Atari 7800 vs Nintendo Game Boy Micro

The Atari 7800 and Nintendo Game Boy Micro are two iconic gaming devices from different eras. The Atari 7800 is a home console known for its classic arcade-style games, while the Game Boy Micro is a portable handheld system with a focus on on-the-go gaming.

General information

Atari 7800
Nintendo Game Boy Micro
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.
Introduction :
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro was released in 2005 as a compact and stylish handheld gaming console. Despite its small size, it featured a bright backlit screen and interchangeable faceplates for customization. While not as popular as other Game Boy models, the Game Boy Micro has gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors for its unique design and portability.
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 :
  • Compact size makes it highly portable for gaming on-the-go
  • Bright and crisp screen display for an enjoyable gaming experience
  • Compatible with a wide range of Game Boy Advance games
  • Stylish design with customizable faceplates for personalization
  • Long battery life for extended gaming sessions
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  • Outdated graphics and sound capabilities.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 :
  • Small screen size may strain eyes during long gaming sessions.
  • Limited library of games compared to newer consoles.
  • Lack of backlight makes it difficult to play in low light.
  • Fragile design prone to scratches and damage.
  • Short battery life requires frequent recharging.
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.
Year launched : 2005
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro was launched in 2005, offering a compact and stylish design for gaming on the go. It was a late addition to the Game Boy line, released after the Game Boy Advance SP.
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.
Manufacturer : Nintendo
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro was manufactured by Nintendo, a renowned and long-standing player in the gaming industry known for their innovative and popular gaming consoles.
🔴 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.
🔴 Popularity : Low.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro had limited popularity compared to other Game Boy models due to its small size and lack of backwards compatibility. It did not sell as well as its predecessors.
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.
Form factor : Handheld console.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro is designed as a portable handheld console, making it easy to take on the go for gaming on the move. Its compact size and lightweight form factor enhance its portability.
Official website : https://www.atari.com/
Official website : https://www.nintendo.com/


Market and availability

Atari 7800
Nintendo Game Boy Micro
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.
Console markets :
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro was available in various markets worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Japan. It was not region-specific and could be purchased in multiple countries.
🟢 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.
🟢 Collectible : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro is now considered retro and collectible due to its small size, unique design, and nostalgic appeal for fans of classic handheld gaming. It has become sought after by collectors.
🟡 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.
🟡 Console availability : Average.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro is moderately available on the secondhand market. While not as common as other Game Boy models, it can still be found with some searching, especially 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.
🔴 Console cost : High.
The relative cost of the Nintendo Game Boy Micro is high due to its collectible status, limited availability, and demand among retro gaming enthusiasts. Prices can vary but tend to be on the higher side.
🟡 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.
🟡 Game availability : Average.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Micro are still 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.
🟡 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.
🔴 Game costs : High.
Games for the Nintendo Game Boy Micro can be relatively expensive due to their collectible nature and limited availability. However, there is a thriving second-hand market for these games.


Technology

Atari 7800
Nintendo Game Boy Micro
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.
Architecture : 32-bit.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro uses a 32-bit architecture, providing enhanced graphics and gameplay compared to earlier 8 and 16-bit consoles. This allows for more advanced games and features.
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.
CPU : 16.8 MHz ARM7TDMI
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro uses a 16.8 MHz ARM7TDMI CPU, providing sufficient processing power for its handheld gaming experience. Despite its low clock speed, it efficiently runs Game Boy Advance games.
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.
Memory : 2 MB
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro has 2 MB of internal memory, allowing for storage of game saves and downloadable content. While small by today's standards, it was sufficient for its time.
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.
Video output : Composite
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
🟢 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.
🟢 Graphics Processing : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro does have a dedicated GPU, providing enhanced graphics performance for its compact size. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual quality compared to earlier Game Boy models.
⚪ 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.
🔴 Internet connected : No.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro is not internet connected. It does not have any notable internet connectivity features such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi capabilities.
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.
Game media format : Cartridge.
The primary game format for the Nintendo Game Boy Micro is cartridge-based. Players insert game cartridges into the console to play their favorite games on the go.


Gaming

Atari 7800
Nintendo Game Boy Micro
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.
Controllers : 1 controller / 1 player
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro is a handheld console designed for single-player gaming, allowing one player to use one controller at a time for an immersive gaming experience on the go.
⚪ 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.
⚪ Online multiplayer : Unknown.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro does not have built-in online multiplayer capabilities, and its compatibility with external multiplayer options is limited. Further research is needed to determine if online multiplayer is possible.
🟡 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.
🟢 Number of titles : Good.
Game titles for the Nintendo Game Boy Micro were released in abundance during its time, with a wide variety of popular games available. The console is still sought after by collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.
🟢 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.
🟢 Featured games : Yes.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro has exclusive games such as 'Mother 3' and 'The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap', making it a must-have for fans of these iconic franchises.


Ultimately, choosing between the Atari 7800 and Nintendo Game Boy Micro comes down to your gaming preferences and lifestyle. If you enjoy retro gaming and playing on the big screen, the Atari 7800 is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer gaming on the move and having a compact device, the Game Boy Micro is the way to go. Both offer unique gaming experiences worth exploring.