question about arcade ports atari vs nes

[mas]

Hi everyone,
I recently asked about getting a 2600 and as you guys said yes I ended thinking of getting a 2600 and a 7800. I was looking at the library of classic arcade games for the 7800 and I ended thinking well, If I own the nes shouldn't I just get games like mario bros, ms pac man, galaga, etc on the nes or just wait till I own the 7800? I feel in my heart when you think of classic arcade and the 80's you think of atari. Don't get me wrong I love the nes and yes it was a better system and every kid had one in the 80's but I was born in 76 and to me I remember going to the arcade's as a small kid and I remember everyone loves atari. So I don't know where I am going with this but I don't know if I should just wait to I get the atari to get these classics or just buy them on the nes. Thanks

[Erik_Twice]

Well, it depends on what you are looking for. In the end, both consoles are long past their prime when it comes to arcade ports as MAME and modern compilations offer arcade-perfect emulation.

There's also little choice sometimes as games like Berzerk are only availble on the 2600.

[mas]

Well, it depends on what you are looking for. In the end, both consoles are long past their prime when it comes to arcade ports as MAME and modern compilations offer arcade-perfect emulation.

There's also little choice sometimes as games like Berzerk are only availble on the 2600.

General Norris I have a modded xbox with mame and I do play mame from time to time but I want real hardware with real games. I know I wont get arcade perfect pon the nes and atari but I want classic arcade gems like mario bros, defender, ms pac man, popeye, donkey kong, etc. That's why I kind of stuck. I buy the 7800 it may come with a bunch of games but it may cost me 50.00 and up But I own the nes and mario bros can be found for 8.00 and ms pac man for 5.00 etc. That's my only problem. Save money and get an atari or just buy the nes ports.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Certain games are more arcade perfect, or just plain better, on the Atari 7800. It all depends on if it's worth it to you (for me, it is). The 7800 has some graphical advantages over the NES. It can't do scrolling very well, but, it can support a lot more sprites on screen, and the only 7800 game that I've experienced flicker on is the homebrew Scramble, which uses the 7800's super nice high resolution mode. I've also never experienced slowdown on any 7800 game other than Tower Toppler.

The 7800 has the best versions of Centipede and Asteroids. Both have no slowdown, have co-op, and in the case of Asteroids, has updated graphics.

Sound is also a big negative of the 7800, as due to cost Atari removed the awesome pokey chip that was in the 5200 and Atari 8-bit line. So you get the same sounds you would on a 2600 unless the game has pokey built in. Luckily, for home brew anyway, the XM project will rectify this.

So where does the NES stand? Well, as I said earlier. It very much depends. Obviously it will blow 2600 versions out of the water, but, NES arcade games tend to have tons of flicker and some slowdown, due to the fact that there tends to be a lot of sprites in many arcade games.

It's all up to you though. I love the Atari I've found and, regardless the quality of ports graphically, there are tons of Atari games that are still perfectly playable and fun today. It's also nice and cheap (after the investment of a 7800).

[CRTGAMER]

The 7800 has the best versions of Centipede and Asteroids. Both have no slowdown, have co-op, and in the case of Asteroids, has updated graphics.

There are 7800 Arcade conversions that have exclusive simultaneous two player modes. Keep in mind the 7800 has a unique proprietary plug on the power supply.

Oh and also for a little game called Ball Blazer.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

The 7800 has the best versions of Centipede and Asteroids. Both have no slowdown, have co-op, and in the case of Asteroids, has updated graphics.

There are 7800 Arcade conversions that have exclusive simultaneous two player modes. Keep in mind the 7800 has a unique proprietary plug on the power supply.

Oh and also for a little game called Ball Blazer.

Ah, one of two games (the other being Commando) with the Pokey built in. I love that music.



Also I forgot to say, some of the homebrew for the 2600 in particular (also the 7800) is nothing short than amazing. Also unlike most cart homebrew, it's pretty easy to acquire cart copies. http://www.atariage.com/store/

[YoshiEgg25]

For what it's worth, the ColecoVision is usually the platform of choice for arcade ports, especially Donkey Kong.

[ExedExes]

Arcade ports I own on the 7800 include Choplifter, Xevious, Xenophobe and Hat Trick (don't laugh) -- all are very enjoyable on the 7800.

As other posters stated, Asteroids and Centipede are the definitive great ports on 7800 with all those awesome features.

But, games like Berzerk and other 2600 exclusives can be played on your 7800 too. I'd focus on the 7800 and get those great 2600 games.

NES didn't really have a lot of CLASSIC, classic ports. Millipede and Joust come to mind for the old school, also Pac Man. The arcade ports done by Rare for the NES are very well done and are highly recommended (titles like Cabal, Pin Bot, and others)

[dunpeal2064]

Berzerk is an Atari exclusive? What about the awesome Vectrex port?

[mas]

cool guys thanks but i have to find a really good deal to get a lot with games thru ebay. The goodwill stores don't have anything like that. I will save my money and wait. How long did it take for you guys to get a deal for your atari 7800?