Atari 5200 vs Neo Geo Pocket Color

The Atari 5200 and Neo Geo Pocket Color are two classic gaming consoles from different eras. The Atari 5200 was released in the early 1980s, known for its advanced graphics and unique controller design. On the other hand, the Neo Geo Pocket Color came out in the late 1990s, offering a color screen and a strong lineup of arcade ports.

General information

Atari 5200
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Introduction :
The Atari 5200 was released in 1982 as a follow-up to the successful Atari 2600. It featured improved graphics and sound capabilities, as well as a unique controller design with a joystick and numeric keypad. While it was not as popular as its predecessor, the Atari 5200 has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and is considered a classic console in the gaming community.
Introduction :
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was released in 1999 by SNK Corporation as a handheld gaming console. Although it was not as popular as other handhelds of its time, it gained a cult following for its impressive library of games and high-quality graphics. The console was primarily marketed in Japan and North America. Today, the Neo Geo Pocket Color is considered a classic and collectible item among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • The Atari 5200 offers a wide variety of classic games.
  • It has a unique controller design with a numeric keypad.
  • The console has a sleek and futuristic appearance.
  • The Atari 5200 is compatible with Atari 2600 games.
  • It provides a nostalgic gaming experience for retro enthusiasts.
Advantages :
  • Portable and compact design, perfect for gaming on-the-go
  • Bright and vibrant color screen for an immersive gaming experience
  • Impressive library of games, including popular titles and exclusives
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions
  • Durable build quality for longevity and reliability
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to other consoles of the time.
  • Fragile controllers prone to breaking easily.
  • Poor graphics and sound quality by modern standards.
  • Lack of third-party support for accessories and peripherals.
  • Limited availability of the console and games for purchase.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
  • Lack of online connectivity for multiplayer gaming.
  • Small screen size may strain eyes during long gaming sessions.
  • Short battery life compared to modern handheld consoles.
  • Limited availability of accessories and replacement parts.
Year launched : 1982
The Atari 5200 was launched in 1982, offering advanced graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. It aimed to compete with other gaming consoles of the time, providing a unique gaming experience.
Year launched : 1999
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was launched in 1999, offering gamers a portable gaming experience with a color screen and a strong lineup of games, competing with other handheld consoles of the time.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari was the manufacturer of the Atari 5200, a second-generation video game console known for its innovative features and library of games. It was released in 1982 as a competitor to other consoles of the time.
Manufacturer : SNK Corporation
SNK Corporation, a Japanese video game hardware and software company, manufactured the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Known for their arcade games, SNK brought their expertise to this handheld console, offering a unique gaming experience.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Atari 5200 had relatively low popularity compared to other consoles of its time. It faced tough competition from the likes of the Atari 2600 and the emerging Nintendo Entertainment System, resulting in lower sales figures.
๐Ÿ”ด Popularity : Low.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color had limited sales compared to other consoles of its time, with a niche market of dedicated fans. Its popularity was overshadowed by competitors like the Game Boy Color.
Form factor : Home console.
The Atari 5200 is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not intended to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is a portable console designed for gaming on the go, featuring a compact form factor that can easily be carried and played anywhere.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari 5200
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Console markets :
The Atari 5200 was primarily available in North America, with limited availability in some European countries. It was not widely distributed in other regions such as Asia or South America.
Console markets :
The Neo Geo Pocket Color was primarily available in Japan and North America. It had limited availability in Europe and other regions, making it more popular in the Japanese and North American markets.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Atari 5200 is now considered retro and collectible, with a growing market for vintage gaming consoles. Its unique design and library of classic games contribute to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸข Collectible : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is now considered retro and collectible, with a dedicated fan base driving up demand. Its unique library of games and nostalgic appeal make it a sought-after item for collectors.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Atari 5200 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but may be harder to find compared to more popular retro consoles. Prices can vary.
๐ŸŸก Console availability : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as mainstream consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The Atari 5200 is considered an average cost console due to its availability on the second-hand market. Prices can vary depending on condition and included accessories, making it a reasonable option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
๐ŸŸก Console cost : Average.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is considered to have an average relative cost due to its availability on the second-hand market. Prices can vary depending on the condition and included games.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari 5200 are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. However, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to the console's age and collectible status.
๐ŸŸก Game availability : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color can be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. Some titles may be harder to come by due to the console's limited popularity, but a decent selection is still available.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Games for the Atari 5200 are relatively affordable on the second-hand market, with a decent selection available. Prices can vary depending on rarity and condition, but overall, they are considered to be of average cost.
๐ŸŸก Game costs : Average.
Games for the Neo Geo Pocket Color are relatively affordable on the second-hand market, making them an average cost option for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.


Technology

Atari 5200
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Atari 5200 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the early 1980s. This architecture allowed for basic graphics and gameplay compared to later consoles.
Architecture : 16-bit.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color uses a 16-bit architecture, providing a good balance of performance and graphics capabilities for its time. This allowed for a wide variety of colorful and engaging games.
CPU : MOS Technology 6502C
The Atari 5200 uses the MOS Technology 6502C CPU, which was also used in other popular retro gaming consoles. It is a notable CPU for its performance and role in gaming history.
CPU : Toshiba TLCS900H core
The Neo Geo Pocket Color uses a Toshiba TLCS900H core for its CPU, providing efficient processing power for its games and applications.
Memory : 16 Kb RAM
The Atari 5200 has 16 Kb of RAM, which was considered a decent amount of memory for gaming consoles of its time. However, compared to modern consoles, it is extremely limited.
Memory : 16 Kb
The Neo Geo Pocket Color has 16 Kb of memory, which was sufficient for storing game data and save files for the handheld console's library of games.
Video output : RF and Composite
The Atari 5200 has RF and Composite video output connections, which may require adapters or converters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
Video output : Composite
The Neo Geo Pocket Color has a composite video output connection, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital connections.
โšช Graphics Processing : Unknown.
The Atari 5200's hardware specifications are not well-documented, so it is unclear if it has a dedicated GPU. Further research may be needed to determine the specifics of its graphics processing capabilities.
๐ŸŸข Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color does have a dedicated GPU, which contributes to its impressive graphics performance for a handheld console of its time, allowing for smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Atari 5200 is not internet connected. Released in the early 1980s, it predates widespread internet connectivity in gaming consoles. It relies solely on physical game cartridges for gameplay.
๐Ÿ”ด Internet connected : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color is not internet connected. It does not have any notable features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari 5200 is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play different games, similar to other consoles of its time.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Neo Geo Pocket Color is cartridge-based, with games being inserted into the console for gameplay. This format was common for handheld consoles of that era.


Gaming

Atari 5200
Neo Geo Pocket Color
Controllers : 4 controllers/players
The Atari 5200 supports up to 4 controllers/players for multiplayer gaming sessions. This allows for competitive or cooperative gameplay experiences on a single console.
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Neo Geo Pocket Color supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay on this handheld console.
โšช Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari 5200 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options or modifications available for online play, but this is not a standard feature of the console.
๐Ÿ”ด Online multiplayer : No.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color does not have online multiplayer capabilities as it was released before online gaming became mainstream. Multiplayer functionality is limited to local play with link cables.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari 5200 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. However, due to the console's limited popularity, some titles may be harder to find or more expensive in the secondhand market.
๐ŸŸก Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Neo Geo Pocket Color were released in a decent quantity, but due to the console's limited popularity, finding some titles may be a bit challenging in the secondhand market.
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Atari 5200 has several exclusive and notable games such as
๐ŸŸข Featured games : Yes.
The Neo Geo Pocket Color has several exclusive and iconic games such as SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium, Metal Slug: 1st Mission, and Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure.


While the Atari 5200 boasts a rich history and innovative features for its time, the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s color display and impressive game library make it a more appealing choice for gamers looking for a portable retro gaming experience. Ultimately, the Neo Geo Pocket Color edges out the Atari 5200 in terms of portability and game selection.