My word, the XBOX has an ancestor. The 5200.

[AB Positive]

I just saw my first 5200 up close and personal. Oh my, that thing is HUGE! Now, regardless of your feelings of the two systems in question I offer these similarities:

Both unbelievably large and cumbersome.

Both a large black video game system.

Both came with First party controllers that are considered universally awful.

Both considered by their companies as the second product in their line:
(Microsoft has Windows. Atari pushed the 2600 more when the Tramiel took over)


Now, this is sort of a humorous look, and I wonder if anyone sees other similarities. Regardless of the jokes here, I'd kill my own mother in front of children if I could get one

-AG

[nildem]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they're both also closely related to computers. The XBox is made mostly of off-the-shelf PC components and the 5200 is a relative of the Atari 8-bit.

[IGotTheDot]

Both have 4 controller ports (some 5200s). I think you're on to somethig.

[hydr0x]

both flop :)

[FABombjoy]

I always thought of the Memorex VIS as the Xbox v.01.

It's got a 286 processor

It uses the same power connectors as a computer

It uses a 40pin cable to attach the CDROM to the board (doubtfully IDE, probably one of the old proprietary connectors).

And... Microsoft wrote the OS for it.

[Pantechnicon]

AdamG,

As the proud owner of a 4-port 5200, my initial response was to take umbrage at your comparison between the 5200 and the XBX. Upon further reflection, I have to admit that you're right.

However, the similarities betweent he two systems have less to do with aesthetics than the circumstances behind their introductions to the gaming market. If anything, both systems are indicative of the insane levels of hubris felt by both Atari and Microsoft in their respective heydays.

Atari promised its customers the moon with the 5200. And while the system was comparatively sophisticated for its day, it seems odd that the pack-in game for the initial release of the 5200 was Super Breakout. I love SB, but it's not exactly a game that showcases the 5200 capabilites.

I know I'm being an armchair CEO here, but it was also a huge mistake, I think, to not make the 5200 backwards compatibie with the 2600 and expect the public to simply buy newer versions of existing titles (Space Invaders, Pac-Man et al) instead of innovating new titles right off the bat.

Lastly, enough has been said about the goddawful 5200 controllers. Great ideas, sloppy execution.

Coming into the present, when MS announced they were going into the console market I laughed but I cringed. This seemed like such an arbitrary thing to do on MS's part yet I knew that they had the corporate leverage to keep the X-Box afloat no matter how poorly it sold, but they presumes it would do well owing the lovely reputation Windows products already had.

When I compare the 5200 to the XBX, the thing I see they have most in common is that each system reflects to staggering level to which these large, powerful companies take (or took, in Atari's case) their customer base for granted.

[AB Positive]

the similarities are staggering, no?

doesn't change the fact that I want a 5200 though :-D

and looking at the 5200 controllers, just how do they not center? can someone shed light on me since I haven't used it?

I wonder if the designer of the 5200 left similarly to Seamus Blackley leaving the XBOX project near after it started...

-AG

[Sniderman]

... If anything, both systems are indicative of the insane levels of hubris felt by both Atari and Microsoft in their respective heydays....

... they presume [the Xbox] would do well owing the lovely reputation Windows products already had....

When I compare the 5200 to the XBX, the thing I see they have most in common is that each system reflects to staggering level to which these large, powerful companies take (or took, in Atari's case) their customer base for granted.

In the words of Count Rugan from "The Princess Bride:"

"Well spoken, sir."

[Captain Wrong]

and looking at the 5200 controllers, just how do they not center? can someone shed light on me since I haven't used it?

Ever use a Tandy/Color Computer Stick? Same deal.

If not, imagine a joystick that when you push left and release the stick, instead of springing back to the center, it stays left. That's what they are talking about by non-centering.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the 5200 sticks are non un-managable. I'd still prefer them to the INTV or even stock Coleco sticks. They do take some getting used to. Hell, from what limited time I've spent with the Xbox, I like that controller too. Then again, I like the DC controller and think the Dual Shock is pretty craptastic, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Back to the topic, I've often thought the 5200 and Xbox had things in common. Glad to see others agree. I can't agree with the both flop comment tho. Neither were/will be the number one console for their generation, but I think we can agree both were/will be more sucessful than certified flops such as the 32x and the Virtual Boy.

Also, Xbox is getting more third party love than the 5200 did, so there's a difference. *shrugs*

[hydr0x]

Then again, I like the DC controller and think the Dual Shock is pretty craptastic

i could have said that ;)