Atari 5200 Guy

GYCW is back with one of the most overlooked conversions of all time, the infamous Atari 2600 E.T. was actually ported to another system!

I haven't tried it.  Then again my 5200 has a decent picture so I don't mess with it.  I get more interference with the 8-bits, 2600, and 7800 consoles than my 5200.  With the NES I use the A/V outs for it.
 
One of the things I thought about doing is trying to restore my 800XL back to its white color.  It's sort of yellow now and I found a video about someone using just peroxide and OXY clean to whiten it.  They placed it in the sun for a few hours and it seemed to restore their system (a Famicom) back to its white color pretty well.  I'm just waiting on a warmer weather to hit.
 

One of the last Atari consoles I would obtain by miracle, if not by accident.  It was Christmas 1994.  I was living with my Grandmother to help take care of her and taking Computer Science classes at the local community college.  My Mother lived with her new husband in a town 2 hours away.  I would visit her on weekends.
 
On one cold November day my Grandmother asked me what I would like to have for Christmas.  I really didn't know because I had not thought of anything.  Was there anything I needed for my car?  Nope...couldn't think of anything (I had a '79 Monte Carlo with T-Tops at the time).  I didn't need anything for college.  So, I walked down the hill, three blocks away, from where we lived and paid the old Radio Shack that was once there a visit.  https://www.google.com/maps/dir/1239+N+Main+St,+Harrison,+AR+72601/1122+N+Pine+St,+Harrison,+AR+72601/data=!4m8!4m7!1m2!1m1!1s0x87cef5432296c701:0xb532cb5183553096!1m2!1m1!1s0x87cef543bb562403:0x474f80cf465ad78e!3e0
 
(I'm providing a map so the distance can be seen.)
 
I looked in the store for anything.  Nothing of particular interest.  I asked about any video games and they pointed to the large catalog they had bolted to the counter.  I flipped through it.  Nintendo, Sega, Atari...Atari?!?  I flipped to the Atari section.  I seen the 2600 stuff and some 7800 stuff.  They still had 5200 items as well but no 5200 consoles so I passed on those.  On the next page, in bold lettering, was "Atari Jaguar".  That ad I got in the mail during the summer immediately came to mind.  "Raw 64-bit Power!"..."Do The Math!"  For $225 you could get a console with A/V cables, two controllers, and two games called "Cybermorph" and "Iron Soldier".  I wrote it down and ran, back up the hill (seriously, this hill is murder at any age if you have to even walk up it).  
 
Huffing and puffing I went into the bedroom, shuffled through one of the nightstand drawers beside the bed, and pulled out the ad we held on to.  I immediately showed Granny the ad.  "What's this dear?"  Sometimes I forgot that my Grandmother was legally blind even if after surgery she could see colors and outlines...but was still blind.  I told about the Atari console in the ad.  She goes, "Is that what you want?"  I gave an excited yes and said I wrote it down if you would like to get it when I'm not here.  She handed me her Radio Shack credit card and sent me back down the hill.  She didn't want others to know what she was doing (bless her heart).  She never did.  They would know after I unwrapped it but by then why bother.  Granny spoiled me every chance she got and the rest of family never understood it.  Heck...I never understood it but I didn't complain.
 
So, I placed the order.  Radio Shack called my Grandmother for her approval for me to use the card.  They were family friends but still needed authorization for using cards by people other than whose name was on the card.  Order placed, I went back home and looked through the ad.  "Did they have more games?"  I told her I didn't look and I didn't want her to get any more until we knew for certain just how good the "Atari Jaguar" was going to be.
 
After a while we both sort of forgot about the order.  Her Radio Shack bill didn't come in before the holidays because it was one of those no payments for a few days sales pitch.  We got a call one Saturday.  "We have your order", they said to my Grandmother.  She sent me to retrieve it.  I almost forgot what it was.  When I got home she told me to open it and make sure everything was there.  The system, extra controller, A/V cable, and one game, Iron Soldier, was in the box.  Where was the other game?  The system box didn't say anything about a game inside.  So we opened it.  Cybermorph was there so both games present.
 
"Well, since it's opened you might as well try it out.  Just make sure you can make it look like it wasn't opened later."  Granny said.  I laughed.  Hooked up to her RCA Hi-Fi 27" console TV that swiveled the Jaguar showed its stuff.  Cybermorph came first.  I played around and explored the game a bit.  Eh...not too bad.  That was my first impression.  Then I popped in Iron Soldier.  I wasn't suppose to open that one...opps.  I sat for two or three hours with that game.  Then I had to pack it all back up and place it in the bedroom closet to be wrapped up before Christmas.  You know how hard it was to know that a game machine was in that closet and I couldn't play it until Christmas Eve?  I tried playing the Genesis and SuperNES I had and they just didn't cut it anymore.  There were a few times at night after she went to sleep with her TV on and blaring (an every night thing) where I would drag it out and play for a little bit then put it up.  I know...I was bad.
 
Christmas Eve came and it was time to unwrap the Jaguar.  Finally!  But...I had to save it for last.  First gifts were the usual:  a new sweatsuit, some new pants, socks, and shirts, and a few new movies of Disney favors.  Then came the Jaguar.  I couldn't be happier!  Or so I thought.  Another surprise package came from my Aunt.  In a box usually for clothes was some more games for the system.  They had found a few in Springfield's Battlefield Mall on clearance and grabbed a few.  While there was no Tempest 2000 there was I*War, Syndicate, and Wolfenstein 3D.  I was set for one helluva winter!  
 
The Jaguar left an impression that year in such a way that I was glad to have taken a chance on it.  The family members involved to this point in Christmas gifts to me I no longer have.  I don't think they ever knew just how much I appreciated all those Christmases I had with them...and all the other times I spent with them as well and not just around the holidays.  They knew what I enjoyed the most and went out of their way to fill that hobby.  I didn't have to ask and in some ways it felt like that was their way of rewarding me for what I was doing from my Grandmother, who I had been helping take care of since I was 10 years old.  Granny enjoyed the games as much as she could with the colors and sounds...and it would often times place her mind at ease so much that she would go to sleep on me (haha).  
 
They don't make family members like that much any more, and it seems like the holidays are nothing like what they use to be.  Just like my family members the Jaguar will forever hold a place in my memories that will not be forgotten.  I was fortunate enough to have another Jaguar, after decades of being without one, land in my living room and when I seen it I sat there and held the machine for what seemed like a long time admiring the design and immediately shed a few tears when memories of that Christmas Eve started playing back in my mind.  
 
It took me a long time to understand why I have such a heart for these game machines.  They are nothing more than plastic and computer electronics.  They entertain...that's all they do.  But I realized that every machine, mostly Atari machines, I ever had gave a connection to the love of family that loved me more than anything else in the world.  And that's why all my game machines, including the Jaguar, continue to play an important role in my life.
 

Crystal Castles
Atari 2600 
Difficulty: B
High Score: 56,605
August 8, 2016

Crystal Castles
Atari 2600 
Difficulty: B
High Score: 56,605
August 8, 2016

I'll have to put Adventure on my 2600 wish list.  Awesome review and easter egg!

Adventure is one of my favorite games of all the time. So much so, that I wanted to start a thread on it.
First of all, if for some reason you aren't familiar with the game, you can check out my review below.

I'm actually interested in this.  I am not interested in what it does but what it has.  For $60 you are getting 30 games, most of which are hard to come by these days without having to take out a bank loan.  For the Castlevania titles and Mega Man 2 games alone the $60 pays for itself.  Connect this to your Wii Remote and you can play these games on your Wii or Wii U through the virtual console.  Even if it is non-functioning the NES shape would not be the same if the cart door outlines were missing.  My only question is how did they get the licensing from all those companies and still manage to keep the price low?
 
Another thing I can also understand is the missing ports to use original NES accessories.  Think about it.  HDMI for modern TVs.  That alone tells you that you will need a HDTV to play this thing.  HDTVs can't use the light gun (I know the name of the gun but that key on my computer keyboard don't work for some reason) so there was no point in attempting that route.  Likewise R.O.B. uses the same setup so it wouldn't be of any use either.  
 
I think most would agree that if you look at the games included alone, tried to find those loose for the original NES, and you will see just how much you will be saving.  Would you rather spend $60 for 30 games or $60 for two games, maybe three if you're lucky?  I'm going to give it a shot.  I've already got money set back for one and I am planning on picking up two of them...one to play and one to remain unopened.  It's about time Nintendo did this and I hope they will do the same with the Super NES sometime. 

I'm actually interested in this.  I am not interested in what it does but what it has.  For $60 you are getting 30 games, most of which are hard to come by these days without having to take out a bank loan.  For the Castlevania titles and Mega Man 2 games alone the $60 pays for itself.  Connect this to your Wii Remote and you can play these games on your Wii or Wii U through the virtual console.  Even if it is non-functioning the NES shape would not be the same if the cart door outlines were missing.  My only question is how did they get the licensing from all those companies and still manage to keep the price low?
 
Another thing I can also understand is the missing ports to use original NES accessories.  Think about it.  HDMI for modern TVs.  That alone tells you that you will need a HDTV to play this thing.  HDTVs can't use the light gun (I know the name of the gun but that key on my computer keyboard don't work for some reason) so there was no point in attempting that route.  Likewise R.O.B. uses the same setup so it wouldn't be of any use either.  
 
I think most would agree that if you look at the games included alone, tried to find those loose for the original NES, and you will see just how much you will be saving.  Would you rather spend $60 for 30 games or $60 for two games, maybe three if you're lucky?  I'm going to give it a shot.  I've already got money set back for one and I am planning on picking up two of them...one to play and one to remain unopened.  It's about time Nintendo did this and I hope they will do the same with the Super NES sometime. 

I'm actually interested in this.  I am not interested in what it does but what it has.  For $60 you are getting 30 games, most of which are hard to come by these days without having to take out a bank loan.  For the Castlevania titles and Mega Man 2 games alone the $60 pays for itself.  Connect this to your Wii Remote and you can play these games on your Wii or Wii U through the virtual console.  Even if it is non-functioning the NES shape would not be the same if the cart door outlines were missing.  My only question is how did they get the licensing from all those companies and still manage to keep the price low?
 
Another thing I can also understand is the missing ports to use original NES accessories.  Think about it.  HDMI for modern TVs.  That alone tells you that you will need a HDTV to play this thing.  HDTVs can't use the light gun (I know the name of the gun but that key on my computer keyboard don't work for some reason) so there was no point in attempting that route.  Likewise R.O.B. uses the same setup so it wouldn't be of any use either.  
 
I think most would agree that if you look at the games included alone, tried to find those loose for the original NES, and you will see just how much you will be saving.  Would you rather spend $60 for 30 games or $60 for two games, maybe three if you're lucky?  I'm going to give it a shot.  I've already got money set back for one and I am planning on picking up two of them...one to play and one to remain unopened.  It's about time Nintendo did this and I hope they will do the same with the Super NES sometime. 

I'm actually interested in this.  I am not interested in what it does but what it has.  For $60 you are getting 30 games, most of which are hard to come by these days without having to take out a bank loan.  For the Castlevania titles and Mega Man 2 games alone the $60 pays for itself.  Connect this to your Wii Remote and you can play these games on your Wii or Wii U through the virtual console.  Even if it is non-functioning the NES shape would not be the same if the cart door outlines were missing.  My only question is how did they get the licensing from all those companies and still manage to keep the price low?
 
Another thing I can also understand is the missing ports to use original NES accessories.  Think about it.  HDMI for modern TVs.  That alone tells you that you will need a HDTV to play this thing.  HDTVs can't use the light gun (I know the name of the gun but that key on my computer keyboard don't work for some reason) so there was no point in attempting that route.  Likewise R.O.B. uses the same setup so it wouldn't be of any use either.  
 
I think most would agree that if you look at the games included alone, tried to find those loose for the original NES, and you will see just how much you will be saving.  Would you rather spend $60 for 30 games or $60 for two games, maybe three if you're lucky?  I'm going to give it a shot.  I've already got money set back for one and I am planning on picking up two of them...one to play and one to remain unopened.  It's about time Nintendo did this and I hope they will do the same with the Super NES sometime. 

I'm actually interested in this.  I am not interested in what it does but what it has.  For $60 you are getting 30 games, most of which are hard to come by these days without having to take out a bank loan.  For the Castlevania titles and Mega Man 2 games alone the $60 pays for itself.  Connect this to your Wii Remote and you can play these games on your Wii or Wii U through the virtual console.  Even if it is non-functioning the NES shape would not be the same if the cart door outlines were missing.  My only question is how did they get the licensing from all those companies and still manage to keep the price low?
 
Another thing I can also understand is the missing ports to use original NES accessories.  Think about it.  HDMI for modern TVs.  That alone tells you that you will need a HDTV to play this thing.  HDTVs can't use the light gun (I know the name of the gun but that key on my computer keyboard don't work for some reason) so there was no point in attempting that route.  Likewise R.O.B. uses the same setup so it wouldn't be of any use either.  
 
I think most would agree that if you look at the games included alone, tried to find those loose for the original NES, and you will see just how much you will be saving.  Would you rather spend $60 for 30 games or $60 for two games, maybe three if you're lucky?  I'm going to give it a shot.  I've already got money set back for one and I am planning on picking up two of them...one to play and one to remain unopened.  It's about time Nintendo did this and I hope they will do the same with the Super NES sometime. 

OK. Let's see. Pick Axe Pete, speedway, Dynasty, KC Munchkin, Alpine Skiing, & Sub Chase sound like a good starting lineup. Whatcha think?

My first Atari was the 5200 on its initial release. It was a gift for Christmas...but Santa left the system on Mom's coffee table. Between four and five in the morning I had to navigate, in the dark, past that table without waking anyone up, to reach the bathroom. I tripped over the cords to the 5200, fell to the floor, slung it and the controller under the TV. Yes, under...Mom's TV was an RCA that stood on four legs and have a full stereo built in the top under sliding wood panels. I didn't seem to hurt anything and spent the next three hours or so playing Super Breakout. Opening gifts later revealed Space Invaders, Galaxian, and I believe Missile Command. Great memories for sure.

My first Atari was the 5200 on its initial release. It was a gift for Christmas...but Santa left the system on Mom's coffee table. Between four and five in the morning I had to navigate, in the dark, past that table without waking anyone up, to reach the bathroom. I tripped over the cords to the 5200, fell to the floor, slung it and the controller under the TV. Yes, under...Mom's TV was an RCA that stood on four legs and have a full stereo built in the top under sliding wood panels. I didn't seem to hurt anything and spent the next three hours or so playing Super Breakout. Opening gifts later revealed Space Invaders, Galaxian, and I believe Missile Command. Great memories for sure.

My first Atari was the 5200 on its initial release. It was a gift for Christmas...but Santa left the system on Mom's coffee table. Between four and five in the morning I had to navigate, in the dark, past that table without waking anyone up, to reach the bathroom. I tripped over the cords to the 5200, fell to the floor, slung it and the controller under the TV. Yes, under...Mom's TV was an RCA that stood on four legs and have a full stereo built in the top under sliding wood panels. I didn't seem to hurt anything and spent the next three hours or so playing Super Breakout. Opening gifts later revealed Space Invaders, Galaxian, and I believe Missile Command. Great memories for sure.

I know that anything coming from Lance will be top-notch. I have been dealing with him since 1998 without any issues. I do wonder how these controllers slipped by me? I can say that the Grip Stick is a much needed accessory for the ProSystem.

There was a lot done with the VCS they said couldn't be done. It might seem primitive but it has done a lot.

There was a lot done with the VCS they said couldn't be done. It might seem primitive but it has done a lot.

There was a lot done with the VCS they said couldn't be done. It might seem primitive but it has done a lot.

Lots more about this, including very comprehensive design notes, over at the Atari Museum.
 
And they "said it could not be done"...  ha! 

I personally don't think the 2600 Pac-Man is a total loss...it's just not Pac-Man to me.  At least back then it wasn't but now I can accept it as the 2600's Pac-Man.  As I've mentioned on my blog on this site I had the 5200 so I missed out on what was going on with the 2600.  This was one game I didn't miss, however, because a neighbor down the road got it and invited me over to play it.  I already had the 5200 Pac-Man and was use to it before I laid eyes on the 2600 Pac-Man.  I have to admit I was disappointed and confused with what the 2600 received.  I guess in the back of my mind I was thinking, "If Atari could pull off Pac-Man on the 5200 why couldn't they do something better than this?"
 
Over 30 years later and this game is still being talked about as well as getting play time.  SO that means that Atari's Pac-Man on the 2600 is not all that bad.  Maybe they should have called it K.C. Munchkin!

Wico bat handles
 
 

I'm assuming that among the lot of us, we have a pretty boss 2600 joystick collection.  Please post the unique joysticks you have.  I'll bet that together,  we have every one made back in the day.
 
Here's what I have:
 

 
Top row:  Pointmaster, Quickshot II, Epyx 500XJ, GemStik, Wico Boss
Bottom row:  Atari Flashback 2, Original Atari CX-10 (it has springs inside!), Atari CX-40, Slik Stik, Suncom Tac30, Kraft.

I personally don't think the 2600 Pac-Man is a total loss...it's just not Pac-Man to me.  At least back then it wasn't but now I can accept it as the 2600's Pac-Man.  As I've mentioned on my blog on this site I had the 5200 so I missed out on what was going on with the 2600.  This was one game I didn't miss, however, because a neighbor down the road got it and invited me over to play it.  I already had the 5200 Pac-Man and was use to it before I laid eyes on the 2600 Pac-Man.  I have to admit I was disappointed and confused with what the 2600 received.  I guess in the back of my mind I was thinking, "If Atari could pull off Pac-Man on the 5200 why couldn't they do something better than this?"
 
Over 30 years later and this game is still being talked about as well as getting play time.  SO that means that Atari's Pac-Man on the 2600 is not all that bad.  Maybe they should have called it K.C. Munchkin!