Atari 7800 vs Commodore 64 Games System
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The Atari 7800 and Commodore 64 Games System were both popular gaming consoles in the 1980s. The Atari 7800 was known for its impressive graphics and sound capabilities, while the Commodore 64 was praised for its extensive library of games and versatility.
General information
Atari 7800
Commodore 64 Games System
Introduction :
The Atari 7800 was released in 1986 as a successor to the Atari 5200. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games. Despite its short lifespan, the console has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its library of classic arcade ports and original titles, the Atari 7800 remains a beloved piece of gaming history.
The Atari 7800 was released in 1986 as a successor to the Atari 5200. It was popular in North America and Europe, offering backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games. Despite its short lifespan, the console has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors. Known for its library of classic arcade ports and original titles, the Atari 7800 remains a beloved piece of gaming history.
Introduction :
The Commodore 64 Games System, released in 1990, was a compact version of the popular Commodore 64 computer. Known for its extensive library of games and affordability, it quickly gained popularity in the gaming market. The console has since become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, with many still enjoying the nostalgic gameplay experience it offers.
The Commodore 64 Games System, released in 1990, was a compact version of the popular Commodore 64 computer. Known for its extensive library of games and affordability, it quickly gained popularity in the gaming market. The console has since become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, with many still enjoying the nostalgic gameplay experience it offers.
Advantages :
- The Atari 7800 offers a wide variety of classic games.
- It has backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games.
- The console has durable hardware that can withstand years of use.
- The controllers are comfortable and easy to use for long gaming sessions.
- The 7800 has a strong community of collectors and enthusiasts.
Advantages :
- Extensive library of classic games
- Retro gaming experience
- Affordable price point
- Easy to use interface
- Durable hardware
Disadvantages :
- Limited game library compared to newer consoles.
- Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.
- Lack of third-party developer support.
- Limited online connectivity features.
- Fragile controllers prone to wear and tear.
Disadvantages :
- Limited graphics capabilities compared to modern consoles.
- Lack of online multiplayer functionality.
- Limited game library compared to newer systems.
- Outdated hardware may lead to compatibility issues.
- Limited storage capacity for game downloads.
Year launched : 1986
The Atari 7800 was launched in 1986, offering gamers a new console experience with improved graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. It aimed to compete with other popular consoles of the time.
The Atari 7800 was launched in 1986, offering gamers a new console experience with improved graphics and gameplay compared to its predecessors. It aimed to compete with other popular consoles of the time.
Year launched : 1982
The Commodore 64 Games System was launched in 1982, offering a range of popular games and becoming a beloved console for many gamers during the 1980s.
The Commodore 64 Games System was launched in 1982, offering a range of popular games and becoming a beloved console for many gamers during the 1980s.
Manufacturer : Atari
Atari was the manufacturer of the Atari 7800, a popular games console released in the mid-1980s. Known for its compatibility with older Atari games and improved graphics capabilities, it was a competitor to other consoles of its time.
Atari was the manufacturer of the Atari 7800, a popular games console released in the mid-1980s. Known for its compatibility with older Atari games and improved graphics capabilities, it was a competitor to other consoles of its time.
Manufacturer : Commodore International
Commodore International, a well-known electronics company in the 1980s, manufactured the Commodore 64 Games System. It was a popular gaming console that offered a wide range of games for players.
Commodore International, a well-known electronics company in the 1980s, manufactured the Commodore 64 Games System. It was a popular gaming console that offered a wide range of games for players.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Atari 7800 had limited success in the market, with lower sales compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with more popular consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Master System.
The Atari 7800 had limited success in the market, with lower sales compared to other consoles of its time. It struggled to compete with more popular consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Master System.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
The Commodore 64 Games System was popular during its time, with a significant number of units sold. However, it did not dominate the market compared to some other consoles. It still holds a nostalgic appeal for many retro gaming enthusiasts.
The Commodore 64 Games System was popular during its time, with a significant number of units sold. However, it did not dominate the market compared to some other consoles. It still holds a nostalgic appeal for many retro gaming enthusiasts.
Form factor : Home console.
The Atari 7800 is a home console, designed to be used in a living room or gaming setup. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
The Atari 7800 is a home console, designed to be used in a living room or gaming setup. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Form factor : Home console.
The Commodore 64 Games System is designed as a home console, meant to be set up and played in a stationary location rather than being easily portable.
The Commodore 64 Games System is designed as a home console, meant to be set up and played in a stationary location rather than being easily portable.
Official website :
https://www.atari.com/
Official website :
https://www.commodore.ca/
Market and availability
Atari 7800
Commodore 64 Games System
Console markets :
The Atari 7800 was primarily available in North America, with limited availability in Europe and Australia. It was not as widely distributed as other consoles of its time.
The Atari 7800 was primarily available in North America, with limited availability in Europe and Australia. It was not as widely distributed as other consoles of its time.
Console markets :
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Atari 7800 is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal among gaming enthusiasts. Its limited availability and unique library of games contribute to its value in the collector's market.
The Atari 7800 is considered retro and collectible due to its nostalgic appeal among gaming enthusiasts. Its limited availability and unique library of games contribute to its value in the collector's market.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Commodore 64 Games System is highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. Its nostalgic appeal and limited availability make it a valuable addition to any collection.
The Commodore 64 Games System is highly sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts. Its nostalgic appeal and limited availability make it a valuable addition to any collection.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Atari 7800 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but others showing signs of wear. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
The Atari 7800 is moderately available on the secondhand market, with some units in good condition but others showing signs of wear. Collectors may find it more challenging to locate specific models or accessories.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Commodore 64 Games System is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
The Commodore 64 Games System is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Atari 7800 is considered a low-cost option for retro gaming enthusiasts, as it is widely available in the second-hand market at affordable prices. However, prices may vary depending on the condition and included accessories.
The Atari 7800 is considered a low-cost option for retro gaming enthusiasts, as it is widely available in the second-hand market at affordable prices. However, prices may vary depending on the condition and included accessories.
🟢 Console cost : Low.
The Commodore 64 Games System is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively affordable for retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
The Commodore 64 Games System is considered low in cost due to its age and availability in the second-hand market. It is relatively affordable for retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Atari 7800 are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection of titles to choose from.
Games for the Atari 7800 are somewhat available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While not as common as newer consoles, there is a decent selection of titles to choose from.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Commodore 64 are available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles may be harder to find, there is a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
Games for the Commodore 64 are available through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores. While some titles may be harder to find, there is a decent selection for collectors and enthusiasts.
🟡 Game costs : Average.
Atari 7800 games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles may be more expensive due to their collectibility, many games can be found at reasonable prices on the second-hand market.
Atari 7800 games can vary in price depending on rarity and condition. While some titles may be more expensive due to their collectibility, many games can be found at reasonable prices on the second-hand market.
🟢 Game costs : Low.
The relative cost of games for the Commodore 64 Games System is low due to the availability of second-hand games and the lower demand compared to newer consoles, making it a budget-friendly option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
The relative cost of games for the Commodore 64 Games System is low due to the availability of second-hand games and the lower demand compared to newer consoles, making it a budget-friendly option for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Technology
Atari 7800
Commodore 64 Games System
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Atari 7800 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and sound capabilities compared to later consoles.
The Atari 7800 uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and sound capabilities compared to later consoles.
Architecture : 8-bit.
The Commodore 64 Games System uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and sound capabilities compared to newer consoles.
The Commodore 64 Games System uses an 8-bit architecture, which was common for gaming consoles in the 1980s. This architecture allowed for simple graphics and sound capabilities compared to newer consoles.
CPU : MOS Technology 6502C
The Atari 7800 uses the MOS Technology 6502C CPU, a popular 8-bit processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers during the 1980s. It has a single core and moderate performance capabilities.
The Atari 7800 uses the MOS Technology 6502C CPU, a popular 8-bit processor known for its use in various gaming consoles and computers during the 1980s. It has a single core and moderate performance capabilities.
CPU : MOS Technology 6510
The Commodore 64 Games System uses the MOS Technology 6510 CPU, which is a modified version of the 6502 CPU. It has a clock speed of 1 MHz and is known for its versatility.
The Commodore 64 Games System uses the MOS Technology 6510 CPU, which is a modified version of the 6502 CPU. It has a clock speed of 1 MHz and is known for its versatility.
Memory : 4 KB RAM, 48 KB ROM
The Atari 7800 has 4 KB of RAM and 48 KB of ROM, allowing for storage of game data and system software. While modest by today's standards, it was sufficient for many classic games.
The Atari 7800 has 4 KB of RAM and 48 KB of ROM, allowing for storage of game data and system software. While modest by today's standards, it was sufficient for many classic games.
Memory : 64 Kb
The Commodore 64 Games System has 64 kilobytes of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for a wide variety of games to be played.
The Commodore 64 Games System has 64 kilobytes of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for a wide variety of games to be played.
Video output : RF and composite
The Atari 7800 has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
The Atari 7800 has RF and composite video output connections, which may require adapters to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or component inputs.
Video output : Composite and RF
The Commodore 64 Games System has composite and RF video output connections. To connect to a modern TV, an adapter or converter may be needed to convert these analog signals to digital.
The Commodore 64 Games System has composite and RF video output connections. To connect to a modern TV, an adapter or converter may be needed to convert these analog signals to digital.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Atari 7800 is equipped with a dedicated GPU, which helps enhance graphics performance and overall gaming experience compared to consoles without a dedicated GPU.
The Atari 7800 is equipped with a dedicated GPU, which helps enhance graphics performance and overall gaming experience compared to consoles without a dedicated GPU.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Commodore 64 Games System does have a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics capabilities for its time. This allowed for more advanced and visually appealing games to be played on the console.
The Commodore 64 Games System does have a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics capabilities for its time. This allowed for more advanced and visually appealing games to be played on the console.
⚪ Internet connected : Unknown.
The Atari 7800 is an older console and does not have built-in internet connectivity. It lacks features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online capabilities, making its internet connection status unknown.
The Atari 7800 is an older console and does not have built-in internet connectivity. It lacks features like Ethernet or Wi-Fi for online capabilities, making its internet connection status unknown.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Commodore 64 Games System is not internet connected. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or WiFi capabilities for online connectivity.
The Commodore 64 Games System is not internet connected. It does not have any notable details such as Ethernet or WiFi capabilities for online connectivity.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Atari 7800 is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for quick and easy gameplay without the need for loading times.
The primary game format for the Atari 7800 is cartridge-based. Games are inserted into the console via cartridges, allowing for quick and easy gameplay without the need for loading times.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Commodore 64 Games System is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games.
The primary game format for the Commodore 64 Games System is cartridge-based. Players would insert game cartridges into the console to play different games.
Gaming
Atari 7800
Commodore 64 Games System
Controllers : 2 controllers / 2 players
The Atari 7800 supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on the console. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay together.
The Atari 7800 supports 2 controllers for 2 players, allowing for multiplayer gaming experiences on the console. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay together.
Controllers : 2 controllers
The Commodore 64 Games System supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming experiences. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay on this classic console.
The Commodore 64 Games System supports up to 2 controllers for multiplayer gaming experiences. Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay on this classic console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Atari 7800 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options or modifications available to enable online multiplayer, but this is not a standard feature of the console.
The Atari 7800 does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities. However, there may be third-party options or modifications available to enable online multiplayer, but this is not a standard feature of the console.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Commodore 64 Games System does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, but there may be third-party modifications or emulators that allow for online multiplayer functionality.
The Commodore 64 Games System does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, but there may be third-party modifications or emulators that allow for online multiplayer functionality.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Atari 7800 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there is a reasonable variety for collectors.
Game titles for the Atari 7800 were released in an average manner, with a decent selection available. Some titles may be harder to find due to the console's age, but overall, there is a reasonable variety for collectors.
🟡 Number of titles : Average.
Game titles for the Commodore 64 Games System were released in an average manner. While some titles are still widely available, others may be harder to find due to the console's age and limited production.
Game titles for the Commodore 64 Games System were released in an average manner. While some titles are still widely available, others may be harder to find due to the console's age and limited production.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Atari 7800 has notable exclusive games such as 'Donkey Kong Junior', 'Ms. Pac-Man', and 'Joust'. These games helped define the console's library and are still fondly remembered by fans.
The Atari 7800 has notable exclusive games such as 'Donkey Kong Junior', 'Ms. Pac-Man', and 'Joust'. These games helped define the console's library and are still fondly remembered by fans.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Commodore 64 Games System has several exclusive and iconic games such as 'Impossible Mission', 'The Last Ninja', and 'Boulder Dash', which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
The Commodore 64 Games System has several exclusive and iconic games such as 'Impossible Mission', 'The Last Ninja', and 'Boulder Dash', which are highly regarded in the gaming community.
Ultimately, the choice between the Atari 7800 and Commodore 64 Games System comes down to personal preference. If you value cutting-edge graphics and sound, the Atari 7800 may be the better option. However, if you prefer a wide selection of games and versatility, the Commodore 64 Games System could be the ideal choice for you.