The Atari 7800 was intended to rectify the failings of the 5200 and outshone all competition. It featured backwards compatibility for 2600 library titles as well as sleek design elements that could match other Atari systems – and even featured a light gun compatible with other Atari systems and high score save cartridge!
Backwards Compatibility
The Atari 7800 ProSystem (commonly referred to simply as “Atari 7800”) was introduced in 1986 as the successor to both the Atari 2600 and 5200 systems. Its main selling point was backward compatibility with 2600 cartridges without needing additional adapters; also featured were much improved graphics hardware compared to its predecessor and an audio chip capable of playing most arcade video games from 1981-1983.
The Atari 7800 was specifically designed to use many of the same chips found in an Atari 2600 when playing Atari 2600 games, but with some key differences. It featured a full 6502 processor instead of the limited 6507 VCS used by Atari 2600, and had more RAM for additional performance and memory management capabilities. This allowed the 7800 to run Atari 2600 titles at higher resolution while offering modes that slowed down their pace for a more authentic feel reminiscent of original 2600 games.
Graphics on Atari 2600s were handled by a custom chip called MARIA, which utilized an entirely unique approach to graphics processing akin to that found on modern arcade system boards, leading to some difficulties for game programmers. MARIA treated everything as a sprite described through display lists which included pointers to graphics data, color information and positioning parameters; its intensive processing requirements often led to slower performance or less colorful graphics than anticipated by its Atari game programmers.
The Atari 7800 had a more compact and sleeker design than its Atari 5200 predecessor and was also quite sturdy. It featured a red power button, two controller ports and hidden difficulty switches. Furthermore, third party joysticks could be installed along with Atari’s 10-in-1 cartridge featuring some of their most famous titles; unlike many consoles of its time it did not offer additional accessories like keyboards and high score saves.
Graphics
The 7800 was a direct successor to both the 2600 and 5200 consoles, boasting an enhanced graphics chip called MARIA. When activated as the 7800 (signified by full Atari logo displayed on-screen), MARIA provided graphics in 320×200 resolution with 256 colors, using its unique approach for graphics generation compared to other consoles at that time. Each raster displayed was described using “display lists”, with pointers to graphics data, color information and horizontal positioning data contained therein; additionally MARIA enabled pixels that could either active or dead pixels compared with other consoles of its generation which greatly enhanced game development potential compared to what existed on other systems at that time; similar systems provided for graphic development on other consoles like 2600 dead pixel systems of dead pixel systems compared with regards to active/dead pixel systems like 2600 dead pixel systems used with dead pixels being described using lists in list format and used this way when developing games on it was developed specifically on it’s own specific approach; additionally MARIA offered more sophisticated dead pixel system similar to its predecessor which greatly enhanced game development potential over its predecessor; all this made program development possible while making game development difficult than other consoles of its time. Each raster display lists used containing pointers to graphics data as opposed to other consoles at that time allowing program development for programming on it’s predecessor 2600.
MARIA wasn’t just another graphic processing unit – it was part of an integrated microprocessor designed to work alongside existing Television Interface Adaptor chips in the 7800 system and take full advantage of MARIA’s graphics capabilities. To ensure compatibility with all Atari 2600 game library while taking advantage of MARIA graphics capabilities. In order to avoid unauthorized companies producing cartridges for the system, an encryption key was embedded within TVIA chips to verify whether a cartridge was legitimate before entering 7800 mode.
Owing to these improvements, the 7800 had issues with graphics, sound and backwards compatibility. Originally the system was intended as a full fledged PC with keyboard additions and compatibility with printers and disk drives to capture home computer market share; prototypes with these features can still be found but when released to consumers in 1986 after two years of development many were cancelled or left behind due to cost restrictions; additionally early consoles feature an expansion port believed to be for laserdisc add ons which never saw release.
The 7800’s other major flaw was its inferior audio quality. Utilizing the same Television Interface Adaptor chips from its predecessor, the 2600, the 7800 produced only two-channel sound – not an issue back then but became problematic later due to videogame emulation software and decreasing PC prices driving consumers away from gaming consoles.
Sound
Though compatible with Atari 2600 games, the 7800’s audio performance lagged somewhat. Utilizing two channel audio chips from its Atari VCS cousin and capable of producing basic bleeps and buzzes; though that does not negate its own unique sound capabilities; indeed it did! Unfortunately, the TIA sound chip did not support a POKEY chip that would allow games such as Ballblazer and Commando to include their own sound hardware for an enhanced experience. GCC had intended to design an inexpensive POKEY chip called Minnie for use on the 7800 that would have been much less costly than including a TIA in each cartridge and would allow games to include bass lines, melody lines and percussion; unfortunately this plan was postponed until 1986 when Atari was sold to Jack Tramiel and development was put on pause.
When Atari released their 7800 console in 1986, it was an overwhelming failure. The Nintendo Entertainment System had already captured almost all of Atari’s market share in America while poor controllers and limited selection of games for this new system only compounded this failure at launch.
Atari was lacking third party support, with their only new original games being revamped versions of classic arcade classics (such as Centipede). While these were good, gamers wanted more. Unfortunately, Atari was eventually forced to discontinue production of their 7800 system in 1989 without much fanfare and all remaining units were quietly recycled into scrap heaps.
Today, the Atari 7800 has experienced a revival due to its growing popularity with homebrewers and enthusiasts of retro gaming. Emulators for both NTSC and PAL systems run smoothly; making this console one of the most sought-after by those interested in collecting vintage home consoles.
Game Library
Atari’s 7800 console (known in Europe as ProSystem) was intended to address two of its major flaws in the Atari 5200: lack of backward compatibility with Atari 2600 games and fragile analog controllers. Unfortunately, due to legal battles involving GCC (the manufacturer of 7800 hardware), production on this system was delayed for nearly two years after it had first been announced.
At launch, the 7800 offered classic arcade titles such as Ms. Pac-Man, Pole Position II, Centipede, Joust, Dig Dug, Nile Flyer (later released as Desert Falcon), Robotron: 2084 and Galaga. Additionally, its expansion port allowed it to run OSS Atari 7800 Computer Add-On software and access various Atari XL computer titles.
Hardware was an enormous upgrade over previous consoles from Atari; the MARIA chip used in its graphics display and sound processing was distinct from that used by second generation consoles such as 2600; MARIA handled everything as one large sprite rather than individual hardware sprites like other chips could do, providing higher resolution graphics resolution and palette support.
Even though Atari released many classic Atari 2600 and 5200 games for playback on its 7800 system, many gamers were looking for new original titles to fill their library of gaming. Atari did offer some interesting originals such as Alien Brigade – an attractive but poor 1st person shooter; Basketbrawl; Mean 18 Golf as well as Fatal Run which proved to be surprising popular choices with gamers.
Atari continued to produce some quality modern software for the 7800, such as the excellent crossbow arcade game Xenophobe and space shooter Crossbow; however, by late 1987-1988 their focus shifted heavily toward porting computer titles that weren’t well suited for console without keyboard control.
The 7800 featured a light gun accessory compatible with most Atari light gun games. It was both included with and sold separately; its ergonomic design made it much better than pro-line joysticks included with console.
