**The Atari 7800+: A Trip Down Memory Lane to an Overlooked Console**
The Atari 7800+ represents the contemporary Atari corporation’s latest endeavor to bring retro gaming devices back to life for a new crop of players—or more precisely, to revive the cherished memories of those who experienced the gaming scene of the ’80s. Building on the launch of the Atari 2600+ the previous year, the 7800+ seeks to re-establish the less celebrated Atari 7800 console. However, with clumsy controls, limited functionality, and a steep price of $130, the 7800+ appears to primarily appeal to devoted Atari fans rather than the wider community of retro gaming enthusiasts.
### **Reviving an Overlooked Console**
Originally released in the mid-1980s, the Atari 7800 was Atari’s effort to maintain its relevance amid the swiftly changing gaming landscape dominated by the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). While the 7800 offered backward compatibility with the Atari 2600 and a collection of arcade-style games, it found it tough to compete against the NES’s superior technology, strong third-party backing, and groundbreaking game design. Consequently, the 7800 never managed to gain the same cultural significance as its rivals.
Now, in 2024, the Atari 7800+ arrives to breathe new life into this neglected console. The revitalized hardware showcases a sleeker design influenced by the European variant of the original 7800, complete with a nostalgic rainbow band. Nevertheless, while the outer design may trigger enjoyable memories, using the 7800+ exposes its shortcomings.
### **HDMI Output: A Double-Edged Sword**
One of the main attractions of the Atari 7800+ is its HDMI output, enabling gamers to experience classic titles on modern HDTVs. The crisp, upscaled graphics reveal the vivid colors and pixel art of the 7800’s titles, particularly in games featuring bold, monochromatic sprites. However, the absence of graphical filters or scanline emulation results in these games appearing excessively blocky and harsh when showcased on high-definition displays. For those used to the softer aesthetics of CRT screens, the HD visuals may come off as abrupt.
Moreover, the 7800+ omits contemporary emulation conveniences like save states, fast-forward, rewind features, and adjustable controls. This dedication to authenticity may resonate with hardcore fans, but it also restricts the console’s pull for casual retro gamers accustomed to these enhancements in other emulation platforms.
### **Backward Compatibility and Homebrew Support**
Similar to its forerunner, the Atari 7800+ remains backward-compatible with Atari 2600 carts and controllers, courtesy of the Stella emulator. This function is a plus for those owning a collection of 2600 titles. However, it does prompt inquiries about the relevance of the Atari 2600+, launched just last year, which comes with fewer features at a comparable price.
The 7800+ also accommodates the expanding collection of homebrew cartridges made by current enthusiasts. These include both new titles and upgraded versions of classic games, with some now being officially sold by Atari. Although this support enhances the console’s value, the steep price of these cartridges—often around $30 each—might discourage some potential buyers.
### **The Controller Dilemma**
One of the most contentious features of the Atari 7800+ is its controller. Designed after the European CX78 joypad, the controller has a rigid plastic thumbstick and two face buttons. Regrettably, the thumbstick’s design feels clumsy and inaccurate, often resulting in unintentional inputs during play. Additionally, the face buttons are spaced too wide for comfortable operation, especially in games that require simultaneous button presses.
While the console comes with wireless receivers for the controllers, essential functions like pause and reset are still located on the console itself, necessitating that players keep the system within easy reach. This design choice, although true to the original hardware, seems antiquated and impractical by today’s standards.
### **A Limited Game Library**
The Atari 7800+ is compatible with 58 officially licensed Atari 7800 cartridges, along with a range of homebrew games. However, the quality of these games varies greatly. Some arcade conversions, like *Asteroids Deluxe* and *Frenzy*, show a notable improvement over their Atari 2600 versions, yet they still fail to match the arcade originals. Meanwhile, many of the 7800’s native titles come off as outdated and simplistic when contrasted with NES games of the same period.
Take, for instance, *Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest*, a new addition with the 7800+, which appears as a basic platformer that lacks the polish of NES classics such as *Super Mario Bros.* or *Adventure Island*. The vehicular combat game *Fatal Run* also finds it hard to stand up against comparable titles like *Roadblasters*. There is, however, one highlight: *Ninja
