What is the best Atari 8-bit computer model to get for gaming?

[Rickstilwell1]

I am interested in tracking down an Atari 8-bit computer so I can start buying that format of games, but I don't know much about the differences in system models.

But does anyone know if there are any games that are only compatible on a certain model? I want to try and buy the model that is compatible with all the 8-bit Atari computer games, not just some. Especially the ones that were made on cartridges.

Also, do these computers have the ability to hook up to a TV rather than a computer monitor?

I'm thinking the Atari XE game system model looks like the way to go, but is there anything gaming wise that the XE game system can't do? Any cartridges or other formats of games that won't play on it? I'm not interested in using this computer for BASIC programming or anything like that. Just gaming.

[CX2K]

My suggestion is to pick up an 800XL. There may be a few older carts that don't work but it's compatible with 99% of the stuff. There's no model that will be 100%.

It can hook up to a monitor or TV and is probably the easiest to expand as far as upgrades and add-ons.

John

[chrisbid]

the XEGS is the way to go if you are only interested in using it as a console

the unit is console size, it uses standard cx40 joysticks, and the keyboard is optional and a seperate component

the only carts i cannot play on it are the two imagic games, Atlantis and Demon Attack, and frankly those game are virtually identical to the 2600 versions.

but any of the A8 machines will hook up to any tv via RF. the XEGS has composite hookups

[stimmyjimmel]

I have a couple 400s and they work fine for games (the ones i've got anyway) but if your planning on ever doing any mods to get it on the internet or make music or anything its the hardest model to do it with.


EDIT: yay for confusing modding issues between my amiga and my atari (I am Smurt)

[EviLEd76]

I am interested in tracking down an Atari 8-bit computer so I can start buying that format of games, but I don't know much about the differences in system models.

But does anyone know if there are any games that are only compatible on a certain model? I want to try and buy the model that is compatible with all the 8-bit Atari computer games, not just some. Especially the ones that were made on cartridges.

Also, do these computers have the ability to hook up to a TV rather than a computer monitor?

I'm thinking the Atari XE game system model looks like the way to go, but is there anything gaming wise that the XE game system can't do? Any cartridges or other formats of games that won't play on it? I'm not interested in using this computer for BASIC programming or anything like that. Just gaming.

I would also have to suggest a Atari XE. I just got one myself. From what i understand, and correct me if i am wrong, but the Atari XE can play carts of the following models: Atari 800/400, 1200xl, 800xl, 130XE, 800XE.

[Vectorman0]

My suggestion is to pick up an 800XL. There may be a few older carts that don't work but it's compatible with 99% of the stuff. There's no model that will be 100%.

It can hook up to a monitor or TV and is probably the easiest to expand as far as upgrades and add-ons.

John

Don't let his post count fool you. I would listen to this guy.

[Wookie]

The only models to avoid are the 400 and the 600XL since both have limited memory which can affect compatibility. 800XLs are the most common and usually cheapest, but an 800, 1200XL, 65XE, 130XE or XEGS will all serve you well.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

The XEGS was designed to look like a console and has a built-in Missle Command. I don't know much about the others. Watch what you buy though. I bought two XEGS and neither of them worked. One had ROM failure, and the other produced a fuzzy picture. After careful research, I transplanted the ROM from the the "fuzzy picture" one into the other, and now I have a functioning unit.

[chuckwalla]

I recommend the 800XL too.
It will play almost all Atari 8-bit games (you'll need a translator cartridge in order to play Frogger(?), Astrochase, Demon Attack, Gorf, and Slime - see the Video 61 website for a list of new cartridges for sale for the 8-bit computers: http://members.tcq.net/video61/main.html).
Tons of great games for the Atari 8-bit!

[zektor]

The XE is ok, but I would recommend the 800XL over it. It has a better keyboard (for games that use it), it's joystick ports are easier to get to, and I personally think it has a much better design. One upside of the XE however is the fact that it has the a/v built in and you do not need a special monitor cable like the 800XL. Still, I would get an 800XL and the monitor cable which will cost you a couple of dollars.

Stay away from the 400/800. The max you'll find these are in the 48k range, and many newer games will require a minimum of 64k. Not only that, but there will be incompatibilities due to the older OS revision. I personally like the 800 however, and it does play a couple of carts that no other (800XL, XE..etc) will play such as "K-razy Kritters".

[boatofcar]

Another vote for the 800XL, if you're interested in getting the most compatibility. Purely aesthetically, though, the 800 will always have a special place in my heart.

Personally, I'm watching with great interest the project to put the insides of an XL in the body of an 800. The best of both worlds! Check out the thread here (http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=96927) at AtariAge.

[Rob2600]

...if your planning on ever doing any mods to get it on the internet..

How practical is surfing the internet on an Atari 8-bit computer?

[boatofcar]

How practical is surfing the internet on an Atari 8-bit computer?

It's not practical, that's the point :) You can use text-based browsers, IRC (http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=134208), and USENET.

Here's a video of IRC running on a 1200XL (my first computer!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L4YJBlI2z8

[Rob2600]

Here's a video of IRC running on a 1200XL (my first computer!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L4YJBlI2z8

It's The Matrix!

[swlovinist]

800 XL all the way for the above reasons stated. You can also get special s-video cables for it, making it a nice clean picture on any TV. I also want to express how bad ass the multicarts are for gaming. Pop one in, and you are good to go. There are many different types of multicarts, but this one is loaded with some great gaming goodness on it. The price is awsome as well.

link

http://www.8bitclassics.com/vmchk/Atari/XL/Cartridges/Arcade-Classics-Multicart.html

[Rob2600]

Here's a video of IRC running on a 1200XL (my first computer!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L4YJBlI2z8


It's The Matrix!

Actually, here's The Matrix, for real, running on an Atari 800XL computer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owHCjEWjAvs

[boatofcar]

Actually, here's The Matrix, for real, running on an Atari 800XL computer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owHCjEWjAvs

Haha, awesome! :)

[Rickstilwell1]

Ah so it sounds to me that I might want to get both an XEGS and an 800 XL. Whichever I find cheaper first. I am a collector, but all this time I have only collected consoles and portables and have stayed away from the computers.

[Pantechnicon]

I like the XEGS myself, but I don't necessarily have anything against the 800. In an aesthetic/evolutionary sense the XEGS is a sort of "missing link" between the 800 line and the ST computers, so it's kind of cool for that reason alone.

[Atarileaf]

Ah so it sounds to me that I might want to get both an XEGS and an 800 XL. Whichever I find cheaper first. I am a collector, but all this time I have only collected consoles and portables and have stayed away from the computers.


I have both of those units and love both of them. I have about 40 carts and all work great on both units. A trackball with the missile command is great. I picked up one locally and I can't imagine going back to a joystick to play missile command.

I love Donkey Kong, Robotron, Pengo, Frogger, Lode Runner, River Raid, and there are others. A lot of great conversions on the 8-bit machines.

[Sonicwolf]

I would make it a toss up between the 800 and the 800XL but I would personally lean towards the 800 if I had the choice as it has four control/joystick ports which makes the famous game MULE a major multiplayer game which isnt possible on the XL version because it only has 2 joystick ports.

[Zap!]

Ah so it sounds to me that I might want to get both an XEGS and an 800 XL. Whichever I find cheaper first. I am a collector, but all this time I have only collected consoles and portables and have stayed away from the computers.

Technically, the XEGS IS a console. :)

[Wookie]

Technically, the XEGS IS a console. :)
It's a repackaged 65XE with a detached keyboard and 1 built-in game. I'd say it's a computer that happens to function very well as a console, but I could say the same about any of the Atari 8-bits, the C64, VIC-20, TI-99 and other similar machines.

Back to the original question, though. I've found the XE line to have very unreliable keyboards, much worse than the XL and 800. Before buying one, I'd suggest verifying that each and every key is working properly.

[Zap!]

It's a repackaged 65XE with a detached keyboard and 1 built-in game. I'd say it's a computer that happens to function very well as a console, but I could say the same about any of the Atari 8-bits, the C64, VIC-20, TI-99 and other similar machines.

Back to the original question, though. I've found the XE line to have very unreliable keyboards, much worse than the XL and 800. Before buying one, I'd suggest verifying that each and every key is working properly.

Atari packaged it as a console, but it's a bit of a hybrid to me. Once I got my 1050 disk drive and monitor, it became more of a computer to me.

[chrisbid]

Ah so it sounds to me that I might want to get both an XEGS and an 800 XL. Whichever I find cheaper first. I am a collector, but all this time I have only collected consoles and portables and have stayed away from the computers.

thats the proper attitude, its more about the games than the hardware

my first 8-bit was an atari 400 i found for 5 dollars. its the most crippled machine of the line, but the price was right and it played atari 8-bit donkey kong (for my money, the best home port of DK ever produced)

[Ze_ro]

My vote goes with the XEGS.

--Zero