Atari 5200 Guy

I managed to play and get a screenshot but I'm having issues with my cart.  On the Title Screen the game will often turn to pastel colors and freeze.  I'm not sure what's causing it but I'm going to try cleaning the contacts on the cart and machine to see if that solves the issues.  Played with a Europad controller.  I made it to the 3rd lap.  I kept finding cars who wanted to move over in front of me all of a sudden.  How nice of them.


Played on real hardware of course.

I have to agree that today's console wars are not as exciting as they were when our generation was growing.  Truth be told those console wars are probably why we have gray hairs and aches and pains today.  As I already mentioned in a comment on your video the first console war I remember well was between an old school friend and myself.  His 2600 vs my 5200.  Granted my games looked better but his was getting better third party support.  Once he played that card where his system was getting games mine wasn't he pretty much hit the nail on the head.  Yea I got a better looking Pac-Man but he was getting Enduro, Atlantis, Tutankham, Yar's Revenge...things like that.  Even after the game crash the 2600 continued to get software, the 5200 became a has-been.  I still say the 5200 did things somewhat better but its all about the games and that's where the 2600 remains the king.

I have to agree that today's console wars are not as exciting as they were when our generation was growing.  Truth be told those console wars are probably why we have gray hairs and aches and pains today.  As I already mentioned in a comment on your video the first console war I remember well was between an old school friend and myself.  His 2600 vs my 5200.  Granted my games looked better but his was getting better third party support.  Once he played that card where his system was getting games mine wasn't he pretty much hit the nail on the head.  Yea I got a better looking Pac-Man but he was getting Enduro, Atlantis, Tutankham, Yar's Revenge...things like that.  Even after the game crash the 2600 continued to get software, the 5200 became a has-been.  I still say the 5200 did things somewhat better but its all about the games and that's where the 2600 remains the king.

That sharp left can be taken full throttle if tackled from the inside and let your car slide to the outside.  Be mindful of where on coming cars are located before going into the turn.  And if you have to, instead of braking, downshift for a split second then slam it back into hi gear.
It's surprising to think Fuji and Suzuka are actual real-life tracks although both have gone through some changes.  Those tracks are also available on many other racing games including Gran Turismo, MotoGP, Forza, R Racing Evolution, and I'm sure that there are more I have not heard of yet.  Suzuka has a history of claiming the life of a 23-year old MotoGP Champion in 2003.  That rider's motorcycle and number were permanently retired after.  The track is owned by Honda and went through many changes before that 2003 race.  I am unsure if Seaside is a real-life track or an original track for PPII. 

I think it needs the whole engine...I think it blew.  "She can't take much more of this, Captain!"

Still doing it.  

I'm beginning to think this cart is going out.

I managed to play and get a screenshot but I'm having issues with my cart.  On the Title Screen the game will often turn to pastel colors and freeze.  I'm not sure what's causing it but I'm going to try cleaning the contacts on the cart and machine to see if that solves the issues.  Played with a Europad controller.  I made it to the 3rd lap.  I kept finding cars who wanted to move over in front of me all of a sudden.  How nice of them.


Played on real hardware of course.

This should be on my blog here on Atari I/O but I thought I would do one here that's easier to find.  I will do another more in depth review of these items for my blog.  In the meantime get your notepad and pen out.  You may want to take notes.
AC Adapter
First up is this fine AC Adapter.  For a China-made product it actually feels like a nice quality product and it does work with one limitation.  Look at the image below and see if you can spot something.

Look really hard...take your time, I'll wait.  
The issue is this adapter is advertised as being able to work with three consoles:  The NES, SNES, and Model 1 Genesis.  There's only two plugs.  The idea is to use the same plug for the NES on the Genesis.  However, someone must have fell asleep at the drawing board.  The NES draws AC power which is then converted to DC current inside the NES itself.  The Genesis is a DC-only system with it's power supply converting to DC for the console.  The adapter is outputting DC current and does work well with the SNES and NES consoles (I tested it on the NES but I have an original NES power supply so I will stick with that).  The NES and Genesis consoles, however, also have variants on polarity coming in to them through the power port.  If it hasn't sunk in yet the Genesis' polarity is opposite that of the NES.  Using this on a Genesis console can FRY THE SYSTEM!  
Bottomline:  For an SNES/NES power supply replacement this will work however I can't recommend it for the NES knowing its internal AC/DC nature.  For the Model 1 Genesis avoid this at all costs as it is being falsely advertised as working with that console when it does not.  The plug does fit but the polarity is reversed.  It's simply too risky to even attempt.
Off-Brand SNES Controller
Along with the adapter I picked up a controller.  This controller is not the Nintendo-issued one or of a decent 3rd party during the SNES' production cycle.  This is a cheap knock-off that does serve the purpose but also has a few issues that might be worth noting.  

The controller itself is comfortable and doesn't feel much different than the originals other than it might be a bit lighter.  The D-pad, four function buttons, and the Select/Start buttons do feel OK and perform well.  The button issues reside with the two shoulder buttons L/R.  These require a lot more force to use than those on the original SNES control pads.  And I used them a LOT playing F-Zero hoping that they would get broke in enough to soften up a bit.  Nope.  Never happened.  In a way that's a good thing but it would have been more comfortable to use if they would have softened just a bit.  
The second issue I had was plugging the controller into the console.  I am not sure what is off but the connector on the controller going into the console was such a tight fit that I almost thought I was going to break the control ports on the console loose somehow.  They are also very hard to unhook from the console if one wants to switch controllers.  I only recommend these for those that have broken or no controllers, the latter of which was my situation.  They are a cheap alternative to the more expensive used original controllers and they do perform well.  Just be aware of the issues I ran into if these become a part of your gaming collection.  Otherwise, try a different knock-off controller.  There might be some with buttons easier to use and will fit the console without trying to break it.
Final Thoughts
Both of these products work as replacements for anyone with a Super NES in need of them.  If used only for the SNES the adapter alone is worth the price at about $8 average brand new.  The controller could use some softer pads under those shoulder buttons and the connector really needs to be corrected so it is not such a chore to connect/unhook from the system.  Otherwise it performs well and as expected.  It will allow for some length game time on favorite SNES games.  For Model 1 Genesis owners, however, the AC Adapter is a buyer avoid.  

This should be on my blog here on Atari I/O but I thought I would do one here that's easier to find.  I will do another more in depth review of these items for my blog.  In the meantime get your notepad and pen out.  You may want to take notes.
AC Adapter
First up is this fine AC Adapter.  For a China-made product it actually feels like a nice quality product and it does work with one limitation.  Look at the image below and see if you can spot something.

Look really hard...take your time, I'll wait.  
The issue is this adapter is advertised as being able to work with three consoles:  The NES, SNES, and Model 1 Genesis.  There's only two plugs.  The idea is to use the same plug for the NES on the Genesis.  However, someone must have fell asleep at the drawing board.  The NES draws AC power which is then converted to DC current inside the NES itself.  The Genesis is a DC-only system with it's power supply converting to DC for the console.  The adapter is outputting DC current and does work well with the SNES and NES consoles (I tested it on the NES but I have an original NES power supply so I will stick with that).  The NES and Genesis consoles, however, also have variants on polarity coming in to them through the power port.  If it hasn't sunk in yet the Genesis' polarity is opposite that of the NES.  Using this on a Genesis console can FRY THE SYSTEM!  
Bottomline:  For an SNES/NES power supply replacement this will work however I can't recommend it for the NES knowing its internal AC/DC nature.  For the Model 1 Genesis avoid this at all costs as it is being falsely advertised as working with that console when it does not.  The plug does fit but the polarity is reversed.  It's simply too risky to even attempt.
Off-Brand SNES Controller
Along with the adapter I picked up a controller.  This controller is not the Nintendo-issued one or of a decent 3rd party during the SNES' production cycle.  This is a cheap knock-off that does serve the purpose but also has a few issues that might be worth noting.  

The controller itself is comfortable and doesn't feel much different than the originals other than it might be a bit lighter.  The D-pad, four function buttons, and the Select/Start buttons do feel OK and perform well.  The button issues reside with the two shoulder buttons L/R.  These require a lot more force to use than those on the original SNES control pads.  And I used them a LOT playing F-Zero hoping that they would get broke in enough to soften up a bit.  Nope.  Never happened.  In a way that's a good thing but it would have been more comfortable to use if they would have softened just a bit.  
The second issue I had was plugging the controller into the console.  I am not sure what is off but the connector on the controller going into the console was such a tight fit that I almost thought I was going to break the control ports on the console loose somehow.  They are also very hard to unhook from the console if one wants to switch controllers.  I only recommend these for those that have broken or no controllers, the latter of which was my situation.  They are a cheap alternative to the more expensive used original controllers and they do perform well.  Just be aware of the issues I ran into if these become a part of your gaming collection.  Otherwise, try a different knock-off controller.  There might be some with buttons easier to use and will fit the console without trying to break it.
Final Thoughts
Both of these products work as replacements for anyone with a Super NES in need of them.  If used only for the SNES the adapter alone is worth the price at about $8 average brand new.  The controller could use some softer pads under those shoulder buttons and the connector really needs to be corrected so it is not such a chore to connect/unhook from the system.  Otherwise it performs well and as expected.  It will allow for some length game time on favorite SNES games.  For Model 1 Genesis owners, however, the AC Adapter is a buyer avoid.  

For our 10th Anniversary my wife gifted me what I would need to play the Super NES again.  I finally have a power supply (which also powers the Genesis!) and a new controller.  Oh...and F-ZERO!  Which was the only reason why I bought a Super NES system when they came out.  I didn't care what other games I got back then as long as I had F-ZERO I was good.  I spent, more like wasted, lots of teenage months on that game.

The long wait is finally over.  The SNES is now complete enough to enjoy it.  I have to admit that I've missed F-Zero without actually knowing I missed it.  I'll have to try to get the other games I once had but, geez, for some reason people think Nintendo games are worth more than Atari games.  Earth Defense Force, Gradius III, Top Gear, Zelda (especially Zelda), Super Mario World, Super Metroid, all are not cheap no matter where they are found.  I know I had a few more BITD but I can't seem to remember what those were.  
OK.  Gotta cut this short.  The urge to play F-Zero is getting the better of me. We need another F-Zero Squad Challenge now that I will be able to participate.
 

I wish I had that kind of space to be that organized.  Yea, man, give it up...where'd you find all those GameBoys?  Now I know why I can't find any LOL.  Just kidding man.  That's an awesome setup.  I do have to ask, though.  Where did you find that Metroid hanging from the ceiling?  That thing is wicked cool!  It'd be even cooler if it lit up.

For our 10th Anniversary my wife gifted me what I would need to play the Super NES again.  I finally have a power supply (which also powers the Genesis!) and a new controller.  Oh...and F-ZERO!  Which was the only reason why I bought a Super NES system when they came out.  I didn't care what other games I got back then as long as I had F-ZERO I was good.  I spent, more like wasted, lots of teenage months on that game.

The long wait is finally over.  The SNES is now complete enough to enjoy it.  I have to admit that I've missed F-Zero without actually knowing I missed it.  I'll have to try to get the other games I once had but, geez, for some reason people think Nintendo games are worth more than Atari games.  Earth Defense Force, Gradius III, Top Gear, Zelda (especially Zelda), Super Mario World, Super Metroid, all are not cheap no matter where they are found.  I know I had a few more BITD but I can't seem to remember what those were.  
OK.  Gotta cut this short.  The urge to play F-Zero is getting the better of me. We need another F-Zero Squad Challenge now that I will be able to participate.
 

For our 10th Anniversary my wife gifted me what I would need to play the Super NES again.  I finally have a power supply (which also powers the Genesis!) and a new controller.  Oh...and F-ZERO!  Which was the only reason why I bought a Super NES system when they came out.  I didn't care what other games I got back then as long as I had F-ZERO I was good.  I spent, more like wasted, lots of teenage months on that game.

The long wait is finally over.  The SNES is now complete enough to enjoy it.  I have to admit that I've missed F-Zero without actually knowing I missed it.  I'll have to try to get the other games I once had but, geez, for some reason people think Nintendo games are worth more than Atari games.  Earth Defense Force, Gradius III, Top Gear, Zelda (especially Zelda), Super Mario World, Super Metroid, all are not cheap no matter where they are found.  I know I had a few more BITD but I can't seem to remember what those were.  
OK.  Gotta cut this short.  The urge to play F-Zero is getting the better of me. We need another F-Zero Squad Challenge now that I will be able to participate.
 

For our 10th Anniversary my wife gifted me what I would need to play the Super NES again.  I finally have a power supply (which also powers the Genesis!) and a new controller.  Oh...and F-ZERO!  Which was the only reason why I bought a Super NES system when they came out.  I didn't care what other games I got back then as long as I had F-ZERO I was good.  I spent, more like wasted, lots of teenage months on that game.

The long wait is finally over.  The SNES is now complete enough to enjoy it.  I have to admit that I've missed F-Zero without actually knowing I missed it.  I'll have to try to get the other games I once had but, geez, for some reason people think Nintendo games are worth more than Atari games.  Earth Defense Force, Gradius III, Top Gear, Zelda (especially Zelda), Super Mario World, Super Metroid, all are not cheap no matter where they are found.  I know I had a few more BITD but I can't seem to remember what those were.  
OK.  Gotta cut this short.  The urge to play F-Zero is getting the better of me. We need another F-Zero Squad Challenge now that I will be able to participate.
 

N64 is a great console for it's time and still holds up well today.  The last cartridge-based console.  I personally never played Super Smash Bros. yet but do remember losing most of my early 20's playing Rush 2, F-Zero X, and most titles by Rare.  I eventually grabbed Super Mario 64 which is really good but, alas, all that got traded off years ago.  I now have another N64 with expansion pak and two games...both of which I never had before.  Dr Mario 64 and Star Wars Rogue Squadron.  Both are fun games but I do miss those N64 racing games.  

Some of the good games on Lynx came from Epyx but, surprise, some others were ported over by Atari Games under the Tengen label.  Hard Drivin', Road Riot, and a few others were ported to Lynx using the Tengen name.  Kinda weird that Atari Games licensed to Atari Corp their own games under a different name.
The Tramiels Business is War practices didn't help Atari at all.  It was all about the hardware for them and none of them liked video games.  Never made any sense to me why someone who hates video games would buy a company that, surprise, is a video game company.  What they failed to realize was it takes great software to sell hardware.  Why would any one want to buy a new machine if they can't see what all it can do?  And why would anyone want to own a system that they can't also get some form of entertainment off it?  Seeing the NES play Super Mario Bros and Gradius in store displays was the wow factor, for example.  Seeing an ST perform spreadsheets or some other business-related app was dull in comparison.  Likewise, seeing the 7800 demo old and tired arcade ports would also pale in comparison.  The 7800 never got the chance to really show what all it was capable of because no one at Atari Corp really understood the system, or so it seems.
Hmmm...there were 2 games done under Jack's ownership of Atari but I am not sure if they were done in-house.  The 2600 got pushed hard with Solaris and Radar Lock both of which I enjoy often on the console.  Blue Thunder on Lynx has become an instant favorite and Tempest 2000 is arguably the Jaguar's best game in my opinion.  But Atari Corp in-house developed games a favorite?  I have none.  Now if you were to ask me about Atari/Warner favorites I could easily pop those out without a second thought.
As for hardware I believe my favorites were the Jaguar, Lynx, and ST computer.  The Jag's iconic design is very attractive if you leave the CD attachment off of it.  While the Lynx hardware is impressive the Lynx II design is more appealing to me.  And the ST is a good system overall even if it does use off the shelf components over custom-made ones.  I would have mentioned the 7800 but that was not an Atari Corp system...that one goes to Atari/Warner.  It was made during that transition and eventually rebranded under Atari Corp but I will never credit Atari Corp for the development of the 7800.   
As it stands I love all things Atari and always will.  But I have more appreciation and respect for Atari/Warner products than I do Atari Corp products simply because of the engineers that worked harder to bring magic out of their designs which is something that I don't think Atari Corp fully appreciated.  It's a shame, too, because the Jaguar and 7800 were easily the best out there for their time.  Any console that can push 100 sprites without sweating is astonishing and the visuals on Jag's Tempest 2000 was hardly ever seen again on the system.  Lynx was solid and got some good games as well, some of which were only on that console and not on any other Atari console.  I'm not saying that they didn't have other games that were good but I am saying that that kind of care in game development should have been the forefront to begin with.  Lots of missed opportunities.

I use a webcam for taking screenshots.  I usually have to take about 7 to 10 pictures just to get a score that is somewhat visible.  What doesn't help is the software used with the webcam has a 3 second timer and I have not found a way to turn that feature off.  So it's like hit the snapshot button...3...2...1...wait for the image to process.  Did I get it?  ARGGGG!  My webcam can see the vertical blank on CRTs but it slowly scrolls to the top and can cover up the scores.  Very annoying.  I need to charge up my 1999 Sony digital camera now that I found some new floppies to use in it.  It didn't suffer from that issue. 

Ok just hooked it up and It looks like it works! Dang it's hard to take a good pic of a crt tv screen

I spy, with my little eyes, a 5200 advertisement.  

For starters...20313.  Brought JR out for a change.  I still need to replace the Power and TV Type switches but it still works.

Improved score.  37682.

Improved again.  49420.

This game's brutal, y'all.  I had no luck getting a better score...yet.  Will try again later.

Time for me to drag out the 7800.  I'll try with the Europad.  

For starters...20313.  Brought JR out for a change.  I still need to replace the Power and TV Type switches but it still works.