it. I heard one once fell off a shelf.... in a little city called atlantis.... these days you dont see atlantis on the map.... wonder why that is...

[MrSparkle]

My trackball works about as well as a Power Glove pointed at a strobe light.

luckily for you the power glove uses acoustics rather than ir ;)

[diskoboy]

http://i32.tinypic.com/2lvcz9y.jpg

You'll have to better than that.... I'm a cat person. ;)

[AllSchoolGamer]

If you want to be talked out of an atari 5200 then have a look at the Angry Video Game Nerds review on it...that should help.

[ApolloBoy]

Get a 5200. The 5200 seems to be getting a lot of flack ever since the AVGN covered it, so you could always get one to stick it to everyone else. Yes it's big and the controllers aren't good, but it's still a nice system to have. The 5200 has one of the highest good-to-bad game ratios of any system, and once you get it AV modded (something I still need to do with mine) and get rebuilt controllers, it's quite enjoyable.

BTW, why all the 5200 hate here? Did everyone drink the AVGN Kool-Aid or what?

[guitargary75]

One word, Upkeep. Don't get me wrong, it's a great system. However, getting good controllers and the like is a pain.

[NE146]

Let me say off the bat, if you have no nostalgia for the thing, I really don't see how someone would like it too much. I grew up with it so it's a different story..The 5200 is my all time favorite console.. but I think it's just because of the traumatic experiences I had with it since I was a kid. LOL So it's special to me in a really weird way :p

But yeah, even with the awesome games for it (Joust, Space Dungeon, Montezuma's Revenge, etc.) if there's no magic memories associated with it, I think it's a hard sell.

[Leo_A]

One word, Upkeep. Don't get me wrong, it's a great system. However, getting good controllers and the like is a pain.

The 5200 is a very reliable, durable system. The controllers, if properly rebuilt, will last for many years after that initial work. Upkeep isn't a appropriate term to describe the system. It doesn't require anymore of it than any other console.

[cyberfluxor]

Let me say off the bat, if you have no nostalgia for the thing, I really don't see how someone would like it too much.

I didn't own a 5200 until last year and it's worked great. On top of that I've been pleased with every game I've bought, including Gyruss. Maybe it's because I grew up in a video game deprived home with a Sega Master System consisting of 8 games and one Packard Bell computer.

Either way, from my personal experiences it's a reliable system with great games with the correct controllers.

[ApolloBoy]

If you want to be talked out of an atari 5200 then have a look at the Angry Video Game Nerds review on it...that should help.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/maxwellz2000/picard-facepalm.jpg

[Xizer]

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/maxwellz2000/picard-facepalm.jpg

AVGN is completely right about the Atari 5200. Sorry pal, but it's a gigantic piece of shit.

Why would you want something that is even bigger than a fucking Xbox where the controllers don't even work and every game available for the system is inferior to versions of that same game on other systems? You're basically paying for a huge hunk of plastic with weird proprietary connectors that produces Atari-level graphics.

Even as a game collector, I strongly dislike the hassle of the Atari 5200. Not worth it.

[ApolloBoy]

AVGN is completely right about the Atari 5200. Sorry pal, but it's a gigantic piece of shit.

Your opinion. I love it, and I'm sure other people here do as well.


Why would you want something that is even bigger than a fucking Xbox

Point taken, but if you've got a space for it, then it's no longer an issue.


where the controllers don't even work

Then how come mine and a lot of other people's controllers work?


and every game available for the system is inferior to versions of that same game on other systems?

If your point is true, then games like Berzerk and Star Raiders are superior on the 2600, when in fact they aren't.


You're basically paying for a huge hunk of plastic with weird proprietary connectors that produces Atari-level graphics.

The connectors themselves are not proprietary (they're standard DB-15 ports, although the pinout is unique), and it certainly doesn't produce 2600-level graphics. Something tells me you haven't seen Ballblazer or Adventure II.


Even as a game collector, I strongly dislike the hassle of the Atari 5200.

Fair enough.


Not worth it.

Again, your opinion.

[Xizer]

Your opinion. I love it, and I'm sure other people here do as well.



Point taken, but if you've got a space for it, then it's no longer an issue.



Then how come mine and a lot of other people's controllers work?



If your point is true, then games like Berzerk and Star Raiders are superior on the 2600, when in fact they aren't.



The connectors themselves are not proprietary (they're standard DB-15 ports, although the pinout is unique), and it certainly doesn't produce 2600-level graphics. Something tells me you haven't seen Ballblazer or Adventure II.



Fair enough.



Again, your opinion.

Okay, was it necessary to break down my post and just say that everything was my opinion? I thought that was the point of this thread: to post our opinions about the Atari 5200 and talk the OP out of buying one http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5812/emotdownssx4.gif

[vintagegamecrazy]

Now I will pour out my wrath in defense of the Atari 5200. The Atari 8bit is a better overall buy if you are only going to play games and never collect, if so, than get an XE and a keyboard and have at it.

If you have any nostalgia for collecting than the Atari 5200 is one of the best consoles to own period. One of the best good to bad ratios like stated before, lots of arcade quality games that are tons better than the 2600. The 4 port version allows 4 players on some games just like the 2600. The special switch box is not hard to find and is actually a mess saver if you have tons of cords like me around the room.

Get over the controller issue all of you who are bashing a great console for the stock controllers need to get over it. Face it, if you buy a 5200 then third party controllers are a necessity, not having 3rd party controllers for the 5200 is like not buying a mouse for your PC and saying it's too hard to use. I hear too many reviews bashing games because of stock controllers when all they have to do is buy at least one Competition Pro, Wico, or Redemption and the games become perfect. Those controllers are much easier to use than Intellivision or Colecovision stock controllers so the controller gripe is a moot point because most other pre nes consoles have awkward controllers to some extent besides the 2600.

[AllSchoolGamer]

I gotta say I am still undecided about whether I will get 1 of these for my collection, with the woodgrain/2600/7800 I am leaning towards no but who can tell. HOWEVER on my original post he asked to be talked out of it and the AVGN does make a lot of good points...didn't mean to start anything.

[RickHarrisMaine]

In defense of the 5200 controller, if you get a pair of them rebuilt by Best Electronics in CA, you won't believe how good the controller really can be. I've owned them all, the Redemption, the Wico's, the Comp pro sticks, and you just can't beat a stock one that has been properly rebuilt. It was way ahead of it's time.

Get a 5200, you won't regret it.