The Atari was designed as a follow-up to the 2600 and the ill-fated Atari 5200. It offered backward compatibility with the 2600 library while delivering improved graphics and processing power for newer games. Though released in the shadow of the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Atari 7800 still made its mark with a small but quality game library including Asteroids, Robotron: 2084, and Pole Position II.
Hardware Specifications
Processor: Atari SALLY 6502 running at 1.79 MHz
Graphics: MARIA graphics chip supporting 256 colors, with resolutions up to 320×240 pixels
Memory: 4 KB of RAM
Storage: Cartridge-based games (up to 128 KB per game)
Audio: 2-channel audio via TIA chip (same as Atari 2600), with the ability to use POKEY sound chip for enhanced audio (though few games did)
Connectivity: Two controller ports, backward compatibility with most Atari 2600 controllers and games
Video Output: RF output (modding options for composite and S-video)
Original Release : May 1986
Discontinued: 1st January 1992
Cost (New in 1987): £100
Cost (In 2024 Price): £285
Due to corrosion/rust damage I don’t think this one will be possible to repair, but I will keep it just in case.
