Atari 7800 vs Sega Dreamcast
Please select two different options.
The Atari 7800 and Sega Dreamcast represent two different eras in gaming history. The Atari 7800 was released in the 1980s as a third-generation console, while the Sega Dreamcast debuted in the late 1990s as a sixth-generation console.
General information
Atari 7800
Sega Dreamcast
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 Sega Dreamcast was released in 1999 and was the last console released by Sega. It was popular in markets such as Japan and North America but ultimately failed to compete with the PlayStation 2. Despite its short lifespan, the Dreamcast has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and is highly sought after by collectors for its innovative games and unique features like the VMU memory card.
The Sega Dreamcast was released in 1999 and was the last console released by Sega. It was popular in markets such as Japan and North America but ultimately failed to compete with the PlayStation 2. Despite its short lifespan, the Dreamcast has become a classic among retro gaming enthusiasts and is highly sought after by collectors for its innovative games and unique features like the VMU memory card.
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 :
- The Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time in terms of graphics
- It had a built-in modem for online gaming capabilities
- The controller design was innovative and comfortable to use
- The console had a wide variety of unique and exclusive games
- The Dreamcast had a strong cult following and loyal fanbase
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 :
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 : 1999
The Sega Dreamcast was launched in 1999, offering cutting-edge graphics and innovative features for its time. Despite its short lifespan, it left a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
The Sega Dreamcast was launched in 1999, offering cutting-edge graphics and innovative features for its time. Despite its short lifespan, it left a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
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 : Sega
Sega Dreamcast was manufactured by Sega, a prominent player in the gaming industry known for their innovative consoles and popular game titles. The Dreamcast was Sega's last home console before transitioning to a third-party software developer.
Sega Dreamcast was manufactured by Sega, a prominent player in the gaming industry known for their innovative consoles and popular game titles. The Dreamcast was Sega's last home console before transitioning to a third-party software developer.
🔴 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 Sega Dreamcast had moderate success during its release in the late 1990s, selling over 9 million units worldwide. It had a dedicated fan base and introduced innovative features, but faced tough competition from Sony's PlayStation 2.
The Sega Dreamcast had moderate success during its release in the late 1990s, selling over 9 million units worldwide. It had a dedicated fan base and introduced innovative features, but faced tough competition from Sony's PlayStation 2.
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 Sega Dreamcast is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location such as a living room. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
The Sega Dreamcast is a home console, designed to be used in a stationary location such as a living room. It is not meant to be easily portable like handheld consoles.
Official website :
https://www.atari.com/
Official website :
https://www.sega.com/
Market and availability
Atari 7800
Sega Dreamcast
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 Sega Dreamcast is now considered retro and collectible, with a dedicated fan base driving up prices for rare editions and games. Its innovative features and unique library make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Sega Dreamcast is now considered retro and collectible, with a dedicated fan base driving up prices for rare editions and games. Its innovative features and unique library make it a sought-after item for 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.
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 Sega Dreamcast is moderately available in the secondhand market. While not as common as newer consoles, it can still be found through online marketplaces and retro gaming stores.
The Sega Dreamcast is moderately available in 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 Sega Dreamcast is considered a low-cost option for gamers due to its discontinued status and availability primarily through the second-hand market. Prices can vary but generally remain affordable.
The Sega Dreamcast is considered a low-cost option for gamers due to its discontinued status and availability primarily through the second-hand market. Prices can vary but generally remain affordable.
🟡 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.
While new games are no longer being produced, there is a decent selection of secondhand games available for the Sega Dreamcast. Some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to collectibility.
While new games are no longer being produced, there is a decent selection of secondhand games available for the Sega Dreamcast. Some titles may be harder to find or more expensive due to collectibility.
🟡 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 : Average.
The relative cost of games for the Sega Dreamcast is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many can be found at reasonable prices in the second-hand market.
The relative cost of games for the Sega Dreamcast is average. While some titles may be more expensive due to rarity, many can be found at reasonable prices in the second-hand market.
Technology
Atari 7800
Sega Dreamcast
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 : .
The Sega Dreamcast uses a 128-bit architecture, making it more powerful than its predecessors. This allowed for improved graphics and gameplay experiences compared to older consoles.
The Sega Dreamcast uses a 128-bit architecture, making it more powerful than its predecessors. This allowed for improved graphics and gameplay experiences compared to older 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 : Hitachi SH-4
The Sega Dreamcast uses the Hitachi SH-4 CPU, which was a 32-bit RISC processor known for its performance capabilities at the time of the console's release in 1999.
The Sega Dreamcast uses the Hitachi SH-4 CPU, which was a 32-bit RISC processor known for its performance capabilities at the time of the console's release in 1999.
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 : 16 Mb
The Sega Dreamcast has 16 Mb of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for high-quality graphics and gameplay experiences on the console.
The Sega Dreamcast has 16 Mb of memory, which was considered impressive for its time and allowed for high-quality graphics and gameplay experiences on the console.
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
The Sega Dreamcast has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter or converter to connect to modern TVs that typically use HDMI or other digital inputs.
The Sega Dreamcast has composite video output connections, which may require an adapter or converter 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.
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 Sega Dreamcast is equipped with a dedicated GPU, the PowerVR2 CLX2, which was considered advanced for its time and contributed to the console's impressive graphics capabilities and performance.
The Sega Dreamcast is equipped with a dedicated GPU, the PowerVR2 CLX2, which was considered advanced for its time and contributed to the console's impressive graphics capabilities and performance.
⚪ 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 : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast was one of the first consoles to feature built-in internet connectivity through a modem adapter. Players could access online multiplayer, web browsing, and downloadable content.
The Sega Dreamcast was one of the first consoles to feature built-in internet connectivity through a modem adapter. Players could access online multiplayer, web browsing, and downloadable content.
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 : CD.
The primary game format for the Sega Dreamcast is CD. Games are typically played using compact discs inserted into the console for gameplay.
The primary game format for the Sega Dreamcast is CD. Games are typically played using compact discs inserted into the console for gameplay.
Gaming
Atari 7800
Sega Dreamcast
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 : 4 controllers/players
The Sega Dreamcast supports up to 4 controllers for multiplayer gaming, allowing for a fun and engaging experience for friends and family to enjoy together on the same console.
The Sega Dreamcast supports up to 4 controllers for multiplayer gaming, allowing for a fun and engaging experience for friends and family to enjoy together on the same 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 : Yes.
The Sega Dreamcast was one of the first consoles to offer online multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to connect and compete with others over the internet, revolutionizing the gaming experience.
The Sega Dreamcast was one of the first consoles to offer online multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to connect and compete with others over the internet, revolutionizing the gaming experience.
🟡 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 Sega Dreamcast were released consistently during its lifespan, with a good variety of genres available. Many titles are still sought after by collectors, making them somewhat valuable in the secondhand market.
Game titles for the Sega Dreamcast were released consistently during its lifespan, with a good variety of genres available. Many titles are still sought after by collectors, making them somewhat valuable in the secondhand market.
🟢 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 Sega Dreamcast has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic Adventure, Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, and Crazy Taxi. These games are highly regarded and have a dedicated fan base.
The Sega Dreamcast has several exclusive and iconic games such as Sonic Adventure, Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, and Crazy Taxi. These games are highly regarded and have a dedicated fan base.
When choosing between the Atari 7800 and Sega Dreamcast, consider the era of gaming you prefer. If you enjoy retro gaming and classic titles, the Atari 7800 may be the right choice. However, if you prefer more advanced graphics and a wider range of games, the Sega Dreamcast offers a more modern gaming experience.