Atari7800

Atari 7800

Generation: 3
Console
71 Spiele

Versionen

Initial version Erscheinungsdatum: Jun 14, 1984 The Atari 7800 ProSystem was released a full two years after it was designed and tested. The console was Atari's attempt to compete with the NES and Sega Master System. Following a massive research project focused on determining exactly what consumers were demanding from a video game platform, Atari knew what it needed for its next generation system. They selected the General Computer Corporation to design new a graphics chip. "Marie" was what they named it. It provided a greater spectrum of colors and an endless number of sprites. There was also one extra feature Atari added to the Marie chip. In an effort to combat third-party game manufacturers from taking a huge chunk out of their potential software profits, Atari installed an encryption algorithm (like a coded lock) into the Marie Chip. The 7800 would only allow cartridges containing a 960-bit encoded "key" to activate its state-of-the-art graphics and sound capabilities. If a cartridge did not include the proper coded authentication, the system remained in its default mode and could only run games made for the 2600. With the 7800, Atari attempted to correct all of the shortcomings inherent to the 5200 platform. As stated above, the 7800 was compatible with 2600 cartridges. They had even designed an adapter (later discarded upon release) which would let the 7800 play 5200 cartridges, giving Atari across-the-board compatibility with all previous software. To make the system even more attractive to consumers considering purchasing a home computer, Atari promised an optional keyboard add-on. While size of the 7800 console is much smaller than the immense 5200, the major improvement was made in the joystick design. The 7800 controller was made more in the tradition of the 2600. It is sleek, simple and, most importantly, durable. In 1983, the Marie project was a courageous attempt to bring Atari back as the preeminent name in video games. Atari poured their best available personnel into the project. The system was ready and waiting to ignite the stagnant video game market. Unfortunately timing was working against the proponents of the 7800. In 1984, Warner Communications sold Atari to Jack Tramiel. He wanted to focus on the company's computer line, and the Atari 7800 was shelved. The video game market awoke with a roar in 1985. Nintendo had released the NES game system to American consumers. Videogame sales skyrocketed and soon Sega premiered its Sega Master System. Seeing there was money to be made, Atari scrambled to get onto the playing field and released the Atari 7800 in 1986 with only three games: Ms. Pac-Man, Joust and Asteroids. With a paltry $300,000 advertising budget Atari gave the system a half-hearted release. Sales for the platform were good, but Atari was also trying to market a computer/console hybrid called the Atari XE and a remodeled version of the Atari 2600. All three platforms remained far behind Nintendo and Sega's offerings. By the time the Atari 7800 started to build up a substantial library of games, it was too late, and the system disappeared from store shelves.

Spiele

Hat Trick

1984
0
0 / 5
20. Januar 2026

Hat Trick is an ice hockey based arcade game released by Bally Sente in 1984. Each team in the game consists of two players, including a goaltender. The game takes an overhead…

Impetus

2020
0
0 / 5
13. Januar 2025

A vertically scrolling shooter developed by Inofuto for a variety of systems.

Impossible Mission

1984
0
0 / 5
23. Juli 2026

The situation: for three days have the strategic central computers of the great powers acted up. An unknown person manipulates their programmes; at the end of these programmes is…

Jacks or Better

2022
0
0 / 5
2. November 2023

Video poker for Atari 7800

Jinks

1987
0
0 / 5
31. Oktober 2023

You are about to embark on one of the most dangerous missions of your career. As a renowned Star Fleet pilot, you have been selected to command an exploration party in a journey…

Karateka

1984
0
0 / 5
21. Juli 2026

Karateka is a 1984 beat'em up video game by Jordan Mechner, and was his first game created while attending Yale University. It was originally programmed for the Apple II, and was…

Klax

1990
0
0 / 5
3. April 2026

Klax is a 1989 computer puzzle game designed by Dave Akers and Mark Stephen Pierce. The object is to line up colored blocks into rows of similar colors to make them disappear, to…

Knight Guy in Low Res World: Castle Days

2021
0
0 / 5
9. Juli 2024

Knight Guy in Low Res World: Castle Days is a platformer with some metroidvania elements. Knight Guy's pet (either a dog or a cat) has been kidnapped by an evil dragon, and he has…

Last Stand Halloween

2025
0
0 / 5
22. August 2025

An Atari7800 weekend exploration that became a game. You are stuck in the middle of the screen and must shoot everything!

Lift

2024
0
0 / 5
2. Juni 2026

Lyra the Tenrec

2023
0
0 / 5
6. September 2023

Three levels of classic arcade fun as you collect the crystal wafers while trying to keep eyeborgs at bay. Watch out for the indestructible Ztyx!

Mat Mania Challenge

1990
0
0 / 5
31. Oktober 2023

Wouldn't you know it, you drew Bruno the Sledge, five time champion and all-around bad guy, as your first opponent in your quest for that elusive Atari Wrestling Federation…

Mean 18: Ultimate Golf

1986
0
0 / 5
29. Juli 2025

Mean 18 is a golf video game designed by Rex Bradford with graphics by George Karalias, both of Microsmiths, and released by Accolade for MS-DOS compatible operating systems in…

Meltdown

1990
0
0 / 5
19. Oktober 2026

Meteor Shower

2011
0
0 / 5
9. Juli 2024

Meteors are falling to Earth! Defend Earth's surface by blasting away at the falling rocks... But beware! Alien forces have learned what was happening and are taking advantage of…

Midnight Mutants

1990
0
0 / 5
21. Oktober 2026

Can you save Grampa from Plasmic Prison 7800 Arcade adventure like you've never seen before. This game has it all places like rivers, deep dark forests, creepy caverns, labs,…

Missing In Action

1989
0
0 / 5
13. April 2023

Having been shown several years ago at classic gaming events, the Atari 7800 prototype Missing in Action has finally seen the light of day! AtariAge user Mitch recently acquired…

Motor Psycho

1990
0
0 / 5
15. Januar 2025

You finished it at last! And now you are going crazy waiting to test your sleek, hot, fast customized bike. It absorbs your every waking moment, you dream about it every night. It…

Nebulus

1987
0
0 / 5
1. August 2026

You play a small green guy who needs to blow up eight towers, because their presence is somehow poisoning the water of planets which could potentially be ideal colonies.…

Ninja Golf

1990
0
0 / 5
29. Juni 2026

Ninja Golf is an Atari 7800 video game which combines scrolling beat 'em up with golf simulation gameplay. Released in 1990, it later gained some renown for its outlandish subject…

One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird

1983
0
0 / 5
16. September 2025

One on One: Dr. J vs Larry Bird features basketball legends Julius Erving and Larry Bird competing in head-to-head matchups at a single basket court. Players can engage in timed…

One-on-One Basketball

1987
0
0 / 5
14. Dezember 2022

You're out on a dream court for a hot game of One-on-One. You're the Bird. Or you're Dr. J. And that's the last decision you'll have much time to make. You can play against the…

Pete Rose Baseball

1989
0
0 / 5
10. September 2026

From the crack of the bat, make split-second decisions as you choose which fielder makes the play. Throw popular Major League pitches - fast balls, curves, change-ups, screwballs…