Atari 5200 vs Nintendo Wii U

The Atari 5200 was a popular gaming console released in the early 1980s, known for its advanced graphics and controller design. On the other hand, the Nintendo Wii U was a more recent console released in 2012, featuring innovative gameplay with its unique GamePad controller and a wide range of popular game titles.

General information

Atari 5200
Nintendo Wii U
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 Nintendo Wii U was released in 2012 as the successor to the popular Wii console. It featured a unique gamepad controller with a touchscreen, allowing for innovative gameplay experiences. While it did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor, the Wii U still has a dedicated fan base and a library of exclusive games. It is considered a classic console by many collectors and 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 :
  • Backward compatibility with Wii games, expanding gaming library options. - GamePad controller offers unique gameplay experiences not found on other consoles. - Off-TV play allows for gaming on the GamePad without using the TV. - Nintendo exclusives like Mario, Zelda, and Splatoon provide unique gaming experiences. - Miiverse social platform allows for sharing gameplay experiences with others.
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 third-party support
  • Lack of exclusive titles
  • Underpowered compared to competitors
  • Short battery life for GamePad
  • Discontinued production and lack of future updates
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 : 2012
The Nintendo Wii U was launched in 2012, offering innovative gameplay features such as the GamePad controller. It aimed to bridge the gap between traditional console gaming and handheld devices.
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 : Nintendo
Nintendo is the manufacturer of the Wii U games console, known for its innovative gameplay and family-friendly titles. The Wii U was released as a successor to the popular Wii console.
🔴 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.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Nintendo Wii U had relatively low sales compared to other consoles, with a smaller market share. It struggled to compete with other consoles during its time on the market.
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 : Home console.
The Nintendo Wii U is designed as a home console, meant to be connected to a TV for gaming. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/


Market and availability

Atari 5200
Nintendo Wii U
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 Nintendo Wii U was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. However, it was not as widely distributed as its predecessor, the Wii.
🟢 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.
⚪ Collectible : Unknown.
The Nintendo Wii U is starting to gain interest among collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts, but its value is still uncertain. Nostalgia for the unique features of the console may drive up demand in the future.
🟡 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.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo Wii U is moderately available in the secondhand market, with a decent selection of pre-owned units. However, new units may be harder to come by as production has ceased.
🟡 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.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The relative cost of the Nintendo Wii U is low due to being discontinued and overshadowed by newer consoles. Second-hand units are widely available at affordable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for gamers.
🟡 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.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
While new game releases for the Nintendo Wii U have slowed down, there is still a decent selection available. Additionally, there is a thriving secondhand market for Wii U games.
🟡 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.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
The relative cost of games for the Nintendo Wii U is low due to the console being discontinued and games being readily available in the second-hand market at affordable prices.


Technology

Atari 5200
Nintendo Wii U
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 : 32-bit.
The Nintendo Wii U uses a 32-bit architecture. While not as advanced as newer consoles, it still provides decent performance for gaming and multimedia entertainment.
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 : IBM PowerPC multi-core processor
The Nintendo Wii U is powered by a custom IBM PowerPC multi-core processor, providing sufficient processing power for gaming and multimedia tasks on the console.
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 : 32 GB
The Nintendo Wii U comes with 32 GB of internal memory, allowing players to store game data, downloadable content, and more without the need for additional storage devices.
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 : HDMI
The Nintendo Wii U has an HDMI output connection, which is commonly used for connecting to modern TVs for high-definition video and audio quality.
⚪ 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.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U features a dedicated GPU, the AMD Radeon-based GPU, which provides enhanced graphics performance for gaming and multimedia experiences on the console.
🔴 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.
🟢 Internet connected : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U is internet connected, featuring both Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities for online gaming, streaming services, and accessing the Nintendo eShop for downloadable content.
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 : Download.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Wii U is digital downloads. Players can purchase and download games directly from the Nintendo eShop onto their console's internal storage or external USB drives.


Gaming

Atari 5200
Nintendo Wii U
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 : Up to 5 controllers/players
The Nintendo Wii U supports up to 5 players/controllers simultaneously, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences with friends and family. This includes a combination of Wii Remotes, Wii U Pro Controllers, and the GamePad.
⚪ 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.
🟢 Online multiplayer : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U allows players to enjoy multiplayer online gaming with friends and other players around the world, offering a variety of online multiplayer options for a more interactive gaming experience.
🟡 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.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Nintendo Wii U were released steadily, with a mix of popular franchises and unique indie games. While some titles are now harder to find due to the console's discontinuation, many are still available secondhand.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari 5200 has several exclusive and notable games such as
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo Wii U has several exclusive and iconic games such as Super Mario 3D World, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon. These games are highly regarded by fans and critics alike.


While the Atari 5200 was a groundbreaking console in its time, the Nintendo Wii U offers a more modern gaming experience with its innovative features and extensive game library. If you’re looking for a nostalgic gaming experience, the Atari 5200 may be the way to go. However, for a more current and versatile gaming experience, the Nintendo Wii U is the better choice.