Atari XEGS

[Metal Militia]

I have an opportunity to purchase one of these and just wondering if anybody has one or has used one and their thoughts on it. I know it is basically an Atari XE computer rolled up in a console and is compatible with all most all Atari 8-bit software. That why it seems intriguing, because I've never played any of the games on a Atari computer and being able to play them on my TV would be pretty cool.

[slowslow325]

Go for it, it can play 400, 800, and Atari XE games plus it uses Atari 2600 or Sega Genesis controllers and paddles

[CRTGAMER]

Another collector's rarity.

I have the 5200 and 7800.
Ball Blazer, Robotron, Centipede and the great unique Star Raiders!

Found this game list (some may not work, on floppy) for your searches.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:A ... mily_games

[Hatta]

Yes, get it. The atari 8-bit is a great classic. Many of the best ports of Atari arcade games are on that platform. Star Raiders is a must play. It's like a 5200 that doesn't suck. You can get an SIO2SD or SIO2PC and play a bunch of disk games too. If you like modding, I think there's a 128k ram upgrade that will let you play even more games (like Alternate Reality).

[CRTGAMER]

Yes, get it. The atari 8-bit is a great classic. Many of the best ports of Atari arcade games are on that platform. Star Raiders is a must play. It's like a 5200 that doesn't suck. You can get an SIO2SD or SIO2PC and play a bunch of disk games too. If you like modding, I think there's a 128k ram upgrade that will let you play even more games (like Alternate Reality).

Hey, I like my 5200! Well the Wico controllers do make it sweet.

[BlackDS]

wico controllers?

also,is an atari XEGS as valuable as a commodore 64gs...or even an apple IIgs?

[CRTGAMER]

wico controllers?

also,is an atari XEGS as valuable as a commodore 64gs...or even an apple IIgs?

5200 Wico


2600 Wico


Unsure which one more rare, maybe that C64 game console.

[Hatta]

I have a wico joystick for mine, but no keypad. I should hunt one down these days. I'd still say the 5200 sucks because of the size. And most of those games weren't well suited to analog controllers. And despite the fact that it's just an 8-bit computer underneath, there's no SIO port for peripherals (disks). For almost any use, the XEGS (or an 800XL) is a better choice.

It does, however, kick ass for trakball games. The 5200 trakball is the best Centipede and Missile Command experience you will have short of connecting a real arcade trakball to a MAME machine.

[CRTGAMER]

I have a wico joystick for mine, but no keypad. I should hunt one down these days. I'd still say the 5200 sucks because of the size. And most of those games weren't well suited to analog controllers. And despite the fact that it's just an 8-bit computer underneath, there's no SIO port for peripherals (disks). For almost any use, the XEGS (or an 800XL) is a better choice.

It does, however, kick ass for trakball games. The 5200 trakball is the best Centipede and Missile Command experience you will have short of connecting a real arcade trakball to a MAME machine.

My 4 port 5200 and trakball do take a lot of real estate. The original 5200 controllers contacts constantly need cleaning (even with foil inserts) but luckily the trakball buttons still work great. Thats why I got 3 of the Wicos. For me, there are a few games that do work better in analog, Ballblazer , Galaxian (two speed side modes) and even Star Raiders. The maze type games are a pain even with the 5200 4 position adaptor. Atari original sticks work best with the dual stick adaptor; Space Dungeon and Robotron.

"Metal Militia" that XEGS is a rarity, grab it along with a set of 2600 Wico bat handles.

[CRTGAMER]

A link of some great reviews on lots of console systems.

There is a section on the Atari XEGS.

http://www.videogamecritic.net