The Atari 7800+ is here, and you might be wondering how it compares to its sibling, the Atari 2600+. If you already own a 2600+, you’ll be pleased to know it plays 7800 games seamlessly. So, what’s the difference? The 7800+ introduces a few key upgrades, most notably the CX78+ wireless controller, offering a significant improvement in comfort and precision over the CX40+ that comes with the 2600+. While both consoles now perform nearly identically thanks to updated hardware and firmware on newer 2600+ models, the 7800+ may hold slight advantages for future developments. In this guide, we’ll dive into the features, compatibility, and new game releases for the Atari 7800+, so you can decide if upgrading is worth it—or stick with the versatile 2600+.
An Atari 7800+? I have an Atari 2600+ and it plays Atari 7800 games just fine!
Yes, it’s a bit weird. Apart from minor hardware upgrades, both the 2600+ and 7800+ behave and perform nearly identically. The 7800+ set includes the CX78+ wireless controller, which is, in terms of controls and comfort, leagues ahead of the CX40+ wireless controller that comes packed with the 2600+. The new controller can also be purchased separately and used with the 2600+.
As mentioned, both consoles now perform almost identically. Even the newly produced 2600+ models have been updated to bring them in line with the 7800+ model.
In the words of Plaion’s own Ben Jones on Atari Age: “There are challenges with how the 2600+ dumper and controller chips work that have been improved with the 7800+. There is work going on to deal with the 2600+ to give parity—it may be impossible with the current hardware configuration of the 2600+, so I’ll have to think of ways to mitigate. An example of this thinking is the software and cartridge socket of the 2600+, both of which have been vastly improved since launch and are included on recent manufacturing runs of the 2600+.”
It seems upgrading to a 7800+, or a newer model of the 2600+, might offer slight benefits in the future.
Are their new games released for the Atari 7800+ platform?
Yes! The system even comes with a pack-in game, Bentley Bear’s Crystal Quest 7. Other than Bentley Bear 9, these new 7800+ games are available as too:
- Asteroids Deluxe
- Bounty Bob Strikes Back!
- Space Duel 7800
- Bezerk 7800
These Atari 2600 cartridge are coming through the Atari XP program as well and are compatible with the Atari 7800+ too:
- Caverns of Mars
- Epyx Game Collection
- M Network Collection
- RealSports Collection
Is the Atari 7800+ backwards compatible, just like the original 7800?
Yes, you can play both original 7800 as well as Atari 2600 games. There are some compatibility issues with some Atari 2600 games, though. Most of them are already resolved with firmware updates or will be in the future.
Which 7800 Games are not compatible with the 7800+?
Even the Atari 2600+ already had complete compatibility with the 7800 game library, so there are no incompatibility issues here! If you encounter problems with particular games, it might be due to your cartridge. Try cleaning the cartridge contacts with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip—this fixes issues with old, dust-collecting cartridges 9 out of 10 times.
Can I use 2600+ controllers on 7800+?
All accessories and peripherals that work on other current and future available Atari+ platforms also work on the Atari 7800+. Everything is interchangeable, much like the original systems they are based on.
Are Homebrew games compatible with the Atari 7800+?
Of course, results may vary, but cartridges sold through retailers like Stone Age Gamer tend to have a high compatibility rate. However, individual cart connector issues can still occur, as not all cartridges are made with identical pin boards. This is one area where the improved connectors of the 7800+ seem to make a significant difference.
Additionally, installing the latest firmware has resolved some incompatibility issues with homebrew games.
Which games are released on the Atari 7800?
There is a complete and comprehensive list available on Wikipedia with all commercially released and unlicensed games for the Atari 7800.
If you have feedback on this guide, please let us know on our socials (X and BlueSky) or on our Discord!
