40 replies to this topic

[Algus]

Now that I've got my atari 6-switch out of the way, I've also been thinking about what system to grab next. Have my eye on three

Sega Master System
Pros: Its Sega
Cons: None?

Atari 5200
Pros: STUNNING ARCADE VISUALS
Cons: I Really don't want to put out the bones for a good controller ($50 USD?)

TurboGrafx-16
Pros: Hardware is affordable and reliable (sans the CD add-on)
Cons: Small library?

The SMS will complete my Sega collection (for consoles, not handhelds). Turbografx would be my first "minor" console I guess. Dunno about the 5200. Like I don't even really care about the games, I just like the idea of the console itself. Even unmodified controllers are so damn pricey though.

SMS has the lowest entry point in terms of price of hardware I believe, but I wonder if I'll like its library over the Turbografx library. For the TG-16 I adore Bomberman and want a crack at the Adventure Island game. For the SMS I really want to play the Wonder Boy games as I've never played them despite being a huge Adventure Island fan. The 5200 interests me for the possibility that I should be able to easily collect the majority of the library and it seems like most of the games are improved versions of 2600 classics. Dunno about that funky A/V setup its got going though and I know for sure I want the 4-port so I'd have to contend with it...

I also kind of want to get a Coleco Telstar or something just so I can be all, "I have something from every generation, " but that's kind of a low priority for me and I'm to lazy to research what would be the best Pong console to grab. Plus it seems like all of those kinds of machines are multiplayer which is a bit of a downer as we're usually gaming at my friend's house so I'd have to drag it over there just to really check it out.

[R.O.T.S]

It sounds like the SMS is where your heart lies after all the purchase is going to complete your console collection why get so near and then change direction?
I take it you already own a Vectrex then lol?

[save2600]

Depends on what kind of games you like, but I'd go with a TG-16 first, SMS second and yeah... screw the 5200. Get an Atari 8-bit computer instead. you'll be much happier in the long run.

Edited by save2600, Sat Dec 4, 2010 6:39 PM.

[Austin]

Go with the TG-16.. There are a lot of great, unique titles that can't be had elsewhere on other 8 and 16-bit generation consoles, not to mention there are some excellent, excellent ports of SEGA games as well (Fantasy Zone is one that stands out for me).

[phaxda]

I hate to agree with this, being a 5200 fanboy and all, but the 8-bit is probably the best way to go if you want that "arcade action." Get a nice 800XL for $20 and call it a day. Maybe buy on SIO2SD or Atarimax cart or whatever to play all the games you could ever want on real hardware without flaky joysticks.

I am not really a fan of either the TG-16 or the SMS, but I guess that's why I am on AtariAge.

save2600, on Sat Dec 4, 2010 6:38 PM, said:

Depends on what kind of games you like, but I'd go with a TG-16 first, SMS second and yeah... screw the 5200. Get an Atari 8-bit computer instead. you'll be much happier in the long run.

[Rikkarr]

I'd say SMS. Lots of great games, many genres, and pretty decent quality amongst them. Not only that, but you'd round off your Sega console collection. If you have no reservations about it, you could get a Power Base converter for the Genesis (assuming you have one, of course), and essentially eclipse the libraries of the other options. I do not like the TG-16 much at all, but I know others like it a lot. Despite my dislike of it, I would still recommend it, because many people seem to enjoy it. I would avoid the 5200, and as save2600 and phaxda said, get an Atari 8-bit if you want to go that route. That said, the 5200 is okay once you get nice controllers for it, and its history and enormous size make it an interesting conversation piece.

Edited by Rikkarr, Sun Dec 5, 2010 12:07 AM.

[Trekker_1138]

An Atari XE would be good too. It can play all the great Atari computer cartridges and has an attractive console form factor.

[chrisbid]

if you have a genesis and are not concerned about being a completist, then simply pick up a power base convertor to play master system games.

[Lendorien]

I have a TG-16. Big down side is the price of the games. Unlike other consoles, there aren't a lot of really cheap commons to buy. The other downside is that the games considered really worth having are CD games and the CD module is expensive to purchase and not known for reliability.

The 5200 controllers are actually not as bad as I thought they might be. I cleaned mine with the pencil eraser trick and haven't had issues since. Still, if you don't really have any interest in the system, then skip it.

Edited by Lendorien, Sun Dec 5, 2010 12:34 AM.

[malducci]

Are you collecting for multiple regions or just one? If you've collected for Sega systems, then the SMS is a solid choice - though EU probably has the best library. TG16 is a great choice too. The games aren't 'clones' of Genesis or snes games. They definitely have their own feel (hucard or CD), which is a nice change. If you're only collecting US titles, then the cost will be the smaller than the JP library. Can't really comment on the 5200 (not particularly a fan.... yet).

[zylon]

chrisbid, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 12:32 AM, said:

if you have a genesis and are not concerned about being a completist, then simply pick up a power base convertor to play master system games.

I'd go with an SMS, not that I'm biased or anything. Lots of great games await those willing to dig deep and we could always use more players in the SMS HSC. An added bonus is there are 2 Euro games that play on the convertor but not on the NTSC SMS, but F-16 Fighter (which sucks anyway) will not play on the convertor.

[Eltigro]

While I am normally biased toward being a TurboGrafx fanboy, I would recommend the SMS first. I have all the Sega consoles. It's a good feeling to have them and I can certainly sympathize with that. I, like the OP don't have all the Sega handhelds either. (Actually don't have any yet, bought a Game Gear on Ebay but the sound wouldn't work so I sent it back to the seller.) I would get the SMS first, then the TG, then the 5200.

[GKC]

Of the consoles you listed I would pick up a TurboGrafx. I have never played one while I have played each of the other consoles that you listed so it is something that I really not only want to play but also own. Also it seems there are a lot of people who really like their TurboGrafx consoles.

[Algus]

Thanks for all the great feedback guys!

RE Rikkarr - I'm kind of a goofball and like having the original machines. I'm even like "errrm...nah" when playing stuff on the VC on my Wii (even though I mainly bought it for VC...) I don't like to emulate on my PC very much either (although I do it..). Also I'm to lazy to take my 32X off my Genesis heh. I would definitely like to have the SMS hardware at some point. If it was just to play the games there are plenty of other options.

RE malducci - Mainly US since I don't have a ton of cash and imports can get expensive at times. I have a few Japanese games in the collection, although they're all for PSP so I wouldn't really call them them vintage . I think I want to start either a Famicom or Super Famicom collection at some point but those are long term goals and there's other US stuff I'd like to have first. But yes, I'm mainly interested in just US hardware/games right now.

You guys might have me sold on checking into an Atari 8-bit computer (I would still like a 5200 at ~some~ point but maybe when I have more money and won't flinch at the controller costs haha). I had been contemplating either a VIC-20 (as a curiosity) or a Commodore 64 (never had one, have several friends who rave about it...also Transformers games!) from that era of home computers, though my main interest was in collecting consoles. So the Atari 400/800 are super cheap? Didn't one of them use the same cartridges as one of the consoles? Or am I getting confused with the ADAM?

Edited by Algus, Sun Dec 5, 2010 8:09 AM.

[Algus]

Alright, I did some Googling/ebaying so quick question for you computer guys.

Am I right in guessing the Atari XEGS is the Holy Grail so to speak in that it can run all the Atari 8-bit computer games + its own library? With optionally an Atari 130XE as my second choice - it being able to do EVERYTHING but run XEGS specific games?

[The_Laird]

Algus, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 9:21 AM, said:

Alright, I did some Googling/ebaying so quick question for you computer guys.

Am I right in guessing the Atari XEGS is the Holy Grail so to speak in that it can run all the Atari 8-bit computer games + its own library? With optionally an Atari 130XE as my second choice - it being able to do EVERYTHING but run XEGS specific games?

The XEGS is just a console version of the 65XE they both play exactly the same games. You can connect a keyboard to the XEGS too to turn it into a computer so you can use tapes, disks and applications.

[uglyclone]

I'd say go with the turbo grafx. I had a decent SMS collection, including all the RPG games etc. and ended trading/selling all of it. I currently have a PC Engine (the Japanese version of the Turbo)and I absolutely love playing it. It's all a matter of taste (and opinion) but I believe you'll be happy with your decision if you get the Turbo.

[Algus]

The_Laird, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 9:37 AM, said:

Algus, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 9:21 AM, said:

Alright, I did some Googling/ebaying so quick question for you computer guys.

Am I right in guessing the Atari XEGS is the Holy Grail so to speak in that it can run all the Atari 8-bit computer games + its own library? With optionally an Atari 130XE as my second choice - it being able to do EVERYTHING but run XEGS specific games?

The XEGS is just a console version of the 65XE they both play exactly the same games. You can connect a keyboard to the XEGS too to turn it into a computer so you can use tapes, disks and applications.

Ahh, alright cool. Thanks for the speedy response. If I decide to go this route I will probably look at getting a 65XE or a 130XE...I think the XEGS looks really stupid >.>

[Trekker_1138]

Algus, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 10:08 AM, said:

Ahh, alright cool. Thanks for the speedy response. If I decide to go this route I will probably look at getting a 65XE or a 130XE...I think the XEGS looks really stupid >.>

XEGS is sooooooooooo 80's -- with its slanted cartridge slot and the pastel colors, and will play all the games made for the computers 400/800/XL, etc.. It's cool, but then again that's just my opinion.

[AtariLeaf]

You can't go wrong with either the SMS or TG-16 and I would recommend an 800xl over the 5200 every day of the week and twice on Tuesdays.

And I definitely recommend one of the XL computers over the XE or XEGS. They're nice but the build quality isn't the same. An 800XL is like a Sherman Tank whereas an XE or XEGS is like a Hyundai Sonata.

Edited by AtariLeaf, Sun Dec 5, 2010 11:12 AM.

[save2600]

Algus, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 8:07 AM, said:

I had been contemplating either a VIC-20 (as a curiosity) or a Commodore 64 (never had one, have several friends who rave about it...also Transformers games!)

Oh - now you're dropping the C= bomb as an option?

Yeah, if you get a C64, you'll end up forgetting ALL about the SMS, Atari 8-bit AND the TG-16

Vic-20 I'd stay clear of for now. Only a few games shine on the Vic and everything else is much better on the C64. The Vic is a cute/quirky little system, but not one to be taken seriously as a gaming machine.

Edited by save2600, Sun Dec 5, 2010 11:43 AM.

[AtariLeaf]

save2600, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 11:42 AM, said:

Algus, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 8:07 AM, said:

I had been contemplating either a VIC-20 (as a curiosity) or a Commodore 64 (never had one, have several friends who rave about it...also Transformers games!)

Oh - now you're dropping the C= bomb as an option?

Yeah, if you get a C64, you'll end up forgetting ALL about the SMS, Atari 8-bit AND the TG-16

Vic-20 I'd stay clear of for now. Only a few games shine on the Vic and everything else is much better on the C64. The Vic is a cute/quirky little system, but not one to be taken seriously as a gaming machine.

The C64 always intrigued me but I'm more of a cart collector and not so much disks. How many games came on cart for the C64 and what do they normally sell for, at least fairly common ones?

[Algus]

save2600, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 11:42 AM, said:

Algus, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 8:07 AM, said:

I had been contemplating either a VIC-20 (as a curiosity) or a Commodore 64 (never had one, have several friends who rave about it...also Transformers games!)

Oh - now you're dropping the C= bomb as an option?

Yeah, if you get a C64, you'll end up forgetting ALL about the SMS, Atari 8-bit AND the TG-16

Vic-20 I'd stay clear of for now. Only a few games shine on the Vic and everything else is much better on the C64. The Vic is a cute/quirky little system, but not one to be taken seriously as a gaming machine.

Heh. Well for me right now it is definitely between the three I listed as those are the machines I really want. Although I think you guys have talked me into trying to hunt down an Atari computer before getting a 5200. Once I buy one system though, I probably won't buy another for awhile as I'll be trying to get games (my 6-switch was a special case...already had a 2600 but I finally found a good deal on ebay for a 6-switch + games & manuals I didn't have). I figure I'll get a C64 eventually but I'm not really looking for one right now...at least I don't think

@AtariLeaf - Will take that under advisement. Want something reliable (esp. with hardware this old) but if I get one of the computers, I also want one that can run all the games. The 65XE was a repackaged version of the XL right?

[save2600]

AtariLeaf, on Sun Dec 5, 2010 11:51 AM, said:

The C64 always intrigued me but I'm more of a cart collector and not so much disks. How many games came on cart for the C64 and what do they normally sell for, at least fairly common ones?

I too like collecting carts and the C64 has plenty of 'em. I'd say about 150! Yeah, I know - a lot more than I figured too, but I've already got about 60 of 'em. The C64 cartridges can run anywhere from dirt cheap to I dunno... $100 seems to be the highest I remember seeing. Haven't paid more than $10 for one though yet

Definitely wouldn't want to be limited to just carts though and there's always Jim Brain's uIEC device (SD card which you can use as a virtual disk drive) and there are other floppy emulators out there too.

Here's a cart list to check out for anyone interested.

http://www.steverd.com/rare/R-C64.HTM

Edited by save2600, Sun Dec 5, 2010 6:35 PM.

[Algus]

Well I think I've settled on trying to grab an Atari 800XL for now. They do seem to be reasonably cheap and since I don't have any old computer systems in my collection yet, it seems like a nice little addition. Then I'll probably look to buy an SMS in March or April. If anyone's got some last minute advice, I'd love to hear it!