Atari 7800?

Post by **CRTGAMER** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 6:32 pm

Icedawg wrote:So Master system controllers won't work with all 7800 games but the Genesis pads will?

Either one will not work on 7800 two button games due to the PCB layout internally. The Genesis controller to me has a better feel.

Post by **Golgo 14** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:23 pm

You're fine with a Master System or Genesis controller on most 2600 & 7800 games. As has been stated, unless you mod those controllers you will only have the use of one button. However, few 7800 games even used the 2nd button and Asteroids is the only one of note, imo. (Even that has a workaround for 1 button controllers.)

I still recommend the European gamepads though. They look great, play right and you might as well go Atari all the way. It doesn't look like there are any good deals now, but I got 2 new gamepads for $25 shipped not too long ago from an eBay seller in Spain. Keep an eye out and don't pay too much. In the meantime, the Sega controllers will do.

I didn't mention the Expansion Module because it hasn't been released yet and at $115 shipped, it's strictly for hardcore Atarians. I already put my money down though and I'm looking forward to some great homebrews. The XM will give the 7800 better sound, more RAM, peripheral expansion ports (dubious, imo) and high score saving capabilities. Just about everything in the XM was planned during the 7800's lifetime, but never came about because of bad management and the console's failure.

What I'm most looking forward to is the audio improvement. Centipede and Asteroids have minimal audio but check out out the sounds in the otherwise fine Donkey Kong port and you'll see that the 7800 needs the upgrade.

Here's more on the XM:
http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/c ... expansion/

Post by **Icedawg** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:42 pm

Oh okay I see what ur saying.. I'd like to just use a master system controller for the time being, I'm looking up a few on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Controller-SJ-150-S ... 2a12c32e8c

http://cgi.ebay.com/Quickshot-Controlle ... 2a12c32b4d

My top 2 right now, lol also I really like this one but it's from the UK so idk if it will work on any us systems? http://cgi.ebay.com/Master-System-Compe ... 415baa9071

Getting paid next week, going to pick up Desert Falcon and probably Mario Bros. I really appreciate all of the replies guys, helps

Post by **Golgo 14** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:54 pm

Icedawg wrote:Oh okay I see what ur saying.. I'd like to just use a master system controller for the time being, I'm looking up a few on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Controller-SJ-150-S ... 2a12c32e8c

http://cgi.ebay.com/Quickshot-Controlle ... 2a12c32b4d

My top 2 right now, lol also I really like this one but it's from the UK so idk if it will work on any us systems? http://cgi.ebay.com/Master-System-Compe ... 415baa9071

Getting paid next week, going to pick up Desert Falcon and probably Mario Bros. I really appreciate all of the replies guys, helps

Jeez, those seem kind of pricey. You could probably get the controllers + an actual Master System for not much more than what it would cost to get 2 of those.

If it were me, I'd probably go with a 6-button Genesis pad (though obviously, it'd be a 1-button pad in this instance). They're ergonomic and cheap - 5 or 6 bucks shipped. Up to you, though.

Post by **Icedawg** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:58 pm

I believe someone on a previous page mentioned the joypad could be had for $17 I'm guessing I just email them to set it up? there are 2 on ebay right now, 1 for $37 & another for $41.99 both free shipping

Post by **coastercrazy10** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 10:57 pm

I was fortunate enough to have a friend in england look out for one on UK ebay. I would look around there and check to see if the sellers would be willing to ship to the US, should be cheaper. It's worth it. BTW the european controllers definitely work on US systems, in case that hasn't been cleared up.

-Ben

Post by **Golgo 14** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:02 am

Icedawg wrote:I believe someone on a previous page mentioned the joypad could be had for $17 I'm guessing I just email them to set it up? there are 2 on ebay right now, 1 for $37 & another for $41.99 both free shipping

I've never ordered from Best Electronics, but I guess that's what you do. They're a legitimate business and a mainstay of the Atari community, but their website is hideous. Maybe they made it on an Atari 800 XL.

If you can wait on it, just check on eBay from time to time. Avoid those gougers and sooner or later a European seller will pop up again. You don't necessarily have to go to the foreign eBay sites either. I got mine on the US site from a seller in Spain. Shipping was probably more than the controllers, but since they're not rare in Europe the total was around $25 for 2.

Post by **Icedawg** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:06 am

I was asking if the UK master system controller I liked would work on the 7800... is there a way to get the master system controllers to work with both buttons?

Very good point on the joy pad, for now I'll probably stick to the master system controller I currently have or pick up one of the ones I showed you guys.. I'd do a genesis but Idk 3 buttons semi picky lol but I'll be on the look out.

Atari Age has been helpful too, their store is currently closed but Good Deal Games has homebrew 7800 games in their store for sale currently too. Phew 1 last question before I end the post, what's the best way to remove dirt/dust from the 7800? Cosmetically it's in decent shape, just rather dusty

Post by **CRTGAMER** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 11:54 am

Golgo 14 wrote:You're fine with a Master System or Genesis controller on most 2600 & 7800 games. As has been stated, unless you mod those controllers you will only have the use of one button. However, few 7800 games even used the 2nd button and Asteroids is the only one of note, imo. (Even that has a workaround for 1 button controllers.)

Thats the one! I could not get 7800 Asteroids to even boot up, it would freeze when a Genesis controller is plugged in. Strange how the game seem to detect a controller that has all the digital switches open. So what was your workaround?

@ Icedawg -Hit the Thrift stores and Swap meets, you are bound to find inexpensive Genesis controllers.

Post by **Icedawg** » Sun Jul 31, 2011 7:28 pm

I picke up a sj-150 white master system controller for $12 I know it seems expensive but I liked the look of it and I'm okay with using master system controllers. I was at the local flea market yesterday, no 7800 stuff but I did come across an atari 2600 jr (almost bought it). Keeping my eyes out

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