Atari 5200:Atari 5200 Model Differences

Page content & researching taken from io55.net's Atari 5200 page with permission, in collaboration.

There are 2 released models of the 5200, and no minor or internal revisions for either of them.

Models

Models are arranged chronologically. There are no revisions.

“5200 (4 controller ports)” (1982-1983?)

This version of the 5200 has 4 controller ports, as it's primary identifying feature However, it's major downside is including the “RF Switch box”, a silly attachment that contains literally every input for the Atari 5200 that isn’t a controller. Thus, a large element of unreliability and risk comes along with this version, because a broken box means no power and no video output for a 5200, without an easy replacement.

“5200 Super System (2 controller ports)” (1983-1984)

Despite removing two controller ports, this version is the superior one of the two. While the RF switch box still exists, the power and channel select switches are now on the console itself, instead of the box. Furthermore, one can use any standard RF box, which eliminates the reliability issue. Lastly, the memory addresses here have been changed to support an Atari 2600 adapter, which the 4 port models only have in certain later revisions.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_5200

https://gametrog.com/atari-5200-vcs-video-computer-system-information-specs/